COMIC REVIEW: Time Masters: Vanishing Point #1

As DC continues to impress with its New 52 series, Hollywood Soapbox has decided to officially launch its comic-book review section. We thought the best way to get in on the action is to begin at the beginning.

We start with Time Masters: Vanishing Point, a five-part series that led into the successful Flashpoint line of comics at DC (note to readers: Flashpoint was the final run of comics in the old universe).

In Time Masters #1, the hunt is on for Batman, who has somehow become lost in time. Helping find him is a veritable crew of superheroes, including Superman, Green Lantern, Booster Gold and Rip Hunter, self-avowed Time Master.

The story, written by Dan Jurgens who also drew the art, is fairly run-of-the-mill. Most pedestrian time-travel stories deal with similar intricacies of jumping around through history: If you do something, it could have a monumental effect on humanity.

Rip as a character is great. He’s brooding and conservative, respectful and to the point. It plays well with Booster’s arrogance and Superman’s “fatherly” role. Green Lantern, at least in issue #1, is underdeveloped.

We find out that “Vanishing Point” has been destroyed (thanks to Supernova, who looks bad ass in his blue and red cape and matching mask). Meanwhile, Degaton and Despero try to move in on Rip’s home turf when he’s away. There to save the day is Supernova and the lovely Michelle Carter.

We finish the comic with a botched time travel that leaves the team in a strange land with warrior horsemen.

Jurgens’ art is more impressive than his story, but overall Time Masters #1 is a fitting kickoff for the five-part series. Norm Rapmund offers some nice finished art as well. The cover image of Batman in the background and the Time Masters in the foreground is expertly rendered. The pose of each character speaks to their personality. Look at Booster’s muscles and flowing hair. Look at Superman’s stoicism. Look at Rip’s ponderous look. Look at Green Lantern; he’s that little one in the back.

Of course, one unfortunate aspect of Time Masters is that Batman, himself, is not really a character.

Until next time…