“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

“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

DC’s much-hyped retro newspaper styled comics section hit the stands today.  Boasting a gallery of popular and some more obscure titles, Wednesday Comics is a blast from the past.  As I opened the paper (folded into fourths on newspaper stock paper), I felt like a kid grabbing “the comic section” on Sunday morning before my sister got her nasty little hands on them.

This is a bonanza of DC talent, showcasing 14 different titles, authors, and artists.  The layout is fun and unique with nostalgia.  Of particular interest were Batman, Superman, and Hawkman.  With only a full page devoted to each run, you really don’t get much here.  I did appreciate the varying artistic styles – some of these panels are gorgeous.

After reading, I’m wasn’t too sure why DC made sure a big deal out of this in its prepublication.  However, with the greedy bastards charging $3.99 for newspaper print, I am beginning to understand.  Taking it for what it is, it was a fun read.  I am disappointed that they couldn’t come down on the price, but paying too much for comics is part of collecting.

2.5 out of 5