As expected, Matt Wagner's Trinity is a treat not just for Wagner fans but for those with a fondness for the three most well-known characters in the DC pantheon. Wagner is playing fast and loose with continuity, but his characterization cuts to the core of each character, and his take on the first meeting of the three of them rings absolutely true. In addition, he hasn't simply hung his story on the novelty of this first meeting, but rather has provided three interesting villain and a classic super-villain plot as the spine of the whole thing. The result is a book that reads as good as it looks, and given how great Wagner's art looks with Stewart's colors, that's saying something.
The dynamics between these three characters have shifted at various times, and under various writers. Some folks don't like the somewhat adversarial relationship Batman has developed with other heroes, but I generally find that it works, and that's the approach that Wagner has taken with this issue. Hell, the first meeting between Batman and the more peaceful, understanding Wonder Woman almost comes to blows, which was a really entertaining take on both characters. I also like Superman's weary displeasure with Batman's loner attitude, as it keeps Superman as the big boy scout while acknowledging that he's smart enough to recognize cynicism and paranoia, even if he's not given to that darker style of crime-fighting himself.
Wagner's character development doesn't stop when it comes to the protagonists, though. His Ra's Al Ghul is a complete madman, maybe a bit more Republic Serial villain than usual, but certainly interesting as the villain of the piece. More interesting are his henchmen, whether it's the revelation of why there seems to be more than one Ubu or the unique thought processes of Bizarro, who knows Ra's only as "Racer Cool," a good indication of the childlike mind behind the pasty brute's strength. Certainly Bizarro has never been as frightening as when he's taking Wonder Woman apart so effectively. It is the third member of this villainous trio, the renegade amazon, who I find the most interesting, however. She shows some remorse, some regret about where life has taken her, but she also has the attitude and fire of youth. Her confrontation with Batman particularly showed off her confidence and skill, and I find myself wishing that this character could show up again in modern continuity.
If Wagner's script and narration are a big part of defining the characters, his artwork is even moreso. The speed and strength that the renegade amazon carries is made very clear in both of her brief fights with Batman, and the brutality of the attack on Wonder Woman by Bizarro is made equally clear. In addition, Wagner and Stewart have done a great job of providing interesting and detailed backdrops for the action, from the blue skies over the launched missile that Superman tracks down to the grimy caves hiding Ra's' lair to the urban sprawl and red light of Gotham.
There are some coincidences and contrivances in the plot, including Batman acting mysterious just for the sake of being mysterious and several characters happening upon key locations by happenstance, but overall Trinity is rolling right along as an action movie serial of the old school. It's faithful to the style of the comics that gave birth to these characters, but with an observant, witty edge that makes it absolutely modern.
