52: Part 1

With Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman taking a yearlong hiatus from active superhero status in the DC Universe, others must pick up the slack as new and wicked schemes plague Earth's inhabitants. Week by week, this audiobook follows several key characters such as Rene Montoya, the Question, Black Adam and Booster Gold as they contend with the aftereffects of the “Infinite Crisis.” The adaptation doesn't fully cover all the major story lines of the weekly comic serial of the same name, but those characters it does cover are well managed and provide exciting adventures. Graphic Audio maintains its high standard of excellence with a fully integrated mixing of music, sound effects and voices. Richard Rohan (who also directed the production) maintains a fantastic command of the narrative text, raising his voice and emphasis according to the action. The character Booster Gold is a bit overacted, with Gold's voice never quite matching his persona. Simultaneous release with the Ace paperback. (Dec.)