BEST SHOTS EXTRA: TRINITY #1

[MattBrady]

Best Shots Extra
Trinity #1
From: DC Comics
Lead Story
Writer: Kurt Busiek
Art: Mark Bagley with Art Thibert
Color: Pete Pantazis
Letters: Pat Brosseau
Second Story
Writers: Fabian Nicieza (script) with Kurt Busiek
Art: Scott McDaniel & Andy Owens
Color: Allen Passalaqua
Letters: Pat Brosseau
Cover: Carlos Pacheco
Review by Troy Brownfield

Now this, kids . . . this is how you launch a weekly book. DC definitely made the right choice with this assemblage of talent. From the opening narrative caption, Kurt Busiek demonstrates that he’s in complete control of his part of the story. It’s obvious fairly quickly that this book has a drive and purpose solidly in place, and I think that we can agree by now that that’s extremely important with this type of project. As you know, Busiek’s handled most of the big guns in comics at one time or another (most recently, Superman, and in the not too distant past, the JLA); he’s a veteran storyteller that not only knows the mechanism by which super-hero stories should be written, but how scope and attitude play their part.

In the first story of the issue, Busiek juxtaposes brewing events of cosmic import with Bruce Wayne, Clark Kent, and Diana Prince gathering for . . . breakfast. It’s a dynamite bit that quickly establishes who everyone is, how they play their secret identities in public, and how their behavior and mannerisms compare. I love the anal-retentive exactness with which Bruce orders a latte versus Clark’s notion of taking whatever’s easiest from the kitchen staff. It’s damn smart character writing.

Of course, there’s some action as well, most of it supplied in the first part by the fastest family alive. Busiek demonstrates his command of character with a spot-on Wally West (who might be the best dad in comics these days). The further cast interactions set the tone for things going forward, and we get some interesting cliffhangers dealt as well.

Now, inasmuch as the writing is great, Bagley and Thibert simply tear it up on the art side. Their panels are ridiculously detailed (check out the donut counter) and the action is fluid. (Note to DC: if Bagley’s not completely exhausted when this is over, how about a run on Flash?) The pair also demonstrates terrific subtlety of expression; note the goofy smile that Bruce wears as his public face, then watch how it recedes into the sharp demeanor of Batman. This is good stuff.

As for the second half, it’s very entertaining in a completely different way. We’ve all wondered exactly what Nicieza’s “side” was going to be, and looking at it now, it makes perfect sense. Approaching the other side (plotted with Busiek) more or less as an inversion of the first side, Nicieza gets to throw the spotlight on some lesser-known, lesser-used characters in a way that’s still a completely organic part of the larger story. This also answers the question (for the most part) of who the “other” Trinity might be, while suggesting further mysteries to be examined.

Art over here is by the familiar team of Scott McDaniel & Andy Owens, and they also do a great job. Actually, their work complements Bagley and Thibert well; you can see that in full effect when we get some cut-scenes that actually are done by Bagley and Thibert. Seeing the images side-by-side is a really interesting bit, and shows you just how hard everyone is working.

I really, really enjoyed Trinity #1. If you’re going to do a weekly series, this seems like a great way to approach it: two parallel narratives shepherded by some top-flight creators working toward a clearly defined plot. I’m frankly excited to see more. Busiek truly gets the characters, Nicieza seems to be having a good time, and the art all-around is rock-solid. Trinity looks like DC’s next big winner.

[chap22]

sounds great. but then, i've been totally on-board with this project since the day it was announced. easily my most-anticipated "event"/story from DC in quite a while.

[KoozyK]

this is good to hear. hopefully, dc learned their lesson from countdown, i know i have. they have 6 weeks to show me it's worth it, then i make the decision to stay or go.

[durkadurka]

Thanks for the review, Troy.
I'm glad to hear this is a good opener. I was really excited to see Bagley take on DC characters, i was just worried that this weekly may not pan out to be that great, mostly because of another unnamed weekly that...ah hell with it, Countdown sucked.
I don't understand how a book like this will fit into a cohesive universe if things like Batman RIP and Final Crisis are going down, and i know it's supposed to be separate but still in continuity somehow, but we'll see.

[Shoeface]

Really looking forward to this, Busiek is a great writer.

[cpahl2000]

I can´t wait to read it. Kurt and Mark, in my opinion will do an excellent job and a comic with Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman isn´t so bad idea, it´s a awesome one!

[AnalSurprise]

Say what you will about Fabian being forever "stuck" with secondary characters at Marvel, it now appears to me that it's got less to do with hierarchy and everything to do with genuine love for the oft-neglected bit players. I don't think there's any doubt left at this point that he actually chooses these assignments few writers would fight with him over.

I still don't understand why a writer would devote his entire career to C-listers, but if that's where his heart is, you have to respect and even admire that. Someone once said that the richest man on earth is the one who actually wants what he has.

/AS

[Nas-Vell]

Originally Posted by MattBrady

(Note to DC: if Bagley’s not completely exhausted when this is over, how about a run on Flash?)

I second that! Give the guy a couple months to rest his hands, then get him rolling on The Flash with Tom Peyer. Freddie Williams' art has gotten better on that title, but Bagley was born for that book like he was born for Spidey! Glad to hear Wally shows up here, too.

Glad to hear a good review, but I never expected anything but the best from Busiek, Bagley and Nicieza. Can't wait to get my copy!

[Samy Merchi]

This is out already?

[melperfect]

I think that everyone who's concerned about Final Crisis' accessibility for new readers will get exactly what they're hoping for with Trinity. I'm very excited for this project and I think its initial sales will be up there with SI and FC.

Go Bagley!

[Pontius]

It's 49 hours away. Yes, I'm counting. That's how excited I am about this.

And I really think that Kurt Busiek is probably just perfect for this. I simply can't wait.

[GLG]

Originally Posted by AnalSurprise

I still don't understand why a writer would devote his entire career to C-listers, but if that's where his heart is, you have to respect and even admire that. Someone once said that the richest man on earth is the one who actually wants what he has.

/AS

I get it. By sticking to less iconic characters Nicieza is able to basically do what he wants in the series. The characters are as close to being his as you can get working for a major publisher. It's odd to see his name attached to characters that are the definition of unchanging and iconic. I guess everyone needs a change of pace sometimes.

[I am MODOK]

I'm breaking down and giving this a shot based on the creative team. I like the idea of a weekly series, but Countdown was a misfire from the word go.

As a long-time DCU fan, I'm giving Final Crisis and Trinity every opportunity to make up for the disaster that the last year of the DCU has been. I'm crossing my fingers!

[Corpulent1]

Looking forward to Trinity.

I never gave Bagley much thought as a Flash artist, but I certainly wouldn't be averse to it.

[Samy Merchi]

Originally Posted by AnalSurprise

I still don't understand why a writer would devote his entire career to C-listers

I'd never ever want to write an A-lister.

You can't change them, you can't do anything meaningful with them. And they have 1000+ issues so yours is just a drop in the bucket.

I'd much rather be able to have a 20-issue run on a character that's had 50 issues total, and be able to develop and change them over time meaningfully.

Than have a 20-issue run on a character that's had 500 issues total, and not be able to do anything meaningful.

[vbartilucci]

Originally Posted by Nas-Vell

Give the guy a couple months to rest his hands, then get him rolling on The Flash

Screw that - fetch the Purple Ray!

[AnalSurprise]

Originally Posted by GLG

By sticking to less iconic characters Nicieza is able to basically do what he wants in the series.

Originally Posted by Samy Merchi

I'd never ever want to write an A-lister. You can't change them, you can't do anything meaningful with them. And they have 1000+ issues so yours is just a drop in the bucket.

That does make a whole lot of sense when you stop and think about it, doesn't it?

/AS

[Rikk Odinson]

Sounds and looks cool but I am so sick of Supes, Bats, and WW and thier roll as the "trinity" of DC superheroes.

[artiepants]

i'd be so onboard this if it was all Busiek/Bagley, just not that interested in the backups or paying $3 for essentially half a comic.

Guess i'll trade wait it...

[Samy Merchi]

Since the trades will include the backups (since the main story wouldn't make sense without them) you'll be paying for them either way.

[durkadurka]

Originally Posted by Samy Merchi

I'd never ever want to write an A-lister.

You can't change them, you can't do anything meaningful with them. And they have 1000+ issues so yours is just a drop in the bucket.

I'd much rather be able to have a 20-issue run on a character that's had 50 issues total, and be able to develop and change them over time meaningfully.

Than have a 20-issue run on a character that's had 500 issues total, and not be able to do anything meaningful.

That was basically PAD's reasoning for including Darwin in X-Factor. He said he wanted to use a character that was basically a clean slate, so he could really do anything he wanted with him.
I can't really remember a time when Nicieza disappointed me, so I'm happy he does things like this. Whenever a c-list character is done well, they are usually done REALLY well. And to combine it with 3 of the most iconic characters in comicdom, that's a good move.

[Troy Brownfield]

Originally Posted by artiepants

i'd be so onboard this if it was all Busiek/Bagley, just not that interested in the backups or paying $3 for essentially half a comic.

Guess i'll trade wait it...

Just to clarify, it's not really a "back-up", even though we ourselves called it that before we actually saw it. You should take a look to see what I mean.

[Binker]

I'am very glad that this series has a great start. I never got 52 (don't ask why), and I got Countdown which....well, you know whjat I'm going to say. It is such great news that the first issue of the third weekly series is more respected, than Countdown's first issue, but like 52's first issue. And a weekly series about Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman? The Man of Steel, the Dark Knight, and the Amazing Amazon? My favorite three of DC! Why not like it!

[AirDave817]

Has anyone answered the question - Why is this a weekly instead of a monthly? If this is so good, wouldn't a weekly be overkill? Ultimate Spider-man seemed to take on a bi-monthly release schedule - not that I minded much - but what is it about Trinity that screams - weekly? I don't remember sitting around tellin' a freind - or my wife - Y'know what would be cool? A weekly comic. I say this because it probably is going to be one of the better weeklies, and I have sworn them off as too expensive, no matter who is writing and drawing - definitely my loss and I am kicking myself!!

D'Oh!

[ausuran]

This is what I wanted to hear. I cannot wait now.