Earth 2: The Dark Age Review

Finished reading Earth 2: The Dark Age, this begins writer Tom Tayler's run on the series as the worlds heroes deal with the threat of the return of Superman while a new Batman begins to form his own team to combat the former hero. The book opens up with Superman's return to Earth as a villainous ally to the New God Darkseid, causing General Sam Lane to activate the Red Tornado android with the consciousness of his deceased daughter Lois Lane. While on the other sine of the building someone dressed as Batman makes his way through the buildings security to the holding facility where he is confronted by Major Sato and Red Tornado as he opens up the chambers of Jimmy Olsen and Aquawoman and finally the subbasement room of a young Kryptonian named Val. As Batman is building his own team outside the remaining heroes consisting of Dr Fate, The Flash and Red Arrow attempt to take on the villainous Superman while having little luck in the matter. The final story of the book features the origin of the worlds newest Batman, Thomas Wayne the father of the original as the book tells how Bruce, the original Batman found out how his father survived the shooting in Crime Alley and what lead to Thomas becoming Bruce's successor. Overall this was an amazing book as it introduces several new characters into the series whilst still allowing time for more established characters like Dr Fate and The Flash to still have their own moments within the book. The character interactions are brilliant as the scenes between Lois and her father as well as the scenes she shares with Val bring across some great emotional moments as the last moments Lois has with her father are expertly portrayed. While the interaction between Thomas and Bruce Wayne is very similar with how Thomas continues to live his life after seeing his son one more time is almost heartbreaking. Additionally the artwork is breathtaking especially with scenes like Aquawoman using the water in the clouds to drown a whole platoon of Parademans and the large shots showcasing the destructive forces of Superman's powers helps to display the near god like powers of each individual. 9/10.