DC Universe: Legacies

For any comics fan who ever wanted an eyewitness account of the history of the DC Universe’s greatest heroes, this collection is where it begins and ends. Wein (Legends) tells the rather incredible story of Paul Lincoln, a Metropolis cop who grew up on the mean streets of Suicide Slum and whose early encounter with the Crimson Avenger was the first of many with DC’s legendary superheroes. Paul initially runs errands with his friend Jimmy for the wrong crowd, but is inspired to better himself by the new breed of heroes bent on ridding the streets of crime. He eventually becomes a street cop and battles crime in the shadows of just about every superhero you can imagine, all while marrying his childhood sweetheart, raising a daughter, and trying to get his old friend Jimmy out of a life of crime and into an honest living. As we watch the major stories of the DC universe play out, we are spoiled by the brilliant artwork of so many of the industry’s best artists, including both Kuberts and Dave Gibbons (Watchmen). The extended flashback used as the narrative framework nicely holds together decades of costumed crime fighting, including both its greatest moments and darkest hours. (Sept.)