DC: The New Frontier: DC Compact Comics Edition Paperback – August 5, 2025

The only good thing about being ill and bedridden is catching up on reading comics. I'd never read Darwyn Cooke's "The New Frontier" (2004) before, and, WOW. This might be the best single graphic novel i've ever read, with the exception of "Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow."Even if it was published 20+ years ago, I can't think of a comic book more perfectly suited or more directly relevant to our current historical moment. Set between the close of World War Ii and the early 1960s, this book traces out an entire history of an American moment, and all the fraught consequences that would come out of it.You get to see the entire panoply of the DC universe - from the underappreciated war comics of the 30s to the canonical superheroes that we all know and love - and everybody gets at least a little screen time here. It's not only a fantastic script, but also such a remarkable introduction to all that's best about DC comics.another great thing about the new frontier in terms of its cast of characters is that Cooke gives special attention and development to some of the lesser known or lesser appreciated heroes. I mean, we all know Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman.While folks may be familiar with the Green lantern, Hal Jordan and his journey is one of the focal points of this book. it's really fascinating to watch an All-American boy turn into a cosmic hero. there is a parallel focus throughout the book on the Martian Manhunter, an extraterrestrial immigrant whose curiosity, kindness, and quiet strength leads him to achieve his own version of the American dream over the course of the book.We also get to spend a lot of time with folks like the Challengers of the Unknown, whom I mostly know from that New Pornographers song, but am now really curious to learn more about on their own terms.No matter how popular or obscure, each of the main characters are rendered as complex, interesting people dealing with real problems of self, of society, of politics, and of the American experiment.As for the overarching story, it's basically that there is an existential threat to not only America, but perhaps the entire world right beneath our feet, and it is awakening. I don't even know if it's worth talking about the plot, thoigh; this is really a story about what America is - in all its tangled and messy reality - and what we might aspire to be still, even now.If you are a feeling a little bit down about where we're at, go read "The New Frontier." I've scene that it is out in the new sort of $10 compendiums that DC is putting out, so it is extremely accessible. Cooke's meticulously plotted story and absolutely beautiful art we'll put a little bit of hope back into your heart.What an achievement!

9/10 for me. An amazing story and a perfect book for those just getting into comics. The book features many superhero’s and takes place before the formation of the justice league.

If you like retro, this graphic novel is a sharp and colorful masterpiece. It is light in places and very heavy in others. A few pages capture the respectful nature of Superman and Batman in a way I enjoyed. A great read full of superheroes.

These pocket editions are a great bang for the buck. These are for those who want to enjoy the stories without the hassle of having to collect the individual issues.

Great all around. From the individual back stories of all the MANY characters in this comic. I loved the blending of eras, the end of one, beginning of another. The old school way with everyone smoking and drinking. It was a great call back to that time in comic history and the new age that was upon us. Goes a little bit all over the place at the beginning trying to show a glimpse of what's been going on and how things are going and where they are leading. Just a great story arc in general. The art was so fantastic, I love the look that darwyn Cooke has in his stories. Looks like it's done in a very thin marker and its soooo hard to draw in markers. The dialogue and just the way the characters speak was done again so well. My favorite part is probably the john jonz stuff because it gives him a nice backstory and the way it intertwines and where was a touch of genius. Highly recommend this to any comic fan or fan of these ages in comics. Truly a all around masterpiece and think any comic fan would love and get a great deal of enjoyment and entertainment out of this entire comic.

the story is a better experience over the film. i decided after seeing the film i wanted to see how much was cut out and you get a decent chunk of work and narrative that would've done the film more justice. darwyn cooke's style is an appreciated style, much like bruce timm's but more golden age touch into dark themes.the book itself in its condition, i am bugged by, my first initial pages had pages fused together and the prints faded.recommend checking over the book after getting it.

Masterpiece at an intimate size.

Great price, great read, must have, DC fan or not.