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The DCX: First Stream
by Alex Cook, with additional help from Mark Peyton

I've become slightly known for reviewing new fanfic groups, so I thought I'd give the DCX a peek. First off, I'm not a mainstream comic fan. However, I know enough of the universe to know the characters and their respective pasts. On a continuity note, DCX did okay, but not great. I would like to know what time their continuity diverges from DCU's, but it's not important to enjoy the stories published.

I have a few concerns though. DCX employs a word limit on its writers, asking them to stay within 1500 words per story. This is fanfic, and the people writing these stories aren't quite up to the caliber needed to fit a plot in such a short space. This detracts heavily while reading the story, because it comes off as more a teaser then anything... blink of the eye and your done reading it. I understand the thinking behind the word limit, to get readers to read the other stuff as well, but they all come off as short parts, not a story in and of itself. An issue of a regular comic is a complete story still, even if it is wrapped in a story arc. These series don’t have that same feel to them.

DCX also claims to strive to make sure the characters they write read like the real thing. Too bad they fall short on that in more then half their series.

DCX is off to a good starting overall. There are a few gems, and a few misses, but as with all fanfiction, it comes down to what you care to read.

Titles that didn't get reviewed because they weren't released as scheduled: Azrael: Knight of Vengeance, Green Arrow: The Art of the Arrow, Impulse: Quicker than Thought, J'onn J'onzz: Martian Manhunter, Superboy: The Eternal Wonder, Superman: The Metropolis Marvel, Tommy Monaghan: HITMAN

Batgirl: Dark Knight Damsel #1 by Brendan Crowther (released May 23) - Nice start, if confusing. Three girls are shown, two who have ideas of being a spandex clad heroine, while the other is kidnapped. Then, end of issue. The story wasn't long enough to get a connection with the character in the first issue.

Batman: Dark Knight #1 by John Hardin (released May 23) - Well, I can honestly say this one surprised me. Earlier in the article I voiced my concerns over the imposed word count limit of each DCX issue. John Hardin has mastered the space problem very well. The action picks from the beginning and just builds. While in other series at the DCX I was left feeling shorted after reading the issues, Batman: Dark Knight leaves me wanting more, which is the purpose of every writer, to keep the reader wanting more. One of the higher quality titles available at the DCX

Booster Gold: Market Share #1 Cecil Adkins (released May 23) - This is one of the few DCX series that uses the word cap well. I enjoyed this little romp, because it told the right amount of back-story, while paving the way for the future tales. While it does appear to be a 'bad twin story' as Booster says at the end, I'm guessing the author has a twist or two in mind. The pacing was better then most, and overall I was impressed.

Flash: The Fastest Man Alive #1 by Vito Delsante (released May 23) - While the author stays within the word count limit well enough to peak my interest, it's not enough to garner a favorable review. This issue was filled with quite a bit of exposition and down playing of Flash's ability. The Speed Force is the lynch pin of all Flashes, and the writer uses it as a throwaway device to launch the maroon speedster into New Genesis. The devices used to concoct this journey where flimsy and boring, yet, there are links in the story to future plot development. This issue gets mixed reviews. Half cause it’s a decent start, half cause it fell short. And Mirror Master is a weak villain.

Green Lantern: Emerald Legacy #1 by Anthony Broomes (released May 23) - I've never been a GL fan, even less since Kyle Rayner popped onto the scene. This series however has some potential, even though I know nothing of the main character. Sitting and chatting with the GL major leaguers about the concept of GL recruitment is interesting, because it shows a lot about the characters. The characters in this issue were among the best I've read at the DCX.

Robin: Fly by Knight #1 by Brian Bedard (released May 23) - A ton of continuity is taken for granted. The reader is supposed to know Ariana, the Spoiler, and Tim's Mom. I knew of Tim's mom, not of the other two. New fanfic groups should broadcast more where their continuity breaks up, and perhaps a blurb about the characters in a series. It would have helped Robin immensely. Props for the Buffy: The Vampire Slayer reference. The story overall moved well, but didn't feel like a story, it felt like a commercial.

Sandman: Time and Tide #1 by Vic Ayers & Floyd Brigdon (released May 23) - Again, pleasantly surprised was I. The bulk of the issue is about a guy being late for work, but the dialogue used and the descriptive phrases rocked. The dreams foreshadowed things to come, and I'm looking forward to more. The main character was only in a few lines of the story, and that is good to see, because it shows the author taking risks. Taking risks is the point of fanfic after all, and this series pulls it off with flying colors. This is a series to watch.

Supergirl: The Woman of Tomorrow #1 by Aaron Moss (released May 23) - Aaron is not a writer that deals with cramped quarters well. Supergirl is a convoluted mess, due to the amount of exposition thrown at the reader in the first two paragraphs. The reasons for this new villain being released are given way too quickly, almost anti-climatically. I don't feel a connection to any of the characters, and I can't see myself reading anymore of the series.

Superman: Last Son of Krypton #1 by Jeffrey Bridges (released May 23) - This is what makes fanfic fun, taking a different look at the tired and true characters we know and love. Sending a paragraph on the buttresses of the Daily Bugle while battling with writer's block is not a scene we picture Superman in often, but the different perspective makes for an interesting read. This series dealt with the word limit nicely cause the whole issue was an exchange between Lois and Clark, while dropping minor hints at a back plot.

Wonder Woman: Amazon Princess #1 by Lynx Delirium (released May 23) - Wonder Woman always came off as cheesy to me. Yeah, she's got a lasso to make people tell the truth. A few writers have been able to breathe some interesting life into the character, but I'm sorry to say Lynx isn't one of them. Wonder Woman comes off as a 2 dimensional character in this story. The beginning of something was shown here, and I'll read more of this series to see what it is, but as of now I'm not impressed with it.

Aquaman: Sovereign of the Seas #1 by Gregg Whitmore (released June 6) - All the stories I've read at the DCX so far take the reader for granted, thinking they know the characters in each series. I don't, not by a long shoot. Gregg doesn't follow suit with the rest of the DCX, lucky for me. His intro tale to Aquaman i9s interesting and captivating, especially once you know who it is that is telling the story. This issue brings the reader up to speed with the basic point behind Aquaman, while laying a few foundations for future plot elements. While I'm not an Aquaman fan, not by a long shot, I did enjoy this issue.

Atom: The Minuscule Leaguer #1 by Aaron Moss (released June 6) - I don't want to sound like a broken record in these reviews, but again the word limit kills this issue, as well as the lack of bringing the reader up to speed, especially dealing with a character as little known as Atom. The Atom's life story is thrown at the reader in the span of a paragraph, with no where near enough details to understand half of it. Then his dead lover appears and is about to bash his head in. Some links to future plot elements where in this issue, but so much was taken for granted on the part of the author that it is a far cry from a solid read.

Batman: Shadows of Twilight #1 by Laura Hysert - (released June 6) My big problem with this issue is the plot element used. Two face busts out of Arkham, while Joker just busted out of Arkham over in Batman: Dark Knight #1. Using Arkham in such a flippant way cheapens the whole point of the asylum, and it shows a lack of continuity with the rest of the universe. That aside, the rest of the issue is a solid read. The similarities between TwoFace and Batman/Bruce Wayne are very interesting, and the authors writes Bruce's fractured mindset stunningly. However, the word limit came to bit this issue in the ass, like most of the DCX. This felt too much like a glimpse at things to come for me to solidly

Catwoman: Night Moves #1 by Susan Bridges (released June 6) - The character of Selina Kyle was dead on. The issue was well paced and well written, but again another series dies under the weight of the word limit. Not enough was done in this issue to make it feel like more then a morsel of information. Hints at the future are littered towards the end of the issue, but the rest of it is such a textbook comic it’s boring and overdone.

Changeling: Greener Pastures #1 by Joel A. Moroney (released June 6) - Another character I know little of, but this time he was actually introduced to me. The author penned a nice summary of Gar's past exploits, and I actually felt a bit of a connection to the character. While not much was given about the future of this series, it has a certain feel to it that works. Gar has bailed on all his 'comfort zones', trying to find himself in the sea of confusion his life has been. While this is a common character motive, it works well in this case.

Firestorm: Nuclear Fury #1 by Matthew Pierce (released June 6) - Stellar example of bringing the reader up to speed. Raymond's diatribe on his life was a welcome change to the rest of the things I've been reading at DCX, because it showed me more about the character in such a short span then any other writer has to date. However, the story did fall short at the end. The idea of the Fire Elemental coming back for Firestorm to sacrifice him to save a dying solar system is trite, and boring in my mind. I'm looking forward to the next issue, but I'm not sure whether to keep reading this book in the long run or not.

Flash / Green Lantern: The Quick and the Green #1 by Rick Fox (released June 6) - Wow. I am sitting here at my computer stunned. I never guessed someone could breathe life into two characters that should have been retired by now, but Rick did it. The characterizations were dead on, and the conversations between the two heroes were a delight to read. The plot was even interesting, something that shocked me even further given the lackluster attempts other series from the DCX had made to fit into the word limit. Great read, and something to keep a watch on.

Nightwing: Bludhaven Nights #1 by John Westcott (released June 6) - If your looking for the fanfic version of a Tony Scott action film, this book is for you. The issue is fast paced and turns enough to interest you. Towards the end though, the plot goes sour. It's a classic setup, hero defeats a villain of little consequence, but that villain will return much more powerful then before. The twist at the very end of the issue is intriguing, but not enough to guess the future of the series. I'd keep this one on my read ever now and then list.

Starman: Heritage of Heroism #1 by Dale J. Roberts (released June 6)
Okay, I couldn't come close to reviewing this book well enough, because I've never picked up a single issue of the regular series. Instead I asked fellow MFSer and Starman freak Mark Peyton to take a look at it. Needless to say, he was thorough. ;)

I came unknowing to this new series with only the DCX blurb as a hint of what the series would be like. Now this is the first Starman series on the net that actually uses Jack Knight as its main character, something that I’ve always shyed away from. Jack Knight is really a character only one person, maybe two people, has the right to write. James Robinson has planned his fate since probably day one. Even spin-offs fit into his scheme so using him means working towards the continuity Robinson has set.
And DCX fails badly. This series has Jack living in Opal with an open shop dealing in collectibles at the same time as operating as a hero. Which means it does not even vaguely fit Robinson’s continuity. Jack’s original shop was destroyed issue 0 and though a new shop is open now, it opened After he went into space. This is a big flaw in using a character that needs an understanding of his series.
Again DCX falls down in the ridiculous 1500 word limit. Such a word limit means that an issue could reasonably include either character development or action, but not both. I would assume there will be some development as DCX have advertised themselves as an alternate to DC, otherwise the only readers they will get are those who read the real titles. Again there is also very little introduction to the series, but it does have an attempt at showing the relationship between Jack and his father, Ted. This style limits the readership.
The series is called Heritage of Heroism thereby suggesting that the other Starmen will be dealt with. Given the writer’s inability to deal with normal continuity then that doesn't bode well to being able to cope with Robinson’s layered history.
On a whole the writing is ok, apart from having Ted use an extremely unsuitable word in "gammy". The plot involving Mego dolls is ludicrous and has about as much danger as there is likelihood that Jack Knight will decide a tutu should be his new costume.
A very big missed opportunity and believe me I was hoping someone else could manage a Starman series.

Wildcat: Two-Fisted Justice #1 by Thomas Deja (released June 6) - I've never read anything with Wildcat in it, so this was a new experience for me. The issue works well, it builds up the story, and the characterizations are interesting enough to keep me reading. Wildcat: Two-Fisted Justice even played with the continuity well, dropping Selina's name in a nice way. Good read, but not much to go on. Hopefully this series will pick up, but right now its pretty flat.

Captain Marvel: Marvelous Tales #1 by Brandi M Steward (released June 20) - While this may be the type of story some enjoy, I'm not one of them. This issue just came across as boring, because so little happened. Cap moved some furniture, Black Adam has a new playmate, and Cap and Black Adam begin fighting as the issue ends. No filler, just air in my opinion. There isn't a lot to review or comment on because of that. It just didn't interest me.

Green Lantern Corps: Spirits of the Lantern #1 by Brittany Frederick (released June 20) - To start, extremely interesting start. This issue sets the stage for another captivating chapter in the GL's legacy, introducing us to four new ring holders. None of them are GLs yet, but they do have the rings, and now I'm wondering who will be the GL in the end. That is the key to telling a story, generating interest. I'm interested in this story, no doubt about it. However, that means there will be 8 (if I counted correct) GL rings running around the DCX universe. That seems like some major overkill, and I'm worried that it will kill the brilliance this series promises. Hopefully it won't, but there is a large possibility that it will. Again, props on the Buffy: The Vampire Slayer reference by naming the computer Acathla.

Huntress: Dark Angel #1 by Rick Fox (released June 20) - The Mafia has always been a key in the Huntress books, so it was no surprise to see them rear their ugly heads in this issue. However, the plot and motive are textbook boring. It's a cliche route that has been done before many times. While the writing was good, and the read was decent, it didn't have a spark of creativity; it didn't have that twist in it that held me on the edge of my seat. And because of that, I don't think I'll be reading anymore.

Lobo: Angel of Death #1 by Jay Gallagher (released June 20) - Throughout this review I have complained about not bringing the readers up o speed. This book doesn't do it at all, and it works! In fact, the main man, Lobo, doesn't show his white ass till the last paragraph of the issue, and in a very in character way, making this read extremely enjoyable. There are also more then a few hooks in this story for future development, but they are subtly laid throughout the text, not beat over your head like most of the DCX staff as been party to. Also, I've complained about the word limit. I didn't even notice there was a cap on this issue, it ended perfectly, without making me feel like I was just given a taste, not a whole meal story-wise. Another for the readable list.

Oracle: Hidden Voice #1 by Laura Hysert (released June 20) - The more someone writes in such a confined space, the better they get. Laura shows that with this issue, much better then her previous DCX work. Oracle is an interesting character, partly do to her twisted and convoluted past. This story kept Barbara in perfect characterization, while telling a story that was interesting. Again, I'm left feeling there should be more, but this series is better then most.

Final Thoughts:
After working on this thing for a month now, I've decided the DCX has some merit, but that potential won't be realized till they remove that ridiculous word limit. I've talked with a few of the DCX writers that complain they don't have enough room, and as my reviews illustrate, they are right. DCX, if your reading, revisit your policies, because they will very likely lead to your downfall.

Some of my thoughts may seem harsh, but a #1 is the hook issue, the one that gets the people amped, salavating for more. The most important thing for any group is that intial launch, and the DCX fell short on the potential they had to play with.

Also, what happened to the series listed at top that I didn't get to read? Marvel-X does this as well, list titles on their pages that aren't released yet. That just bugs me, cause I was really looking forward to the HITMAN book. Just a personal grip, nothing more.

That said, I plan on reading the few titles I enjoyed at the DCX, and I urge you to the same. These are just my thoughts, read the work for yourself and decide what you like. Also, if the above mentioned B:tVS references weren't Buffy related, forgive me, I'm a little bit on the freaky side when it comes to that show.. ;)