DC Comics review 2/7/23 – Batman #132, Static Shadows of Dakota #1
Lazarus Planet Next Evolution #1
DC goes through phases where the creators are encouraged to trot out the next 20-30 legendary heroes over the course of one event. The New Age of Heroes from DC Rebirth showed promise only to finally flame out with the conclusion of The Terrifics. Bloodlines introduced a slate of New Blood in 1993 that famously didn’t stick. Remember any lasting characters from New 52?
Lazarus Planet’s new additions seem destined for a similar fate even as weekly spin-offs debut a new crop of potential new fan favorite heroes. On the glass half full side, Next Evolution offered up four stories of heroes that could actually have some staying power.
Ram V and artist Lalit Kumar Sharma have Red Hood encounter The Vigil, a team that seems to share philosophies with Jason Todd. Likely hoping to create some interest, Ram V is vague on their power set while Sharma showcases their abilities in brief teases.
Chuck Brown and artist Alitha Martinez spotlight Dead Eye, a nephew of Amanda Waller, who could become a breakout character if positioned close to Walller’s orbit based on her movie/TV future.
The remaining two stories featuring Red Canary and Flatline, benefit from expanding on relatively new characters. Brandon T. Snider and artist Laura Braga make a solid case that Flatline could conceivably carry a solo title thanks to Snider’s quick comfort level in writing Flatline’s dialogue and Braga’s lively artwork.
For the Red Canary story, writer Delilah S. Dawson and artist team Brandt & Stein have Sienna team with New Age of Heroes standout Sideways. This isn’t a serious story as they’re battling statues and other artwork come to life, but it’s a very fun read with the RC/Sideways dynamic proving unexpectedly great.
Brandt & Stein‘s art isn’t focused on being the most realistic and lifelike, yet their style fits this story beautifully. If DC is considering a Red Canary series, this creative team should get first crack.
The hit rate of these Lazarus Planet characters seems dubious, but with more spotlights like Next Evolution some of them might make it to the next big new DC character initiative.
Rating: 9 out of 10