Comics : Spotlight

Last Updated: Aug 21, 2008 - 3:13:23 PM

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Everything Trinity By Andy Doan Jun 2, 2008 - 9:00:37 AM DC Comics Writer(s): Kurt Busiek Penciller(s): Mark Bagely USD/CAN $2.99

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Here is all the information I was able to gather about the upcoming DC weekly from various sources around the web.

What to Expect:

Trinity is a new title set to be released on a weekly basis over the next year. Each issue is to be divided into two separate chapters. The main chapter in each book will be 12 pages long featuring the artwork of Mark Bagley and written by Kurt Busiek. The secondary chapter will feature a supporting story line written by Busiek and Fabian Nicieza. Artists on the back up story will cycle through a group of know artists including Tom Derenick and Scott McDaniel.

The book developed from Busiek's idea to launch a cheap promotional comic for DC but quickly evolved into a high profile weekly limited series. Perhaps put together in this manner to capitalize on the success of the recently concluded Countdown series. The publisher has defiantly set this title on the path to success by making it the debut of Mark Begley's work for the company. Further contributing to the books potential is the large pre-existing fan base for the featured characters.


Details of the plot have been intentionally sparse.

The three lead characters have been brought together by a strange prophetic dream. They each deal with event in their own way. They'll have to work together to fully understand what it means to them and the future of their partnership. Each issue will be balanced by a secondary story line about a group of super villains who are following the trinity very closely. Perhaps waiting for the perfect moment to bring the top tier good guys down.

The main arch of the book takes place within the current continuity of the universe. However this title is not to be cross-over heavy like the other two weekly series were (52 and Countdown). It is to be a stand alone volume. Paraphrased from a statement made by DC executive editor Dan Didio, Trinity is going to focus on good story telling rather then rigid continuity. Where the effects of the events will be felt in all other titles they will not be dependant on them.

Part of this book's promise is the exploration of the link between these three characters throughout history and looking forward. For some reason out of a super hero community of thousands these figures have bubbled to the top. They have sparked the imaginations of writers and fans for decades. Perhaps this series will suggest the reason why and illustrate it through plot line.

Unlike any of the Crisis story lines this story is not out to set something right. It seems as though it's going to be more of an exploration of the current state of things. Perhaps to breath  life into classic characters or maybe to define the existence of a few new ones.



So far it's been best promoted by it's enthusiastic creator Kurt Busiek in a couple of really interesting interviews. (1 Newsarama,  2 About.com )

Print ads have appeared regularly in most major titles for the last few months. The most common ad features a close up shot Wonder Woman, Batman and Superman separately with the  words "BUSIEK BAGLEY WEEKLY!" just above. The actual pictures are taken from the pages featured in a three page sneak peek that appeared May 1st on the MySpace comic book section.  The sneak peek is also linked directly from the Trinity comic website (trinitycomic.com)

The preview pages give very little advance information aside from what is already known about the series. The only surprise feature of the preview is the appearance of Wally West both as himself and the Flash. Wally's presents confirms the idea that there will be regular appearances by other JLA members in the series.

DC has put together a video trailer for the series available from MySpace video. It's no more revealing then the current print ads. It does feature a couple cg titles and a new logo featuring all three of the main characters logos blended together not unlike the Superman/Batman logo from their regular comic.

It's set to launch on Wednesday June the 4th with a 40 page premier issue priced at $2.99.



Characters:

Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman.

Also mentioned In an interview with Kurt Busiek

Specifically: John Stewart, Gangbuster, Hawkman, Supergirl and Max Lord.

In General: JLA, the Outsiders and the Titans (Teen Titans or Old Titans?)

New Characters: Konvikt and Tarot

Writers:

Kurt Busiek - Dropped Superman and Aquaman to make room for this title.
A veteran of writing stories for the complex team dynamic. Has many multi character books under his belt including Avengers, JLA and Astro City.

Fabian Nicieza - Has succeeded Busiek before on the Thunderbolts. He is working closely to ensure that the secondary story lines work well with the main arch. Also very used to writing with multiple lead characters.


Artists:

Mark Bagley - This is his debut title with Marvel. His second team-up with Busiek. Their first run together was with the semi successful New Warriors title (Marvel). Look for a revitalized artist. He should be very happy to be away from Spider-man after his record breaking run on the Ultimate title.

Also Mentioned - Scott McDaniel & Andy Owens (NIGHTWING, GREEN ARROW), Tom Derenick and Wayne Faucher and Mike Norton and Jerry Ordway (ALL-NEW ATOM, INFINITE CRISIS).

E ditor:

Mike Carlin - Familiar with the weekly format from his experience with Countdown.He has a pedegry for oversight from his long tenure with DC

Conclusion

Although format seems similar to the preceding two weekly titles it really does seem that they are trying to present something new here. There isn't any shortage of books featuring three main heroes of this title but it doesn't mean there isn't room for innovation. The approach seems novel enough and there's always lots of history and nostalgia to fall back on. They have an enthusiastic creative team assembled have success in their backgrounds. At this point book one in the series seems to be a pretty safe bet.



***UPDATE***
I evaluate this book from a consumer stand point in an earlier article titled "Am I buying Trinity" posted right here at the Bin.

Related Articles:
Trinity # 17
Trinity # 9
Trinity # 5
Trinity # 4
Trinity # 1
Marvel Presents Mark Millar's Trinity
Everything Trinity
Am I Buying Trinity?
DC Comics' "Trinity" Starts Thick
TOKYOPOP Fiction: Trinity Blood: Reborn on the Mars, Vol. 1

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