Singles Going Steady is Comics Bulletin’s weekly single issue review roundup.
Earth 2: Futures End #1
(Daniel Wilson / Eddy Barrows / Eber Ferreira; DC Comics)
I’ve got to be honest, as soon as I saw the cover of Futures End Earth 2 #1 I realized that I didn’t have a single idea about what I, a relatively casual comic reader, was getting myself into. But I have a feeling that even the more seasoned DC readers might be just as confused. Don’t expect a lot of questions to be answered, or even clearly posed. Power to the People tracks the story of Earth Prime, pre-Mr. Terrific, Michael Holt and his innocuous Earth 2 refugee partner, Sonia — albeit not very well.

– Myke Ladonia
Grayson: Futures End #1
(Tom King / Tim Seeley / Stephen Mooney; DC Comics)
In Grayson: Futures End #1 Tom King (Grayson, Futurama), in association with DC Comics, brings us a “Life After Superhero” perspective on Dick Grayson, a.k.a. Nightwing a.k.a. Original Robin. He becomes a hero to the newly resurgent, and dominant, Mother Russia, and a traitor.

Now, he must conquer The Beast, aka President Anatoli Knyazev. With art by Stephen Mooney (Angel), this is sure to get some great coverage. This comic [series] reads the future to past, so at first I was trying to pick up all the hints King leaves as to whom this comic is really about. Everything fell into place very smoothly, and I really enjoyed the ending. There is a bit of romance for Dick within the comic that felt contrived, but the girl was hot, so what else was he supposed to do but get some. Right?
– Eva Ceja
Swamp Thing: Futures End #1
(Charles Soule / Jesus Saiz; DC Comics)
It is entirely possible that my faded recollection of science classes due to hangover has clouded my processing of harles Soule‘s (She-Hulk, Inhuman) Swamp Thing. Within this lover’s battle over biokingdoms, the story encompasses a tried and true opposition of good and evil, a quest for a long-time love, and a journey that requires a rallying of troops, that will keep you reading to the end to figure out the whole story.

– Jackie Henley
Green Lantern: Futures End #1
(Robert Venditti / Martin Coccolo / Aaron Lopresti; DC Comics)
Before we begin, I’d like to compliment all the artists on this book. It looks fantastic, and you guys nailed the Black Lantern’s signature look. Good job, guys.

– Gabe Carrasco
Batwing: Futures End #1
(Justin Gray / Jimmy Palmiotti / Eduardo Pansica / Julio Ferreira / J.P. Mayer; DC Comics)
Five years later, Batwing has come into his own as a hero and a leader. This issue opens with a new criminal organization, Leviathan, wreaking havoc upon a dominant criminal organization. Led by a mystery man (Spoiler: it’s Batwing), the later group decides to attack Leviathan in order to survive.

– Dana Keels
Aquaman: Futures End #1
(Dan Jurgens / Alvaro Martinez / Raul Fernandez; DC Comics)
Five years into the future, and poor artwork continues! If you’re a big follower of the current Aquaman run, then you will enjoy how closely this event book follows the current story. His lady love is in Xebel, no putting the Dead King down. Aquaman is trying to unite Atlantis with the surface world and Aqua has a new feminine companion.

– Lance Paul
Detective Comics: Futures End #1
(Brian Buccellato / Fabrizio Fiorentino / Scott Hepburn / Cliff Richards / Fabrizio Fiorentino; DC Comics)
The story starts like any standard Batman story should, with The Dark Knight racing toward danger, Alfred’s voice in his cowl.

Brian Buccellato (The Flash, Hellbalzer) tells a fun team-up tale I thoroughly enjoyed, despite the fact it was Eddie Nigma himself who put Bats through, arguably, his toughest ringer in all of Year Zero. The future, here, is far.. far different.
– Gary Brooks
Action Comics: Futures End #1
(Sholly Fisch / Pascal Alixe / Vicente Cifuentes; DC Comics)
Ever wish you could have one of Superman’s powers, even for just a short time?
Well, in this book, some VERY lucky people get that regal opportunity. While Clark Kent is trying to make some plants grow in Ethiopia (go ahead, crack a joke about the S-Man, and I will hunt you down), his essence is traveling around the world helping people. These people are in some bad situations and to help them out, The Essence of Superman bestows upon them one of his powers.

Read the book to find out because it’s Superman and it’s freaking awesome! .
– Mark Majndle
Green Arrow: Futures End #1
(Jeff Lemire / Andrea Sorrentino; DC Comics)
Having never been a big fan of the Green Arrow myself — despite the popularity of the hit show Arrow and all — reading this is a rare occasion.

If you’re a fan of Animal Man scribe Jeff Lemire‘s dangerous run — or even the show — this new story should be as good as any bullseye time gone by.
– Kenny Sanders
Trinity Of Sin: The Phantom Stranger: Futures End #1
(J. M. DeMatteis / Dan DiDio / Phil Winslade; DC Comics)
How many pieces of silver does it take to craft comic gold? I don’t know. I’m not good at math.
But what I do know is The Phantom Stranger is infallible. An excellent combination of compelling narrative paired with artwork that tantalizes the eye, this story weaves a tapestry of myth and faith into one Hell of a ride.

Setting the foundation for the Trinity of Sin, this one-shot from DC crams so much information into such a small space that I read the book twice in one sitting. In Dog we trust.
– Ryan Ford