First up, Fury of Firestorm!
Fans were intrigued to see a high-profile Firestorm book as part of last years DC relaunch.
They were even more pleased to see that he was getting an a-list creative team.
Some fans liked the original Firestorm, Ronnie Raymond, while others preferred the newcomer, Jason Rusch.
So what went wrong?
Well, for starters, Firestorm was plagued by reported creator conflicts.
From the very beginning, the book seemed directionless.
Ronnie was too much of an insensitive jock, while Jason was the unlikable brain.
These were character types, not true characters.
Now, the book was more about the horrible power of nuclear energy.
Firestorm had to go up against those that would attempt to control him.
Was it editorial interference that made these characters dull and uninspired?
Simones quick exit would point to this being a distinct possibility.
With Simone gone, Joe Harris stepped in to co-write, but it seemed to be too late.
Simones fans went with her (as they are known to do…right, Bat-editors?)
and the book plunged to the lower end of the sales chart.
There was no time for human moments, just teeth clenching, melodrama, and explosions.
Oh, no a Firestorm.
WE MUST STOP IT!
over and over and over.
It appeared that DC felt that modern meant tragic, as Firestorm was a hero constantly fearful of himself.
There was no fun.
Even some of DCs horror titles had a sense of fun and adventure.
Those books died for a reason, and the lessons of those cancelations werent learned.
Ad content continues below
All that changed when Dan Jurgens came on board withFury of Firestorm#13.
The art was reminiscent of the days when Firestorm was introduced.
It was a nice read and a breath of fresh air from the hysterical characterization of previous issues.
Internal conflicts and humor are built into the character, and are what made him so appealing.
One positive is that DC seems determined to find a place for the characters that get the axe.
Only then will Firestorm shine again.
