52 thoughts, part 1

We are entering the home stretch of 52. It's been a great ride so far, but I can't help but to think that the real action hasn't even begun yet.

World War III is coming, and Black Adam is riding at the front of that storm. The Four Horsemen are wrecking havoc across Kahndaq, and with the latest developments with his family we have to think that Teth-Adam may be just a wee bit on the majorly pissed off side.

52 has been an interesting experiment which has altered the way that the big two companies are looking at their comics. The Weekly format has been very successful for DC, and it was done without showcasing any of the "major" characters of the DC Universe. Now we'll continue the weekly format once 52 is complete with Countdown, this one with a lot more character oomph involved.

Of course, we'll cross that bridge when we get to it. For now let's look back on 52 as we enter the home stretch.

1. Ralph Dibny's story appears to be complete. Despite all of the complaining about this character's actions during 52, this has been great Ralph Dibny goodness. His story ended with a bang bigger than anyone could have expected for the funny, stretchy detective.

2. Rene Montoya has earned a fan in me. Her journey throughout this title has been the emotional backbone of the series. I am looking forward to her pursuit of the Questions in life.

3. Steel has emerged from this a great hero, despite starting off the series very, very slow.

4. Batwoman is still a waste of space.

5. I still fear for Starfire in this series. I really hope that she makes it out OK.

6. There are no bad characters, only bad execution. With the right writers any character can be interesting. Case in point - Egg Fu. I am impressed that this writing crew managed to take one of the silliest comics creations ever and re-invented him as a truly frightening, creepy villain. Chang Tzu has entered the 21st Century!

7. Super Chief...we hardly knew ye! You shall be missed.


more later