I really, really like this reboot. Way back in the late 80’s and early 90’s I had a few issues that I picked up and read that I liked, but like all comics back then the artwork was nice, but nothing like this. I probably have written this a few times before, but even if the writing is average at best, as long as the artwork is top notch, I can handle reading for a few issues. When you come across a good title with good writing and excellent art, you get a really nice comic that you can collect for a while. The pairing of Scott Lobdell and Brett Booth, in my opinion, is a home run.
This most recent incarnation includes Red Robin, Wonder Girl, Kid Flash that I know of and it looks like they are adding new characters Skitter, Solstice, someone named Bunker and I assume Superboy eventually. The detail Booth puts in to each page is just really awesome. From the lines in their faces and bodies you get a sense of feeling, depth and emotion as well as the fun happenings in the backgrounds. When Red Robin was shopping at the mall and in the background there was a sign that read “We’re Hot Buy Stuff” you just have to laugh. Obviously they are making fun of the Hollister’s and the Banana Republic’s of the world which is just classic. There are quite a few titles I will not be collecting past the first few issues, but this is definitely one I have to keep reading.
I often times wonder how long it takes an artist to complete a full page and if they have help, who does what? I think you really have to love your job to be a comic book artist because the amount of detail in some of the pages is crazy. It has to take hours and even days to get through a series of pages and if you are not into it, then you need to force yourself to get into it and that cannot be fun.
Check out the detail in these two covers…it continues throughout the book! I also like the sexual tension between Red Robin and Wonder Girl. She seems like a hard ass that has been hurt before and for some reason likes the geeky guys now. When they were at the little cafe and while pointing at her eyes she tells him “Yo. Up here. And before you ask–yes, they’re real”. His shy reaction to her bold comment is classic school boy crush. I am a big fan of character development which means I am really hoping for a lot of back story from everyone. Yes I know they are not new characters, but they are new to me and anyone else getting started with the reboot.
So I have to say the artwork is 5 stars, the cover is 5 stars, the character development right now is a 3 (but I am sure it will get better) the story is a solid 4 and the colors/inking is a 5. I really like this book and want to hear any and all comments. Overall, 4.5 stars. I think I need to come up with some kind of rating scale graphic that is specific to me. Something classic yet funny and DC-esque. Suggestions?
415 Comics 