Given that DC Comics Executive Editor Dan DiDio has expressed hesitation to fill the market with Absolute Editions, and then backed up those comments by substantially cutting the number of such publications to come out in the last few years as opposed to the first days of the program, it’s always news when a new one is announced. Any comic reissued in the format–which sees best-selling (and usually critically-acclaimed) comics reissued in an oversized hardcover format to present the pages in the same size as the original comics art–usually costs $75 or more and comes in a slipcase.
If there was going to be a new one announced this weekend at San Diego, though, is it surprising that it would be Green Lantern: Rebirth by Geoff Johns and Ethan Van Sciver? The announcement was made at today’s Geoff Johns Spotlight panel when a fan asked about the possibility of an Absolute Sinestro Corps War (something I’d far rather see). Green Lantern: Rebirth, of course, touched off a renaissance age for the character, and its success along with the regular creative team of Geoff Johns and Ivan Reis has lifted the comic to sales and critical success it’s rarely seen before. It featured the return to action of Silver Age Green Lantern Hal Jordan, and is currently being followed up by the return of Silver Age Flash Barry Allen in Flash: Rebirth by the same creative team. It seems like every convention sees Johns asked by some fan or another whether Aquaman, Martian Manhunter, The Atom, Blue Beetle or some other floundering character will be brought back to (or beyond) his former glory in a “Rebirth” miniseries; I almost wonder if one such announcement might be forthcoming this weekend, with Flash: Rebirth almost over, Van Sciver hinting at a new project on the horizon and the Absolute Edition being announced today.
July 24th, 2009 at 2:29 am
It was nice for Johns to confirm this for more fans, but this was first announced at the ComicsPRO retailer meeting in March.
http://blog.newsok.com/nerdage/2009/03/19/flash-chronicles-among-upcoming-collected-editions/
July 24th, 2009 at 4:35 am
While good, and a lot better than I expected, Green Lantern: Rebirth doesn’t deserve the Absolute treatment.
July 24th, 2009 at 7:13 am
I’d thought there be an Absolute Infinite Crisis or Absolute Final Crisis before there be an Absolute Green Lantern: Rebirth.
July 24th, 2009 at 7:32 am
OH HELL YES! I really hope this sells well, and is the first of an absolute trilogy of Rebirth, SCW, and Blackest Night. Great story, beautiful art, epic action, and fundamental additions to an already terrific mythology. I am not sure what could be more deserving of an absolute treatment.
July 24th, 2009 at 9:26 pm
I’m always glad to see a new Absolute announced as I’ve long believed them to be the high-standard mark in terms of format. They live up to their name; they’re the best editions being published.
On the other hand, I only think they should release the cream of the crop in this format. In this case I think it’s justified. REBIRTH is the definitive introduction to the modern era of GL and DC is trying to promote Green Lantern into the upper echelon of their line, alongside Batman and Superman. I happen to think REBIRTH is more deserving of an Absolute edition than either INFINTE CRISIS or FINAL CRISIS, as it’s a much more entertaining and coherent read but that’s just my .02. Also, if an Absolute version of SINESTRO CORPS WAR ever comes to pass, it would make sense that this comes out first and is read as a precursor.
We should all agree on one thing – this is a much more worthy purchase than ABSOLUTE HUSH.