Time and time again, I find myself lured into another goddamn Crisis.  As I explained in a previous post, Crisis on Infinite Earths was released in the mid-80s while it’s successor, Infinite Crisis was released but a few years ago.  Critics begged for another ten years before another Crisis would ensue, but the minds behind DC had other plans.  But why bother holding it against DC when another Crisis would inevitably come?  Ten years, one year – it’s all the same.

This does, however, remind me of my Watchmen essay concerning symmetry some weeks back.  Here, I talk about the vicious circle:

“Reconstruction and deconstruction are terms that could very well be used when referring to the unification at the end of Watchmen.   Though the World began to prosper, questions rose as to whether this unification would last.  How could it when the only way to unify was/is to create fear?  Inevitably, deconstruction would once again occur and a dystopia would form.  Upon this disaster, another unification (most likely another catastrophe) would have to occur for reconstruction – known as a vicious circle.”

I feel that with each Crisis, the reconstruction/deconstruction theory becomes more and more relevant, not specifically Watchmen.  (Yes, I find the theory completely relevant when concerning much of comics as a whole, but I’m focusing on DC right now).

In the wake of Infinite Crisis, Superman is left powerless after subduing Superboy-Prime, Batman leaves Gotham to rediscover his motivations and refine his skills and Wonder Woman takes some time to do some soul-searching of her own.  The world is without it’s three greatest champions, but it’s not a world without heroes.

**Minor spoilers below**

52 Volume 1 – Pre-Final Crisis

52 is presented in real-time format, where the events in each issue take place in that particular week and follows several different, albeit connected storylines:

Ralph Dibny’s still mourning over his wife’s death, and fails to find a way to free himself of the grief – going as far as to join a cult to resurrect Sue.

Self-loathing Renee Montoya grieves over her partners’ death until she meets Vic Sage, a.k.a. The Question.  They eventually find themselves encountering Gotham’s new protector, Batwoman and go on to investigate Intergang, a crime organization looking to take control of the streets of Gotham.

In Kahndaq, Black Adam turns his anger over his family’s death outward against the nations/villains of the world.  That is, until he meets Adrianna Tomez, an Egyptian refugee, who would later be transformed into goddess, Isis.

Booster Gold practices heroics for his own personal gain, but rapidly loses his fame to the growing popularity of another superhero, Supernova.

Animal Man, Starfire and Adam Strange find themselves on an unknown planet, looking to get back home any way they can.

John Henry Irons (Steel) struggles to communicate with his niece Natasha, who desires to become a superhero.  She rebels from her uncle and joins Lex Luthor’s Everyman Project which would allow her to gain powers, even if at a cost.

The Metal Men’s, Dr. Will Magnus and the villain T.O. Morrow – the apparent Xavier/Magneto friendship – talk about the disappearance of evil scientist, Dr. Sivana.

Animal Man, Starfire and Adam Strange

Most of them have to do with a loss – whether a loss of entire family, love interest, friend or even identity.  In using characters with similar emotional conflicts, the writers give the disparate plotlines a cohesive feel.

However, the artwork is anything but cohesive.  This should be expected considering various artists contributed in the making of 52, producing a weekly series and keeping a constant artist is a difficult feat.  Even so, the artistic talents that are used are some of the best, each incorporating their distinct style into each issue.  In no way does this interfere with the intertwining stories, and even Chris Batista’s Issue #5 artwork didn’t spoil my enjoyment – though I can’t say I cared for the work done here.

I don’t know if I go as far as saying 52 is the boldest and most ambitious comic book series ever attempted, but it’s up there.  What’s mind blowing is how five of the best writers, Geoff Johns, Grant Morrison, Greg Rucka, Mark Waid and Keith Giffen were able to collaborate on a year-long weekly series – simply impressive.

Look for the 52 Volume 2 review next week!