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52
52, Vol. 2
After the INFINITE CRISIS, the DC Universe spent a year without Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman. A year in which those heroes were needed more than ever as the fate of the world hung in the balance.
The story of 52 continues in this incredible second volume as Booster Gold's dubious heroism comes under fire, Lex Luthor's scheme for giving ordinary citizens super-powers explodes, and The Question heads into hostile territory to confront Black Adam.
The series combines the brightest and best talents from the comic book writing field: Geoff Johns (INFINITE CRISIS), Grant Morrison (ALL STAR SUPERMAN), Greg Rucka (WONDER WOMAN) and Mark Waid (KINGDOM COME).
Collects 52 #14-26
The story of 52 continues in this incredible second volume as Booster Gold's dubious heroism comes under fire, Lex Luthor's scheme for giving ordinary citizens super-powers explodes, and The Question heads into hostile territory to confront Black Adam.
The series combines the brightest and best talents from the comic book writing field: Geoff Johns (INFINITE CRISIS), Grant Morrison (ALL STAR SUPERMAN), Greg Rucka (WONDER WOMAN) and Mark Waid (KINGDOM COME).
Collects 52 #14-26
297 pages, Paperback
First published August 7, 2007
23 people are currently reading
745 people want to read
About the author
Geoff Johns
2,716 books2,410 followersGeoff Johns originally hails from Detroit, Michigan. He attended Michigan State University, where he earned a degree in Media Arts and Film. He moved to Los Angeles in the late 1990s in search of work within the film industry. Through perseverance, Geoff ended up as the assistant to Richard Donner, working on Conspiracy Theory and Lethal Weapon 4. During that time, he also began his comics career writing Stars and S.T.R.I.P.E. and JSA (co-written with David S. Goyer) for DC Comics. He worked with Richard Donner for four years, leaving the company to pursue writing full-time.
His first comics assignments led to a critically acclaimed five-year run on the The Flash. Since then, he has quickly become one of the most popular and prolific comics writers today, working on such titles including a highly successful re-imagining of Green Lantern, Action Comics (co-written with Richard Donner), Teen Titans, Justice Society of America, Infinite Crisis and the experimental breakout hit series 52 for DC with Grant Morrison, Greg Rucka and Mark Waid. Geoff received the Wizard Fan Award for Breakout Talent of 2002 and Writer of the Year for 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 as well as the CBG Writer of the Year 2003 thru 2005, 2007 and CBG Best Comic Book Series for JSA 2001 thru 2005. Geoff also developed BLADE: THE SERIES with David S. Goyer, as well as penned the acclaimed “Legion” episode of SMALLVILLE. He also served as staff writer for the fourth season of ROBOT CHICKEN.
Geoff recently became a New York Times Bestselling author with the graphic novel Superman: Brainiac with art by Gary Frank.
His first comics assignments led to a critically acclaimed five-year run on the The Flash. Since then, he has quickly become one of the most popular and prolific comics writers today, working on such titles including a highly successful re-imagining of Green Lantern, Action Comics (co-written with Richard Donner), Teen Titans, Justice Society of America, Infinite Crisis and the experimental breakout hit series 52 for DC with Grant Morrison, Greg Rucka and Mark Waid. Geoff received the Wizard Fan Award for Breakout Talent of 2002 and Writer of the Year for 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 as well as the CBG Writer of the Year 2003 thru 2005, 2007 and CBG Best Comic Book Series for JSA 2001 thru 2005. Geoff also developed BLADE: THE SERIES with David S. Goyer, as well as penned the acclaimed “Legion” episode of SMALLVILLE. He also served as staff writer for the fourth season of ROBOT CHICKEN.
Geoff recently became a New York Times Bestselling author with the graphic novel Superman: Brainiac with art by Gary Frank.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
January 14, 2014
So, this is 52 Volume 2, or rather weeks 14 through 26.
Featured here is the wedding between Black Adam and the second Isis (Adrianna Tomaz). It’s a bittersweet moment because it shows just how close Adam comes to some form of redemption before, what Greg Rucka refers to as, The Khandaq Mistake. But we’ll come to that.
The main featuring roles / arcs, with the likes of Ralph Dibny, Booster Gold and Steel (and more) continue here, but there are some additional characters that put in an appearance, such as Lobo who features in the Animal Man, Adam Strange and Starfire sequence. The Booster Gold / Supernova sequence is a personal favourite – I especially enjoyed the bit where a certain reporter jumps out of the Daily Planet’s window in order to be rescued by Supernova and secure an exclusive interview. (edit - this particular scene occurs in Volume 1 and not in Volume 2 - apologies) Sound familiar? And just who is Supernova? I happen to know, because this is a re-read, and yet it’s as exciting as ever.
52 is certainly edgier than some of the other DC stuff I’ve read. Some of it is quite dark, and emotion often runs high. Remember, this is the aftermath of a sequence of events where a number of DC characters were killed off. In fact, a number of characters are still unaccounted for, and could well be unconfirmed casualties. As it is, there is a lot the DC community is coming to terms with in 52.
This volume also serves as a reminder that Animal Man is one hell of an underrated character!
Like I mentioned in my review of Volume 1, the story can get pretty “busy”. There is a lot going on at any given time. The whole 52 saga encompasses a year’s worth of weekly comics (or 52 issues to be exact) over four volumes. However, the authors manage to keep everything fairly tidy, which is a commendable feat.
The storyline dealing with the island of mad scientists can potentially be a bit silly. Although I’ve read all of this before I can’t seem to remember where this particular bit is headed. No doubt I’ll kick myself somewhere in Volume 3 or 4 when I’m reminded.
Next: 52, Vol. 3
August 6, 2013
THE SERIES
This tale follows a “missing year” in the DC Universe after the groundbreaking “Infinite Crisis” story (see my review for that one) which was one of the bestselling graphic novels for the 2006 year. Note that "Final Crisis" follows after this and was published in 2009.
52 asks the questions who takes the role of the most popular superheroes (Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman) when they step down from their roles? There are a list of vying superheroes trying to make a name for themselves but everybody especially feels the lack of Superman in Metropolis. Meanwhile, it should be no surprise that the aftershocks of Final Crisis are far from resolved. Expect old and new villains, as well as some villains who have not been seen in some time.
Each chapter has a page of commentary from the writers and artists as well as a page or half page of script. The back has various art covers.
The writing team has to produce 52 issues in 52 weeks! That must have been intense. That writing team was: Greg Rucka, Mark Waid, Keith Giffen, Grant Morrison and Geoff Johns. Artwork and such by (listing only some of them): Joe Bennett, Chris Batista and Ruy Jose.
Note that this series comes in four volumes.
VOLUME TWO
In this volume the Metal Men is introduced more, a mad scientist escapes and Detective Montoya and her new partner visit the realm of Black Adam. Booster Gold saves Metropolis and finally gets some credit ironically and Black Adam marries his new Isis with attendance by the Marvel Family.
Luthor's superhero group start to make a small name for themselves which includes John Henry's niece but the remaining Teen Titans are not impressed. Those boring three people we met in space in the last volume meet the “evil” Lobo and have to make an alliance. Ralph Dibny continues his quest for information (we even get to meet the Detective Chimp yet again).
Black Adam helps Isis find her brother and he is granted some Shazam powers which gives Black Adam an actual family. The Martian Manhunter appears as a high powered human to gather disturbing information. Felix Faust is introduced.
Doctor Sivana and his mad scientists continue to “nerd out” while Sivana's wife invites the Black Adam Family to dinner and then asks them to find her mad scientist hubby.
ARTWORK PRESENTATION: B to B plus; STORY/PLOTTING: B; CHARACTERS/DIALOGUE: B; DC MYTHOLOGY: B plus; ACTION SCENES: B to B plus; OVERALL GRADE: B to B plus; WHEN READ: mid October 2012.
This tale follows a “missing year” in the DC Universe after the groundbreaking “Infinite Crisis” story (see my review for that one) which was one of the bestselling graphic novels for the 2006 year. Note that "Final Crisis" follows after this and was published in 2009.
52 asks the questions who takes the role of the most popular superheroes (Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman) when they step down from their roles? There are a list of vying superheroes trying to make a name for themselves but everybody especially feels the lack of Superman in Metropolis. Meanwhile, it should be no surprise that the aftershocks of Final Crisis are far from resolved. Expect old and new villains, as well as some villains who have not been seen in some time.
Each chapter has a page of commentary from the writers and artists as well as a page or half page of script. The back has various art covers.
The writing team has to produce 52 issues in 52 weeks! That must have been intense. That writing team was: Greg Rucka, Mark Waid, Keith Giffen, Grant Morrison and Geoff Johns. Artwork and such by (listing only some of them): Joe Bennett, Chris Batista and Ruy Jose.
Note that this series comes in four volumes.
VOLUME TWO
In this volume the Metal Men is introduced more, a mad scientist escapes and Detective Montoya and her new partner visit the realm of Black Adam. Booster Gold saves Metropolis and finally gets some credit ironically and Black Adam marries his new Isis with attendance by the Marvel Family.
Luthor's superhero group start to make a small name for themselves which includes John Henry's niece but the remaining Teen Titans are not impressed. Those boring three people we met in space in the last volume meet the “evil” Lobo and have to make an alliance. Ralph Dibny continues his quest for information (we even get to meet the Detective Chimp yet again).
Black Adam helps Isis find her brother and he is granted some Shazam powers which gives Black Adam an actual family. The Martian Manhunter appears as a high powered human to gather disturbing information. Felix Faust is introduced.
Doctor Sivana and his mad scientists continue to “nerd out” while Sivana's wife invites the Black Adam Family to dinner and then asks them to find her mad scientist hubby.
ARTWORK PRESENTATION: B to B plus; STORY/PLOTTING: B; CHARACTERS/DIALOGUE: B; DC MYTHOLOGY: B plus; ACTION SCENES: B to B plus; OVERALL GRADE: B to B plus; WHEN READ: mid October 2012.
January 5, 2012
In volume 2, the various storylines are really starting to kick into gear. By the end of the collection, I'm starting to get a sense that this isn't going to end very well for pretty much everybody. Of course, that just makes me want to read more, since I'm only halfway through. But it's a marathon, not a sprint.
I love that this book is making me care about characters that I really didn't know much about before. If you'd asked me a month ago what I thought of Black Adam, I would have asked you who Black Adam was. But I'm getting really invested in his storyline, especially when it comes to Isis. I've always loved Renee Montoya, and it's good to see her take such a prominent role here. Thanks, Rucka! On the flipside, if Lobo would just get written out of this series, I think everybody would be happier for it.
Continued good work, and a growing sense that things are about to implode? Glad I have volume 3 in hand already.
I love that this book is making me care about characters that I really didn't know much about before. If you'd asked me a month ago what I thought of Black Adam, I would have asked you who Black Adam was. But I'm getting really invested in his storyline, especially when it comes to Isis. I've always loved Renee Montoya, and it's good to see her take such a prominent role here. Thanks, Rucka! On the flipside, if Lobo would just get written out of this series, I think everybody would be happier for it.
Continued good work, and a growing sense that things are about to implode? Glad I have volume 3 in hand already.
July 22, 2023
There's a lot, and I mean A LOT of moving pieces here.
There's the bringing back the dead with Cassie for Superboy, There's Lex being his normal piece of shit self, there's Irons trying to save his niece, there's Booster Gold going in for the fame once more, there's a new superman like hero, there's Black Adam Dealing with his country issues and finding love and a family, there's Question and Renee there with Black Adam helping him and... alot more.
And it's all just decent with the exception of the Black Adam stuff with Question and Renee. That's actually pretty interested. But the Lobo stuff? Boring. The Lex thing seems stretched out already. Booster Gold storyline seems...wacky?
I dunno, this series isn't bad, but not doing much for me. 2.5 out of 5.
There's the bringing back the dead with Cassie for Superboy, There's Lex being his normal piece of shit self, there's Irons trying to save his niece, there's Booster Gold going in for the fame once more, there's a new superman like hero, there's Black Adam Dealing with his country issues and finding love and a family, there's Question and Renee there with Black Adam helping him and... alot more.
And it's all just decent with the exception of the Black Adam stuff with Question and Renee. That's actually pretty interested. But the Lobo stuff? Boring. The Lex thing seems stretched out already. Booster Gold storyline seems...wacky?
I dunno, this series isn't bad, but not doing much for me. 2.5 out of 5.
August 14, 2025
3.5 Stars
September 3, 2018
Still fun. Great story. I wish they will try and do this expirament again.
January 4, 2012
The books series continues it's greatness with this addition.
February 15, 2020
Muchos personaje y subtramas, pero la historia es súper entretenida y los escritos de los guionistas al final de cada número son un aporte importantísimo.
Guion: 7,5
Dibujo: 7
Guion: 7,5
Dibujo: 7
April 23, 2020
This is a great showcase of some of the lower tier and obscure characters in the DC universe. The sketches and notes are a great addition.
Read
April 4, 2021Just as good as the first volume. This one dials up the humor, what with Ambush Bug, Doctor Sivana’s bizarre family, the mad scientist island retreat, Lobo as a religious cult leader, and even some lines between the otherwise serious Charlie and Renee. Really entertaining stuff. The one plotline that I’m not excited about here is the Ralph Dibny/Doctor Fate magic journey. I like seeing the supernatural side of the DC universe, but something about this feels off. Maybe it’s Ralph’s desperate, reckless attitude?
Elsewhere, Luthor’s Everyman program gains steam, while Black Adam’s family grows larger. The Steel and Will Magnus storylines are starting to interest me more, too. Truly, 52 is a glorious DC smorgasbord. Oh, and the commentary after each issue is consistently great. It really gives a sense of how collaborative this ambitious project was.
Elsewhere, Luthor’s Everyman program gains steam, while Black Adam’s family grows larger. The Steel and Will Magnus storylines are starting to interest me more, too. Truly, 52 is a glorious DC smorgasbord. Oh, and the commentary after each issue is consistently great. It really gives a sense of how collaborative this ambitious project was.
August 23, 2019
2.5*
The first half was quite decent and then all the plotlines I've finally started to care about were randomly abandoned. Nevertheless, I'm still intrigued enough to give the next volume a try. Also, I wanna figure out what happens with the Wonder Girl/Supernova storyline.
The first half was quite decent and then all the plotlines I've finally started to care about were randomly abandoned. Nevertheless, I'm still intrigued enough to give the next volume a try. Also, I wanna figure out what happens with the Wonder Girl/Supernova storyline.
July 28, 2024
3.5/5
I feel sorta in the minority here based on the first reviews im looking at as I personally preferred the first volume to this. I still enjoyed this volume, but I feel the moving pieces happening here have gotten a bit more disjointed. Still, im curious to see where we go from here
I feel sorta in the minority here based on the first reviews im looking at as I personally preferred the first volume to this. I still enjoyed this volume, but I feel the moving pieces happening here have gotten a bit more disjointed. Still, im curious to see where we go from here
December 31, 2016
The biggest takeaway from reading this again ten years later is how many things I remember from it. Even still, I remember the identity of Supernova and what's going on with Ralph Dibney. And of course I remember where the Renee Montoya/Question storyline is going. None of these things were even spoiled in the commentary after every issue. They're just powerful moments that stick with me.
I think the biggest thing about this recognizing that by this point, the halfway mark, the wheels should be fully off the horse. None of this should be staying together like it is. And while it does have disparate threads the Steel storyline, the Animal Man/Starfire/Adam Strange's space opera trek storyline, and the Ralph Dibney stories don't really seem to be dovetailing nicely together, this book does have an extended run of weeks/chapters that directly cross over Renee/Question with The Black Adam storyline really nicely. Even the story of the mad scientists on Oolong Island is only connected by a thread to Intergang at this point.
This is weird. We expect all of these stories to coalesce, but if I remember right this series really doesn't come together like that. I mean, maybe it does. But all of these characters are going about their lives individually in a way that I find less than satisfying. Maybe it'll turn around. I've every expectation that it ends strong (because I remember it does), but that still doesn't change the fact that when I was reading this series week-to-week in issues, it was a book I was enjoying, but picking up more compulsively than "OH MAN WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN THIS WEEK".
That's a shame, because there are really great moments in this issue, the biggest of which is the "He knows" moment with Skeets, which is just delicious in every capacity. This series has a few of those moments, but they are few and far between, and certain moments (like when Natasha confronts Steel on Jack Ryder's TV show about why Lex Luthor's new metagene thing isn't so bad) are akin to moments that make me stop reading so I can turn to my girlfriend and say "I think I might be done with superhero comics after this." I always threaten it, but it's the moments that are too tied up in these moments where the writers try for deep philosophy and have not the time (nor, perhaps, the desire) to dig too deep into the thematics of something as big as "superheroism is big and dangerous and has a lot of nuance" with the sledgehammer of "you wouldn't sell a motorcycle to someone without a license".
This is a complex thought, and I feel like I'm still developing it, but you get the point.
I will finish this series. I'm very excited to do so. But it isn't the "man I love this and want to read more things like it" as much I thought I would be by this point.
I think the biggest thing about this recognizing that by this point, the halfway mark, the wheels should be fully off the horse. None of this should be staying together like it is. And while it does have disparate threads the Steel storyline, the Animal Man/Starfire/Adam Strange's space opera trek storyline, and the Ralph Dibney stories don't really seem to be dovetailing nicely together, this book does have an extended run of weeks/chapters that directly cross over Renee/Question with The Black Adam storyline really nicely. Even the story of the mad scientists on Oolong Island is only connected by a thread to Intergang at this point.
This is weird. We expect all of these stories to coalesce, but if I remember right this series really doesn't come together like that. I mean, maybe it does. But all of these characters are going about their lives individually in a way that I find less than satisfying. Maybe it'll turn around. I've every expectation that it ends strong (because I remember it does), but that still doesn't change the fact that when I was reading this series week-to-week in issues, it was a book I was enjoying, but picking up more compulsively than "OH MAN WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN THIS WEEK".
That's a shame, because there are really great moments in this issue, the biggest of which is the "He knows" moment with Skeets, which is just delicious in every capacity. This series has a few of those moments, but they are few and far between, and certain moments (like when Natasha confronts Steel on Jack Ryder's TV show about why Lex Luthor's new metagene thing isn't so bad) are akin to moments that make me stop reading so I can turn to my girlfriend and say "I think I might be done with superhero comics after this." I always threaten it, but it's the moments that are too tied up in these moments where the writers try for deep philosophy and have not the time (nor, perhaps, the desire) to dig too deep into the thematics of something as big as "superheroism is big and dangerous and has a lot of nuance" with the sledgehammer of "you wouldn't sell a motorcycle to someone without a license".
This is a complex thought, and I feel like I'm still developing it, but you get the point.
I will finish this series. I'm very excited to do so. But it isn't the "man I love this and want to read more things like it" as much I thought I would be by this point.
August 24, 2014
This series continues to be mind bogglingly good. Expanding yet again to form an incredibly interesting story.
With an intricate story like this, it would be easy to get lost if you started with this volume. Luckily for me I just re-read Infinite Crisis and 52 volume 1 so I came into this one understanding most of what's going on. Plots from the first instalment are progressing much more, as well as new adventures starting. I'm personally loving how Ralph Dibny's story fleshing out. I was so stoked to see Dr Fate being written into his story, with me being a big fan of the magical side of the DCU. It hasn't delved into what happened in the time after he broke down at the end of the previous book, but I'm hoping this will be revealed at some point. The Renee Montoya and Question plot is really starting to get exciting, I enjoyed their story crossing over with Black Adams. Speaking of my man Adam, he would have to be one of my new favourite characters. Damn you writers for making me fall in love with the bad guy/good guy. His character has had an exponential amount of development throughout the series. Knowing what happens in his future makes it even more heartbreaking to read. The Adam Strange, Animal Man and Starfire story is also starting to heat up something chronic. Introducing Lobo was a nice touch, especially cause he's not annoying in it, well not THAT annoying anyway. One other plot that is really catching my intrigue is the mystery of Supernova's identity. I'm anticipating a big reveal in the next volume.
I could go on and on and on about every plot line in this book, but that'd take way too long. Just believe me when I say it's incredible. I came into reading comics regularly with New 52, but after catching up on the last 10 years pre N52 I have to say I prefer the rich history in the old universe. Characters seem to have more depth to them, I now understand why so many people got so gutted when they introduced it. To accompany the great writing the art is once again on the money, delivering some amazing spreads through the volume.
Lucky for me I just received volume 3 in the mail so I can get straight into that. I've said it a million times already, but this series is too good to pass up.
With an intricate story like this, it would be easy to get lost if you started with this volume. Luckily for me I just re-read Infinite Crisis and 52 volume 1 so I came into this one understanding most of what's going on. Plots from the first instalment are progressing much more, as well as new adventures starting. I'm personally loving how Ralph Dibny's story fleshing out. I was so stoked to see Dr Fate being written into his story, with me being a big fan of the magical side of the DCU. It hasn't delved into what happened in the time after he broke down at the end of the previous book, but I'm hoping this will be revealed at some point. The Renee Montoya and Question plot is really starting to get exciting, I enjoyed their story crossing over with Black Adams. Speaking of my man Adam, he would have to be one of my new favourite characters. Damn you writers for making me fall in love with the bad guy/good guy. His character has had an exponential amount of development throughout the series. Knowing what happens in his future makes it even more heartbreaking to read. The Adam Strange, Animal Man and Starfire story is also starting to heat up something chronic. Introducing Lobo was a nice touch, especially cause he's not annoying in it, well not THAT annoying anyway. One other plot that is really catching my intrigue is the mystery of Supernova's identity. I'm anticipating a big reveal in the next volume.
I could go on and on and on about every plot line in this book, but that'd take way too long. Just believe me when I say it's incredible. I came into reading comics regularly with New 52, but after catching up on the last 10 years pre N52 I have to say I prefer the rich history in the old universe. Characters seem to have more depth to them, I now understand why so many people got so gutted when they introduced it. To accompany the great writing the art is once again on the money, delivering some amazing spreads through the volume.
Lucky for me I just received volume 3 in the mail so I can get straight into that. I've said it a million times already, but this series is too good to pass up.
October 29, 2018
52 keeps chugging along with volume 2. The writers do an amazing job fleshing out the characters and the multiple plots that are running at the same time. I really enjoy Black Adam and can’t wait to see where his relationship with Isis goes. I’m really glad they brought in Lobo, a personal favorite, as part of the lost in space cast. Half-way through and I can’t wait to see how everything concludes.
December 26, 2007
Much better than Volume 1 since the writers are hitting their stride as a group more, are able to do less exposition and more action, and do less with their leftist political agenda. Anyone who loves the old DC, the modern DC, and/or the new DC will like this, as it interweaves so many primary, secondary, and tertiary characters into a story that hangs together very well. I really like Geoff Johns', Mark Waid's, and Keih GIffen's contribution. Grant Morrison in in love with his own weirdness and only works in this series because he has others to reign him in. Somehow Morrison equates weird with good. Thankfully, the other writers harness his weirdness and make it readable and entertaining. Greg Rucka is a leftist, over-rated hack. One of the best things about the TP versions of this series is the commentary on each issue that appears after each issue in the collection. It really reveals the modern comic book super hero writing process. It also shows how pretentious Ruck really is. He explains all the character motiviations he tried to infuse into his portions, and without his explanation, very little of what he says he was expressing comes through in the actual comic book. He needs an editor with a strong hand, and I think even that would not help because he would probably not listen, and if he did, it would still not help with Rucka's limited creativity and originality. Rucka is writing barely serviceable super hero stories, but thinks he is J.D. Salinger. Eek. Anyway, as much as I slam the book, I love it, despite the Rucka/Morrison pretention. Keith Giffen is guiding the 52 car down the road, clearly, I like where it is going. Except for all the lesbians.
February 21, 2010
DC's latest string of Crises events (Infinite, Countdown, and Final) have been pretty disappointing. I'm not sure how I missed out on 52 the first time around (I suspect that I was turned off by the prospect of buying 52 weekly issues), but I'm glad I came back for a second look.
What immediately appealed to me is that 52 focuses on smaller characters in the wake of Supes/Bats/WW's disappearance from the DC Universe. Characters like Booster Gold, Animal Man, and Ralph Dibney are some of my favorite DC personalities, so it was great to see them shine. I've also enjoyed meeting some new [to me at least...:] characters, namely Batwoman and Renee Montoya. It's a pretty fast paced book, and having so many alternate storylines all going at once makes for a pretty entertaining read.
Surprising as it may sound, although 52 is mired in the midst of DC crises, it feels pretty self-contained, like it's a world unto its own. I'm not sure how the book would read to someone totally unfamiliar with the DC pantheon, but I found it to be pretty accessible, even though I've long forgotten the outcomes of the past few DC Universe events. DC has made a lot of mistakes over the past few years, in my opinion, but they really got it right with 52.
What immediately appealed to me is that 52 focuses on smaller characters in the wake of Supes/Bats/WW's disappearance from the DC Universe. Characters like Booster Gold, Animal Man, and Ralph Dibney are some of my favorite DC personalities, so it was great to see them shine. I've also enjoyed meeting some new [to me at least...:] characters, namely Batwoman and Renee Montoya. It's a pretty fast paced book, and having so many alternate storylines all going at once makes for a pretty entertaining read.
Surprising as it may sound, although 52 is mired in the midst of DC crises, it feels pretty self-contained, like it's a world unto its own. I'm not sure how the book would read to someone totally unfamiliar with the DC pantheon, but I found it to be pretty accessible, even though I've long forgotten the outcomes of the past few DC Universe events. DC has made a lot of mistakes over the past few years, in my opinion, but they really got it right with 52.
July 11, 2013
The thing that really raises this book above mediocre, for me, is all the commentary that the editors and writers provide between each issue. The story seems too spread out to really keep me coming back for more week after week, had I been reading it as separate issues when it was first published. But the inside stories discussing all the in-jokes, foreshadowing, subtle references to 50s comics and so forth make me appreciate it all the more. In this volume, I continued to like the ongoing Ralph Dibny storyline (although it doesn't advance very much), as well as enjoying the reveal of Skeets' true nature (), the deep space travails of Animal Man (as always, I can take or leave Lobo), and the humorous side bits with Mad Science! (which is both a nod to 50s comics and an acknowledgment of "Girl Genius'" many awards). The rest I read with indifference. I'll likely keep going, but the plot of solving the ongoing mystery seems to have stalled in the span of issues covered by this book, which diminishes the narrative drive considerably.
June 17, 2011
This is still a pretty compelling read. I think the interwoven, few-pages-at-a-time stories format is definitely helping to keep me wanting more, but I also think it's a testament to stories with purpose/suspense/interest.
It takes some pretty weird twists in this volume, including the whole Lobo nuttiness. Then additional character depth creeps in, and a weird sense of foreboding is haunting me - like tragedy is coming for a number of characters and I can't stop it. Ugh.
My usual measure for how good a book is, is whether I *want* to keep reading it (not just feeling compelled to read it because I've "got to get through it"). On that basis this is a solid four stars - good storytelling, interesting characters, though not the best comic I've ever read.
It takes some pretty weird twists in this volume, including the whole Lobo nuttiness. Then additional character depth creeps in, and a weird sense of foreboding is haunting me - like tragedy is coming for a number of characters and I can't stop it. Ugh.
My usual measure for how good a book is, is whether I *want* to keep reading it (not just feeling compelled to read it because I've "got to get through it"). On that basis this is a solid four stars - good storytelling, interesting characters, though not the best comic I've ever read.
March 1, 2016
Note: I own and read the indvidual 32 page issues of this series, but GoodReads does not list those, therefore I leave my reviews on the trade-paperback volumes listed.
I really had little idea going into this series just how much there was to it. It really does invest the reader into an entire world.
All of the story lines do get a little jumbled at times, but I find it easy to find ones way back.
So far, a great story with wonderful art coupled with histories of many of the superheroes (and those not so... heroic). Its great to see these, even if I know most of them already, haha.
I really had little idea going into this series just how much there was to it. It really does invest the reader into an entire world.
All of the story lines do get a little jumbled at times, but I find it easy to find ones way back.
So far, a great story with wonderful art coupled with histories of many of the superheroes (and those not so... heroic). Its great to see these, even if I know most of them already, haha.
July 23, 2012
The good stories generally continue to be good, while the less interesting ones don't improve much. The space characters gain a bigger share of the plot, but they still don't seem particularly interesting. Also, some of the stories suffer from the real-time nature of the story, which leads to large time gaps in between events that don't always make sense.
September 16, 2015
I think 52 actually manages to improve in this second volume. Before the highlights were all about Renee and Charlie, but here several of the stories gel. The Supernova mystery is intriguing, the Oolan Island plot is wacky, and the Black Adam story goes in interesting directions. Even the space story has some highlights. The result is one of the best books in old DC Universe.
October 11, 2015
This is some of the best writing in DC recent history as the writers mesh well together ( we get crazy stuff from Morrison but it's mixed by more regular stuff from the others which is good, there is such a thing as too much Morrison). The art is slightly weaker than in the previous book but still very good for a weekly comic.
January 25, 2016
An incredible storyline that involves almost everyone in the DC universe. Fantastic writing and excellent art. Very recommended.
November 16, 2022
Reprints 52 #14-26 (August 9, 2006-November 1, 2006). Black Adam realizes he might have finally found happiness and his purpose in Isis. Animal Man, Adam Strange, and Starfire try to make their way back to Earth but run into a roadblock called Lobo. Doctor Magnus finds himself sucked into the strange scientific events occurring on Oolong Island. Lex Luthor has a new Infinity, Inc. team, but John Henry worries that Lex’s control over the team could be dangerous…especially since his niece Natasha is a member. The Question and Montoya try to keep one step ahead of Intergang as their plans unfold. The disgraced Booster Gold might be forced to make the ultimate sacrifice while a strange new hero named Supernova patrols the city.
Written by Geoff Johns, Grant Morrison, Greg Rucka, and Mark Waid, 52—Volume 2 is a DC Comics superhero comic book collection. Following 52—Volume 1, the trade paperback features art by Eddy Barrows, Chris Batista, Joe Bennett, Dale Eaglesham, Phil Jimenez, Drew Johnson, Shown Moll, and Patrick Olliffe. Not included in the collection of the weekly series are the backup origin stories, and issues in this collection were also included in the larger 52—Volume 1 collection.
52 was an interesting experiment. The weekly series brought together a great team of artists and a great team of writers. The format was different and the story was kind of important…I like what it tried, but I didn’t like what it led to.
The story has a lot of threads which is necessary for a series like this. Essentially, it amplifies the soap opera aspect of comics by having a bunch of little events occur each week to a bigger pictures. It is written in a way that if you happen to miss a week, you generally won’t be lost, but it encourages readers to keep reading weekly…which is really smart in the bigger comic book picture.
The problem is the same problem that soap operas have. You have multiple characters and not all the storylines are as interesting…and that isn’t necessarily the writer’s fault. If you are a big Booster Gold fan, you might not care about Steel. If you are an Animal Man fan, the Black Adam storyline might be skippable. The series does a good job finding a balance and at least crossing over at the right times.
What is interesting about the collections (and the series in general) is that artists and creators are pretty open about it. The idea of a creative process involving so many creators makes your mind kind of questions who is really in charge of the product. After each issue, there is generally a little “here’s how this issue came to be” story by one of the creators…it is a nice insight to how the process work.
52 is an ambitious project. The creators can’t get behind or it becomes a book that is pointless…it is meant to be read in “real time” and it needs to keep the reader going. 52 works in this sense…but it also created a precedent that DC couldn’t live up to. Other series like Batman Eternal (and Batman and Robin Eternal), Brightest Day, and Countdown tried to match 52, and floundered…which was a waste of talent and writers. 52—Volume 2 was followed by 52—Volume 3.
Written by Geoff Johns, Grant Morrison, Greg Rucka, and Mark Waid, 52—Volume 2 is a DC Comics superhero comic book collection. Following 52—Volume 1, the trade paperback features art by Eddy Barrows, Chris Batista, Joe Bennett, Dale Eaglesham, Phil Jimenez, Drew Johnson, Shown Moll, and Patrick Olliffe. Not included in the collection of the weekly series are the backup origin stories, and issues in this collection were also included in the larger 52—Volume 1 collection.
52 was an interesting experiment. The weekly series brought together a great team of artists and a great team of writers. The format was different and the story was kind of important…I like what it tried, but I didn’t like what it led to.
The story has a lot of threads which is necessary for a series like this. Essentially, it amplifies the soap opera aspect of comics by having a bunch of little events occur each week to a bigger pictures. It is written in a way that if you happen to miss a week, you generally won’t be lost, but it encourages readers to keep reading weekly…which is really smart in the bigger comic book picture.
The problem is the same problem that soap operas have. You have multiple characters and not all the storylines are as interesting…and that isn’t necessarily the writer’s fault. If you are a big Booster Gold fan, you might not care about Steel. If you are an Animal Man fan, the Black Adam storyline might be skippable. The series does a good job finding a balance and at least crossing over at the right times.
What is interesting about the collections (and the series in general) is that artists and creators are pretty open about it. The idea of a creative process involving so many creators makes your mind kind of questions who is really in charge of the product. After each issue, there is generally a little “here’s how this issue came to be” story by one of the creators…it is a nice insight to how the process work.
52 is an ambitious project. The creators can’t get behind or it becomes a book that is pointless…it is meant to be read in “real time” and it needs to keep the reader going. 52 works in this sense…but it also created a precedent that DC couldn’t live up to. Other series like Batman Eternal (and Batman and Robin Eternal), Brightest Day, and Countdown tried to match 52, and floundered…which was a waste of talent and writers. 52—Volume 2 was followed by 52—Volume 3.
February 4, 2018
(This review applies to each of the four volumes of the series)
This, for me, was the best crossover DC series I've ever read, and just about perfect. I devoured it in four huge chunks – it's a lot of comic – and was delighted with it all.
We follow the DC world over the course of a year after a massive battle. The Big Three (Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman) are in various forms of awol, and the story has several interleaving arcs, involving characters who are either stepping into the vacuum left by them, taking advantage of their absence, or trying to deal with the fallout. While some of them are immensely powerful, the heart of the story lies with the human or limited-power characters and their own personal dramas, some of which are tragic, some uplifting. New heroes are created, and some are destroyed.
I was completely gripped with each of the stories – they're all important, and they're all done properly. So often the DC crossovers feel like they have random arcs for no reason other than to make sure everyone gets their moment in the spotlight. Here, everything worked together to form one, coherent story – and what a story it is. I was dragged in from the start, and at the end I felt that everything, even some of the terrible things, were *right*.
The four writers have worked fantastically well here. Individual writers took on particular segments, with contribution from the group, but I felt it was seamless. I love Grant Morrison, but sometimes feel he can't stick to just one idea, or even twenty. Here, he was providing some genius concepts and flashes, but the others were making sure it had time to play out, and the fusion was excellent.
The artwork is of a high standard throughout, the script is excellent (there are so many sneaky jokes, I loved it) and the thought that this was achieved at a rate of an episode per week is breathtaking.
(Incidentally, the version I read had comments from one of the writers or illustrators at the end of each episode, and they were fascinating insights into the process.)
This, for me, was the best crossover DC series I've ever read, and just about perfect. I devoured it in four huge chunks – it's a lot of comic – and was delighted with it all.
We follow the DC world over the course of a year after a massive battle. The Big Three (Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman) are in various forms of awol, and the story has several interleaving arcs, involving characters who are either stepping into the vacuum left by them, taking advantage of their absence, or trying to deal with the fallout. While some of them are immensely powerful, the heart of the story lies with the human or limited-power characters and their own personal dramas, some of which are tragic, some uplifting. New heroes are created, and some are destroyed.
I was completely gripped with each of the stories – they're all important, and they're all done properly. So often the DC crossovers feel like they have random arcs for no reason other than to make sure everyone gets their moment in the spotlight. Here, everything worked together to form one, coherent story – and what a story it is. I was dragged in from the start, and at the end I felt that everything, even some of the terrible things, were *right*.
The four writers have worked fantastically well here. Individual writers took on particular segments, with contribution from the group, but I felt it was seamless. I love Grant Morrison, but sometimes feel he can't stick to just one idea, or even twenty. Here, he was providing some genius concepts and flashes, but the others were making sure it had time to play out, and the fusion was excellent.
The artwork is of a high standard throughout, the script is excellent (there are so many sneaky jokes, I loved it) and the thought that this was achieved at a rate of an episode per week is breathtaking.
(Incidentally, the version I read had comments from one of the writers or illustrators at the end of each episode, and they were fascinating insights into the process.)
April 16, 2022
I continue to be surprised by how much I'm enjoying this dense, continuity-packed bit of popcorn reading from DC. I shouldn't be. Geoff Johns, Grant Morrison, Greg Rucka, and Mark Waid are some of the best early 21st century comic writers. But the way all these stories do or don't intersect is fascinating. There are so many ways this series should be going wrong, but according to the betweenmatter, everytime one of the writers hit a roadblock with their chunk of the story, another of the writers would give them a swerve idea that completely changed the narrative. So far, it seems to have worked for the better every time.
Personally, I'm enjoying the Booster Gold saga the most, with the Question/Montoya/Marvel Family story as a close second, and the Dibney mystery a close third. The Steel/Luthor/Inifnity Inc story should be the best, and may get there, but didn't feel as vital in this volume as it did in volume one. The Animal Man/Starfire/Adam Strange storyline wasn't my favorite to begin with and adding Pope Lobo and a space dolphin was too Seaguy for me, and didn't help things. Still, I'm very much onboard for the next volume.
Personally, I'm enjoying the Booster Gold saga the most, with the Question/Montoya/Marvel Family story as a close second, and the Dibney mystery a close third. The Steel/Luthor/Inifnity Inc story should be the best, and may get there, but didn't feel as vital in this volume as it did in volume one. The Animal Man/Starfire/Adam Strange storyline wasn't my favorite to begin with and adding Pope Lobo and a space dolphin was too Seaguy for me, and didn't help things. Still, I'm very much onboard for the next volume.
February 7, 2021
Esse série é considerada um dos melhores quadrinhos da DC Comics, e antes de ler isso, eu estava com uma expectativa muito alta. E infelizmente foi uma decepção.
Resumidamente, 52 conta a história do que aconteceu aconteceu com o universo DC durante um ano após os eventos da Crise Infinita. São um total de 52 capítulos e cada capítulo se passa em uma semana e este volume compila o capítulo 14 ao 23.
Neste volume 2 continuo com a mesma impressão do primeiro volume. Os maiores protagonistas que aparecem não me interessam, como Black Adam, Booster Gold e alguns outros. Outras histórias com protagonistas maiores conseguem mais a minha atenção, como no arco de Renee Montoya e Question e no arco do Animal Man, Starfire e Adam Strange, mesmo gostando apenas do Animal Man. A história também conta o que anda acontecendo com outros personagens, porém é muito breve e acaba não me prendendo tanto. Quando personagens que não interessam as pessoas aparecem em eventos grandes da DC geralmente a maioria não liga, porque a maioria das vezes os eventos possuem menos de 10 capítulos, mas aqui são 52 capítulos, e isso pesa bastante.
Vamos ver o que vem a seguir no Volume 3...
Resumidamente, 52 conta a história do que aconteceu aconteceu com o universo DC durante um ano após os eventos da Crise Infinita. São um total de 52 capítulos e cada capítulo se passa em uma semana e este volume compila o capítulo 14 ao 23.
Neste volume 2 continuo com a mesma impressão do primeiro volume. Os maiores protagonistas que aparecem não me interessam, como Black Adam, Booster Gold e alguns outros. Outras histórias com protagonistas maiores conseguem mais a minha atenção, como no arco de Renee Montoya e Question e no arco do Animal Man, Starfire e Adam Strange, mesmo gostando apenas do Animal Man. A história também conta o que anda acontecendo com outros personagens, porém é muito breve e acaba não me prendendo tanto. Quando personagens que não interessam as pessoas aparecem em eventos grandes da DC geralmente a maioria não liga, porque a maioria das vezes os eventos possuem menos de 10 capítulos, mas aqui são 52 capítulos, e isso pesa bastante.
Vamos ver o que vem a seguir no Volume 3...
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January 27, 2025I continue to enjoy this series! The multiple plots are starting to cross over and affect each other and I'm really liking how it happens. I do think my favorite is the Infinity Inc plot. because on the one hand John Henry Irons has a point that trusting powers from Lex Luthor is a terrible idea. But he repeatedly shoots himself in the foot, with the public, with his estranged niece, and honestly with me when he says time and again that not everyone gets to be a hero. Because not everyone is lucky enough to have Bruce Wayne's money, his engineering expertise, or fantastical powers. I wish the writers had a bit more nuance here honestly. Because it's just setting up a 'Lex Luthor is bad, everyone who trusted him is a chump, Steel was right all along' moral. And I think that's unfair, since we see a few times that people granted powers by Luthor's Everyman program are 100% willing and capable of being heroes once granted the opportunity. And Steel is mostly only correct in that getting powers from Lex Luthor is a bad idea, and he's otherwise in the wrong. But that's just my take on the situation and I am largely enjoying the series.
September 23, 2025
On prend ce qui était déjà très bon dans les premières issues et on continue, on continue et surtout, on en rajoute.
Oui les storylines déjà commencée évoluent, se croisent doucement pour certaines, mais d'autres viennent s'y ajouter, et on se retrouve assez vite avec un flow peut être un poil trop chargé.
Avec toute ces intrigues, il arrive qu'on attendent quand même très longtemps pour voir la suite de celle dont on a envie de suivre, même si dans l'ensemble tout reste majoritairement intéressant.
Par contre contrairement aux premières issues, ici on arrive quand même dans des développements où une connaissance un peu poussée de l'univers DC en devient presque requise afin de pouvoir saisir tout ce qui se déroule.
Je pense à Dibny et Fate, Loring et Le spectre par exmple, ou l'histoire avec Lobo et l'oeil d'émeraude.
Rien d'insurmontable, mais on sent qu'on arrive à la moitié du run, à voir si cela va continuer en s'intensifiant ou non.
Oui les storylines déjà commencée évoluent, se croisent doucement pour certaines, mais d'autres viennent s'y ajouter, et on se retrouve assez vite avec un flow peut être un poil trop chargé.
Avec toute ces intrigues, il arrive qu'on attendent quand même très longtemps pour voir la suite de celle dont on a envie de suivre, même si dans l'ensemble tout reste majoritairement intéressant.
Par contre contrairement aux premières issues, ici on arrive quand même dans des développements où une connaissance un peu poussée de l'univers DC en devient presque requise afin de pouvoir saisir tout ce qui se déroule.
Je pense à Dibny et Fate, Loring et Le spectre par exmple, ou l'histoire avec Lobo et l'oeil d'émeraude.
Rien d'insurmontable, mais on sent qu'on arrive à la moitié du run, à voir si cela va continuer en s'intensifiant ou non.
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