Teen Titans Earth One

Writer:  Jeff Lemire

Artists:  Rachel Dodson Terry Dodson

Source:  Net Galley

First Publication:  November 2014

Publisher:  DC Comics

Graphic Novel Challenge #62

From Amazon:  

A new original graphic novel in DC's popular "Earth One" series, TEEN TITANS: EARTH ONE follows in the tradition of SUPERMAN: EARTH ONE and BATMAN: EARTH ONE, both of which were #1 New York Times bestsellers. 

The Teen Titans never felt like normal kids... but they had no idea how right they were. Their seemingly idyllic Oregon upbringing hides a secret -- one that will bring killers, shamans, and extraterrestrials down on their heads, and force them into an alliance that could shake the planet to its foundations! 

The Creators:

Jeff Lemire caught my attention with his work on various DC titles.  One of the first that I remember was his stint on SUPERBOY before the start of the New52.  One of the most interesting titles he has written was the FRANKENSTEIN AGENT OF S.H.A.D.E.  Definitely worth following.

The Dodsons have worked on numerous titles for various companies.  Their smooth lines show some of the same rendering styles used by Adam Hughes.

The Story:

I had mixed feelings about this one.  On one hand I could see where this would appeal to younger fans.  The storytelling is solid but not up to the quality  I have come to expect from Lemire.  It did not have the innovative ideas of his other work.  A younger fan who is not as familiar with Lemire or the Titans would enjoy this one.  For me, I will stick with the stories written by Marv Wolfman and Geoff Johns.  Both did Titans stories more to my liking.

The high point of the story was the art.  The Dodsons consistently turn out good work but I thought this was some of their best.  

Teen Titans #1, Demon Knights #1, and Stormwatch #1

Teen Titans #1

Writer:  Scott Lobdell

Penciller:  Brett Booth

Inker:  Norm Rapmund

The media is showcasing how the new teen heroes are out of control.  Many times they are causing massive damage due to their inexperience.  Now various super teens are starting to disappear.  Tim Drake decides it is up to him to gather, train, and protect the next generation of heroes.  Scott Lobdell has crafted an interesting beginning to the Titans series.  In this issue we find out that the group who is behind the creation of Superboy is the group that is doing the kidnapping.  The ending of the first issue of Superboy ties in to the end of this issue.  Lobdell is off to a good start with this one.  The art by Brett Booth is not my favorite but is good enough to get by.  I will continue following this series.

Demon Knights #1

Writer:  Paul Cornell

Penciller:  Diogenes Neves

Inker:  Oclair Albert 

I will confess up front that Paul Cornell is one of my favorite writers.  I enjoyed his work on Doctor Who, Captain Britain, and his recent stint on Action Comics.  Demon Knights takes place following the fall of Camelot.  Cornell pulls together Madame Xanadu, The Demon, The Shining Knight, and others to form a team to battle Morgan le Fay and Mordru.  This issue sets the stage for things to come.  I liked the way he is starting the series.  The art by Diogennes Nieves is amazing.  Nieves looked good on the previous run of Green Arrow but he has stepped it up with this title.  Nieves classic art influences combined with super hero storytelling is perfect for this series.  Join up now for this interesting series.

Stormwatch #1

Writer:  Paul Cornell

Artist:  Miguel Sepulveda

I have heard complaints about the art of Sepulvida on this title.  Personally, I liked the art.  I have no problem with his work.  The complaint I heard about the writing is that Paul Cornell put too many characters in the first issue.  This is the opposite of the complaints critics have of Justice League #1.  Cornell filled this issue with at least cameos of a large cast and more ideas than many titles have in their first arc.  So even though you might not get attached to the characters in this issue, the ideas are worth the price of admission.  I have a feeling that this series will only get better as Cornell takes the time to focus on the various characters.