Comic book readers have long been accustomed to abstruse physics concepts like multiple universes. Periodically DC comics – the older, and until recently the more bankable of the two giants of the field – have mounted wide-ranging revisions of their imaginary cosmos; merging or destroying entire realities in an effort to create a more manageable continuity. Currently they are in a phase of cosmic expansion, bringing back the parallel worlds that were swept away in an earlier purge.

In the wake of these epochal events comes a bold experiment: 52 is an attempt to carry a story arc in (approximately) real time, influenced by the popular success of Fox TV’s 24 franchise. With the household names of the DC canon temporarily sidelined, 52 pushes a handful of minor characters into the spotlight: shallow celebrity ‘hero’ Booster Gold uses his flawed knowledge of Earth’s future to anticipate and thwart crimes for his own commercial gain while Elastic Man, hitherto seen mainly as a comedic foil, attempts to unravel the mystery that may or may not prove to be the central thread of the story. Meanwhile Captain Marvel’s nemesis Black Adam forges his own international Axis of Evil to challenge the Western power base. There's also an intriguingly noirish sub-plot about arms smuggling that combines a comparatively new character: superpower-free retired cop Renee Montoya, with half-forgotten 1960s pulp hero (and Watchmen character inspiration) The Question.

With a new lesbian Batwoman and unflinching depictions of violence, 52 is decidedly aimed at the more mature comic book reader. Indeed, it’s hard to see how it ever worked in the disposable weekly format: It seems far better suited to the four-part graphic novel approach of the current edition which is easier to deal with for older, busier readers. The format also allows for some interesting ‘DVD extras’, like commentaries from the writers and glimpses of unused character sketches. Overall, it's a great-looking book with a solid muscular art style that, unlike many superhero team titles, doesn't get confused when the brawling begins. Although fan favourite Alex Ross is not listed as an artist on the book, his baby-boomer-friendly character designs with his customary strong nods to the ‘Silver Age’ DC look inform the project, making it a comfortingly familiar read.

For more casual readers this wouldn't be an easy re-entry into the superhero world but if you are a current or former aficionado of the Justice League of America there’s a lot to like here. The writers’ abashed commentary on a Hawkgirl-related plot hole is almost worth the price of admission on its own.

52 (Vol. 1) by Geoff Johns, Greg Rucka, Grant Morrison, Mark Waid

Titan Books, 27 July 2007, Paperback, £11.99, 304pp

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