Trinity #2 Review

[Flash's Lightning]

The second issue of DC's newest weekly series continues where it left off last week.

I just noticed that Superman was on the first cover (with a Wonder Woman related background), Batman is on the second cover (with a Superman related background), so I imagine Wonder Woman will be on the third (with a Batman related background).

The story revolves around each of the Good Trinity solving a problem related to their skills, and the Evil Trinity just watching from the ghostly castle. That actually gives me a sense of foreboding...but not too much as I don't know that these villains are worth anything. They just feel so second string, B list, it's hard to feel a sense of danger.

Superman's problem is a miniature solar system apparently coming from another universe. It's not staying miniature for long though, and Supes has to get rid of it. He does this by going into the miniature sun itself, which really shouldn't hurt him, but strangely does in this case - Supes theorizes this is because the system is from another universe. He saves the day by throwing the solar system into space so it can grow safely.

Batman has a problem centered around his power of will and his thinking capacity - Morgain doesn't pick up on the fact that this is a monumental feat (mainly because it's not as showy as Superman's or Wonder Woman's), but Enigma seems to respect Batman's prowess by being able to speak a word that dissipates a magical city.

Wonder Woman ends up fighting robots, and demands the "honor" of handling the problem herself with Clark left on the sidelines. I love Diana written like that - she's a warrior and it's good to remember that. She's made for war, whereas Clark is a peaceful farmer type. It's an interesting contrast, and Superman seems to give WW a crooked smile about it.

The A story ends with a Justice League emergency call from John Stewart.

The B story is about John himself, and how he got into the predicament of needing their help in the first place. He's fighting two aliens, one of whom is named Konvikt, and who has serious anger management issues.

John doesn't last long sadly. :frown: His ring sends out the distress signal.

Rating: Another 6 out of 10. Dialogue still needs work, art is great, and I always love reading about Diana in Warrior mode.

[Mr. Palmer]

I didn't read the meat of your review, as I've yet to tour the issue and wanted to avoid spoilers, but is this issue somehow a FC tie-in? Putting this in the FC forum is puzzling me...

:confused:

[Flash's Lightning]

I didn't read the meat of your review, as I've yet to tour the issue and wanted to avoid spoilers, but is this issue somehow a FC tie-in? Putting this in the FC forum is puzzling me...

:confused:

I just got the wrong forum. I meant to post this and the Booster Gold in the same forum. Oops!

[Mr. Palmer]

Okie dokie. :smile:

[DonC]

I couldn't do it. I officially lasted one issue on Trinity. I didn't even look at the issue. Kurt Busiek and Mark Bagley are great creators, but I just couldn't stomach another weekly.

[Magneto Rocks]

I...arghh.... it's not....

...Must... resist...after...year...of...Countdown...atrocity. ...

...but I think I may end up... buying this... :eek:

Busiek, Bagley, Nicieza, the Trinity and good word of mouth may be too much to ignore...

Of course, that would mean dropping 3 DC titles to make up for it, and while I'm willing to ditch "Batman RIP" and "JLA", Wonder Woman is still staying strong. Hmm... I may have to see if there's a Marvel title that I could...

NOI! Fight it, Mags! Fight it!

[Agent_Torpor]

I couldn't do it. I officially lasted one issue on Trinity. I didn't even look at the issue. Kurt Busiek and Mark Bagley are great creators, but I just couldn't stomach another weekly.

I'm dropping Trinity. Not so much the weekly format, but the story is just not getting me where it needs to. Kinda BORED by it, nothing in the first two issues have made me stand up and take notice. In fact, I went the extra mile to actually finish #1 (the Morgane Le Fey backstory was just utterly mindnumbing).

Ho-hum.

[DonC]

I'm dropping Trinity. Not so much the weekly format, but the story is just not getting me where it needs to. Kinda BORED by it, nothing in the first two issues have made me stand up and take notice. In fact, I went the extra mile to actually finish #1 (the Morgane Le Fey backstory was just utterly mindnumbing).

Ho-hum.


Yeah, the fact that issue #1 was dull as dirt helped a lot in this decision. I realize not every comic can be Astro City-good. But I couldn't see myself sticking this out for an entire year. I figured might as well jump ship while we were still close to port.

[Sijo]

If there's a writer left today that would make me buy a DC comic, it's Busiek. But just putting Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman in the same story doesn't interest me enough anymore. I need to know what the story will be about, and so far the clues are too vague. And damned if I'll buy a weekly under such circumstances. Sorry, Kurt.

And about Wonder Woman: I know people keep commenting that "she's a warrior." And that's true. But she should be a HERO first. Because that's the character concept (it's Wonder Woman, not Amazon Woman) and because she has been a hero for over a decade now (DC time) and she should know by now that being a hero is greater than being a warrior (especially after fiascos such as killing Max Lord.) I guess her problem is, there's so little to her besides being WW (in contrast to Superman and Batman) that writers always go back to the "warrior" thing to give her some substance. I hope Simone fixes that...

[HouseSolo]

I couldn't do it. I officially lasted one issue on Trinity. I didn't even look at the issue. Kurt Busiek and Mark Bagley are great creators, but I just couldn't stomach another weekly.

Too much money. I was tempted, but I just can't swing 1 title 4 times a month.

[Nakomah]

And the haters come out of the box early! The same sycophnats who ranted and raved about the horrible book 52 and then the horrible book countdown (Okay that one I understand!) are now already talking about how "boring the second issue of a weekly comic is. I guess a giant fight scene each and every week would be the only soluntion for you folks!

[BeastieRunner]

Title: Dropped.

[Nakomah]

You folks better pace yourselves or you will run out of tirades before the other issues come out! Not that that will actually stop you from bashing the series anyway - Read or unread!

[Agent_Torpor]

And the haters come out of the box early! The same sycophnats who ranted and raved about the horrible book 52 and then the horrible book countdown (Okay that one I understand!) are now already talking about how "boring the second issue of a weekly comic is. I guess a giant fight scene each and every week would be the only soluntion for you folks!

52 was brilliant. You had four a-level writers fusing their individual storylines together. I enjoyed every issue (granted, I read it in tpb format). Sorry.

Trinity has done nothing to grab my interest. I've seen it before. The big three, sitting around, joshin' with each other? Done (most recently in the JLA issue) The unknown foe(?) screaming in space? Blah.

Really, why is this a weekly ANYWAY? Is there some compelling reason why this story needs to be told 4 times a month? It's not like 52, where a year of continuity was presented in "real time".

[Ian J.N.]

Really, why is this a weekly ANYWAY? Is there some compelling reason why this story needs to be told 4 times a month? It's not like 52, where a year of continuity was presented in "real time".
Is there a compelling reason why 4 times a month is a bad thing?

[Nakomah]

Exactly! The joy of going to the shop each week to pick up the issue IS the point. I loved 52, countdown not so much but I actually did look forward each week to picking up a book and so far trinity has got me looking forward to a book each week. Good concept and it gets readers in the shops weekly!

[TuPeT]

I've liked that one also. Good second issue. It's just the begining, guys.

[DonC]

And the haters come out of the box early! The same sycophnats who ranted and raved about the horrible book 52 and then the horrible book countdown (Okay that one I understand!) are now already talking about how "boring the second issue of a weekly comic is. I guess a giant fight scene each and every week would be the only soluntion for you folks!

If the first issue was entertaining enough that I wanted the second issue, then guess what? I would have bought it. People are allowed to dislike stuff, you know. :rolleyes:

Is there a compelling reason why 4 times a month is a bad thing?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v164/Don3172/dctv_gas.jpg

If this was a monthly, I probably would have given the series more leeway. But I can't remember the number of times I read 52 or Countdown and said "Well, nothing important happened in that issue." I didn't want to do that again.

[Agent_Torpor]

Is there a compelling reason why 4 times a month is a bad thing?

Considering there's no real story-backed reason for it, yeah, it's a shameless ploy to have you shell out 3 times more in a month than you usually would.

So yeah, wasting $$$ on a story that so far has done nothing to warrant the extra outlay of cash, color me nonplussed.

Then again, if the idea of Bruce Wayne eating beignets with his JLA buds turns you on, go for it. Still can't believe that was the opening salvo right there. LOL!

[Hawkman]

I said it last week, but I'll reiterate here after having read issue #2: as soon as Hawkman's part in this has been played out, I'm gone. I wasn't planning on picking this up to begin with until I heard Hawkman was going to be featured in the back-ups for a few weeks, anyway.

The art's nice and the writing is sound, but the truth is another full 52-week investment is simply too much for me to bear unless the quality level is through the roof. And while Trinity hasn't started off badly, it's not nearly impressive nor intriguing enough to keep this fatigued reader of the format on board for the long haul.

[Ian J.N.]

Considering there's no real story-backed reason for it, yeah, it's a shameless ploy to have you shell out 3 times more in a month than you usually would.
Oh good grief. 4 times the cost = 4 times the comics, 4 times the story, 1/4 the wait time between issues, and in a year's time, you'll have collected a longform story--in length, the equivalent to four years of monthlies. Some of us think that's a good value. Yes it costs more, but you get more too. That's how economics works.

So yeah, wasting $$$ on a story that so far has done nothing to warrant the extra outlay of cash, color me nonplussed.
Buy what you like.

Then again, if the idea of Bruce Wayne eating beignets with his JLA buds turns you on, go for it. Still can't believe that was the opening salvo right there. LOL!
Yeah, it's not like there's insightful character analysis punctuated with perfectly-choreographed action.

[Nakomah]

You mean to tell me that comic companies are in the business of making money off of us consumers? No way!!!
Sarcasm aside, I agree in that you are buying four comics and are not being ripped off as it was put. Just like television, if you don't like what is on change stations or do not watch.
Personally, I find it fun and exciting to have a book each week and do not see if it is much different than buying all of the Spider-Man titles- One a week!

[JCAll]

I can't @#$%ing believe I'm getting myself hooked on the weekly..AGAIN! I must be some sort of addict. I wonder if there's a rehab for this sort of thing.

Trinity thusfar has been awesome.

I give major props to Busiek for being the only person to write a likeable Batman, instead of that jerk that has been bastarding his way around DC for the past decade. Once again proving that he is one of the few writers left in a field populated almost entirely by blithering idiots.

The only real complaint that I have is that I miss the 2 page origins that ran in the back of Countdown and 52. I guess there's really no need for one, but those were one of my favorite parts.

I'm so far catiously optomistic over Trinity. But I keep reminding myself that Countdown was really good too for the first 3-4 issues before spiraling into a nevering abyss of misery and failure.

[Flash's Lightning]

I give major props to Busiek for being the only person to write a likeable Batman, instead of that jerk that has been bastarding his way around DC for the past decade.

So far all Bruce has done is order a coffee (in a jerky way) and say one word in a "grand battle".

Did I miss some subtle level of characterization hidden in the story? :biggrin:

[Binker]

By Nathaniel Ruff (also known as Binker, Binker2 and Nate on many forums)

TRINITY #2

Written by Kurt Busiek and Fabian Nicieza
Art by Mark Bagley, Art Thibert, Scott McDaniel, Andy Owens, Tom Derenick, Wayne Faucher, Mike Norton and Jerry Ordway
Covers by Carlos Pacheco
Edited by Mike Carlin

PLOT:
The lead feature explores the unusual bond — and importance — of DC's top three characters, Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman, as a mysterious dream links them together and may prophesy important changes in their trinity!

REVIEW:
My review to the first issue of DC's third weekly series got me hooked! And many others agreed, even with the fact that it was nothing like Countdown (thank god) and somewhat more than 52 (a plus). And this was something that readers needed because, going by how much Countdown hurt us, Trinity was a welcome back experience to those who either hated Countdown, loved 52, and overall just wanted another good weekly series that they could stay for the next year. And again, the first issue of Trinity was that, and hopes are looking so good for the whole series as a whole. Now, here we are again, with issue #2!

As we enter the second week with our second issue, just by feeling the book itself, you can feel the decrease from the pages unlike the first issue. The battles seen from each of the Trinity from issue #1 concludes here, and with it is more questions of the dream mystery each shared. Such as: why was Batman taken from his Bat-Plane (which isn't seen again here, strangely enough) through what looks like, and I could be wrong on what period it is, Victorian Gotham City? Who sent the huge robots to fight Wonder Woman? And where did those dwarf planets and that different yellow sun Superman fought come from? From the pages with Enigma and Morgaine le Fey, it surely didn't come from them, but that dream is another matter altogether anyway. I was glad that the interest this series started from is still here in its second issue, so readers should be happy from that.

Now, when I got to the co-story, I saw one flaw that I had to address: why would you have a "to be continued" on the main story which has John Stewart fighting the monster Morgaine le Fey and Enigma talked about, when the story on that is literally the next page? Couldn't they just not do that, and leave the "to be continued" at the very end of the whole issue? That's something of a flaw. Anyway, on that co-story; the monster is actually a little monster on top of a bigger monster. The small one is Konvikt (pronounced like convict) and the big one is Graak. The story of their fight is short, but the interest back to the whole Trinity story can be found in this one scene where John is flashed a "0110001011..." and a missile backpack (not from his ring, and not from him) comes out of nowhere. The questions from both the main and co-stories has left me wondering....

Overall, this second issue of Trinity continues the well-written story, all by keeping the interest, characters, and situations, intacted with no flaws or any factor of you being boring. This continues to look like DC's newest winner, both in series and be the fact that its weekly. The mysteries and questions presented here has left me wondering, and it is enough to keep me on the book (well, I wouldn't leave it anyway). I hope the same is said by other readers.

RATING: Yay

[JCAll]

So far all Bruce has done is order a coffee (in a jerky way) and say one word in a "grand battle".

Did I miss some subtle level of characterization hidden in the story? :biggrin:

Normal Batman would have just glared at reality until reality broke and then berated Superman and Wonder Woman for not living up to his awesomeness. Then kicked them out of his cave so he would have time to brood. And they would have been in his cave, because people come to him not the other way around.

Batman's been a general bastard like that for a long time.

I liked the coffee scene. Especially how Diana was confused as to why Bruce and Clark put on the big show when not in costume. I thought it was clever.

[Agent_Torpor]

Yeah, it's not like there's insightful character analysis punctuated with perfectly-choreographed action.

Was there?

[juggling man]

Trin isn't doing it for me either. I can see how this might appeal to some other fans though.

[Ian J.N.]

Was there?:rolleyes: Yes, Trinity has both insightful character analysis and perfectly-choreographed action. You haven't read this week's issue, so I'll restrain my examples to issue one.

Insightful character analysis:

Whereas Superman and Batman make an "elaborate production" of their civilian identities, Wonder Woman is more forthright, which is appropriate given that secret agent isn't so far removed from superhero, and she is, after all, a bastion of honesty (golden lasso and all that). We see Wonder Woman's directness again later in the issue: "Good. Show yourself, whoever you are. Let's get started."

Now, what's interesting about Bruce and Clark is that while they are acting out a role, there are still echoes of their true personalities. "Half-caf/decaf peaberry non-fat latte, steamed to 145 degrees. Not too much foam, light cinnamon, shot of butterscotch"--frivolity of Bruce Wayne, exacting standards of Batman. "Uh, just juice for me. And can I see a menu? Or... pancakes, if you've... no that's fine. Pancakes, or waffles. Honestly, whatever's easiest, I'm not that hungry..."--excessive meekness of Clark Kent, altruistic considerateness of Superman.

With dual identities it's often debated who's the mask and who's the real person. Clark Kent and Bruce Wayne are clearly masks, but the demarcation is not as sharply defined as you may think. That's insightful character analysis.


Perfectly-choreographed action:

Wally drags Clayface in his slipstream, past Iris who grabs the chalice, to Jai who punches Clayface into smithereens. Wally catches the falling chunks in garbage bags and ships him off to Iron Heights. Done like dinner.

You can almost hear Wally coaching his kids beforehand: "Okay Iris, when I bring Clayface by, I want you to jump through him and grab that thing he stole. Jai, I'll bring him right to you, so be ready to punch as hard as you can."

The scene may be brief (a punctuation, as I stated), but it's logical, novel, and there's no fudging of the details. It's a perfectly-choreographed action scene.

...

Look, you didn't care for the issue, and that's fine. Don't collect the series. Buzz off and be free.

[Ghost Shark]

Excellent analysis, Ian! I'll be collecting this one. I loved 52, skipped COUNTDOWN, but Kurt Busiek has never disappointed me, and I will be with this one for the long haul.

[Agent_Torpor]

:rolleyes: Yes, Trinity has both insightful character analysis and perfectly-choreographed action. You haven't read this week's issue, so I'll restrain my examples to issue one.

Insightful character analysis:

Whereas Superman and Batman make an "elaborate production" of their civilian identities, Wonder Woman is more forthright, which is appropriate given that secret agent isn't so far removed from superhero, and she is, after all, a bastion of honesty (golden lasso and all that). We see Wonder Woman's directness again later in the issue: "Good. Show yourself, whoever you are. Let's get started."

Now, what's interesting about Bruce and Clark is that while they are acting out a role, there are still echoes of their true personalities. "Half-caf/decaf peaberry non-fat latte, steamed to 145 degrees. Not too much foam, light cinnamon, shot of butterscotch"--frivolity of Bruce Wayne, exacting standards of Batman. "Uh, just juice for me. And can I see a menu? Or... pancakes, if you've... no that's fine. Pancakes, or waffles. Honestly, whatever's easiest, I'm not that hungry..."--excessive meekness of Clark Kent, altruistic considerateness of Superman.

With dual identities it's often debated who's the mask and who's the real person. Clark Kent and Bruce Wayne are clearly masks, but the demarcation is not as sharply defined as you may think. That's insightful character analysis.


Perfectly-choreographed action:

Wally drags Clayface in his slipstream, past Iris who grabs the chalice, to Jai who punches Clayface into smithereens. Wally catches the falling chunks in garbage bags and ships him off to Iron Heights. Done like dinner.

You can almost hear Wally coaching his kids beforehand: "Okay Iris, when I bring Clayface by, I want you to jump through him and grab that thing he stole. Jai, I'll bring him right to you, so be ready to punch as hard as you can."

The scene may be brief (a punctuation, as I stated), but it's logical, novel, and there's no fudging of the details. It's a perfectly-choreographed action scene.

...

Look, you didn't care for the issue, and that's fine. Don't collect the series. Buzz off and be free.

First, i've read BOTH issues, pal.

Second, if that's your idea of insightful character analysis, the demarcation between masked and civilian identity (as discussed over a some breakfast beignets), a threadbare comic milieu that's been tread upon for ages now (esp. with Bruce/Batman), then you need to read more comics. Yeah, Diana's the compassionate one, Clark's the rube, and Bruce is the moody one. Seen it.

And the Flash/Clayface, you're trying REAL hard to bring relevance to a completely trite and haggard sequence of events. Yeah, Flash takes down Clayface in a matter of two pages. Whooo. Iris and Jai are barely even seen on panel, so their inclusion is moot. This is the "perfectly-choreographed" action?

Look, I can tell you've got a hard-on for the title. That's fine. Just don't piss and try to make us believe it's rainwater. I really wanted to like this book, but I expect quality. And oh-so-cute, "hey look at us in our civvies" interaction between the big three, tired space entities, and completely forgettable action sequences aren't doing anyone any favors, esp. those wanting to get hooked in longterm.

[Jack Zodiac]

Gonna chime in here and agree with Torpor. The first issue wasn't all that blockbustery, but it had enough intrigue that I came back for week two. This week's issue was completely average. And I'm gonna blame it on terrible and forced decompression. With only eleven pages to tell the primary story, we get absolutely nothing. Some fine action with some mediocre art, but not a lot of progression in the story itself. With 52 there were so many stories going on at once that every week there was some noticeable movement with at least one. We get a slow resolution to last week's events and then a poor back up with characters I can't imagine being all that important to the main plot.

Y'know what would've made this book stand out? Regular cover price, but thirty-two pages of story. Sixteen pages for the primary and back ups, or twenty-one pages for the primary and eleven for the back up. Either way, it's more story in a weekly comic for the same price, that would've been bound to attract some readers, or keep people who are maybe, sorta, kinda interested in the story hanging on longer.

But myself? I'm with Don and Torpor. I can't justify spending twelve bucks a month on a book I can't enjoy at this pace while gas is four bucks a gallon. So between the shitty economy, the grind of two years of weekly comics, fifty percent of which were by and large grueling as hell, and with a story sharing half the space of a weekly comic, I wouldn't be surprised if this book sinks even lower than Countdown. Maybe in the low 60k range.

[Joe Acro]

I'm wondering how they can just let a solar system fly off into space.

That won't mess with anything? Really?

[Ian J.N.]

First, i've read BOTH issues, pal.
I'm sorry. With your harping on the "beignets," I assumed you hadn't read the second issue, which is 90% action and has no civilian identities.

Second, if that's your idea of insightful character analysis, the demarcation between masked and civilian identity (as discussed over a some breakfast beignets), a threadbare comic milieu that's been tread upon for ages now (esp. with Bruce/Batman), then you need to read more comics. Yeah, Diana's the compassionate one, Clark's the rube, and Bruce is the moody one. Seen it.
Was that my argument? Was that in the issue? No. You're assuming the well-trod interpretation and then blasting it for lack of originality.

Look, I can tell you've got a hard-on for the title. That's fine. Just don't piss and try to make us believe it's rainwater. I really wanted to like this book, but I expect quality. And oh-so-cute, "hey look at us in our civvies" interaction between the big three, tired space entities, and completely forgettable action sequences aren't doing anyone any favors, esp. those wanting to get hooked in longterm.
If my reasoning is unsound or I've misinterpreted the quotes I sourced, by all means refute. For the record, I don't think Trinity is reinventing the wheel. It is, however, an enjoyable title worth reading every week--at least for me. Not for you? That's fine. It's fine. Everything's fine. I'm not attacking your interests; I'm defending mine.

[Agent_Torpor]

Anyway, from Chris's Invincible Blog:

"Trinity #2: So DC’s latest weekly series got its second chance, and I’ve gotta say, I’m as underwhelmed with this one as I was with the first, which is kind of a surprise since it leads off with a story called “A Personal Best at Giant Robot Smashing.” Under normal circumstances, that sounds like exactly the sort of thing I’d be into, but, well, it just falls flat, for all of the reasons that I mentioned last week.

It’s not even that it’s a bad comic; it’s completely adequate in every way. Batman shows up, grimaces, does something smart and determined. Superman shows up, pulls off an allegedly amazing feat of strength. Wonder Woman shows up, beats up a robot and talks about being an Amazon. It’s nothing that I haven’t seen before, and I’ve got the impression that if you’ve ever read any halfway decent comic book with these characters, it’s nothing you haven’t seen before either. And that’s the problem: It’s adequate, but it’s just adequate, and while I know every comic can’t be spectacular, I don’t have much of a desire to read one that doesn’t even offer anything new on a weekly basis."

[Agent_Torpor]

I'm wondering how they can just let a solar system fly off into space.

That won't mess with anything? Really?

It's gonna mess with Booster Gold's chalkboard, rest assured.

[Agent_Torpor]

Gonna chime in here and agree with Torpor. The first issue wasn't all that blockbustery, but it had enough intrigue that I came back for week two. This week's issue was completely average. And I'm gonna blame it on terrible and forced decompression. With only eleven pages to tell the primary story, we get absolutely nothing. Some fine action with some mediocre art, but not a lot of progression in the story itself. With 52 there were so many stories going on at once that every week there was some noticeable movement with at least one. We get a slow resolution to last week's events and then a poor back up with characters I can't imagine being all that important to the main plot.

Y'know what would've made this book stand out? Regular cover price, but thirty-two pages of story. Sixteen pages for the primary and back ups, or twenty-one pages for the primary and eleven for the back up. Either way, it's more story in a weekly comic for the same price, that would've been bound to attract some readers, or keep people who are maybe, sorta, kinda interested in the story hanging on longer.

But myself? I'm with Don and Torpor. I can't justify spending twelve bucks a month on a book I can't enjoy at this pace while gas is four bucks a gallon. So between the shitty economy, the grind of two years of weekly comics, fifty percent of which were by and large grueling as hell, and with a story sharing half the space of a weekly comic, I wouldn't be surprised if this book sinks even lower than Countdown. Maybe in the low 60k range.

On point. With 52, there were 5 or 6 different stories moving along, so if one dragged, you sure as hell had two others that didn't.

[Xero]

I've been loving this series, this is how you do a weekly.

[Nakomah]

Short, sweet and to the point. Thank you Xero!

[Jack Zodiac]

On point. With 52, there were 5 or 6 different stories moving along, so if one dragged, you sure as hell had two others that didn't.

Yep. And even the god awful "History of the DC Universe" back ups were short and snappy and left you more room for the meat of the series. And the origin back ups were just two pages. I certainly didn't need eleven pages of two no-name aliens wrecking Green Lantern to explain the six panels at the end of the main story.

[Ian J.N.]

Yep. And even the god awful "History of the DC Universe" back ups were short and snappy and left you more room for the meat of the series. And the origin back ups were just two pages. I certainly didn't need eleven pages of two no-name aliens wrecking Green Lantern to explain the six panels at the end of the main story.
"Two no-name aliens wrecking Green Lantern" is the immediate story being told, which is to be enjoyed on its own terms. It's not Part 4 of 104; it's an episode with beginning, middle, and end. The larger purpose is to introduce Konvikt who has a major role to play (as foreshadowed last issue).

[Jack Zodiac]

"Two no-name aliens wrecking Green Lantern" is the immediate story being told, which is to be enjoyed on its own terms. It's not Part 4 of 104; it's an episode with beginning, middle, and end. The larger purpose is to introduce Konvikt who has a major role to play (as foreshadowed last issue).

The immediate story of the back-up. As of yet, it doesn't have anything of significance to do with Superman, Wonder Woman, and Batman's dreams, or the random robots, solar system, and mystic dimension that screw with them this issue. The back-up is about the alien we see at the very end of the primary story, and all it does is elaborate on how they're here, not why they're here or who they are (which are things you'd figure you'd want to at least basically outline for a character introduction).

And no, it isn't a complete story. It's a weekly serial that's being told in eleven pages with eleven pages of back story. The story of Konvikt and tiny alien shoulder-pet is the back-up, which was a complete story, at the expense of the plot progression of the primary story, that of Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman trying to find out why they're having crazy dreams.

[Flash's Lightning]

I gotta agree with Jack and Torpor on this. I'm only hanging around until Trinity drops below 5 of 10 - when it's below average. And that's only because of Kurt Busiek, otherwise I wouldn't spend $2.99 * 52 issues plus tax.

I haven't seen anything remotely amazing about Trinity at all.

And did you really say that Konvikt was "introduced". :tongue: Please tell me you mean that tongue in cheek. Because right now all I know is he's a really annoying side character that's yet another "alien who should be in prison on another planet" (Massacre anyone?).

I'm disappointed mainly in Kurt, who is using a cliched "make a new villain appear who's superpowered, knocks out a hero, other heroes swoop in and take him out easily" approach on a new villain. He knows better!

[Ian J.N.]

And no, it isn't a complete story. It's a weekly serial that's being told in eleven pages with eleven pages of back story. The story of Konvikt and tiny alien shoulder-pet is the back-up, which was a complete story, at the expense of the plot progression of the primary story, that of Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman trying to find out why they're having crazy dreams.
KB: The only reason they're called "back-ups" is because they're in the back. People assumed a lot from the term, but to my mind, a back-up is any story that runs after the lead story. In this case, the back-ups (or second chapters, or whatever) are part of the main story -- they're just the part where we focus on stuff being done by other characters than the Trinity.

http://www.newsarama.com/comics/080610-TrinitySessions01.html



This issue had two stories, both chapters in the larger narrative, but not immediately connected to each other (apart from the first cliffhanger).

Both stories introduced and resolved an immediate conflict (making them two complete stories), while advancing the larger plot. The front story introduced a new danger, i.e. bat-spit crazy reality warping, which is somehow connected to the cosmic figure. The Trinity has apparently been targeted for more than bad dreams. The back story introduced new characters and set them up for a JLA showdown. What comes next, we don't know, but they're clearly connected to the larger plot, because at some point Enigma and Morgaine are going to seek them out.

[Jack Zodiac]

No, not clearly. Y'see, if it were clear, you'd be able to tell me exactly what's happening, but you can't. It's very unclear, in fact. Konvikt shows up. Why? How? To what end? I'unno. But there was plenty of time between the middle of the book and the end of the back up, which focused on him, for it to be explained- for a new, potentially pivotal character to be given a full, intriguing introduction.

And next week, all of my questions could be answered, but the point of any comic, whether it's a weekly or a monthly, is to get the reader to buy the next issue, and I'm really not feeling that compelled to pick it up next week. Last week ended with a solar system exploding in the middle of Metropolis. This week ended with all of them on the phone with each other and Green Lantern facing a purple Shaggy Man lookin' thing. And then the back-up ended with the ending of the primary story. It just wasn't catchy.

And in a weekly book, you're fighting even harder to avoid decompression, which is apparently the most impossible thing for most writers even just doing a monthly. Kurt is a great writer. Almost every single issue of his Superman and Action ended with something that had me anticipating the next month's, but in this weekly format, it's not working quite as well.

[Ian J.N.]

And did you really say that Konvikt was "introduced". :tongue: Please tell me you mean that tongue in cheek. Because right now all I know is he's a really annoying side character that's yet another "alien who should be in prison on another planet" (Massacre anyone?).
He's a brand-spanking new character, so yeah, this is his introduction. We learned that Konvikt is a grunting brute with a misguided sense of honor. We learned that Graak is a mouthy opportunist with what seems to be a mind-reading ability. We learned how they arrived on Earth, that they're stranded, and why they're now rampaging.

I'm disappointed mainly in Kurt, who is using a cliched "make a new villain appear who's superpowered, knocks out a hero, other heroes swoop in and take him out easily" approach on a new villain. He knows better!
To be fair, John had things in hand until he got hoodwinked by a reality ripple.

[stealthwise]

I can't believe anyone who read 52 would complain that nothing's happening in this series so far. I grabbed the first four issues of 52, found nothing at all going on because of the choppy way that the various stories were interspersed through each issue, and had to take them back to the store. I'm only now considering getting the trades.

Trinity, on the other hand, works perfectly fine given the format, and I'm actually glad that it's weekly, given that I'm interested in what's happening, and am looking forward to seeing what's next, while at the same time there's not an overabundance of material to consider (i.e. All-Star Superman, which could be an annual series and still satisfy me).

As for the "weekly trips to the comic shop," add the damned title to your pull list and make bi-weekly or monthly trips. I can't believe most of you guys don't make weekly trips to the story anyways, given the size of some of the pull lists I've seen here.

[MutoMikey]

I'm reeeeally trying to like this series. I know we're only two issues in but I'm so bored with it. I thought the opening with the disembodied voice in space was intriguing. I mean, this is Busiek and Bagley. I love Astro City and Marvels and I've grown up loving Bagley's art on Spidey AND Ultimate Spidey but this has just bored me. :frown:

I'll give it the rest of the month to see where it goes...

[LtMarvel]

Thumbs up so far. Good intro, good guest stars. It reminds me a bit of Brave and the Bold, except we have three heroes that will be in every issue.

Honestly, I can't imagine dropping this series after the first 2 issues.

[JCAll]

The immediate story of the back-up. As of yet, it doesn't have anything of significance to do with Superman, Wonder Woman, and Batman's dreams, or the random robots, solar system, and mystic dimension that screw with them this issue. The back-up is about the alien we see at the very end of the primary story, and all it does is elaborate on how they're here, not why they're here or who they are (which are things you'd figure you'd want to at least basically outline for a character introduction).

And no, it isn't a complete story. It's a weekly serial that's being told in eleven pages with eleven pages of back story. The story of Konvikt and tiny alien shoulder-pet is the back-up, which was a complete story, at the expense of the plot progression of the primary story, that of Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman trying to find out why they're having crazy dreams.

From what I've seen, the backup of one issue is going to lead directly into the lead story the next issue. Though this seems completely boneheaded, and like it ruin and sort of cliffhanger, what the hell I'm running with it for now.

And I should damn well have a high tolerance for boneheaded ideas after Countdown, and as long as Trinity remains good I'm not going to bash it. I will however have my bashing stick in the corner just in case.

[Rev. Calibos]

Aces so far. The story is a slow build but that's the point of a weekly. The back-up's compliment the lead story nicely, it looks like a win-win across the board.

Adding what is essentially 4 comic books to my pull list sounds like a big deal but I don't smoke anymore so not buying a pack of cigs every two days easily makes up for this, lol.

[Capt USA]

as a concept I love the idea of a weekly comic, I can't understand why any comic book fan wouldn't love the concept of a weekly comic. So far this is the third one from dc, 52 was good, countdown was dreadful (after about 10 issues that is, started out good) and now we have Trinity, theoretically it should be almost impossible to make a bad series with the cast of characters so I'm going to put my faith in the writer.

I disliked the scene with Wonderwoman refusing help from Superman, not because she refused it, but the fact that she had to explain her actions to Superman, which he would have known, he isn't stupid.


I don't really care for the backup features yet, but we'll see how that happens, the problem is, if they don't have enough material to make a full book, then they shouldn't be trying to do a weekly series. I'm serious about this, why do something if you don't have the material. If there is a necessity for back story then I'm find with splitting the titles, but just as filler material it's a waste.

[SeritoNiN]

didn't like this one as much as the first issue, but luckily, it's weekly, so it has a fast chance of redeeming itself over most books.

[Ian J.N.]

No, not clearly. Y'see, if it were clear, you'd be able to tell me exactly what's happening, but you can't. It's very unclear, in fact. Konvikt shows up. Why? How? To what end? I'unno. But there was plenty of time between the middle of the book and the end of the back up, which focused on him, for it to be explained- for a new, potentially pivotal character to be given a full, intriguing introduction.
I don't claim to know how and in what capacity Konvikt is related to the larger plot, just that he is. I know this--clearly, with certainty--because we were told as much in "The Morrows to Come." He's not a villain-of-the-month who will fight the Trinity next week to be never heard from again. We know this, Jack.

I get that you would've liked more information so as to make Konvikt more intriguing. Two problems, though:

1. Story economy. Konvikt's backstory is superfluous to the story at hand, which is about a crash-landed alien being provoked into rampage. We don't need the expository clutter of where he came from to understand why the Trinity will fight him next week. That can be expanded upon later.

2. There may be important revelations in store. One poster has pointed out how Konvikt has Trinity-esque visual elements (red cape-like fur, gold belt, WW head ridges). I, myself, find it all too suspicious how the ring couldn't identify him. And John's freaky Warrior moment there--pretty convenient that Konvikt had just been restrained. Perhaps he's capable of more than brute strength.

Like Clayface's museum robbery last week, I think there's more going on than what we're seeing. At any rate, let's not assume that Busiek et al have dropped the ball.

And in a weekly book, you're fighting even harder to avoid decompression, which is apparently the most impossible thing for most writers even just doing a monthly.
You don't combat decompression by making everything about Frodo and the Ring. You do it with Merry and Pippin and sidetrips into Fangorn Forest--supporting characters and subplots, episodes enjoy-able by themselves but ultimately connected to the larger conflict. You build in and around the central plot. You make the story more robust.

The title hasn't captured your interest and you don't feel it's worth the extra cost. Fair enough, but I can't fault the approach taken. To get back to my original point, "two no-name aliens wrecking Green Lantern" isn't irrelevant, water-treading decompression. It's an episode of the story. The story, you see, encompasses more than just the Trinity and their travails.

[Will.S]

I've noticed that Kurt for some reason like's to inject "k" into names like Subjekt-17 and Konvikt which comes off as a little corny but perhaps there's a relation there.

[Steward Ace]

I've noticed that Kurt for some reason like's to inject "k" into names like Subjekt-17 and Konvikt which comes off as a little corny but perhaps there's a relation there.

Maybe they're all sekretly Russians invading Amerika?

[Will.S]

Maybe they're all sekretly Russians invading Amerika?
Heh, he's actually used "Amerika" before with the Crime Syndicate of Amerika.

[HaroldAllnut]

Am I the only one who got serious Warren Ellis vibes from that idea about a tiny solar system growing in the middle of Metropolis? It was an excellent idea on Busiek's part and raised my faith in the series.

[CarolStrick]

Yeah: ca-ching!

This either needs to be an oversized (or regular) monthly or regular-sized biweekly. I don't think the stories are going to be enough to grab me each week, even if it is Busiek.

[andy khouri]

Superman fights a sun, Wonder Woman fights some robots, John Stewart gets some new gear, and things just get weird for Batman in DC Comics' "Trinity" #2, on sale now.

http://comicbookresources.com:8080/?page=article&id=16811

[Jack Zodiac]

We know this, Jack.

No we don't. An off-hand reference in a hasty back-up isn't concrete enough a reason for me to give a crap about a brand new villain. When you introduce a character you want to be important, you need a hook. And Kurt is fantastic at things like that. The Auctioneer? Subjekt-17? I was interested in both of them right off the bat. Hell, Khyrana is still a really interesting character to me, and she's only had a single appearance in Superman.

1. Story economy. 2. There may be important revelations in store.

The problem with a weekly book sporting an eleven-page back up is balance, obviously. Half the book is going to be a story that's tangential to the primary story about Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman. Kurt's tied the first two back-ups into the story so far, and I assume that's going to be a trend. Each back-up will lead into next week's story and expand upon the former story in some way. Great idea. But! He's working with much less space. If he wants to hook the readers, he needs to whip out something big each week, and he did it in week one well. Mini-solar system blowing up in the middle of Metropolis? Kinda catchy. This week? Three-way distress phone call and Green Lantern getting stomped on by some random new villain? Not as catchy.

Withholding revelations can be a good idea in some cases. The bigger ones you definitely want to keep a surprise for a bit. Builds up some interest and momentum for the character or plot. But to not divulge anything of worth for a brand new villain, one you expect to be using frequently, in a weekly title- that's kind of weak. It's especially important to get momentum going early in a weekly. 52 did it pretty well, Countdown tried and failed. I'd hate to see Trinity peter off before it even gets started.

You don't combat decompression by making everything about Frodo and the Ring. You do it with Merry and Pippin and sidetrips into Fangorn Forest--supporting characters and subplots, episodes enjoy-able by themselves but ultimately connected to the larger conflict. You build in and around the central plot. You make the story more robust.

For real? You're going to use Tolkien as an example of how to avoid decompression? That's a terrible idea.

Look at Amazing Spider-Man since it's gone (almost) weekly. Ignoring what a terrible idea it was that got it there and the series of events leading up to it, "Brand New Day" is the greatest weekly-ish comic book I've ever read. Every single week has momentum, every plot point is tread upon evenly, all of the subplots building up nicely over time without stepping all over the central storyline and driving plots. Maybe it's some kind of magic that only Wacker can craft, I don't know, but whatever 52 had and Amazing Spider-Man has wasn't there for Countdown and isn't strong enough in Trinity yet.

The title hasn't captured your interest and you don't feel it's worth the extra cost. Fair enough, but I can't fault the approach taken. To get back to my original point, "two no-name aliens wrecking Green Lantern" isn't irrelevant, water-treading decompression. It's an episode of the story. The story, you see, encompasses more than just the Trinity and their travails.

It's a trivial "episode" that relocated and wastes time for the driving plot. We didn't need eleven pages of introduction for Konvikt and his tiny annoying translator. And if we did, those eleven pages weren't used to their potential. I won't fault the approach because it's potentially workable, but I'm faulting how it's been used so far.

And I'm gonna fault DC ed. for not thinking ahead enough to give their third weekly something catchier than being just another weekly. Ten more pages for the same price would've brought in all kinds of interest. More story (in terms of progress and space) for the same money? I'd have been sold on that alone.

[Flash's Lightning]

You know what I was just thinking about?

How cool it would have been for Kurt to have changed this issue up a bit. Think about it - the "challenges" each of the Good Trinity faced were what you might expect.

It might have been more interesting to see, for example, Wonder Woman deal with a solar system, Batman deal with killer robots, and Superman deal with a magical city.

Just to add unexpected plot twists to it, and to really strain each of the three since it'd be more difficult for each of them.

Just a thought! :smile:

[misterbonesy]

52 and COUNTDOWN soured me on DC's weekly comics, and the first 2 issues of TRINITY did not excite me enough to continue reading it. Even though I have great respect for Busiek, I have no respect for DC right now and can not support another weekly until they get their act together.

My DC pull list is dwindling quickly...

[Samy]

"I love Diana written like that - she's a warrior and it's good to remember that. She's made for war"

Say what? I thought she was made because Polly wanted a child, and for no other reason. That was reaffirmed as recently as "The Circle" in her own title.

She was made on an island of pacifists, by a bunch of pacifists, to preach peace. I fail to see how that's "made for war".

The only physical struggles Diana was made for are athletic competitions, which do give her significant physical prowess, yes, but are hardly the same thing as *war*.

[Flash's Lightning]

"I love Diana written like that - she's a warrior and it's good to remember that. She's made for war"

Say what? I thought she was made because Polly wanted a child, and for no other reason. That was reaffirmed as recently as "The Circle" in her own title.

She was made on an island of pacifists, by a bunch of pacifists, to preach peace. I fail to see how that's "made for war".

The only physical struggles Diana was made for are athletic competitions, which do give her significant physical prowess, yes, but are hardly the same thing as *war*.

See the other thread for more discussion of Wonder Woman, warrior or not.

But suffice it to say, she has a sword that can cleave a building in two, battle armor, and a whole army of Amazons. Yeah, she's made for war.

[Flash's Lightning]

"I love Diana written like that - she's a warrior and it's good to remember that. She's made for war"

Say what? I thought she was made because Polly wanted a child, and for no other reason. That was reaffirmed as recently as "The Circle" in her own title.

She was made on an island of pacifists, by a bunch of pacifists, to preach peace. I fail to see how that's "made for war".

The only physical struggles Diana was made for are athletic competitions, which do give her significant physical prowess, yes, but are hardly the same thing as *war*.


See the other thread for more discussion of Wonder Woman, warrior or not.

But suffice it to say, she has a sword that can cleave a building in two, battle armor, and a whole army of Amazons. Yeah, she's made for war.

[Flash's Lightning]

"I love Diana written like that - she's a warrior and it's good to remember that. She's made for war"

Say what? I thought she was made because Polly wanted a child, and for no other reason. That was reaffirmed as recently as "The Circle" in her own title.

She was made on an island of pacifists, by a bunch of pacifists, to preach peace. I fail to see how that's "made for war".

The only physical struggles Diana was made for are athletic competitions, which do give her significant physical prowess, yes, but are hardly the same thing as *war*.


See the other thread for more discussion of Wonder Woman, warrior or not.

But suffice it to say, she has a sword that can cleave a building in two, battle armor, and a whole army of Amazons. Yeah, she's made for war.