Men of War stars “Corporal Rock,” grandson of DCU-famed Sergeant Rock from the World War II books (and a Suicide Squad and Superman run from years back). Initially, I was a bit disappointed to read that this wouldn’t be a standard “realistic” war book, but would take place in the modern DCU and involve superhumans. I have nothing against superhero books – I love ‘em, in fact, but I was hoping that the new 52 initiative would have a few more books outside of the standard tights-and-capes genre.

Surprisingly, the main story still keeps that realistic war book feel, even though superhumans are mentioned and briefly depicted. As a bonus, the backup story is a straight-up no-tights military story, so in this case DC gets to both have its cake and eat it, and the high quality of this title makes it hard to wait for the next slice. Men of War earns its stripes and an “A” for this issue.

- Ed

This book is Sgt Rocks grandson.  So DC can de-age Superman from the 1930s, but Sgt Rock from WWII has to remain stuck there?  Is seems like a cop out, but it works okay.  If the story works, I guess the character doesn’t matter to me.

This book is $3.99.  It is actually 2 stories for the price, so they do give you a value. The story seems to be ‘what if soldiers had to be a world with super-heroes’.  How do they cope with the powers?  I liked the perspective touches, at one point when they see a super-powered guy they notice that the air pressure drops, and that the air has extra moisture.  Good touches of sensations that add to the reality and to the menace.

As a military book it works great.  Lots of big guns and military terms.  It scratches and itch that we didn’t know we had.   Good military dudes fighting bad guys.  When done well it is just as exciting as super heroes.

Art is solid, story is told well.  I’m not sure where it’s going though?  C+  —–  Don