In issue three of Blackest Night, Geoff Johns’ epic battle of the Ring Corps gains momentum. The Indio Lanterns, whose role and powers have been up to this point a mystery, reveal their skills and battle plan. The full page spread of the Indio Lanterns’ explanation of the origin of light and the various rings’ power is sharp. The fate of the new Firestorm and his joined partner is a great moment.
Ivan Reis’ artwork gives Blackest Night a true blockbuster feel. His panels are expertly details and graceful in their transitions. His effects are dynamic and convey the action with authority.
My one grip is the Black Lanterns’ cheesy dialogue. The poorly written tongue and cheek banter lessens the Lanterns’ terrifying nature. Elongated Man is squeezing Green Lantern like a boa constrictor as he quips, “We were never really tight, were we, Hal?” It works with the Joker, not the undead.
The event is living up to the hype. Unlike the rambling Final Crisis, Blackest Night is delivering an immense story with a clear plotline. The vast cast of DC characters are smartly being integrated into a cohesive tale. I want more.
4.5 out of 5
“Justice!!!!!”
The second issue of this seven issue series opens up with Green Arrow and Green Lantern in Gotham reminiscing about the “thought to be deceased” Batman. (Everyone out there knows he’s still alive, right?) From there it proceeds to a fight between two more of our heroes on Blackhawk Island and then a conference with Jason Bard with the Green Team. The Atom and the Golden-Age Flash are surveying the destruction at the Flash Museum. With the arrival of Supergirl and Captain Marvel, most of the team is present. All of which is a set-up for whatever the main story will be.
I love James Robinson. He is a very skilled storyteller and has a great deal of comic book knowledge that shows in his writing. He respects what past writers have done and builds upon it. But, I have to say that after two issues of build-up, I hope we are in for a real blow-up next issue. I think this book will suffer if it has another issue of set-ups.
I really enjoy Mauro Cascioli’s Art and how realistic it makes the characters look. It is definitely a welcome change from the norm. It has a real world feel to it. I also enjoy the back-up origin of The Atom and a look at his publishing history.
In conclusion, I like the issue; I like the heroes involved in the story; and I like the creative team. I hope my expectations are continued to be met and, hopefully, exceeded in the future issues.
3.5 out of 5
“More dead rising and things are getting darker!”
After the events of last issue, I couldn’t wait to see what was coming next. And I wasn’t disappointed in the least! The story picks-up with the Atom talking to a transformed Hawkman over the phone who causally lures Ray to come over to be killed. It gives you the feeling that no hero is safe in the story, which really raises the stakes for the readers.
From there we see more dead heroes rise, the death of another one and the corruption of two more of the undead: Deadman and Spectre. But something that I found even more interesting was the twist that one dead hero cannot be resurrected as a Black Lantern. I hope that plays out more in the future for I find that intriguing.
I should also point out, that I really dug Mera’s fight with her dead husband. Her character showed real strength and this could be the biggest defining moment ever for her in the comics (if she survives).
The last page will certainly bring me back next month and I find it almost scary how many of the satellite era J.L.A. are no longer among the living! If your not reading this series, then you are not a true D.C. fan!
4.5 out of 5
In this final issue, this three-part mini adds depth to the many ring corps as they prepare for battle in Blackest Night. Divided into three parts, two original stories and a neat commentary on Blackest Night issue #0, this issue works, but it’s not outstanding.
Guru of all that is Green and involving Lanterns, Geoff Johns scripts the two stories. First, he tackles Kilowog’s rookie Lantern tale. Smartly written, but predictable, Johns gives Lantern fans a cute story about a fan favorite. I found the plot lacking creativity, but amusing. The second short stars the Green Lantern Arisia. Once gain, it’s a cute story. Johns effectively depicts her love of the Corps and the legacy of the Lanterns within her lineage. Lastly, we are treated to the sketch version of a few of the pages from Blackest Night #0. Johns and the editors weigh in on their thoughts from panel to panel. This was interesting, being able to see how these minds worked their way through the issue.
The art was average. I felt lesser pencils were assigned to these pages, saving the big guns for the two main Lantern titles and Blackest Night.
3 out of 5
Building off of the momentum of the Blackest Night series, Green Lantern flawlessly dives into the rise of the Black Lanterns. Hal Jordan and Barry Allen face off against the newest Black Lantern, their once friend and Justice League ally, the Martian Manhunter, J’onn J’onzz. The zombie-ish J’onzz attacks the duo as they explore Bruce Wayne’s grave. Why did someone steal Batman’s skull? Well, our heroes will have to find out later because the Martian Manhunter has risen from his grave and wants to kill them.
Author Geoff Johns writes a decent installment in the Blackest Night saga. The dialogue between Hal and Barry is spot on. Johns has many nice moments in this issue, subtle scenes that weave together a great and exciting world of mystery and danger. Honestly, I was expecting more from the initial throw down between Hal, Barry and J’onzz. Considering the buildup for the black ring bearers, the battle was a little lackluster. The scene with the Guardians was powerful and advanced the story very well.
Artist Doug Mahnke shows off some skills. His smaller panels display a flare for details and sharp images. Some of his figures in mid- sized panels are awkwardly proportioned.
Overall, it’s a nice gearing up for the action to be continued in the Blackest Night mini.
3.5 out of 5
With a huge improvement over the inaugural issue, the Tale of the Corps mini-series takes two steps in the right direction.
The first tale “Fly Away”, written by Geoff Johns, is the star of this book. Recounting the origin of Bleez of the Red Lanterns, Johns writes a short, sweet tale. Bleez, known throughout the galaxy for her beauty, is without a man. Her mother introduces her to a newly arrived suitor, a member of the Sinestro Corps, who won’t take no for an answer. What causes this hottie to be filled with enough rage to become a Red Lantern? You’ll have to read to see.
The second story “Lost Love” fills in the gaps of the Carol Ferris saga. Carol chats with the Star Sapphire ring that wants her to accept her place as the leader of the Star Sapphires. It’s more engaging than it sounds, making sense of her decision. Good art accompanies Johns’ gifted writing. The violet hues soaking these pages are very annoying.
“Blume Godhead”, the final short story, sucks.
In the words of rock legend Meatloaf, “Don’t cry baby, ‘cause two out of three ain’t bad.”
3 out of 5
“The Dead Have Awoken!”
So here it is. After more than a two year wait, the third part of the Green Lantern Trilogy has finally arrived. Our story starts as the black rings depart space sector 666 toward their intended hosts and continues to the next day back on earth. It turns out that the day is the National Day of Mourning for Super Beings that gave their lives for the world. The story continues on as a set-up to the series as we see various heroes dealing with their thoughts of the day. At this point there’s a lot of narrative, but its an ok story. Nothing spectacular, but ok. And certainly not good enough to fulfill all the hype associated to this series.
Then something happens on page 25…the crap hits the fan and the story shifts into overdrive all the way to the last panel. Now this was what I and I’m sure a lot of fans were looking for! There is a real shock coming by the end of the book that I don’t want to reveal but its a duesey. It also finally answers the question about what happened to two of the big couples in the DC Universe!
One of my biggest gripes before this series came out was that I felt DC was revealing too much about it, such as the return of Martain Manhunter, Aquaman, Firestorm, etc… as Black Lanterns. But, they succeeded in surprising me with a couple of unexpected returns and a great set-up for the next issue. This is how a series should be and I hope they can continue to deliver this all the way to issue 8!
5 out of 5
Blackest Night is just around the corner and Geoff Johns gives us our final preparation with this prologue. Both Lantern titles have been preparing for this major DC event, but this origin story of William Hand, the embodiment of the Black Lantern Corps, is the strongest of all preludes.
Geoff Johns, writing at the top of his game, creates an eerie tale that is richly diabolical. William Hand was a young boy obsessed with death. His dad’s profession of mortician was an early fascination for William; so were dead animals. Johns traces William’s history from his first incarnation as the Black Hand, a laughable B-list villain, to his dark rebirth as the leader of the soon-to-be-established Black Lanterns. The plot is artfully paced and tightly woven from scene to scene. Each moment captures the emotions necessary and makes its point well, without filler or gaps. The foreshadowing for Blackest Night, who will raise and who are those that cheated death, makes you jump out of your seat! Bring on the fight.
Doug Mahnke matches John’s fantastic story with some fancy penciling. His character’s powerfully emotive faces drive home the horror of this story and the impact of Hand’s decent into darkness. Mahnke makes commanding use of perspectives, allowing the reader to see events through William Hand’s eyes, i.e. Hand cowering by a tombstone the Green Lanterns battle Atrocitus. The close-ups of Hand are downright scary; his bloodshot eyes and blank stare are entrancing. The panels of Hand’s suicide are boldly detailed and surprising for a mainstream DC comic. Overall, the art is superb.
After reading this, I felt like I just saw a preview for the most kickass movie of the summer. I can’t wait for the night to turn black!
5 out of 5
More than likely you’ve read the opening pages of this seven issue series; it’s tagged many DC titles’ final pages for the last few weeks. The premise: Hal Jordan starts up his own Justice League. Tired of recent loses, namely Martian Manhunter and Batman, Green Lantern wants justice for his fallen comrades by taking out DC villains. With his longtime buddy and similarly color schemed Green Arrow, Hal and Ollie storm out of the JLA and set off on their own. It’s great so far and then this issue falls apart… and fast.
After this setup, author James Robinson attempts show how the other future league members will join Green Lantern’s crusade. None of these pages work at all. These stories are cheap and blatantly bad formula. Each hero experiences angst and then cries for justice, literally. The final page with Congo Bill yelling “I want justice” made me want to eat a corndog it was so corny! Silly monkey.
Artist Mauro Cascioli’s art is phenomenal. His creative panel choices show a great story, but the script is weak. Each page pops with portrait quality art. I reread this issue and found myself gawking in admiration of every picture. Too bad, his talent is wasted on a trite issue.
The main premise of Hal Jordan starting up a rogue ass-kicking league is promising. Hopefully, this will be a great series with a poor first issue. Please, say it is so.
2 out of 5
With the most misleading cover of the year, the yearlong World of New Krypton series continues to be a fun, but not great read. First, let’s discuss the cover. It clearly shows Hal Jordon and Superman fighting. I was excited about that. Well I hope the cover satisfies you because they don’t thrown down in this book. They don’t even yell at each other. Disappointing! I would never have been disappointed if the cover wasn’t so misleading. The cover should reflect the issue. False advertising, I cry! There, I feel better.
Authors Greg Rucka and James Robinson are writing a predictable story. If the last page was intended to be a shocker, your readers are not that dumb. I am enjoying this series, but it’s nothing fresh or innovative. The concept of New Krypton is more exciting than the actual book. It’s a very matter-of-fact-here’s-what-happens-next read. Character dialogue is their strength. The tension between General Zod and Hal Jordon is admirably written.
In panoramic panels, artist Pete Woods’ thick lines muddy some details and smaller figures. There’s so much going on in these panels that thinner lines would better reveal features. His close-ups and single image panels are particularly good. Just a quick side note – Lieutenant Nar looks just like Dana Skully from the X-Files.
This was an average issue in an average series. The Green Lanterns’ visit was a great opportunity to spice things up; opportunity lost.
3 out of 5
