Trinity Trade Paperback Review - Batman/Superman/Wonder Woman

Batman/Superman/Wonder Woman: Trinity
DC Comics
208 Pages
$24.95 (2004) Hardcover
$17.99 (2005) Trade Paperback
ISBN 1401201873

Contributors: Matt Wagner, Dave Stewart, Sean Konot, and introduction by Brad Meltzer

Reprints: Batman/Superman/Wonder Woman: Trinity #1-3 (of 3)

Synopsis: Batman and Superman meet Wonder Woman for the first time while investigating a terror plot by Ra's Al Ghul.  The Demon has two unexpected allies on his side -- Bizarro and Artemis.

The three fledgling heroes must learn to work together in order to stop the crafty old villain.  One false step could mean disaster against these deadly foes.  Each hero's philosophy differs greatly from the other - Batman's cold vengeance, Superman's seeming naivete, and Wonder Woman's warrior spirit.

Pros: Matt Wagner hits the mark with cohesive storytelling and art, the DCU’s Big Three are represented faithfully, Wagner’s writing prowess shows with unique takes on each characters powers/personality, great takes on two classic villains (Bizarro and Ra’s Al Ghul), mature (rape is mentioned), and extras include original covers and sketchbook

Cons: The Big Three are the most difficult to write due to the enormous volume of work by previous contributors, some of the scenes were a bit dubious (Batman being overwhelmed by emotion), and some confusing character development (Artemis)

Mike Tells It Straight: If you like the Big Three from DC (Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman) then you’ll love this book. Matt Wagner’s take on the characters is faithful and unique to give readers a worthwhile read. Will this book change the characters forever? Hell no, but it’s a great story to fill a gap in continuity for Superman's and Batman's first meeting with Wonder Woman.

TO BUY and Recommendations: Trinity Vol. 1 Trinity Vol. 2 Trinity Vol. 3
   

The Helmet of Fate Trade Paperback Review

The Helmet of Fate
DC Comics
Softcover Trade Paperback
128 Pages
$14.99 (2007)
ISBN 9781401214708

Contributors: Gail Simone, Steve Niles, Steve Gerber, Bill Willingham, Tad Williams, Scott Hampton, Shawn McManus, Duncan Rouleau, Peter Snejbjerg, Phil Winslade, Brian Bolland and others.

Reprints: The Helmet of Fate: Detective Chimp #1; The Helmet of Fate: Black Alice #1; The Helmet of Fate: Sargon the Sorcerer #1; The Helmet of Fate: Ibis the Invincible #1; The Helmet of Fate: Zauriel #1

Synopsis: The Helmet of Fate is searching for a new master and flies around the universe visiting several magic/occult individuals.  It visits the fallen angel Zauriel, Ibis the Invincible, Sargon the Sorcerer, Black Alice, and the reluctant Detective Chimp.

Each must face the trial of the Helmet and be judged worthy to carry on the mission of Doctor Fate.  Who will be successor to immense mystical power?

Pros: Nice cover, some new versions of old DC characters are introduced such as Ibis the Invincible and Sargon the Sorcerer, you get solo stories from less well-known magic characters Black Alice, Zauriel, and Detective Chimp, the writing/art is relatively decent

Cons: Price is steep for reprinting a five issue mini-series (roughly translates to $3.00 an issue reprinted), nothing happens and there’s no resolution to the overall story, aside from the updates to the old characters these stories are pretty much useless

Mike Tells It Straight: Don’t waste your time with this story unless you’re a diehard Fate or DCU magic completist. It’s an expensive exercise with no payoff at the end.

TO BUY and Recommendations: The Helmet of Fate