A
wee bit of history for ya, kids: Back in the early 1970s, DC Comics published
100-page super-spectaculars, which were a gold mine for the avid comics reader.
For only 60¢, they featured a brand new story, and a handful of associated
reprints. A Justice League might contain a Silver Age JLA story, as well as
Golden Age Justice Society tale. For many readers of my generation, it was the
best exposure to Golden Age stories.
Now DC has
resurrected the format, exclusively to WalMart. I applaud the move, as it
reaches new readers who may not have easy access to a comic book store, and
presents stories in a robust format – $100 pages with a price point of only
$4.99. I say “only” because it’s more than four times the number of pages for
less than twice the price.
DC provided
the Bin with advance copies of this week’s offerings featuring the lead stories
of each, but not the entire 100 pages. As before, I am guessing the balance of
the book is reprints. Not a bad idea, as many of the stories from late 1980s
and ‘90s aren’t too far removed (continuity-wise) from what’s being published
today. DC editorial can choose stand-alone stories that casual readers can
enjoy.
In the issue
of Justice League we were provided,
the lead story stars Wonder Woman, rather than the entire league. According to
the cover, other JLAers are featured in the issue, but we weren’t provided with
their stories. In the stand-alone story, Wonder Woman battles a raging forest
fire in Montana. Afterwards, she receives tragic news which will lead into her
next adventure.
It would be
easy for DC Comics to skimp on the talent, believing this is merely outreach to
lure customers into their local comic book store for the “real” comics. But
these ARE real comics, written and drawn by some of the top talent in the
business. Clearly, this is a strategic decision aimed t building the audience.
It worked for me.
Rating:
8/10