From The ComicBookBin.com
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
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.
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