Earth 2 #7 (HERE BE SPOILERS!)

I don't think that it's an exaggeration to say that this series is my favorite one on the market right now. Reading this issue, it's pretty easy to see why.  Robinson makes you forget that you're reading a comic; it feels more like you're watching a movie.  If I had to point to a reason, it would be his excellent character work and his well executed dialogue.  After only eight issues, you get the sense that you really know the characters involved.  You have a sense of their motivations and you have an ear for their voice.  As such, you know that Alan is going to be haughty or Khan crafty or Sloan arrogant.  The dialogue doesn't feel like it's just moving along a narrative, but that the narrative is flowing from the dialogue.  It's pretty remarkable and Robinson achieves it month after month.

With the first major threat defeated, Robinson takes a moment here and spends some time developing the characters.  In a medium where dead fiancés are usually forgotten by the next issue, I think Robinson is doing great stuff with Alan, showing him really morning the loss of Sam. As Kendra herself says, we get to see Alan actually appear human, seeing a guy used to being totally in control struggle with not being even remotely in control.  Along those lines, I like the fact that Robinson is having Alan resist joining Jay and Kendra.  Usually, when you put three superheroes in a room together, they can't help but form a team, even if it doesn't make any sense.  (Paging the Champions.)  But, Alan not wanting to be a team player fits with the personality that Robinson has created for him; in fact, it would be a little odd if he wanted to join.

But, surprisingly, Alan and Kendra's conversation isn't the most interesting.  Robinson reminds us that this title is not "Justice Society," but "Earth 2," spending a lot of time on the "chess game" that Khan is playing with Sloan.  Given that Khan seemed to get a win here (and Sloan is a smart enough guy to know it), I'm sure that Sloan is planning something to regain the lead.  Also, I have to mention that the Sandmen were effing awesome.  In looking on the Internet, I remembered that they had previously appeared in issue #5, but I can't say that they made the same impression on me then as they did in this issue.  I can't wait to see more of them as Khan tries to destabilize Sloan.

Moreover, the World Army plot really helps flesh out some of the dynamics of Earth 2 itself, who holds power, who wants power, etc.  By giving you these glimpses, it reminds the reader of how little we know about Earth 2 and makes you excited about finding out more.  It also reminds you that this series isn't just going to be about slugfests.  A lot of authors introduce these elements of intrigue into their titles but then get bored with them or can't make them work.  (Look how quickly Project:  Rebirth got ditched in "Venom.")  Robinson seems committed to it, though, and it definitely makes the series a better comic for it.

Moreover, Yildiray Cinar did a great job on this issue.  The editors did amazing work picking him, since he matches Nicola Scott's style closely.  The Sandmen's fight with Mr. Terrific was one of the best first scenes that I've seen in ages.  Plus, he draws a damn fine Alan Scott!

Awesome, awesome stuff.  If only the rest of the DCnU was half as good.