Year of the Villain #1 // Review
In the same vein of last year’s Dc Nation #0, this issue delivers three mini-comics which will lead to the more significant storylines DC is pushing for this summer’s lineup. With the likes of Scott Snyder, James Tynion IV and Brian Michael Bendis working alongside artists Jim Cheung, Alex Maleev, And Francis Manapul this 25 cent book is filled to the brim with fantastic work from top names in the industry currently. Creating a diverse selection to be excited about, DC and their creatives have genuinely been working hard to deliver exciting avenues for readers to venture down this upcoming summer.
The first story follows along as Lex Luthor and the Legion of Doom completely take over the White House, ultimately ending with blood. As the second story begins, Batgirl and Green Arrow are on the hunt for any Leads in Levithan before coming face to face with a mysteriously knowledgeable adversary. The last mini-comic continues threads from the main Justice League title. Taking place after the current arc, it builds towards the ultimate showdown of the Justice League and the DC heroes at large against Perpetua and the Legion of Doom.
Aside from the price, the art alone sells this book. With spectacular work from several top talents, this issue is undoubtedly one not to miss. But of course, it is accompanied by a handful of gorgeous incentive variant covers for collectors to clamor over from Jim Cheung, Alex Maleev and fan favorite Artgerm. The interior artwork from Cheung is some of his best in recent years, with multiple pages that could quickly be sold as gorgeous posters. Alex Maleev makes his jump from the house of ideas and joins long-time collaborator, Brian Michael Bendis to work on the second story dealing with Levithan. His gorgeous artwork fits perfectly with the ground level detective story. With Manapul a series regular on the Justice League title, he was the perfect candidate to close out this issue with even more build up for the flagship title.
While Bendis puts his best foot forward with his current Leviathan event over on Action Comics, but his mini-story doesn’t quite sit flush with the rest of the issue. The forces of Tynion and Snyder with their bookending chapters fit seamlessly with one another while they both deal with similar subject matter for the main Justice League title.
Overall well beyond worth the price of admission. With tons of incentive covers for shops to obtain more copies, the issue is sure to be a readily available book. As a primer for the upcoming summer blockbusters for DC, the issue will set the stage for things to come while also adding a perfect jumping on point for readers currently out of the loop.
Grade: A+
