This week's comic expectations: World War!

Ever since Justice Society #1 included that one page showing the JSA charging through a battlefield in what was called "World War III," it was clear that 52 would inevitably lead to this titanic event -- but nobody expected DC would pull it all off in one week, a real-time event for the real-time 52.

Well folks, the wait is over.

So this week, we could preview Justice League #8, or Target: X-23 #5, both good titles coming out Wednesday, but come on, all eyes are on the five World War issues.

And for those not following 52 week by week, just interested in seeing what this event is all about, DC has maintained that you can simply buy 52 #50 and you'll get a complete overview of the war. And when DC says that, you can trust it... unlike Marvel.

But, if you've plunked down $2.50 a week for the last 49 weeks to read all of 52, then why not get more of the whole story? Each accompanying issue is going to deal with different characters, further tying up the stories of 52 and bridging them with the questions posed during the "One Year Later" event.

Here's what we know:

Part 1: A Call to Arms: Focusing on Firestorm, Firehawk and Jason Todd. Wondering why Firestorm is suddenly a merger between Jason Rusch and Firehawk? Wondering why Jason Todd has been wearing Dick Grayson's old threads AGAIN?

Part 2: The Valiant: Focusing on Supergirl, Batgirl, Donna Troy and Aquaman. This one's for the ladies... and Arthur... How exactly did Supergirl get to the 31st Century? When did Deathstroke get his mitts on Batgirl? How did Arthur Curry turn into something far different from what he was on "Super Friends?" And I am really looking forward to Donna Troy stepping into the Wonder Woman mantle during a time when Princess Diana is still away.

Part 3: Hell is for Heroes: Focusing on the Teen Titans, Suicide Squad and the Martian Manhunter. Word is that numerous Teen Titans kick the bucket here, and given how the team was really in shambles at One Year Later, this could be interesting. Also, we get to find out what exactly made J'onn J'onzz feel so out of place from humanity, as was seen in his mini-series a few months back.

Part 4: United We Stand: Looks like this one will really tie into what has gone on in 52, and focus on the climax of the war and how the Justice Society saved the day.

Seems to me that Parts one and two will be more for fans of specific characters, while three and four will really impact the war, but don't rely on what I tell you, I'll be picking up all five issues just to be safe.

A full war report will come as soon as I can on Wednesday afternoon.