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Earth 2
Earth 2, Vol. 4: The Dark Age
Once thought dead, Superman now returns to Earth to do the destructive bidding of Darkseid!
The Wonders of Earth 2 have struggled to keep the forces of Brutal and Darkseid at bay. But now with the return of Superman, they can no longer stand up to the wake of destruction he brings. But now, with the emergence of a new and mysterious Batman, comes the hope that he may know how to defeat the rogue Man of Steel before Earth 2 is destroyed completely.
Collects Earth 2 #17-20, Earth 2 Annual #2
The Wonders of Earth 2 have struggled to keep the forces of Brutal and Darkseid at bay. But now with the return of Superman, they can no longer stand up to the wake of destruction he brings. But now, with the emergence of a new and mysterious Batman, comes the hope that he may know how to defeat the rogue Man of Steel before Earth 2 is destroyed completely.
Collects Earth 2 #17-20, Earth 2 Annual #2
144 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2014
48 people are currently reading
554 people want to read
About the author
Tom Taylor
1,301 books1,052 followersOnce a professional juggler and fire eater, Tom Taylor is a #1 New York Times Bestselling, multi-award-winning comic book writer, playwright and screenwriter.
Well known for his work with DC Comics and Marvel, Taylor is the co-creator of NEVERLANDERS from Penguin Random House, SEVEN SECRETS from Boom Studios and the Aurealis-Award-winning graphic novel series THE DEEP. Taylor is also the Head Writer and Executive Producer of The Deep animated series, four seasons of which is broadcast in over 140 countries.
He is perhaps best known for the DC Comics series, DCEASED (Shadow Awards Winner), NIGHTWING (nominated for 5 Eisner Awards), SUPERMAN: SON OF KAL-EL (GLAAD Award Nominee), INJUSTICE: GODS AMONG US, SUICIDE SQUAD, EARTH 2 and BATMAN/SUPERMAN as well as Marvel's FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD SPIDER-MAN, ALL NEW WOLVERINE, X-MEN: RED, DARK AGES and SUPERIOR IRON MAN. Taylor is also the writer of many Star Wars series, which include STAR WARS: INVASION and STAR WARS: BLOOD TIES (Stan Lee Excelsior Award winner). Taylor has written for Marvel, DC Comics, Dark Horse Comics, IDW Publishing, Boom Studios, Wildstorm, 2000 AD and Gestalt Comics.
He can be followed on twitter @TomTaylorMade.
Well known for his work with DC Comics and Marvel, Taylor is the co-creator of NEVERLANDERS from Penguin Random House, SEVEN SECRETS from Boom Studios and the Aurealis-Award-winning graphic novel series THE DEEP. Taylor is also the Head Writer and Executive Producer of The Deep animated series, four seasons of which is broadcast in over 140 countries.
He is perhaps best known for the DC Comics series, DCEASED (Shadow Awards Winner), NIGHTWING (nominated for 5 Eisner Awards), SUPERMAN: SON OF KAL-EL (GLAAD Award Nominee), INJUSTICE: GODS AMONG US, SUICIDE SQUAD, EARTH 2 and BATMAN/SUPERMAN as well as Marvel's FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD SPIDER-MAN, ALL NEW WOLVERINE, X-MEN: RED, DARK AGES and SUPERIOR IRON MAN. Taylor is also the writer of many Star Wars series, which include STAR WARS: INVASION and STAR WARS: BLOOD TIES (Stan Lee Excelsior Award winner). Taylor has written for Marvel, DC Comics, Dark Horse Comics, IDW Publishing, Boom Studios, Wildstorm, 2000 AD and Gestalt Comics.
He can be followed on twitter @TomTaylorMade.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
June 7, 2015
4.5 stars
There are a lot of books that I like, but don't love. And, usually, I'll say something like, "I have hope that this title will get better."...but I don't really mean it.
Once a title starts on that downward slope, it takes a lot to get it back on track.
And Earth 2 was one of those titles.
I thought the first volume was pretty cool, but volume 2 started sliding down a bit, and then by volume 3?
Awww. Too bad. It coulda been a contender!
So when I got this sucker from NetGalley, I wasn't all that thrilled to start reading it.
But wait! Is Tom Taylor writing this now?! I love Injustice...so maaaaaybeeee?
And guess what?
Earth 2 is one of those rare unicorn comics that actually managed to leap up from mediocrity, and make a stunning about-face!
This volume made for some damn fine reading!
Everything about the tone of the book changed, and by doing that, it pushed it back into Wow! territory.
In this world, the biggest and the baddest of Earth's heroes died fighting Darkseid, and now the second-stringers are stepping up to the plate. We'll call them, The Leftovers.
Some of these heroes peaked 40 years ago, and some of them are still around, but not widely known. And then you have characters like Mr. Terrific, who used to belong to our world, but got swapped out. Kind of like Power Girl and Huntress were thrown into our Earth via Boom Tube explosion?
But, apparently, not everyone originally thought dead on Earth 2...is dead.
This is the volume that answers the Who the hell is the new Batman? question.
I'm honestly up in the air about how I feel about the backstory on that one. I liked it, but something didn't sit right with me.
Whatever. Guess we'll see where that goes.
Red Tornado's introduction was awesome, and so was Jimmy Olsen's!
These characters are so totally warped from their original incarnations, that I was blown away by it!
And speaking of being blown away...
Aquawoman!
Any of you who know me will not be surprised that I stood up and did an awkward fangirl shimmy, when this lovely lady was introduced!
*screaming like a tween at a [insert No-Talent-Boy-Band name here] concert*
I love you Arthur! I'll have your merbabies!
*holds lighter in the air...sways*
I really don't want to spoil any of the plot, so I'm not going to give any details out, but I will say that the twists and turns were spectacular.
If you're a fan of Injustice: Gods Among Us, I'm not kidding, you're going to want to get your hands one Earth 2 ASAP!
I would, however, recommend that you also go back and read volumes 1-3, since this is a continuation of those stories (albeit, a better one). It's not like they're some horribly crap books, so you shouldn't have a problem getting through them.
And it would probably be very confusing to read this, without knowing what had already happened.
Highly Recommended!
Also reviewed for
And
There are a lot of books that I like, but don't love. And, usually, I'll say something like, "I have hope that this title will get better."...but I don't really mean it.
Once a title starts on that downward slope, it takes a lot to get it back on track.
And Earth 2 was one of those titles.
I thought the first volume was pretty cool, but volume 2 started sliding down a bit, and then by volume 3?
Awww. Too bad. It coulda been a contender!
So when I got this sucker from NetGalley, I wasn't all that thrilled to start reading it.
But wait! Is Tom Taylor writing this now?! I love Injustice...so maaaaaybeeee?
And guess what?
Earth 2 is one of those rare unicorn comics that actually managed to leap up from mediocrity, and make a stunning about-face!
This volume made for some damn fine reading!
Everything about the tone of the book changed, and by doing that, it pushed it back into Wow! territory.
In this world, the biggest and the baddest of Earth's heroes died fighting Darkseid, and now the second-stringers are stepping up to the plate. We'll call them, The Leftovers.
Some of these heroes peaked 40 years ago, and some of them are still around, but not widely known. And then you have characters like Mr. Terrific, who used to belong to our world, but got swapped out. Kind of like Power Girl and Huntress were thrown into our Earth via Boom Tube explosion?
But, apparently, not everyone originally thought dead on Earth 2...is dead.
This is the volume that answers the Who the hell is the new Batman? question.
I'm honestly up in the air about how I feel about the backstory on that one. I liked it, but something didn't sit right with me.
Whatever. Guess we'll see where that goes.
Red Tornado's introduction was awesome, and so was Jimmy Olsen's!
These characters are so totally warped from their original incarnations, that I was blown away by it!
And speaking of being blown away...
Aquawoman!
Any of you who know me will not be surprised that I stood up and did an awkward fangirl shimmy, when this lovely lady was introduced!
*screaming like a tween at a [insert No-Talent-Boy-Band name here] concert*
I love you Arthur! I'll have your merbabies!
*holds lighter in the air...sways*
I really don't want to spoil any of the plot, so I'm not going to give any details out, but I will say that the twists and turns were spectacular.
If you're a fan of Injustice: Gods Among Us, I'm not kidding, you're going to want to get your hands one Earth 2 ASAP!
I would, however, recommend that you also go back and read volumes 1-3, since this is a continuation of those stories (albeit, a better one). It's not like they're some horribly crap books, so you shouldn't have a problem getting through them.
And it would probably be very confusing to read this, without knowing what had already happened.
Highly Recommended!
Also reviewed for
And
July 3, 2015
Much better! This volume of Earth 2 is much more engaging than the previous one had been. The story is more streamlined, so it actually feels like we're getting somewhere. And Taylor is writing evil Superman. It's kind of his thing, and he's good at it. I liked the addition of Aquawoman to the book, by the way. She's a very cool character, and I'd like to see a lot more of her. Oh, and another great shock at the end of the book, when the new Batman's identity is revealed. I can honestly say that this person had never crossed my mind as a possibility, but neither does the revelation feel totally crazy and out of left field when it does happen. Nicely done.
November 14, 2025
Such a good series! 4.8 🌟
June 25, 2015
Much better volume in this series. Tom Taylor loves writing Superman gone evil.
October 6, 2020
Lois, you got some 'splaining to do! How did you go and die, get reborn to a robotic body and still let your husband get turned all evil and stuff?!?
November 12, 2016
Around a 3.5 but I'll give it a 4 since it's heading into a entertaining section.
My dude Tom is back and that means evil Superman is on his way. This volume contains the mighty bastard striking and fucking up the world. Everyone has to team up, including a Batman we don't know who reall he is. The ending is leaves you wanting so much more because you do finally get the history of this batman.
The art is great, the characters are interesting, and we have alot of alternative heroes being different races, genders, and more. It's highly entertaining and a step in the right direction. Too bad after the next volume Tom leaves, and I hear the series tanks. Sad day indeed.
My dude Tom is back and that means evil Superman is on his way. This volume contains the mighty bastard striking and fucking up the world. Everyone has to team up, including a Batman we don't know who reall he is. The ending is leaves you wanting so much more because you do finally get the history of this batman.
The art is great, the characters are interesting, and we have alot of alternative heroes being different races, genders, and more. It's highly entertaining and a step in the right direction. Too bad after the next volume Tom leaves, and I hear the series tanks. Sad day indeed.
January 31, 2015
Wow! That was completely unexpected!
The writing turned around with this volume, and in a great way. The turn of events was very surprising.
The artwork, as always, was fantastic!
The writing turned around with this volume, and in a great way. The turn of events was very surprising.
The artwork, as always, was fantastic!
October 20, 2014
A Superman out of control and wreaking havoc? A Batman determined to stop him with a coterie of allies? Haven't we seen this before??
Oh yeah, in Kingdom Come and more recently in Injustice, written by the same guy here, Tom Taylor. Are there no original ideas left?
Too bad James Robinson left the series but I wonder if it had anything to do with this turn of events, since we kmow he left over creative differences with editorial. Instead of a book with a diverse cast saving the world, it appears we are getting yet another Bat/Super centered book. Yay.
To top it all off, it's yet another war in the DCU! "War, war, war," as Scarlet would say. I'm surprised anyone is still alive on Earth by now in this book. But this reliance on "wars" is getting old, DC. Just stop.
Did we know Lois was dead? I can't remember. Aquawoman was cool but the "I am an Atlantean and you surface dwellers just kinda suck" meme is at least as old as Prince Namor back in the Lee/Kirby FF days. Why can't Atlanteans be nice once in a while and good team players, like Aquaman used to be?
This book is a walking collection of cliched super hero tropes (see what I did there?). It's too bad because there was a lot of promise originally, and Nicola Scott's art is usually pretty and clear. I think she is leaving soon, too.
Either way, done with this series and won't even bother with the new weekly Earth 2 series. Sad panda here, but there ya go.
Oh yeah, in Kingdom Come and more recently in Injustice, written by the same guy here, Tom Taylor. Are there no original ideas left?
Too bad James Robinson left the series but I wonder if it had anything to do with this turn of events, since we kmow he left over creative differences with editorial. Instead of a book with a diverse cast saving the world, it appears we are getting yet another Bat/Super centered book. Yay.
To top it all off, it's yet another war in the DCU! "War, war, war," as Scarlet would say. I'm surprised anyone is still alive on Earth by now in this book. But this reliance on "wars" is getting old, DC. Just stop.
Did we know Lois was dead? I can't remember. Aquawoman was cool but the "I am an Atlantean and you surface dwellers just kinda suck" meme is at least as old as Prince Namor back in the Lee/Kirby FF days. Why can't Atlanteans be nice once in a while and good team players, like Aquaman used to be?
This book is a walking collection of cliched super hero tropes (see what I did there?). It's too bad because there was a lot of promise originally, and Nicola Scott's art is usually pretty and clear. I think she is leaving soon, too.
Either way, done with this series and won't even bother with the new weekly Earth 2 series. Sad panda here, but there ya go.
July 28, 2018
I realize that due to the glut of subpar comics that I may be overrating this series. But I really enjoyed it. There is a heavy Injustice influence but I'll forgive that.
In Volume 4 we see the effects of Superman's attack as Darkseid's new general. It is rather dark and Superman's solution to the Steppenwolf issue was sublime. Meanwhile the strange Batman, whom we do finally learn about in this issue, recruits some powerful friends in Aquawoman and the Red Tornado (Lois Lane, don't ask). They all band together to help this strange kid who might have the power to take on Superman. That's all I'm saying.
I rather liked this violent volume. It certainly does step up the seriousness of the storyline thus far. The artwork thoughout this series has been very good. I like Nicola Scott's work. I especially enjoyed her version of the Dr. Fate suit. Well done! IMHO.
Anyways I enjoyed this darker volume in the storyline. Superman's status and Batman's origins both served as anchor points of the story with the middle being important things like Lois Lane as the Red Tornado. So far this series has managed to remain interesting and rather shokcing in terms of plot. The artwork has been excellent so far and I like that in a series. So count me in for volume 5.
In Volume 4 we see the effects of Superman's attack as Darkseid's new general. It is rather dark and Superman's solution to the Steppenwolf issue was sublime. Meanwhile the strange Batman, whom we do finally learn about in this issue, recruits some powerful friends in Aquawoman and the Red Tornado (Lois Lane, don't ask). They all band together to help this strange kid who might have the power to take on Superman. That's all I'm saying.
I rather liked this violent volume. It certainly does step up the seriousness of the storyline thus far. The artwork thoughout this series has been very good. I like Nicola Scott's work. I especially enjoyed her version of the Dr. Fate suit. Well done! IMHO.
Anyways I enjoyed this darker volume in the storyline. Superman's status and Batman's origins both served as anchor points of the story with the middle being important things like Lois Lane as the Red Tornado. So far this series has managed to remain interesting and rather shokcing in terms of plot. The artwork has been excellent so far and I like that in a series. So count me in for volume 5.
November 15, 2025
Returns
Another great book in the Earth 2 series. The world of Earth 2 has just got darker and more dangerous.
Superman is back but not as a hero but a destroyer. Can the world of Earth 2 survive it ultimate hero as the ultimate villain. However he is not the only fallen hero to return changed and on top of that who is the new darker more brutal Batman. This Batman uses guns and foes not mind using deadly force.
With everything Earth 2 has gone through this might be it actually darkest time, but there might be a light at the or a greater darkness waiting. Everything is in place for a showdown, and I don't thing the returns are finished. The book finishes with a variant cover gallery and a sketchbook.
Another great book in the Earth 2 series. The world of Earth 2 has just got darker and more dangerous.
Superman is back but not as a hero but a destroyer. Can the world of Earth 2 survive it ultimate hero as the ultimate villain. However he is not the only fallen hero to return changed and on top of that who is the new darker more brutal Batman. This Batman uses guns and foes not mind using deadly force.
With everything Earth 2 has gone through this might be it actually darkest time, but there might be a light at the or a greater darkness waiting. Everything is in place for a showdown, and I don't thing the returns are finished. The book finishes with a variant cover gallery and a sketchbook.
May 13, 2020
The story improves dramatically with the new writer. Finally we get solid dialogue, an engaging plot, even if it stems from the setup in the previous volumes, and quality humor. I wish it could go on for longer.
Superman, corrupted by Darkseid, is tearing the remains of the World Army to pieces, then moving onto corrupting the world in Darkseid's name. The heroes are just as powerless against him. Someone donning Batman's suit is also around. He is working alone for the good guys and his plan may be the Earth's only hope.
Superman, corrupted by Darkseid, is tearing the remains of the World Army to pieces, then moving onto corrupting the world in Darkseid's name. The heroes are just as powerless against him. Someone donning Batman's suit is also around. He is working alone for the good guys and his plan may be the Earth's only hope.
September 10, 2020
Thank heavens for the GR community encouraging readers to stick with this series, I'm definitely into what's going on here and can't wait to tuck into Vol. 5!
July 10, 2022
Nobody writes a better villainous Superman than Tom Taylor!! Really liked this volume :)
June 19, 2021
I wasn’t crazy about Earth 2, Vol. 1: The Gathering so I bailed on the series, but I saw that Tom Taylor had taken it over so I went straight for that. This is essentially a variation on the theme of Injustice, with a Darkseid-controlled Superman laying waste to the planet, which is right in Taylor’s wheelhouse. It’s saddled with baggage from the earlier books and it doesn’t flow quite as effortlessly, but even half-strength Taylor is better than most other writers.
May 10, 2017
With this volume the series takes a dark turn. The heroes of this world begin the last battle of the series of events that will end this nice alternate history of your favorite DC universe characters. Good and interesting read. Recommended
January 18, 2015
THE BEST ONE YET!!
September 22, 2018
This was a great book. The Earth 2 series continues to deliver an entertaining story.
If you're unfamiliar with the Earth 2 series, it begins here: Earth 2, Vol. 1: The Gathering. In a nutshell, Darkseid's forces from Apokolips have invaded Earth (an alternate universe version of Earth called "Earth 2"). In saving the world from Apokolips, the "Big Three" (Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman) gave their lives (this is not a spoiler since it happens at the very beginning of the Earth 2 storyline). In the wake of that, superheroes are thought to be extinct but new superheroes (called "Wonders") are gradually emerging.
What we end up with is a re-imagining of the Justice Society. Everything is familiar but different. For example, Green Lantern (Alan Scott) is here with his power ring, but instead of belonging to an interstellar police organization he is the Avatar of the Green (the Earth, Gaia, etc) and draws his powers from the Earth. Also, he's openly gay. And rich and successful. Atom (Al Pratt) is here but he is a government "super weapon". Red Tornado is here, but she (this time female) is a robot into which General Lane has put his daughter Lois Lane's consciousness. Jimmy Olsen is here but he is a genius computer hacker that calls himself "Accountable". Hourman's power makes an appearance as someone else's new superpower. Both versions of Mister Terrific are here (Michael Holt and Terry Sloan). Flash (Jay Garrick) is here but this time he's young (like an alternate version of Wally West). And so on. Familiar but different, and new.
Batman is the star of this book in my opinion. The original Batman (Bruce Wayne) died in the very first story, as mentioned, and now this one has appeared. He seems to have a lot of the same tricks that Batman does, but it's not Bruce Wayne. So who is he? What I love about this is that for once we, the readers, do not know a character's secret identity! It keeps us guessing, trying to figure out who the man in the cowl actually is. For me this was great fun because it puts the reader into the shoes of the in-universe characters (like Lois Lane or Vicki Vale) that are constantly guessing at someone's secret identity.
Spoiler free remark: when you find out who is under the cowl, it comes as quite an interesting revelation. One whole issue (Earth 2 Annual #2) is devoted to this backstory of the mystery Batman, and it is hands down the best issue of this collection and very probably the best issue of the Earth 2 story so far. To the very last panel, I loved that issue.
Besides Batman, there is a lot to enjoy here. Superman is back, but he is evil, having joined forces with Darkseid. If you want to see just what Superman can do if he were to turn bad, this is a good imagining of that, and it's downright terrifying (imagine: ripping up the Washington monument like uprooting a tree and using it as a massive lance to destroy the White House). But could it really be Kal-El that's wreaking so much destruction? He does seem to have all of Kal-El's memories and emotions (like love for Lois Lane), but could Kal-El really turn so evil? It keeps us guessing. A new Kryptonian is also introduced, this time a black one. His name is Val-Zod, and he may present the only hope Earth has against the evil Superman.
I really enjoyed this book, and indeed the entire Earth 2 series from New 52 has been excellent. I think it's a really fun and interesting re-imagining of the Justice Society that also incorporates a lot of underrepresented groups into the superhero pantheon.
If you're unfamiliar with the Earth 2 series, it begins here: Earth 2, Vol. 1: The Gathering. In a nutshell, Darkseid's forces from Apokolips have invaded Earth (an alternate universe version of Earth called "Earth 2"). In saving the world from Apokolips, the "Big Three" (Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman) gave their lives (this is not a spoiler since it happens at the very beginning of the Earth 2 storyline). In the wake of that, superheroes are thought to be extinct but new superheroes (called "Wonders") are gradually emerging.
What we end up with is a re-imagining of the Justice Society. Everything is familiar but different. For example, Green Lantern (Alan Scott) is here with his power ring, but instead of belonging to an interstellar police organization he is the Avatar of the Green (the Earth, Gaia, etc) and draws his powers from the Earth. Also, he's openly gay. And rich and successful. Atom (Al Pratt) is here but he is a government "super weapon". Red Tornado is here, but she (this time female) is a robot into which General Lane has put his daughter Lois Lane's consciousness. Jimmy Olsen is here but he is a genius computer hacker that calls himself "Accountable". Hourman's power makes an appearance as someone else's new superpower. Both versions of Mister Terrific are here (Michael Holt and Terry Sloan). Flash (Jay Garrick) is here but this time he's young (like an alternate version of Wally West). And so on. Familiar but different, and new.
Batman is the star of this book in my opinion. The original Batman (Bruce Wayne) died in the very first story, as mentioned, and now this one has appeared. He seems to have a lot of the same tricks that Batman does, but it's not Bruce Wayne. So who is he? What I love about this is that for once we, the readers, do not know a character's secret identity! It keeps us guessing, trying to figure out who the man in the cowl actually is. For me this was great fun because it puts the reader into the shoes of the in-universe characters (like Lois Lane or Vicki Vale) that are constantly guessing at someone's secret identity.
Spoiler free remark: when you find out who is under the cowl, it comes as quite an interesting revelation. One whole issue (Earth 2 Annual #2) is devoted to this backstory of the mystery Batman, and it is hands down the best issue of this collection and very probably the best issue of the Earth 2 story so far. To the very last panel, I loved that issue.
Besides Batman, there is a lot to enjoy here. Superman is back, but he is evil, having joined forces with Darkseid. If you want to see just what Superman can do if he were to turn bad, this is a good imagining of that, and it's downright terrifying (imagine: ripping up the Washington monument like uprooting a tree and using it as a massive lance to destroy the White House). But could it really be Kal-El that's wreaking so much destruction? He does seem to have all of Kal-El's memories and emotions (like love for Lois Lane), but could Kal-El really turn so evil? It keeps us guessing. A new Kryptonian is also introduced, this time a black one. His name is Val-Zod, and he may present the only hope Earth has against the evil Superman.
I really enjoyed this book, and indeed the entire Earth 2 series from New 52 has been excellent. I think it's a really fun and interesting re-imagining of the Justice Society that also incorporates a lot of underrepresented groups into the superhero pantheon.
July 14, 2017
5 stars
Very good comic book. Nice to find out the identity of the new Batman. RIP Green Lantern. Hope the heroes will be able to save Superman.
Can't wait to read Earth 2, vol 5: The Kryptonian!!!
Very good comic book. Nice to find out the identity of the new Batman. RIP Green Lantern. Hope the heroes will be able to save Superman.
Can't wait to read Earth 2, vol 5: The Kryptonian!!!
June 7, 2015
Oh my gosh, this book! Any time that I'm enjoying a series, I get nervous that it will eventually go downhill, and thank goodness that is not the case here. There was a pretty significant reveal at the end of Volume 3 and this manages to keep that momentum running. It's great that this is a big event and it isn't just being rushed through or glossed over in a single issue. This is a team book and Tom Taylor does an excellent job of balancing each character and storyline to give them ample attention. And the cast keeps growing! Every new character is incredibly fresh and exciting. Even though the changes from the main Earth versions aren't that drastic sometimes, it is really interesting to see them introduced.
The story is great. It moves at an excellent pace. I blazed through this whole volume in one sitting. It's also got an Annual issue which fits in pretty well to give the backstory of Earth 2's current Batman. While I'm not really a fan of Batman in general, especially this one and its horrible design, it was still an interesting read. Taylor also manages to make an evil Superman story remain interesting. For now he's been left on the periphery as just an evil villain. The mystery of what happened is really exciting to wait for the reveal.
The art is solid, too. It's all crisp and detailed. The designs are excellent (except Batman). This whole thing is just a joy to read and such a wild ride. Get on board while the getting is good!
The story is great. It moves at an excellent pace. I blazed through this whole volume in one sitting. It's also got an Annual issue which fits in pretty well to give the backstory of Earth 2's current Batman. While I'm not really a fan of Batman in general, especially this one and its horrible design, it was still an interesting read. Taylor also manages to make an evil Superman story remain interesting. For now he's been left on the periphery as just an evil villain. The mystery of what happened is really exciting to wait for the reveal.
The art is solid, too. It's all crisp and detailed. The designs are excellent (except Batman). This whole thing is just a joy to read and such a wild ride. Get on board while the getting is good!
October 14, 2014
Showing you cannot discount all the New 52 titles comes this, which proves that a fourth collection can convey enough of what has gone before to be pretty much fully comprehended by newcomers, engage with enough drama and momentum, and leave you eager to both read on and backwards to see what you've missed. Although there are just four monthly episodes here, and a great Annual contribution to fill missing pieces in, the book is well worthwhile – characters are definitely not what they routinely are, and the battles between them are suitably different and geared in different directions. All the same this is definitely a DC title. There is room for improvement – if the double-page spreads were allowed to breathe as fully as they should, if the artwork was more consistent throughout all the issues, and if the timeline in the Annual story didn't have to retcon so much comic history I would be even more in favour of this title. But with so many instances of naffness from the New 52 this comes as proof of what it could and should have done across the board. Energetic and worth enthusing about – and with a great line about dubstep – this is well worth considering.
March 13, 2015
Well, when a story isn't required to mesh up with all the other books, they can really go all out. Earth 2 is a war book, with a Darkseid-controlled Superman wreaking havoc. Most of the book plays out in small pockets of resistance that are trying to connect and see if they even have an opportunity to fight back, between rounds of Superman utterly destroying those who try. This is one of the more brutal books I've seen in the New 52, and it works because of that. There's a moment with the mysterious new Batman dealing with cryogenically frozen prisoners that is perfect in setting the character's tone and differentiating it. The book does spend a bit too long retelling the new Batman's origins, but beyond that, this is one of the more impressive outings for the New 52; a powerful story, interesting spins on familiar characters (since it is Earth 2, so people are different; this world's Jimmy Olsen is particularly fun to read), and stakes that actually feel high.
December 13, 2015
Suspenseful and tense; mysterious and intriguing, this volume is a complete turnaround from the preceding volume of Earth 2. With a rapid pace that doesn't let up and a full-on Elseworlds cast of characters, this story somehow salvages the horrible missteps of volume three which was a jumbled mess of plot threads that never got sewn together. Told through a perfect marriage of script and illustration, this volume is filled with some great artwork that works as a cohesive storyboard, but also it has some very beautifully composed individual panels. Yet it is the writing that shines the most in this volume.... I'm not sure what the word is that describes the opposite of ham-fisted, but Earth 2: vol 4 is definitely an example of comicbook writing that is not ham-fisted.
One of the best collected volumes in the New 52
4.5/5
One of the best collected volumes in the New 52
4.5/5
August 13, 2015
This is certainly an abrupt right-hand turn for Earth 2. It goes from being about the formation of an alternate JSA with some focus on apocalyptic superwar to a full-on superhero apocalypse ... which is perhaps not a surprise given the new author. I'm a bit sad to see more attention give to more classic heroes like Superman, Batman, and even Red Tornado, but at least we retain an Earth-2 spin by having them be the older first generation of heroes.
Despite the changes, this continues to be an interesting comic, doing the things that DC wouldn't be willing to in its main continuity. I especially loved the Annual that finishes off this volume by revealing the backstory of the new Batman.
Despite the changes, this continues to be an interesting comic, doing the things that DC wouldn't be willing to in its main continuity. I especially loved the Annual that finishes off this volume by revealing the backstory of the new Batman.
January 4, 2015
This series has been a consistently good for DC comics. I mean James Robinson was definitely having fun playing with this universe but Tom Taylor is taking this ball and running it extremely well. The artwork has been great as well. This series just feels like what the New 52 should be. This volume has some truly wonderful surprises. I mean Lois Lane is Red Tornado, Thomas Wayne is Batman, and we get what is sure to be a standout for this series, Val the new krytonian. There is not much more to say about this series. It is a must read for all comic book fans.
May 15, 2015
A title back on the upward slope? I didn't have much confidence in this Volume of Earth 2 going in, but I am pleasantly surprised. The story was direct and had a great flow. The art was also good and they did well with the flaming and destroyed environments.
An Earth 2 Batman origin story, all out attack from Superman, and a "shot" echoing in the minds of all Batfans combine to make this a good entry in the series. I will continue on.
Recommend.
An Earth 2 Batman origin story, all out attack from Superman, and a "shot" echoing in the minds of all Batfans combine to make this a good entry in the series. I will continue on.
Recommend.
July 30, 2023
Holy cow did this series take a turn for the so much better, not totally surprising since Tom Taylor took over. The Queen of the Sea was fantastic, Batman's backstory has me hooked, Jimmy is adorable, and I can't wait for more of Val.
September 16, 2015
Evil Superman. Meh.
April 12, 2015
THIS BOOK Y'ALL. This series. It is amazing. Such clever twists on the characters we know, allowing for genuine surprise and tension. So good.
April 12, 2018
Reprints Earth 2 #17-20 and Annual #2 (January 2014-April 2014). Superman has returned to Earth…but it isn’t the Superman that everyone knew and loved. This Superman is an agent of Darkseid and threatens to tear the Earth apart. With Lois Lane finding herself implanted in a robot called Red Tornado, and Mr. Miracle and the other heroes of the world crushed Superman’s invasion force could mean the end…but a hidden secret uncovered by Batman could change the tide of battle and the Earth forever!
Written by Tom Taylor, Earth 2 Volume 4: The Dark Age is part of the New 52 relaunch of the DC Universe. Following Earth 2 Volume 3: Battle Cry, the collection features art by Nicola Scott, Robson Rocha, and Barry Kitson. The collection features the four part “The Dark Age” storyline and the Batman origin Earth 2 Annual #2.
Earth 2 is a fun and different side to the DC’s New 52 series. It is a dark look at the DCU through the eyes of a JSA stand-in group. Since it isn’t Earth, Earth 2 is allowed to be darker and grittier…and you never know what is going to happen.
The collection is rather short and the storytelling is fast and furious. Honestly, a lot happens in the volume, and it happens over a short period of time. Superman begin attacking the Earth, Lois Lane becomes Red Tornado, and Batman unearths another Kryptonian on Earth. The collection is mixed with deaths, potential deaths, and a shocking moment where Batman does what realistically should have been done to the Joker multiple times. Earth 2 almost falls into an Elseworlds or What If? style comic book.
The collection also contains the Batman origin issue that features a tie-in ending to bring it into the fold of the collection. It tells how Thomas Wayne became Batman, how he is able to keep fighting at his age, and what drives him. The character (though unrealistically young despite the Miraclo) is interesting and worth exploring.
Earth 2 continues to be an entertaining ride in this volume though the short collection really doesn’t have a resolution and instead just feels like build up for the next volume. With no boundaries for where the story can go, Earth 2 continues to surprise and evolve while being rather harmless to “real” DC continuity since it can always be written off as an alternate Earth. The fact that the series continues and isn’t a limited series really allows for exploration of what would occur if an Elseworlds story kept going and going. Earth 2 4: The Dark Age is followed by Earth 2 5: The Kryptonian.
Written by Tom Taylor, Earth 2 Volume 4: The Dark Age is part of the New 52 relaunch of the DC Universe. Following Earth 2 Volume 3: Battle Cry, the collection features art by Nicola Scott, Robson Rocha, and Barry Kitson. The collection features the four part “The Dark Age” storyline and the Batman origin Earth 2 Annual #2.
Earth 2 is a fun and different side to the DC’s New 52 series. It is a dark look at the DCU through the eyes of a JSA stand-in group. Since it isn’t Earth, Earth 2 is allowed to be darker and grittier…and you never know what is going to happen.
The collection is rather short and the storytelling is fast and furious. Honestly, a lot happens in the volume, and it happens over a short period of time. Superman begin attacking the Earth, Lois Lane becomes Red Tornado, and Batman unearths another Kryptonian on Earth. The collection is mixed with deaths, potential deaths, and a shocking moment where Batman does what realistically should have been done to the Joker multiple times. Earth 2 almost falls into an Elseworlds or What If? style comic book.
The collection also contains the Batman origin issue that features a tie-in ending to bring it into the fold of the collection. It tells how Thomas Wayne became Batman, how he is able to keep fighting at his age, and what drives him. The character (though unrealistically young despite the Miraclo) is interesting and worth exploring.
Earth 2 continues to be an entertaining ride in this volume though the short collection really doesn’t have a resolution and instead just feels like build up for the next volume. With no boundaries for where the story can go, Earth 2 continues to surprise and evolve while being rather harmless to “real” DC continuity since it can always be written off as an alternate Earth. The fact that the series continues and isn’t a limited series really allows for exploration of what would occur if an Elseworlds story kept going and going. Earth 2 4: The Dark Age is followed by Earth 2 5: The Kryptonian.
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