Okay, so DC Comics recently took a defibrillator to the comic book industry with the announcement it was relaunching (or restarting) its superhero line in August. From this news came 52 brand-new comic book series providing a sleek modern take on the oldest surviving comic book company in the industry. But are these 52 new books more or less than the sum of its parts?

If the sales numbers are any indication, DC Comics' so-called "new 52" was a record-breaking success. Millions of copies have been sold and eight of of the Top Ten Bestselling Comics are not surprisingly DC books. For the most part, the quality of DC's relaunch books were consistent across the line, with negative reaction against the relaunch mostly unfounded. With exception of "Hawk and Dove", all of the books are for at least decent, despite some notable missteps here and there.

The new 52 had plenty of highlights, making it well worth the price tag. I already told you my thoughts on headliners like "Justice League" and "Aquaman". There's also "Demon Knights", which puts a slew of DC's mythical and immortal characters into a medieval RPG-style quest, as well as "All-Star Western", which has bounty hunter Jonah Hex chasing a serial killer through the streets of 1880's Gotham City, while working alongside the founder of Arkham Asylum. Right now, I have 52 comics spread out on my bedsheets , and honestly, I'm hard-pressed to find 5 of them I regretted reading or buying.

Individually, the comic books are very strong. Things get a little more complicated continuity-wise. The first issue of "Justice League" doesn't even show the titular team forming outside of Batman and Green Lantern meeting for the first time. Yet the Justice League is mentioned in a variety of books, including "Animal Man" and "I, Vampire". In fact, the team appears together in spin-off "Justice League Dark", before the team even convenes on the pages of its own title. Eagle-eyed viewers will see a mysterious woman appearing on the pages of every DC title, hinting the books are all linked in someway. The good news is most of the books of the DC relaunch are completely independent of each other, meaning you won't be buying six books just to follow one Batman story anytime soon. The bad news, however, is that its headache-inducing, if not downright impossible, to connect the books into a solid view of the DC Universe.

Nearly three months into the relaunch, a myriad array of questions still remain for DCU fans. Last week saw the release of "The Shade", detailing the career of one of my favorite comic book anti-heroes. But how does the relaunch effect this supposedly-immortal character, especially if his sometimes-adversaries/sometimes-allies, the Justice Society, never existed in this universe? The same can be said for half a dozen MIA characters, such as the Marvel family (no relation to the publisher) and previous fan-favorite Batgirls Stephanie Brown and Cassandra Cain. And how can Batman and Green Lantern be the only characters not effected by the relaunch (aside from the fact that they already have film and animated franchises to worry about)?

If you are a comic book newbie, look no further - the DC relaunch is the perfect way to get on the ground floor of the comic book store once again, without confusion or condescending fanboys. However, if you are a returning reader or a former comic book fan, you might have a bit of trouble putting all 52 puzzle pieces together. So far, the relaunch has accomplished its mission - revitalizing sales for the comic book industry. Time will tell if this game of 52 pick-up was worth it.

(That's it for this rant. Check out a new Blue Yonder later this week.)