One Year Earlier, Part 7

Wow, it's been awhile since I've done one of these. And now I'm way behind! One Year Later is only days away. That means 52 will be hot on its heels! Must finish pseudo-retrospective before time runs out!

33. Monster Mash: Lex Luthor changes the face of humanity forever through a series of experments on Monster Island.

...

Huh?

Where the heck is Monster Island? Why haven't I heard about it before? Oh well. What this seems to indicate is that Lex Luthor is definitely being returned to his Pre-Crisis roots as a full on mad scientist. And surprisingly, I'm okay with that.

34. Family Drama: A rift forms between Steel and his niece when she makes a decision affectng the entire DCU.

Hmm... So Natasha Irons does something that will affect the entire DCU? That seems far-fetched. Maybe she decidse to join up with the evil version of the Justice League. Or maybe she kills someone. Someone important. Not much to go on here.

35. Black Adam: Choosing a Side: Black Adam has walked the line between hero and villain for the bast 3,200 years. 52 will provide the most in-depth look yet at what motivates this complex character and his sense of honor

Oh goody. More Black Adam is always okay with me. He really is a fascinating character. At least he has been since Goyer and Johns went to work on him in JSA. And evil Captain Marvel isn't all that interesting. But what Black Adam has become is far beyond that. 52 will probably determine once and for all if he is hero... Or villain.

36. Rising Star: Don Kramer came out of nowhere to wow fans as artist on JSA for the past two years -- now he'll get to ply his knack for drawing sprawling casts on an even bigger stage.

Always good to see more of Mr. Kramer's work. I bet his Question will be awesome.

37. The Main Man: Is Lobo going back to basics? We've heard whispers, but it's too soon to say...

And I've heard that Grant Morrison is writing the Lobo bits. I think that's all that needs to be said about that.

38. Mr. Versatile: Greg Rucka can write anything from superheroes to comedy to espionage drama, and he'll be tested in every area over the course of 52.

Greg Rucka really is one of the best writers in comics today. He managed to tackle Wonder Woman beautifully, and she's widely regarded as one of the most difficult characters to write in any medium.