“The “s” if for SSSSSSuction.”
Before I get started, read the issue and my quote above will make sense to all. Now on to issue #2!
The issue begins by finding the Patrol at their home on Oolong Island being asked to negotiate with a, get this, “sentient” black hole! Only in a Doom Patrol comic would you find such a premise being realized. The team takes the job, but only after some witty banter with the chief. Needless to say, they are not going to have an easy time with this task, which should strech over several issues. I hope they’re up to the task!
I also want to mention that there is a small section of the book dedicated to the former Teen Titans character Bumblebee. I wondered what became of her and her (soon to ex-) husband. I hope she’s added to the team at some point to bring more potential stories to the book.
Just like last issue, the second feature in this book is Metal Men. This story was better than the lead (same as last issue). Keith Giffen, J.M. DeMatteis, and Kevin Maguire are creating a tiny gem here with this feature. Nine pages are just not enough for this!!!
To close, this is a great book with much potential and there is still time for new readers to get in on the ground floor.
4.5 out of 5
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
“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
