DC Comics New 52 Top Five #1 Titles - September 14, 2011

I am so far behind on my reviews of DC Comics' New 52s. So far, I've been impressed with where the books have been going. I've been introduced to some that I hadn't given a chance in the past. In my last article, I said I was going to do a breakdown of the different books and rate each of them. I've decided all I have time for is briefly reviewing my Top 5 picks for the week. I'm addressing the September 14, 2011 issues with this article.

Number One - Batman and Robin #1

"Born to Kill"
Written by PETER J. TOMASI
Art and cover by PATRICK GLEASON and MICK GRAY
On Sale September 14, 2011
DC Universe; 32pg.; Color; $2.99 US

Writer Peter J. Tomasi does a great job of dropping us right into the thick of things on the very first page. The dark yet colorful artwork by Patrick Gleason and Mick Gray perfectly capture the words in pictures. I also liked the bantering back and forth between Bruce and Damian. First time readers with a little knowledge of what's been going on lately in the Bat-Universe could easily jump on board right now and not be too confused. The spread on pages 18 and 19 is breathtaking. A jumbo-sized poster of that would look nice framed on my wall.

Number Two - Batwoman #1

"Hydrology Part 1: Leaching"
Written by J.H. WILLIAMS III and W. HADEN BLACKMAN
Art and cover by J.H. WILLIAMS III
On Sale September 14, 2011
DC Universe; 32pg.; Color; $2.99 US

This book has been a long time coming. I remember reading issue #0 what seems like an eternity ago. The wait was well worth it. What could be better than the Batman Universe mixed with a classic gothic ghost story? I can't think of anything! J.H. Williams III's art is so beautiful and unique. I love the way Dave Stewart really brings out the red in Batwoman's costume and hair. I also enjoy the deathly gray he pours on to the creepy sections of this issue. The brief meeting between Batman and Batwoman just added to my enjoyment.

Number Three - Red Lanterns #1

"With Blood and Rage"
Written by PETER MILLIGAN
Art and cover by ED BENES and ROB HUNTER
On Sale September 14, 2011
DC Universe; 32pg.; Color; $2.99 US

I was familiar with the concept of the Red Lanterns but never really dug too deep into their world. This book was fabulous. I loved the way they all live and interact with each other in this world made of anger and rage. The whole vibe of this comic reminds me of a super hero version of "Hellraiser." Imagine for a moment if Pinhead and his Cenobites were super heroes or super villains. There are a few pages where we're transported to the real world. The contrast between the two universes is so well established through Ed Benes' drawings and Nathan Eyring's colors that it's shocking. They really draw a line in the sand between these two worlds effectively. Writer Peter Milligan does a great job of establishing the backdrop and history behind the Red Lanterns.

Number Four - Resurrection Man #1

"Pronounced Dead"
Written by DAN ABNETT and ANDY LANNING
Art by FERNANDO DAGNINO
Cover by IVAN REIS and JOE PRADO
On Sale September 14, 2011
DC Universe; 32pg.; Color; $2.99 US

Here's a character I wasn't familiar with at all. I heard his name here and there but never read any of the stories or background about him. It has an interesting supernatural angle to it. This issue seemed as if it were influenced by the Twilight Zone episode with William Shatner entitled "Terror at 20,000 Feet." However, instead of a little creature on the wing of the plane, our hero must deal with a sort of demonic being. This definitely sets readers up to keep coming back for more.

Number Five - Demon Knights #1

"Seven Against the Dark"
Written by PAUL CORNELL
Art by DIOGENES NEVES and OCLAIR ALBERT
Cover by TONY S. DANIEL
On Sale September 14, 2011
DC Universe; 32pg.; Color; $2.99 US

Characters from the DC Universe mixed with the world of Camelot, including Excalibur and Merlin? What's not to like about this concept? Awesome art by Diogenes Neves brings to life writer Paul Cornell's always entertaining and complex storyline. This has everything you could want - swords, sorcery, demons, and… dinosaurs? Yeah, that's right. Cornell went there. I'm more than positive he's got more where that came from as well!

For more articles by Eric Shirey, check out:

Detective Comics #1 Comic Book Review
Justice League #1 Comic Book Review