Young Romance: The New 52 Valentine's Day Special #1

PREFACE:

I saw this issue as a great way for people who weren't readers to get an inside look on some of DC's most iconic heartthrobs, and the main purpose for me buying this really expensive issue is for the girlfriend. Just a nice thought, since she isn't a comic book reader. I will review this issue a lot differently and just give my opinion in a short way to just get through it. Now let's see the love in the air, or fall from the sky!................but on to the review

THINK IT THROUGH: Batman & Catwoman

Basically this issue runs through Selina's and Bruce's first encounter in the New 52. It is nice to see that Bruce saw potential in Selina and that she shouldn't be stealing from those who have less. I don't like that Selina did this, especially since we have seen Selina say and do the exact opposite in TDKR. The art was particularly good, but Nocenti's writing and her portrayal of Catwoman is not for me

SCORE: 3/5

THE LIGHTHOUSE: Aquaman & Hera

Now this story really makes me want to pick up the Aquaman book, even though this isn't written by Geoff Johns. The art is nice, and the intertwining story of Arthur's father and his love, along with Arthur and Mera is done really well though not that romantic. The ending gives a heartbreaking and heartwarming feeling and really sets this couple up as the best couple in DC ever since Ollie and Dinah. I would love to see their relationship more in depth and this story succeeds in making me want more.

SCORE: 4.5/5

DREAMER: Batgirl & Ricky

Let me just say that I am extremely disappointed that DC did not see the potential Dick & Babs story here. Their relationship was iconic as well as Dick's relationship with Kori. Seeing Babs just kiss some snitch/homeless teenager for literally no reason, accompanied by some of not the best art along with with art errors or just laziness made this one of the worst stories in the punch.

SCORE: 2/5

SEOUL BROTHERS: Apollo & Midnighter

Now obviously I don't read Stormwatch, but I found their concept interesting. The art is grimy, but in a different and cool way, though it isn't ideal. The story sees these two as ironically night and day. Apollo obviously wants more and Midnighter is so cold and calculating that he doesn't see or care about the guy who cares for him. It is a classic tale of two people who are meant for each other, but due to personalities it doesn't pan out. Other than that, it was just decent, but not really attempting to bring in the Valentines Day feeling.

SCORE: 3/5

ANOTHER SATURDAY NIGHT: Nightwing & Ursa Major

Need I say more of my disappointment with not going into Dick's real romantic background. First we were hinted at a possible Tam Fox romance, even though that is a TIM DRAKE ROMANCE! But the story begins in an intersting way, with Dick getting dumped by a girl (what?!). He helps an up and coming vigilante/bodyguard Ursa Major, and they talk and flirt. The art is weird in a cartoony way, and sorta reminds me of the upcoming Beware of the Batman style. It can be good at times, and bad. The story ends with Dick being stood up by Ursa (twice in one issue?!) This issue really isn't ideal in a Valentines Day issue.

SCORE: 2.5/5

TRUTH OR DARE: Superman & Wonder Woman

This issue was just confusing, and the dialogue made it even more confusing. The art though good at times, wasn't particularly my favorite. Diana looked like Selina,with the boobage and Clark looked weird. I did like seeing these two out and about on a date, and the ending panel was pretty freaking adorable. I don't know when this takes place, but out of all the stories this is the best one in the theme department. Clark and Diana confess their love, and Clark does it in a way that will make my GF go "AWWWWWWW"

SCORE: 3.5/5

OVERALL:

This really wasn't what I was expecting. I think the overall consensus of the stories was relatively bleak or irrelevant. The only two stories that really fit the mold of the theme of Valentines Day was "The Lighthouse" and "Truth or Dare". That means 4 out of the 6 stories really didn't do their purpose in this 8 dollar issue that had a lot of promise to it. I only recommend this issue, if you are in the situatio that I am in with my girlfriend, you are somewhat new to DC and want to get a look at some of their characters, or you are invested in most of the characters this issue has in it. Hopefully if DC does this next year, we can get some better stories.

SCORE: 3/5