Infinite Frontier: Secret Files Digital Series Discussion & Spoilers

[sifighter]

I know its odd talking new comics on a Sunday but that's when DC had its new digital series Infinite Frontier: Secret Files come out, which will be collected in a print one-shot come June. But its out now in Digital and I want a place to talk about it, so much like Next Batman: Second Son I just started a Digital series discussion thread, because the way I see since it clearly says digital if you want to wait for the one-shot in June then you have ample warning to avoid spoilers here.

Alright well with that out of the way, issue 1 is out today, written by Brandon Thomas & Joshua Williamson (who I assume is on all of the stories because of Infinite Frontier being his thing), and if you were hoping for some big connection to Darksied or the mysteries of the omniverse.....well you are out of luck. Because this is a secret files it does what most secret files issues have done in the past, character introduction. Basically Williamson and everyone else in this series feel to be just getting you into the characters who will be part of the big main event come June but that is not necessarily a bad thing considering that some people may not know President Superman or Alan Scott and his Kids.

This first issue is focused on Calvin Ellis aka President Superman, and basically its a really good Superman story focusing on the issues that Calvin has to deal with in terms of all his responsibilities as Superman of Earth-23, Superman of the Justice Incarnate, and President of the United States. He's got a lot to take on and because of certain shenanigans it's just him with no one able to cover for him. However its not as if we see him succumb to the struggle and lose his cool, at the end of the day Calvin is as Superman as Clark is, so he does his best to make time for everyone, even finding a lost dog for a child. You also get to see how he gets around it because he's smart and resourceful, not to mention he has his coping mechanisms. Honestly its a great Calvin story and also a good introduction if you a newer reader of Calvin.

I also want to praise the art, because Valentine De Landro makes it feels like classic superman and really works with the more quirky world that Calvin lives in considering his connection to the multiverse.

Overall a good start and I'm looking forward to the Ray Harper issue that is coming next.

[sifighter]

Alright second issue time, this one focusing on Roy Harper and written by Stephanie Phillips (current Harley Quinn writer) and if I’m honest I’m not really sure how people are going to feel on this one. I say that because it’s kind of a catch up with Roy while exploring his current mindset but it’s also a weird compilation of all his history.

To explain what I mean by compilation we see classic Speedy in the opening, but then we get his new 52 Arsenal suit and what looks like his Young Justice Red Arrow outfit, of course with a trucker hat. In fact the issue even recalls that he was with the Justice League, The Outlaws, and I think a reference to his time working for Slades evil Titans. Which unfortunately brings us to what people will hate because all this referencing includes Cry for justice but also not really, because Lian is dead and it was the Electrocutionar but it doesn’t show Roy losing his arm. So I guess with everything back in continuity this is their attempt at making Roy’s history make sense.

But other then the history lesson all Roy gets up to is that he’s in a bar fight, kind of directionless after all he’s been through and roaming on a motorcycle.

Anyway I don’t think it’s as good an issue as the first one with President Superman, that issue felt like following someone we don’t see a lot of and watching a day in his life as Superman while this was just summing up Roy before the main infinite frontier event but unlike Calvin Ellis and next issues Jade and Obsidian I’m not sure it works all that well for a character like Roy who has been around consistently this past decade or so.

[Vordan]

Damn they brought Cry for Justice back? That sucks but hey, the people who wanted us to go back to the wholesome and hopeful era of Pre-FP will be happy

[sifighter]

Damn they brought Cry for Justice back? That sucks but hey, the people who wanted us to go back to the wholesome and hopeful era of Pre-FP will be happy

They only sort of brought it back in the most vague of ways, Electrocutioner being responsible for the death of Lian yes but Prometheus, Star City’s destruction, and the lost arm weren’t.

[Frontier]

Lian's still dead ?

[PennyDreadful]

Lian's still dead ?

See Festival of Heroes.

[Vordan]

They only sort of brought it back in the most vague of ways, Electrocutioner being responsible for the death of Lian yes but Prometheus, Star City’s destruction, and the lost arm weren’t.

Why even bring that back then I wonder? Nobody wanted that referenced because it was a terrible idea.

[Frontier]

Why even bring that back then I wonder? Nobody wanted that referenced because it was a terrible idea.

Endgame is bringing Lian back, maybe?