The New 52 is here!

Well, it has been here a while, but Last Panel only opened this weekend, so this is more of a catch-up session.

The New 52 is DC Comics re-boot. This essentially means that all ongoing series have been cancelled - and 52 new first issues have been released - including Action Comics and Detective comics, that have retained their original numbering since the 1930s(Detective Comics was on #881 before the relaunch, Action Comics stopped with #904). The relaunch follows the 'Flashpoint' event within the DC universe, and means that many characters have been rejuvenated and re-clothed with brand-new costumes. Exciting changes include Barbara Gordon returning as Batgirl after recovering from the paralysis inflicted on her by the Joker. Some series have been cut. The titles brought back for the New 52 re-boot add up to... you guessed it, 52.
Below is a list of New 52 titles as they were released.

One of the biggest arguments about the relaunch is the fact that DC's female creators now take up 1% of the workforce, as apposed to 12%. Although DC have addressed this better than they have with gender and race issues in the past, Is this just a reflection of the actual numbers of female comic book artists available(especially since the female characters are a substantial force within the DC Universe), and more so a reflection of the percentage of female consumers? I for one think that the percentage drop is way too steep - even if the female artists they have in tow are some of the best around.

The New 52 is now in it's #4 - #5 issues. To see pick up Catwoman to see the title character and Batman get it awn, Red Hood & The Outlaws to see ex-Robin Jason Todd's new retinue or the triumphant return of Suicide Squad - where DC's Villains go to die. Now is a very good time to start reading comics.

More information on the New 52 is available here - http://dcu.blog.dccomics.com/the-new-52/
Don't forget - If you are going to pick up some first issues, do so through our Forbidden Planet affiliates link! 10% of purchase price comes back to us!

I shall from here on in be doing title by title reviews for New 52 comics so far, so stay tuned -
Same Bat-time, same Bat-channel!