"The Dawning"

I've always been particularly fond of space sagas involving the DC Universe. DC has always done an exceptional job when it comes to outer space, be it the Green Lanterns, New Gods, Omega Men or Rann/Thanagar. I think DC has some of the most colorful space-based characters in comics and does a great job creating imaginative intergalactic stories to fit those characters. Of course, slapping Jim Starlin's name on a space saga is sure to make it fun and epic. Starlin is responsible for many space epics for a number of publishers, most notably Marvel and DC. Starlin is the man who created Thanos for Marvel, and he's also responsible for killing Jason Todd. In recent years, Starlin wrote the Mystery in Space mini-series that featured the emergence of a new Captain Comet and also featured back-up stories with another creation of Starlin's, the Weird. If you are looking for an entertaining and very well done space series, I highly suggest you get the back issues or trade paperbacks of Mystery in Space. In fact, I recommend you read Mystery in Space before you read Rann/Thanagar: Holy War. You don't have to per se, but you should. In fact, there are actually a few stories you should read before you check out this series. You might roll your eyes at the thought of feeling that you "have" to read other books before this one, but you shouldn't because the titles I am about to name are actually very good.

I've always followed DC space epics; this latest chapter in the Rann/Thanagar saga has actually been brewing for quite some time. Now, you don't have to read the titles I am about to list to understand what's going on. Starlin does a an excellent job condensing the basics and key plot points into this issue, but I am highly recommending the titles not only as supplements, but for your own personal enjoyment. Adam Strange: Planet Heist is really where it all begins. Planet Heist is what leads to the The Rann/Thanagar War, which is actually a key element to the current status of the DC Universe. 52, particularly its story involving Animal Man, Adam Strange and Starfire, will give you plenty of background information on Lady Styx. Mystery in Space will explain everything you need to know about Captain Comet. Countdown to Adventure follows up on the storyline from 52 and sets the stage for the religious beliefs that the people of Rann have taken up in this issue. You might be daunted by that list of titles, but like I said, you don't have to read them all to follow this story. They will help you grasp the full effect. Now don't tell me "I don’t want to have to read all these stories to read this one." Well, I hate to tell you, but that's always been the nature of the business, so sit back, get some reading and enjoy yourself. At the very least though, check out Countdown to Adventure.

Me personally, I've really been looking forward to this title. Why? Because I love every one of the stories that I mentioned in the previous paragraph, and because Jim Starlin is one of the best sci-fi comic book writers working today. As the cover suggests, Starlin brings in the usual suspects such as Adam Strange, Hawkman, Starman and Captain Comet (he's actually just "Comet" now), as well as some not so expected characters such as Bizarro, Tigorr and Animal Man. Truth be told, I actually like the inclusion of Animal Man and Starfire because this first issue directly relates to their experiences in 52 and Countdown to Adventure. Starlin has an extraordinary understanding of everything that has happened through the five titles listed above and really utilizes this story to play off many of the themes and plot elements throughout each of them.

The plot seems rather simple: both the Rannians and the Thanagarians have each adopted a new religion. Because the two races are in constant conflict with one another, this will most certainly lead to a few problems. The Thanagarians are continuing the religious beliefs surrounding Onimar Synn while the Rannians have abandoned their "religion of science" to worship Lady Styx. For those who are wondering, the background to these beliefs can be found in Rann/Thanagar War and Countdown to Adventure. The Rannian religion revolving around Lady Styx seems to be a little more interesting only because she tried to conquer Rann during Adventure using a virus and now, even though the virus is gone, there is a much more dangerous belief structure in place. Essentially, Starlin is taking the plot from Countdown to Adventure and weaving it into the already tricky Rann/Thanagar situation. He's also pulling elements from Mystery in Space and 52. It's no easy task, but Starlin manages to craft the story in such a manner where you can get a grasp on what's happening and what has happened based on this one issue.

For example, Starlin constructs the dialogue efficiently, he doesn't waste any page time and nearly all of the dialogue relates directly to the plot or explains something about the characters. When he introduces Comet to the story, it's during a meeting with the JLA (more on that in a moment). John Stewart introduces Comet who comes to the JLA to inform them of alien threats. There's one panel where Wonder Woman asks if Coment is the original Captain Comet's nephew. Comet answers by stating all the information you really need to know, "Took over the business after Lady Styx did him in." Starlin doesn't need to try to explain the whole process behind Comet. It's a bit complicated and told very well in Mystery in Space. However, he manages to tell you everything you need to know about Comet and also provide a reason as to why he'll be a major player in this series. Starlin actually does this with just about every major character involved.

Basically, this has the potential to be one hell of a story and political statement rolled into one massively fantastic sci-fi epic. There is a lot of political innuendo alone in this issue but it works in such a manner that Starlin isn't beating us over the head with it. Some writers really seem to go out of their way to make sure they make a political statement in their books. Often times those political statements hinder a book or take away from the story, but Starlin makes them work very well here. When Comet visits the JLA, he informs him that there are no threats to Earth because Earth is not a threat, Earth will eventually destroy itself. I really like this idea and I am of the firm belief that aliens have yet to invade us in reality because either there is no need or because they are scared to death of us, so they'll let us exterminate each other. I really like this little speech that Comet gives to the JLA. While it is a little problematic given the nature of the multiverse and the "Sinestro Corps War," it works. The real icing on the cake is the fact that Comet is also a real jerk.

Another thing that Starlin does seamlessly is transition from one location to another. In this case, he jumps to Thanagar, Rann, Earth, Hardcore Station and Throneworld where artist Ron Lim really gives each place its own personality. It's very "Star Wars-esque," and it really shows readers that there is a hell of a lot more to outer space in the DC Universe than just Oa. With each location, Starlin focuses on one or two characters. This is another strong suit of Starlin's as he manages to capture a unique voice for all the major characters involved. This is no easy task, but he does indeed keep each character distinct and true to their nature. Personally, I can't wait to see Starlin go wild with Animal Man, especially since Animal Man's powers allow him to tap into animals all over the universe.

Ron Lim’s artwork is fantastic. He captures the pace, tone and the style that Starlin brings to the words. Lim's work is epic, consistent and very crisp. Each character has a distinct look, and every location in this issue seems to have its own personality. There's really very little I can complain about in this issue aside from Adam Strange reverting back to his original costume. I love the character, but I have always hated the costume. He did change it during Planet Heist to a more modern and much more "space" look, but Countdown to Adventure saw him revert back to his old uniform. That's not Lim's fault at all. He has nothing to do with that. It's just me being a nitpicker.

This series has the potential to be a big time sci-fi epic. All of the right characters are in play, the locations are perfect and the series is playing off of ideas that have been built on for years. You may or may not need to do your homework, depending on your own level of comprehension. I'm curious as to whether or not there will be Green Lanterns involved, namely Rannian Vath Sarn and Thanagarian Isamot Kol, but that may not matter once the story really gets under way. If you like big comic book sci-fi space epics, especially those done by the master himself, this is definitely a story you should check out. This is my Pick of the Week.

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