Last month I did a blog entry about some of the #1 comic issues of history and which ones were iconic and which were outrageous. Today, a week away from when DC releases the first of its "New 52" starting with Justice League #1, I thought I'd do a little bit of a comparison between the new covers and the original covers to tell if they compare. Please keep in mind I am using the titles who used the name first or at least covers which are the equivalent to the series in question. I'm going sort of alphabetically, by the way, so no favoritism. What do you think?
Action Comics #1
First #1 Second #1 This comic is really similar to the original one. See the similar angle of whatever he's lifting and the knee up. There might be different covers for this issue, but this cover actully is quite similar to the orginal, but with some obvious tweaks to make this series slightly different from the original.
All Star Western #1
First #1 Second #1 Might I say that I was greatly surprised when searching the site for a good comparison cover to find out that All Star Western was actually a DC title back in 1951. I would also like to note that the cover I am comparing is actually #58, because it took over the number of its predecessor title, All Star Comics. Anyway, the covers are pretty different. There are some similarities, of course. The hero is riding on a horse in both scenes (you have to look hard to see the first one). I think the sun set and Hex smoking is similar to the fire the "Indians" are going around. Interesting...
Animal Man #1
First #1 Second #1 This is way different. This cover really shows how much more darker this title will be like. I mean, there are still the usual animals from the first #1 on the Second #1, but that red root like thing seems to make the atmosphere of this cover much more...dark (which I guess is why its listed in the Dark series). One thing I want to add after looking at this for a little bit is that the red root like thing is similar to the pink shadings on the original series cover.
Aquaman #1
First #1 Second #1 Something tells me this new race are not fire trolls. Any way, you can tell that the character has evolved a lot from the admitably cheesy golden age comic. About the only thing which is similar in these covers is that he is surrounded by an enemy. On a side note, I wonder if Aqua lad (any one of them...) will be appearing in this series...
Batgirl #1
First #1 Second #1 Given that there was never actually a Batgirl series until the 2000s, I'm going with the 1988 Batgirl Special. This seems like the same old Batgirl is back (in purple no less!). Although I know they weren't trying to base it on this cover, the original cover has a similar blueish color to the new one's blue bats. I think this cover is very awesome and could be iconic...oh! an idea for next month's blog!
Batman #1
First #1 Second #1 About the only thing about this cover which similar to the original one is the angle of Batman's head. This cover really shows that this title will be much darker than its original (a fact garenteed by the writer being the same Detective comics end writer plus Riddler has a Howhawk!). One thing which I kept seeing when I was looking at the iconic cover section of my previous blog was that the most iconic were actually the most simple. Take the original for example, there is only the dynamic duo and a little bit of building outlines; simple, but this is one of the most iconic covers of comic history. I really think the new one cover (with all respect to the artist) was trying too hard by putting so many villains on the cover. I get what they were trying to do, but I wonder if this is going to cost them on the iconic front.
Batman and Robin #1
First #1 Second #1 Instead of the new series, I thought I would use the original batman and robin title: Batman! This cover is actually really cool. Comparing the two is really easy. Look at them; there is a robin and batman flying through the air (this time with no strings attached) and there is a city in the background in an outline. There are some differences such as Robin's placement above batman, but I think it has something to do with this new robin (superior complex perhaps? I mean he did attack Tim when he was robin because he thought only he deserved the title). This actually is a cool cover. Oh, and another reason why damian is above batman is to be remoncent of the bat in the title.
Batman: The Dark Knight #1
First "#1 " Second #1 I guess I could use Batman #1 as a comparison for this cover, but I thought I should bring in the cover which this looks the most like: Detective Comics #27. I know this cover is not a #1 cover, but I think we can make an exception for this iconic cover. Granted the perspective is different, but you can tell they were thinking of this cover when they were making it. In your mind, if you rotate this new cover in your mind so what is right is now left and move up a little bit. What you will see is about the same as this first appearance cover. Of course, there is no guy in batman's arms this time and probably there are no shooters, but the homage is there. Even the colors behind batman are remoncent to the original cover with the red and the yellow/orange color, though the intensity of the colors are switched in the new cover. Also, the moon is similar to the 10 ₵ circle. This is very interesting cover.
Batwing #1
First #1 Second #1 Hmm...this was a tough one to pick a comparison cover for. I picked the original Batman cover because the batwing cover sort of reminiscent of that cover. There are several differences, such as him not requiring a batarang (as he flies) and him being too new a hero to have a sidekick in the normal sense of the term. That being said, the perimid part of the cover is similar to the city as it sets the scene for where our hero will be focused. On that note, following what happened in Egypt several months ago, there could some interesting emotional stories. Oh, also, Batwing's wings are similar to the batman symbol and the redish clouds are similar to the title character color. I guess I picked good cover to compare, huh?
Batwoman #1
First #1 Second #1 This is another one which is tough to pick. I decided Detective comics #1 because this was the series where she first appeared and then after her death and then crisis the same places series she reapeared in. The skull in this new cover is similar to the old guy on the detective comics cover and the red of her cap and hair is similar to the back ground. Of course, this cover is all its own. There has never been a batwoman series before (if you don't count detective comics it self), so this cover is a new thing. It invents a series which can be all its own. I was fearful of this series what with it being pushed back so many times, but now I look forward to see what heights this series (even though I probably won't read this series).
Birds of Prey #1
"First" #1 Second #1 You'll have to excuse me for not using the original first appearance. I just think this graphic novel cover is a lot similar to this piece than their original four part series. Even from the background you can tell this is going to be a different team than the original. Instead of a city backdrop, there is a tree, which gives this team a more wild look to it. Of course, it still has that red background which makes the characters pop out. Poison ivy's red hair is reminiscent to Oracle (babs)'s hair, which makes giving her being the center position quite homage-y (if I can coin a phrase). This is the most different cover while still being similar.
Blackhawks #1
"First" #1 Second #1 This series seems much more darker than the original series (pun intended). Although this "first" #1 is not the original series, it is closer to this new series. What this new cover has which the older one doesn't is simplicity. I really think that the older one is just too busy. All those planes and the green figure really distract the eye. The new cover, however, is really comforting to look at as it is ordered and about the same color is shared by everyone. This could qualify for an iconic cover if this series would become popular.
Blue Beetle #1
First #1 Second #1 I know they weren't trying to be like this old cover, but it does seem similar in some way. For example, the blue beetles are both at the same angle in both covers. However, this cover shows that Jaime Reyes is the new generation of blue beetle. This will be a different sort of series, obviously, for a different generation. Ted Kord might be dead, but his legacy as the blue beetle (and the legacy of the covers he appeared on, lives on in this new series.
Captain Atom #1
First #1 Second #1 There really isn't much similar in these two series covers. This really means that although DC loves its tributes to the past, it is also looking to the future. Captain Atom might be part of this new future. The use of vibrant colors is quite good and really makes the eye snap right to the guy's red thing (that's his heart, right? I don't know the chracter that much). The one thing I would change about this cover is the waves of smoke or whatever that is behind him. He need a straight purple background or atleast less notcible smoke trails; to make it look more distinct. Has potiental. Lets see if they can get this character out of the "who's that?" land and perhaps make him more known.
Catwoman #1
First #1 Second #1 This series seems much more relaxed than this other ongoing series. Maybe this means we'll have two babies :) Just a joke! don't hurt me catwoman fans! Selina has evolved a lot sense her appearence in this ongoing. She's become part of a team (abit a band of Villains, but oh well!). She's always wondered what side she would like to be on, so perhaps this series will address that question. The art is amazing on this new Catwoman series. I love the art and look forward to seeing it in person (I won't be getting it, but they really are cool covers we've seen thus far.
DC Universe Presents #1
First #1 Second #1 I know this isn't deadman's comic, but with four whole issues dedicated to him it almost could be called that. You know, I don't believe I have ever seen him smile on one cover ever, but I guess that makes sense when you're dead and don't want to be. The idea for this series seems like a fairly good idea. If one part of this series is popular, then we might see a series out of whatever the series was focusing on. Consider it like a test center. This can also be good for Deadman and other characters, because although he seems to be picking up popularity from Brightest day that might not be enough to suport another series, so this could be the test run. Or it could free up team series like Justice League Dark, so the writers don't have to spend so much time adapting people's origins into the series and overwelming the team story making it "Deadman" rather than "Justice league dark".
Deathstroke #1
First #1 Second #1 Bad to the bone. thats the phrase I think of when I see this new cover. This isn't my cup of tea, but I guess it does attract the edger of use. There is a little bit of similarities between the covers, such as the use of red, though they both are used in different ways. Deathstroke looks tougher. I mean, he was always tough, but now he has a sword and there's no stoping him. I would not want to see a crossover with him and any of my favorite chracters, because such events would end badly for the other characters. How this didn't get into the Dark secton of books is a question I ask myself when I look at this cover.
Demon Knights #1
First #1 Second #1 A lot of things have happened to the Demon Etrigan sense Jack Kirby lent his hand to the beast. For example, in this series he seems to have a heroic take while the other cover makes me think he is a villain (by the appearence of the cover rather than the inside material. Like the previous entry, this new series looks like it will be darker than Kirby's creatotion series. Of course, what makes this cover strange is that this is called the "Demon Knights". I really thought group comics like this one would start with a cover with members on it, but turns out it starts with the Demon him/it-self instead.
Detective Comics #1
First #1 Second #1 Look at these two issues, then tell me there is no similarities what so ever. I have always wondered what the story was on the guy on the cover of the original one, but this new version with the Joker in the place of him really makes sense. When I saw the new cover of batman, I feared for the safety of the Riddler. But after wards I wondered where the Joker was, but when I saw this cover I understand. Detective comics has been a very popular series for DC (they didn't change their name just because they liked the district of columibia) and what better way than put one of their most iconic villains of all time: The Joker on the cover? The use of the red with a bit of yellow is a great backgound behind Batman. I really would love to see the finished product with the label and all. This series has so much riding on its servival, I mean if this series is a plop (which couldn't happen) what would DC do? well, just a little something to think about.
Flash #1
First #1 Second #1 The Flash has gone through so many incarnations, it will be interesting to see how they start this new series. About the only thing which is similar is the way flash runs (with his right hand forward and his left hand behind him. According to G-man's interview with the new writer, we will see rogues like Mirror Master appear slowly and they won't be in the first arc, so this would be the reason why we don't see the master of mirrors on the cover of this (other than the fact that this new cover with the lone flash is quite awsome looking.
Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E. #1
First #1 Second #1 Frankenstien has been used off and on for several years now at DC. According to the site, it dates back to 1948 (though I don't know if this frankenstien was similar in character to the one we know for this series. His first big leap was with Grant Morrison's seven soldiers (seen here as the old #1). This a very different team than Seven Soldiers. Instead of magical beings we see creatures of fantacy. You can tell that this will be a different team than we are used to; much darker.
Fury of Firestorm #1
First #1 Second #1 There are some similarities between the covers, but really this is a new firestorm and you can really tell by the covers we will be something slight new and slightly old. I really don't have that much to say about this cover. I guess I could point out that Firestorm's arms are up in a similar fashion, but for different reasons (one of out of being in fligh and wgoing to catch something, while the other is just angry looking).
Grifter #1
First #1 Second #1 Admitably at first glance I thought this was called "Gifter" (I wondered about that title...does he give people the gift of justice or something). Anyway, there ware some simiarities between the covers. Both are shooting in a urban area, but this new series seems to be a new take on this Wildstorm character.
Green Arrow #1
First #1 Second #1 Once agian, a new interpretation of the character. Originally he was like a robin hood like figure, but this new one seems to be one for a new age. Without the funny goggles (which remind me too much of the Green hornet), he'd look exactly like Justin Hartley's version of the chracter from Smallville. I guess they're trying to play on the popularity of the character from the show and maybe get some new comicbook fans. The direction this Arrow is going interests me and I may pick it up, but we'll see...
Green Lantern #1
"First" #1 Second #1 Previously, I expressed my dislike for the 60s #1 cover of this series (come one! look at the cover and then tell me that its not outragous with a straight face! I dare you!), which is why I picked the 2005 series #1 cover instead. Sinestro's cover like a complete reflection of Hal's cover. This makes sense given that Sinsestro is just the complete opposite of what Hal usually is. This is going to be a nice twist for this series. It does have potiental, though we all have to wonder...how long will it last?
Btw, I was first to upload this new cover on the site, just so you know.
Green Lantern Corps #1
"First" #1 Second #1 This "First" #1 you see here is actully #201 of Green Lantern, but this is the moment when the series name was changed to the Green Lantern Corps, which was actully the first title of that name. I really am not a Green lantern fan, so I had to research a lot. The position of Kilowog on the cover is quite remiencet to his postion on the original cover. Granted, a lot of the character seen here will not be present in the series (hal included...Ah! no space Squirels in this series?), but there is still Katma Tui, Salaak among others returning to this cover. Also on the cover is Stel who did appear inside the orginal series, but not on the cover. I would also note how John Stewart has changed sense his inclusion in the original cover (I had to really look, but he's on there!). You can tell who the main characters will be just by looking at this new cover, but there's hope to see other characters who don't usully get that much "screen time".
Green Lantern: New Guardians #1
"First" #1 Second #1 Don't they work well together? Had to be creative with this cover. Its like the original incarnation of this team look like they work well together (though we know it wasn't all hunky dory). This new team however really looks like they're going to kill eachother. How they are going to be together as a team is beyond me. not much to say about this cover.
Hawk and Dove #1
"First" #1 Second #1 At last! a series which had an original series before hand! The original series (which is the second of its kind, but I decided I'd use the one with similar characters) is very chaotic. I really makes me think of war while the other cover makes me think of peace, which is quite interesting given what the two represent usually. I know they didn't plan it this way, but the choice of a blue background is cool given that its her color while the red backdrop of the original cover is like his color. So in a sense they have their own covers.
I, Vampire #1
This series I am afraid I can't compare to anything. It is a series all its own. I mean House of Mystery has had I vampire before, but I just don't have any good compareason covers for this new one. So, I leave it up to any of you! What do you think?
Justice League #1
First #1 Second #1 Something tells me flash won't be playing chess with Darkseid in this issue! This is a new generation of the Justice League and it really shows. This is going to be an interesting seris and I look forward this this new series! Going to be fun!
Justice League Dark
"First" #1 Second #1 Definitly pretty different from the regular Justice League; much darker If I must say. Not much else in commone with the covers, although like most team comic first issues, the bigger more known characters have a bigger appearence on the cover (such as Dead man or Constientene).
Justice League International #1
First #1 Second #1 This team has really changed sense it first appeared. I mean its like a lot of the members on this cover have moved to other teams or just disappeared because of this reboot. Will be interesting to see who really orcastrated this team. I mean Max Well Lord was the one who created the original version of this team, so who creates it post-reboot? Wonder if we'll have any cross overs with Blue beetle, Captain Atom or Stormwatch...
Also wonder if the conglomerate or a version of them will appear...
Legion Lost #1
First #1 Second #1 When I first heard about this series, I thought, "wow! what a unique idea!" of course, I realize now that this idea was not unique at all. Turns out they had been lost before. Perhaps the alternate title is "Legion Lost Agian". Of course, there is a difference in that the original one is in space, while this new one is...where they exactly agian?
Anyway, covers are slightly similar. of course several of its members aren't on this new lost team (I guess they knew enough to bring a map :D)
Legion of Superheroes #1
First #1 Second #1 Looks like this sure is going to be different from the original series by that same name. Of course, there has been several incarnations of the group before this new reboot series, so its no suprise this cover is different from the first title.
Men of War #1
First #1 Second #1 Looks like all the colors on the covers are switched. You can really tell why this is in the Edge section.
Mr. Terrific #1
I am a bit suprised there hasn't been a one shot for Mr. Terrific, but apparently this is his first stand alone appearence, so there is nothing to compare, but I'll keep this on this blog so we have the full 52.
Nightwing #1
"First" #1 Second #1 This is the series I look forward. I am quite excited about this!
Comparing these two first issues, there are a lot of similarities while a few differences. I'm sure you can see them (the sticks and the city scene). Of course, this is a different perspective for a slightly different series.
Omac #1
First #1 Second #1 Might I say this series has really changed from the first series. (btw, anyone know what the story is on the woman? its only slight strange...). I find it interesting that they have made his skin color blue instead of it just being a shirt. very different.
Red Hood and the Outlaws #1
"First" #1 Second #1 The red hood, like Mr. Terrific, is its own story. This hasn't happened before, so there is nothing to compare it with (least ones I can think of any way).
However, under the advice of CV user ReVamp I'm going to compare this series to Batman & the outsiders. Stylisticly, the covers are quite different, but the ideas are quite a like. For example, they both lead by teams which are non-primary superheroes athough the outlaws are more fringe heroes (what some call "anti-heroes"). of course, neither group was very popular to other superheroes (minus batman) though probably more so with the outlaws.
Perhaps ReVamp himself explained the connection better:
More importantly, I think that the main similarities between the two teams (which me and Avenging X Bolt I believe, discussed) are that they are both teams which are lead by a Superhero that has a darker side which doesn't adjust with other more popular heroes, so he forms a team with other people that have trouble with the norms that have been set by the society around them for various different reasons. Speaking about the covers specifically, the Outsiders cover shows that the outsiders are different from the JLA while the outlaws' cover shows that they are different from "normal" people that use "normal" guns.
Red Lanterns #1
First #1 Second #1 The comparason of the two covers is actully interesting. We've seen a green lantern corps once or twice, but this cover and series seems to be all its own. I really like to see how this series goes (how long it will go on will be interesting...).
Resurrection Man #1
First #1 Second #1 Both covers deal with death, and that would essentially be what the theme of any resurrection man comic would be about; being dead (like the first cover) to being resurrected (the second cover).
Savage Hawkman #1
First #1 Second #1 Although his arms are in a simalr possition, you can really tell that this i a very different Hawkman. He's much more vilolent with his claws and his ax. This Hawkman doesn't look like he could be stopped some "sky weapon".
Static Shock #1
First #1 Second #1 Its interesting to see how much Static has developed sense his first appearence. From a guy in a baseball cap to a guy who actully looks stylish (but who am I know about style?)
Storm Watch #1
First #1 Second #1 A much different series than the original one, but I'm not even sure this is related to the wild storm team...why its listed as wildstorm is beyond me...Anyone know?
Suicide Squad #1
First #1 DC Relaunch First #1 I thought we would look at the original Suicide Squad comic, the new one, as well as the Harley Quinn comic series. Its sad to think that this is the same Harley. This also looks like a completely different Suicide Squad; a lot more wild. How would someone orginize such a group? We'll have to see...
Superboy #1
First #1 Second #1 You can really tell this is the superboy of a new generation. One which is different from the regular superman, while still being related to him.
Supergirl #1
First #1 Second #1 Oh, wow. Look at her first blouse. Reminds me slightly of Powergirl's, though without the view. This new cover actually looks pretty awesome. The original one looks like a second issue, but it appears this is the first issue. Something tells me this supergirl won't really be worried by a construction worker...
Superman #1
First #1 Second #1 Find it interesting to see that the artist (named Jesus!) used a similar circular shape like the original cover. Somehow his foot appeares to be in the same position, though I don't know what that means. Cool cover.
Swamp thing #1
First #1 Second #1 This cover is actully pretty interesting. It looks like oppisite view of the original cover. I don't know swamp thing like Aztek, but this looks like some interesting art.
Teen Titans #1
First #1 Second #1 Well, you can really tell this is a very different. Its less silly than this golden age cover. I would also like to mention the fact that this team does not have an aqualad as member, but has a represative for everyone else.
Off hand question...how come we've never seen like a Green lantern youngster?
Voodoo #1
First #1 Second #1 Wonder what happened to her hand...was it always like that? or did they change something in her origin for the reboot?
The covers are really different. The first one seems busy and yet peaceful. This new one is simple, but shows what this series will be like; a woman with some alien problems.
Wonder Woman #1
First #1 Second #1 You have no idea how good it is to get to the end of this new 52. Took me forever and part a day to finish this. I'm glad to reach the wonder-ful lady.
This new cover sort of gives the same feel as the first cover, while giving her even more strength as a woman (plus there is no "wonder" horse). I also notice she is holding a bloody sword (or is that a dagger?) instead of her usual lasso. That shows that this series will be much different from her original series.
So, thats it. I'm done. Any comments? suggestions? ect? Hazah!
29 Comments
I wonder why Deathstroke is getting a bad rap?The cover seems fine to me and it's not Slade's fault that his abilities make him formidable,that's like complaining about why Riddler gets his ass kicked all the time.
Great blog and quite an interesting bit of compares and contrasts. Even though we are complaining there are too many Bat titles they are the ones that are going to very easily be top sellers.
@JLAsuperdude: No I did not know that. Can you name who that would be? I don't know green lanterns as much as other
I don't remember any younger Green lanterns (minus the Justice League Unlimited guy) thats why I asked. I mean I can't think of any who joined the Teen titans (which would complete every single aspect of DC having a represenative on the team)
@ReVamp: added a little comparason between Red hood/batman and the Outlaws/outsiders. So thanks for the suggestion.
Neither can I! That series looks like a lot of fun. I didn't get into comic until after Nightwing had become Batman, so I really look forward to seeing this!
@ReVamp: added a little comparason between Red hood/batman and the Outlaws/outsiders. So thanks for the suggestion. Neither can I! That series looks like a lot of fun. I didn't get into comic until after Nightwing had become Batman, so I really look forward to seeing this!
Yeah, I'm looking forward to see how different it is from the previous Nightwing series.
More importantly, I think that the main similarities between the two teams (which me and Avenging X Bolt I believe, discussed) are that they are both teams which are lead by a Superhero that has a darker side which doesn't adjust with other more popular heroes, so he forms a team with other people that have trouble with the norms that have been set by the society around them for various different reasons. Speaking about the covers specifically, the Outsiders cover shows that the outsiders are different from the JLA while the outlaws' cover shows that they are different from "normal" people that use "normal" guns.
@shadowknight666: yeah, I think we all miss one series or another which was canceled (is that the right word?) due to the reboot/revamp/whatever you call it. Mine was Batgirl. I'll be glad when my pull list is back to being constant...whatever that means...
@shadowknight666: well, at least he still exists in the current 52 (I can name a few characters I really enjoyed which seem to be erased, but hopefully they'll reappear). At least he doesn't have a mohawk! *snide comment about Riddler*
I know it's a little late, but one of Voodoo's powers is to emulate animal characteristics, if you were still wondering about the hand, although you probably weren't :P
Funny that you couldn't recognize Stormwatch from their first appearance to the team they currently are. That was Wildstorm's first version of Stormwatch, though. They started out as a multi-national, U.N. sponsored "peace-keeping" hero team. When Warren Ellis took over the book, he decided to get rid of most of the old team and replace them with the team that would eventually become The Authority (ditching the Stormwatch name altogether). The current version seems to be an Authority line-up that has taken back the name Stormwatch. Regardless, Ellis MADE that book.
29 Comments