DC All-Access: Top 10 Scariest Stories of All Time

Halloween may be over and observing All Saints Day and All Souls Day has begun, but DC Comics has taken to DC All Access and checked through the entire DC library to find the Top 10 Scariest Stories of All Time ever published in comic book form for the DC Universe.

Top 10 Scariest DC Stories of All Time
If it hasn't been said, belated Happy Halloween to you all!

Happy Halloween 2013 w/ Justice PH!

"The Blackest Night falls from the skies... The darkness grows as all light dies..." - Beginning of Black Lantern Oath

Coming from me and my fellow Justice PH members, here's a little Halloween shout out to everyone celebrating All Hallow's Eve!

Happy Halloween 2013 from Justice PH!
HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYBODY, AND TRICK OR TREAT~!

Fanmade: Idris Elba as Green Lantern John Stewart

This is a fanmade poster mock-up that caught eyes and was featured in DC Cinematic Universe's Facebook Page. Given the fact that Ryan Reynolds played Hal Jordan and Mark Strong as Sinestro in the 2011 live action Green Lantern film, one can only wonder what could have been if there was an actual follow-up/ sequel that improved on the first's flaws and mistakes.

This would probably be one of them... The pitch is sound, and it actually works!

Yes... Idris Elba, aka Heimdall in Thor and Major Stacker Pentecost in Pacific Rim... AS JOHN STEWART.

Fanmade... BUT AWESOME... And if it were true... BEWARE HIS POWER, FOR TONIGHT HE WOULD BE CANCELLING THE APOCALYPSE, BLACKEST NIGHT WISE.

Visit DC Cinematic Universe for more treats like these!

DC Teases "Lights Out" for Green Lantern...

Literally just a tease. There's no word or information on the upcoming October Green Lantern event... Not yet anyway. Is it "Blackest Night" deja vu but with Geoff Johns since he and the other mainstay creatives left the title last May? We won't know for sure.

Stay tuned as more information becomes available from DC Comics or the source posts at Bleeding Cool and Newsarama.

DC Comics: New 52 "Green Lantern" June 2013 titles bring back Emotional Spectrum freebie rings!

Those who missed it the first time around, good news - DC Comics is bringing the rainbow brigade rings back for The New 52!

In an effort to promote the new creative team shuffle that will be taking place with June 2013's Green Lantern titles, DC Comics is once again unleashing the free Green Lantern themed rings that make up all the colors of the Emotional Spectrum! However, instead of being glossy this time around, the rings will have matte finish to them.

Starting with Green Lantern #21, the Green Lantern Ring will be bundled with the issue, followed by the other colors packed with the successive GL related titles until all 9 are complete. For more information, visit the source post at Bleeding Cool!

UPDATE: Giving the list of the rings and the issues as they will be released accordingly:

Green Lantern #21 - Green Ring
Green Lantern Corps #21 - Blue Ring
Green Lantern Corps #22 - White Ring
Green Lantern: New Guardians # 21 - Indigo Ring
Green Lantern: New Guardians #22 - Yellow Ring
Larfleeze #1 - Orange Ring
Larfleeze #2 - Black Ring
Red Lantern #21 - Red Ring
Red Lantern #22 - Violet/ Star Sapphire Ring

Blackest Night goes on sale for Black Friday!

To commemorate the big sale day after Thanksgiving called Black Friday, DC is giving off a mighty sale in their Digital Comic Book department that no fan who enjoys reading their books should dare miss! The entire Blackest Night saga, written by Geoff Johns and illustrated by Ivan Reis, goes on sale for 24 hours only at the DC Digital Comics Store and the DC and Comixology Apps for a mere $.99 each issue! This 2009-2010 miniseries was one of the biggest events DC has chugged up that not only involved the Green Lantern mythos, but the entire DC landscape as well! The dead have risen, and it's up to Hal Jordan and the rest of the universe to figure out how to combat it and bring light back into the world! For more info, check out the source article over at DC's blog The Source!

DC Comics Makes Trails In The Coming Months Ahead!

The San Diego Comic Con is almost upon us in a few weeks time, and a lot of comic related news is already leaking in the windmill. From the events happening inside the pages of the books we love reading to film related news on movie adaptations on characters we know and love, there's a lot to expect and hype about SDCC 2010. Fortunately, some of the early birds in the comic industry decided to pop up some unique bits of news these past few days, and among them is none other than the publishers of the World's Finest and the Justice League - DC Comics!

Celebrating their 75th anniversary this month, DC is going strong with their events held in an epic scale. With Blackest Night concluding just a few months ago and Brightest Day shining a bright light down the road, there's a whole lot of content to expect well into the next year, especially with a certain Dark Knight returning from his journey throughout time. I'm sure we'll find out more about these stories in the coming months eventually, but first, here's a bit of teasers and announcements made in DC's blog The Source that I wanted to share to the comic crowd!

Comic Book Review: Blackest Night #8

Lately, it's been hard to dish out some comic book reviews. With new issues flooding in each and every week, I'm overwhelmed as it is trying to keep up and share my opinions about them, being as honest as I can possibly be. Also, during the past Holy Week, none of the books came in before the end of March, and included in that list was the final entry to DC's undead spacecapade, Blackest Night! It didn't take til Tuesday last week for me to finally pick up the last issue of the 8 chapter miniseries, and after reading it and seeing the final battle take place, all I can say is... Wow. Geoff Johns and crew literally took us for a ride on this one, and what a ride it's been. Check the rest of my review after the summary.

Blackest Night #8
Writer: Geoff Johns
Artist: Ivan Reis

The pieces have been set. The cards have been dealt out. All that's left is for the final battle to take place.

Finally succeeding in unearthing the white colored source of life known as "The Entity", Nekron prepares to smite it and engulf all existence with total darkness and death. Unfortunately, he didn't count on The New Guardians' intervention, and flying headfirst into the bright light and bonding with it is, ironically, Thaal Sinestro of Korugar, who becomes the first White Lantern to oppose the Black Lanterns. Calling it his destiny and holding the power of life at his hands, Sinestro confronts Nekron and the Black Lanterns and tries to end the conflict once and for all. Unfortunately, the harbinger of death is harder to kill than it seems, and it will take the combined powers of Hal Jordan and his allies to escape this Blackest Night, and emerge alive and living to see the Brightest Day.

Well, it was a great ride, but like everything else in life, all good things must come to an end... or is this just the beginning of more things to come?

Ever since I started collecting this series beginning with June last year, there wasn't any moment that I can recall where I felt Blackest Night failed to deliver on its promises. It was a carefully planned and well executed story throughout its entire run, and now that the ship has gone and sailed, it delivers on many fans' expectations that we will see several changes done to the titles in DC comics in the months to come (not that this is the first time that this formula actually happened). Everybody knew comic book death was taboo and that heroes eventually return to the forefront after a couple of issues of absence, but Green Lantern writer and scribe Geoff Johns decided to challenge this concept and bring about an interstellar adventure that not only involved the green rings and their mythological prophecies, but the entire DC universe as well. I'll admit, the idea of space zombies and resurrected heroes does sound hokey, but I bite into these things since I am a fan of the undead genre, and the chance to see heroes conflicted by their emotions by seeing ghoulish constructs of their loved ones is truly fascinating.

Onto this particular final issue itself, I'll be the first to point out that it's not the big bang ending you should overhype. Lots of action and heroic stuff are spread throughout the 40 pages covering this book, but if you're looking for an epic final battle, you might be sorely disappointed at what's presented here. Sinestro tenure as a White Lantern was a surprise to many when it was revealed last month, but I kind of expected it to happen, given the subtle hints and clues Johns has left in his entire GL run, especially in the storyline "Secret Origin". The leader of the Sinestro Corps is widely viewed as a egotistical villain with an overgrown ego, but I'd like to think of him more as an Anti-Hero, with good intentions for preaching order, only executing it in brutal fashion. His personality clashes well with his rival and former protege, Hal Jordan, who has his own overblown ego to temper. Fortunately, everyone's battle was with Nekron, and we see the conclusion to that fight, as well as the fates of the White Light, The Black Lanterns, Black Hand, an a couple of faces people were or were not expecting to come back. The darkness has passed... but there's new stuff waiting in the horizon. Like I said, there will be a payoff for those who have followed and expecting resurrections by the end of this trip, as several familiar faces (good, bad, and MEGA BAD) are back among the land of the living. How and why will be explained in the follow up event this month, "Brightest Day", and I'm sure there will lots to look forward to from DC now that new seeds have been planted for new stories to tell.

Ivan Reis has bee artist for the entire duration of this project, and I must say, his style has evolved into true magnificence. There was a point in the beginning where I wished that Rebirth illustrator Ethan Van Sciver was the artist at the helm, but now that we've reached the end of it all, I'm glad that Reis was the one who took the job. His style is excellent when it comes to drawing just about every mega action scene that involves drones of lanterns, and when it comes to Blackest Night, there were tons of opportunities for him to do that. Now that we've wrapped up the space zombie series, I look forward to the guy's next projects. Hopefully, we'll be blown away just as much as we have here.

As the end to a long and epic journey that began with GL: Rebirth and The Sinestro Corps War, Blackest Night #8 wraps up another great comic event and the final act of an epic trilogy, showing that Geoff Johns and crew can craft legendary stories that are historic and noteworthy for comic books. Anyone who has personally invested themselves in the Green Lantern mythos and anything DC owe it to themselves to pick this series up, if not now then the eventual trade paperback, which should be available in the middle of this year. After crafting a big prophecy conspiracy in the GL titles and unleashing it to the entire DC Universe, the big payoff has come and everything looks epic and lovely. Now, we wait for the Brightest Day, so relish sweet resurrections and look forward to new beginnings.

Rating - 10/10

Triple Comic Review: Blackest Night# 7 and Green Lantern #50-51!

Before February goes off into the light, I'll cap things off with the review of the highly awesome and zombified powered series to ever hit the comics medium - Blackest Night! Yes yes, the space ghoul miniseries returned this week with issue #7 hitting stores, but the story has been ongoing even with the main title's presence, specifically within the pages of the other flagship tie-in title - Green Lantern. 2010 began with no Blackest Night due for the month of January, but Green Lantern #50 tided things over with a tale so overly awesome and consuming, it deserves being called "Blackest Night 6.5", as coined by the master scribe of this space battle drama itself, Geoff Johns. That angle wrapped up with this month's issue #51, but Blackest Night #7 just delivered the most unexpected twist yet, and if you saw the post in the blog a few days, you know what I'm talking about. Regardless, this entry will cover my thoughts on BN #7 and GL#50-51, so hop on board and know that if you've only noticed Blackest Night now, you've missed the wildest ride that the minds of DC could ever offer to hungry fans around the globe.

Green Lantern #50 & 51
Writer: Geoff Johns
Artist: Doug Mahnke


Blackest Night #7
Writer: Geoff Johns
Artist: Ivan Reis

After deputizing several unlikely warriors to their cause, Hal Jordan and the rest of the light brigade continue to fend off Nekron's assault on Earth and life. However, an unexpected obstacle appears in the form of a Black Lantern Spectre, who wants nothing but to claim the soul of his former host, Hal Jordan. Faced with a problem that eludes a simple solution, Jordan comes up a scheme that has a good chance of working as much as it may backfire on him completely - freeing Parallax and getting repossessed by the entity. Like the wild rider he is who acts first before thinking of the consequences, Jordan reunites with the being that nearly destroyed his life, and challenges the authority of the Spectre, who has yet to yield from his path of destruction. Meanwhile, the lie of the Guardians is about to be revealed, and the balance of life itself will depend on the actions of those willing to make the ultimate move. With the entire universe in danger and life as we know it threatened by the forces of death, can the corps of the emotional spectrum work together to turn the tide? Only destiny can answer that.


WOW. Geoff Johns just keeps the emotion engine clicking with every issue he works on! Clearly, it's never a smooth a ride where all things Blackest Night is concerned, but Hal Jordan, Sinestro, Carol Ferris, and the gang of colored warriors do what they can to save the day and take on the black zombie chaos surrounding the universe. It's amazing that so many things can happen at an instant within these three issues, and because I had to digest the information and panels in each and everyone of them a tale at a time, it's best that I give an overall review, especially since it's being written by the meister himself!

Like I said earlier, Blackest Night skipped a month, so GL #50 is where the story picks up after BN #6, and there we see Jordan and the rainbow brigade confront the black ring empowered Spectre. With their newly deputized recruits on their side - namely Blue Lantern Flash, Red Lantern Mera, Indigo Lantern Atom, Green Lantern Ganthet, Orange Lantern Lex Luthor (yes, LUTHOR), Yellow Lantern Scarecrow (FEAR), and Star Sapphire Lantern Wonder Woman; Green Lantern and the emotional spectrum lanterns do their best to fend off Nekron's new slave beast, but their rings can only do so much to turn the spirit of vengeance, so Jordan cooks up his idea of becoming Parallax again. GL #51 picks up right after the possession is done, and the Lanterns watch as Parallax confronts Big Black Lantern Spectre. Key here is the dialogue, mischief, and banters each of the colorful personalities involved give, and nothing's ever dull when Geoff Johns is on the case! Cutting to the chase, Jordan/ Parallax manages to free Spectre, with the latter returning the favor for Jordan with Carol Ferris help. However, Specty is useless against Nekron and his posse, and he is banished from the scene, with the heroes again back to square one with the leader of the undead corps himself. Blackest Night #7 is where the kicker comes in. Lex Luthor acts like an ass (as usual), and the LIE of the guardians is finally dug up by Nekron himself. As the revelation shows itself, it takes one Lantern with guts to make the ultimate dive... and if you haven't been reading the clues throughout the story of BN, it's probably the person everyone least expects. Case in point, Johns delivers the ultimate twist, and now all we have to do is wait for the final issue next month, where destiny final unveils itself! AWESOME.

Of course, while the story is great and all, it couldn't have been livelier without the art support from talented artists Doug Mahnke and Ivan Reis. Their works on GL and Blackest Night, respectively, have been the light illuminating the brilliant storytelling Johns has conceived since the get go, and I couldn't have seen better and polished artwork than these two right here as they continue to deliver excellence with each issue. There's so much going on, and so much to describe that it potentially keep readers glued to their seats for hours just admiring the work they see from panel to panel. Hoping to see more powerful stuff just as Blackest Night ends, and from what I've seen from Mahnke and Reis so far, I bet they're sure to deliver.

Right now, Blackest Night is really shaping up to join the classic comic tales of all time. The creators have done so well to keep the pace great, and the story gets exciting and gut wrentching at every turn. True, the event is about to wrap up in the next month, but I see bright things still ahead for Geoff Johns and crew, and that's literally putting things straight, since "Brightest Day" is coming up this April! I'm sure this triple review will be a rare thing for me to do, but every now and then, some stories just scream EPIC, and this is one of them. Destiny Awaits. That's all you need to remember for now.

Rating:

Green Lantern #50 - 8/10
Green Lantern #51 - 8/10
Blackest Night #7 - 9/10

Blackest Night Just Got Brighter...

Before reading this post, you must read Blackest Night #7. Otherwise, if you don't mind spoilers, hit the jump and see the bright light shining through!

Those of you following Green Lantern and Blackest Night can definitely agree that all of us have gone on one heck of a ride courtesy of the puppet master writer and new DC Entertainment Chief Creative Officer, Geoff Johns. With issue #7 out and things slowly drawing to a close, DC just HAD to tease the cover to next month's Green Lantern #52 in their daily blog, The Source. Purists who haven't read the penultimate chapter to Blackest Night may want to SHUT THEIR EYES NOW, because something bright and colorful awaits below... and it's not the most likely candidate to get an upgrade.

Behold... WHITE LANTERN, SINESTRO!

Here Comes The Brightest Day!

Blackest Night is just a wonderfully weaved and orchestrated tale by Geoff Johns and crew. Not only did it send the Green Lantern books and their accompanying titles into a spiral of undead mayhem, but it also drastically altered many other characters in books throughout the DCU, treading a path that answers questions pertaining to both life and death in the entire multiverse and beyond. With 6 issues out and two more to go along with the accompanying tie-ins, there's still plenty of emotion and death to look forward to before the whole series wraps up this March. Johns has already solidified himself as a big draw to the comic book public, and how he'll change the landscape of the DC Universe by the end of the mini remains to be seen. However, DC Comics isn't one to keep major news from being announced, and via their blog network called The Source, they've announced the follow up to what is already considered a classic to remember:



Heh, I could've told you guys that I saw this coming, but look and behold - the Brightest Day shall cometh!

Set to be a bi-weekly, 26 issue run, Brightest Day will obviously be the direct follow up to BN, beginning with issue #0 in April. Spearheaded by top GL book writers Geoff Johns and Peter Tomasi, this series already sounds promising, and should give faithful readers another reason to stick around and see what will happen after Nekron and his legions have been dealt with. This is indeed some major news to take in... and a whole new series to think about as 2010 rolls on!

Happy New Year Comic Review: Blackest Night #6

2009 had its up and downs, but we couldn't end the year right without some joy and excitement to welcome the coming new year, right? Just in time for the new year, I deliver my last Comic Review for 2009, and I call it the big send-off title to usher in the new year - Blackest Night #6! Prepare for thrills! Prepare for spills! And get ready as 2010 is here!

Blackest Night #5
Written By: Geoff Johns
Illustrated By: Ivan Reis

As the Blackest Night manifests itself on the planet Earth, the undead lord Nekron unleashes his ultimate trump card by turning the resurrected heroes into Black Lanterns of his own. The only two to escape this dark fate are Hal Jordan and Barry Allen, and even as they rally their remaining troops to combat the Black Lantern onslaught, the situation grows bleak for Green Lantern, Flash, and friends. Hope, however, has a funny way of showing itself when its needed the most, and even as the battle looks all but lost, the exiled Guardian known as Ganthet reveals a secret that tips the scales in the heroes' favor, and makes the outcome of the war of light as mysterious as ever.

Since the series began in the middle of this year, Blackest Night has proven to be a constant hit with each issue's release, and the hype and suspense built up couldn't be more ingenious than with a specific plot twist that keeps the reader's blood flowing and begging DC for more interstellar undead lantern zombie fun. As a result of its brilliant pacing, I'd like to call issue numbers 5 and 6 as "The Twin Towers" of the entire BN saga, and if you're asking yourself why is that so, then you have got to pick up this monumental miniseries and find out for yourselves. Writer Geoff Johns has produced the ultimate Green Lantern DC tale that will be remembered for generations, and he utilizes all the key players in this storyline so well that I am looking forward to their futures to come after all the zombie hunting is said and done. In particular, Johns has crafted new and impressive reputations for Green Lantern and Flash, and as mush as Hal shines brightly in this story, Barry shares the spotlight as well, and his role has been refined with the events that have transpired in this latest issue. Anyone who questioned the logic or the reasoning behind comic book character death in the DC Universe is being addressed with care in Blackest Night, and as we countdown to the concluding arcs of this epic tale, let's not forget the other warriors of light who play their efforts well and have branched out a new legacy for the Green Lantern mythos. Right now, the heroes may be on the losing front, but if there's anything about epic crossovers, expect the big bad twist and punch to come on the final two issues. Johns is a notorious and magnificent writer, and he will hit us when we least expect it.

The art has been handled so well by Ivan Reis that I've already become a fan of his work. SInce the Sinestro Corps War and the beginnings of BN, I've already grown accustomed to his proficiency and style in drawing the light colored warriors and other DC universe residents. The miniseries alone has propelled the artist's reputation to new heights, and I hope there'll be plenty more opportunities for this superstar artist in the future. The covers alone are absolutely flawless, and besides his work on issue #2, #6 is absolutely epic as epic can be. Can't wait



Since the main series is going on hiatus next month, this will be the final issue of Blackest Night to keep us on our toes until the series resumes on February next year. In the meantime, DC has "resurrected" a few titles to keep the needy preoccupied with some important side tales, so anyone looking for more action will be mesmerized for a while. As for this issue, it's absolutely amazing, and although I have my reservations of the new key players and elements showing themselves here, I'm still looking forward to some super awesome fun in the next year. Blackest Night was awesome when it began in 2009... and I hope it will end in awesome fashion in 2010! Happy New Year folks!

Score - 10/10

Comic Review: Blackest Night # 5

Blackest Night has reached the point of no return.

As we start whittling down toward the concluding issues, Blackest Night has become the rollercoaster ride of the end of the decade. It's too enjoyable to ignore, and everything happening in the story justifies my resolve to see the event to its conclusion, where all hell's going to break loose before it gets better once everything's said and done. With hardly breaking a sweat, Geoff Johns and Ivan Reis present the book where all points come to head. This issue has all of the main stars of the show come center stage, and as tension builds as the war continues to escalate, new developments occur that make the outlook of the heroes' situation as bleak as they come. Are the Black Lanterns gaining the upper hand? Better read on and find out how epic all of this is, comic wise.

Blackest Night #5
Written By: Geoff Johns
Illustrated By: Ivan Reis

The Blackest Night has arrived, and in the farthest region of outer space known as Sector 666, seven colors of light shine brightly to deal with the dark prophecy foretold in the Book of OA eons ago. Gathered together by the two ex-Guardians Ganthet and Sayd, Hal Jordan, Sinestro, Atrocitus, Saint Walker, Larfleeze, Carol Danvers, and Indigo-1 investigate the source of the Black Lantern power battery, only to find their point of search utterly empty. The unholy corps of death have already begun their frontal assault on Earth, beginning with the resurrection of Coast City, and the appearance of Nekron, lord of the Black Lantern Corps. As Earth's heroes struggle to hold down the undead until the power ring cavalry arrives, Nekron unleashes an unexpected attack on Green Lantern and his allies, one that will reveal the true nature of death itself.

For the record, readers will NEED to pick up Green Lantern #48 to catch up on what events took place before Hal Jordan and his ring colored posse arrive at Space Sector 666. This issue can definitely stand on its own two feet without reading the other issue, but it helps fuel the importance and symmetry that Blackest Night has already established since it launched months ago. The tie-ins help to bridge events happening in and around the same time the main book is progressing, so it's a lot of information to draw in. Geoff Johns and the rest of the DC writing crew have taken special care to make continuity a priority, so if you can't catch up with all the numerous books under the label, wait for the trade to collect everything in a few months time.

Now onto to the book itself... what can I say? THIS EVENT IS AWESOME. Geoff Johns establishes himself as the driving force behind many of today's best DC comic book stories, and he utilizes every character, note, and history so well with less efficiency that he's deserved the title and awards he's won for his work and contributions so far. With five issues out and three more to go until it wraps up, it can be said that Blackest Night was well worth the two year wait since the Sinestro Corps War saga ended. Every detail and nitpick addressed in the DC Universe concerning death is fully addressed in the soon to be classic crossover, and praise such as this is not given for exaggeration, it's a fact. When you read the book as a veteran who's come across comic book death so many times, questions that come to mind are "How do these characters come back" and "What is Death in comics, really"? As far as the DC Universe was concerned, there were many deaths, significant or otherwise, and Johns has readily tapped himself into that well, emerging with a story so brilliant, so convincing, it's hard to let go of the book after being drawn into what will be an Epic saga. I've reviewed the past four issues, and each and everyone of them has contributed a wow and a clap from readers, but this one... it literally takes the cake. Anyone who wanted a good reason to jump in or stay with Blackest Night until its conclusion have all the cards are all laid out here. I won't be spoiling what happened or what Nekron did, but let's just say it will make fans go nuts about the entire DCU all over again.

As far as the characters in this book go, they're a dime a dozen, and since this doesn't rely on the Green Lantern property alone, expect to see favorites from the Teen Titans and Justice League make an appearance to lend a helping hand to our favorite Space Cowboy Hal. Last issue, Geoff gave the spotlight to Barry Allen, a character that the writer's also working on in Flash: Rebirth, and he played the ever reliable friend to rally up the forces of good while the emerald warrior was away for the entirety of the previous issue. Even with Hal back on Earth, Barry's still a key player readers will be rooting for, as well his allies in the form of Bart and Wally assist him, with the latter sporting a "new" uniform that really suits the character in my opinion. Being secondary heroes for the longest time, The Flash and GL finally get to be the heroes we need to count on to save the world because of what occurs in Blackest Night, and while I may be a Batman fan through and through, these two are also personal favorites who happen to be great personalities, and I'm glad Johns has given them the recognition they deserve. He also gives the villains some time to "shine", most notably Black Hand and Scar, the evil Guardian. While the latter's fate is resolved in this issue, it's the former and right hand man of Nekron we have to watch out for. Maybe in the last few issues, we'll see something big happen to the herald, but his words in the supplemental "Book Of Black" co-feature continue to echo how disturbing and focused his undead mind is, and that provides more exposition on his character and nature from behind the scenes.

Art direction has been pretty stellar, and Ivan Reis handles it so well that anyone will deem it big shot comic book material for proper reading. The way he draws is similar to Johns' dedication to the book, with so much commitment and effort that one cannot coexist without the other's involvement. If you thought drawing several lantern colors was hard, wait til you see the rest of the heroes (and undead) in action. This issue in particular taps into all the penciling talent Reis' has got in him, and along with the stellar coloring and inking contributions by the rest of the BN team, the results are breathtaking and simply fantastic. Previous issues have had their epic spreads and one sheet pages, but this one just one ups every single one of them, especially towards the end of the book, where the real meat of the story's jaw dropping visuals are unveiled. Pick up the book to know what the hell I'm talking about, it's a real doozy.

If there were any doubts on your mind to how big Blackest Night would be, then rest assured, IT IS BIGGER THAN EVER. The scope of this event is so huge alone that we're getting more tie-ins coming in on the next few months, and while collecting each and everyone of them may be too much to bare, this month's incentive collector's power ring fuels hope, willpower, fear, love, avarice, rage, and compassion into all the readers out there. Death has arrived on the DC Universe's doorstep, and with its grip growing so tight and unpredictable, there's no telling how everything will end soon. Time will tell, so brace yourselves and expect more awesomeness.

Score - 10/10

Comic Book Review: Green Lantern Corps #42

Fresh off the grill, this week's comics were numerous. Every single Bat title I pick up came out, and Blackest Night rages on with its tie ins, which I pick up to satisfy my compulsion to read the entirety of the space zombie saga (as well as picking up those juicy rings). What I didn't expect, however, was one of the latter's titles, Green Lantern Corps, to hit me like a BIG SLAP on the face. Writer Peter J. Tomasi just wrote one of the most gut wrenching and tragic stories I've seen in recent years, and what it is exactly will be told if you continue on with this review. I'm giving fair SPOILER WARNING now, so be warned, once you hear or see it, there's no turning back.

Green Lantern Corps #42
Written By: Peter J. Tomasi
Illustrated By: Patrick Gleason

In the midst of the Black Lantern invasion and chaos happening in OA, the Green Lantern Corps find much needed assistance with the timely arrival of the Indigo Lantern "Munk". His arrival is a welcomed sight to Green Lantern Vath and his fellow corps members, but the follower of the purple light can only do so much to quell the growing numbers of the Black Lantern Corps. Elsewhere, Kilowog, Guy Gardner, Soranik Natu, and Kyle Rayner do their best to keep their attackers at bay, only to witness all the Black Lanterns disengage and move towards a new target - the Oan Central Power Battery. Now realizing a greater loss is at stake, the GL Corps move in to defend their power source and salvation against the undead... even if it means life or death in the end.

Ok, brace yourselves for the one thing that made this issue so MIND BLOWING. There's no other way to describe how I felt after turning to that last page of this issue, and by revealing it now to you all reading this, it's considered a BIG SPOILER, especially to GREEN LANTERN FANS.This is your last BIG WARNING, so read at your own risk folks!










SPOILER WARNING!!!

At the end of this issue, a noble and honarable member of the Green Lantern Corps sacrifices his life to save the power battery and buy time for his teammates. That man is none other than the "Torch Bearer" himself, Kyle Rayner.

That's right folks... the one who carried the Green Lantern name when no one else could is gone and dead.T_T

All right... now that I got that big burden of a climax off my chest, I can talk about this issue alone. It's pretty much a solid, action packed, and drama story that's full of hope, tragedy, and despair that any space cowboy reading the GL books would love. Peter J. Tomasi is fresh in his element here, and he delivers the kind of shocker at the end of this issue that will get fans talking for months to come. I happen to be one of those guys, and believe me, it will leave you ruminating about what kind of fate will befall every individual affected one way or the other by this Blackest Night that has spread to the far reaches of the DC Comic community. Unlike the other Blackest Night books and tie ins, GLC has dealt more with the corps as a whole. Since Hal has his solo title, this book has free reign to explore what's happening with Kyle, Guy, Kilowog, and the rest of the green team, and now that they're facing space zombies, there's no telling what kind of shit they'll have to go through to put an end to the evil spreading in the cosmos. I've collected the rest of the issues before this, but this one in particular brings the biggest bang that could possibly happen yet in the Blackest Night that affects the GL Corp directly. Oh, and we learn more about how effective the Indigo Tribe is in handling the black abominations, so it's all good with Peter J. T. at the writing helm.

In the art department, we get some of the most action packed art seen in a GL Title, courtesy of artist Patrick Gleason. His style is befitting of the scale GL Corps draws with the sheer number of things happening all at the same time. It's the kind of art that doesn't feel sketchy or rushed, and just blends in well with the dialogue and emotion running high with this kind of event. In fact, he illustrates the characters well enough to give they dimension and importance in the scope of things. Even in delivering the ending, it's a one pager that will be embedded in the hearts and minds of readers to come.

With all that said, Green Lantern Corps is a must read for those following Blackest Night and everyone else involved in it. Anyone looking for Hal Jordan won't find a speck of him here since he's got his own solo title, but for those worried and curious about what's happening to Guy and the rest of the green team, you'd better pay attention to this book. Like I said, something BIG happens here, and by next issue and the tie ins to come, the ramifications will be BIGGER. It's A class writing and art delivered by the fine team of Tomasi and Gleason. These two have literally made a mark on the industry with this issue... and those who grew up liking certain characters will never forget it.

Score - 10/10

Comic Review: Blackest Night # 4

Just in time for Halloween is more Black Lantern reading!XD

As readers hit the halfway mark to what is already proving to be a classic blockbuster series, Blackest Night has grown exponentially, to the point that several other titles outside of the Green Lantern books will be affected and cast under the shadow of death itself. Besides the superb story and writing of course, anyone digging for some payoffs will be wise to take note that DC has come up with a solution to the extra expenses. Those who were there to pick up Black Lantern Rings during the release of Blackest Night #1 will be happy to know that the rest of the rainbow colors are coming next month, scattered amongst the numerous titles and tie-ins that are scheduled for release then. However, that's still for November. Right now, things are really intensifying in the playing field, especially on planet Earth, where the bulk of the problem began and is about to become much worse.



Blackest Night #4
Written By: Geoff Johns
Illustrated By: Ivan Reis

After Hal Jordan is whisked away by the mysterious Indigo Lanterns, Barry Allen, aka The Flash, is left to hold down the growing forces of the Black Lantern Corps, with only Ray Palmer/ The Atom and Mera standing by his side. Things took a turn for the worse when the new Firestorm, Jason Rusch, was absorbed by the Black Lantern Firestorm, forcing the heroes to regroup elsewhere and look for back up. Knowing their enemy's weakness but lacking the presence of a Green Lantern, the trio notify their friends of the situation and search for the next best substitute - Alan Scott/ Sentinel. Scrambling, Mera and Atom eventually find Scott and the JSA, but their troubles follow shortly thereafter. As Black Hand and his forces reach 100% power level capacity, the true force behind the Blackest Night emerges, with Barry Allen witnessing what could be the beginning of the end for every living soul in the universe.

Another solid issue is at hand. Geoff Johns has gotten past the point of no return, and the Blackest Night's raw might has finally emerged, and nobody is safe from its wrath. Even as I wait month after month for the next issue to arrive, I'm in solid comic book heaven reading this book, with so much action and dialogue happening that it harmoniously connects events together in perfect fashion. As I've said before, John's strength is his ability to write stories that not only make sense, but also deliver a punch that readers will go gaga over. His feats in the Green Lantern Mythos are already accounted for, and right now he's beginning to shed light on another Silver Age hero, namely the newly resurrected Silver Age Flash, Barry Allen, who is, not surprisingly, the man taking center stage in Blackest Night #4. I'll admit, I've always been more familiar with his protege, Wally West, but Barry also strikes me as a unique heroic force to be reckoned with. He's got the smarts and the speed to make him a remarkable figure in the DC Universe, and unlike Wally, his optimism and courage to do the right thing has brought him at odds with death several times. He died in Crisis Of Infinite Earths, and he was resurrected in Final Crisis. Now, as a key player in Blackest Night, Barry will come face to face with death incarnate itself, and as we read along, we'll probably find out the reasons why heroes like him come back from the dead, earning a second chance among the living.

While Barry may be the flag holder of this issue, I can't neglect the other key players who are strangely becoming focal points of the Blackest Night saga on their own. Ray Palmer is obviously another man who'll be getting some attention, since death and tragedy have lingered around his life and caused him more agony any mortal man could ever bare. Like Barry, he has the will to continue on with the heroics, but this may be tested later on with the arrival of a person he never thought he'd see again. On the other hand, Mera, the wife of Aquaman, is taking things pretty well, and while she wasn't much of a presence in the hero community, she's coming on to her own now that her husband and Tempest are among the Black Lantern Corps. I like the dialogue Johns inserted between her, Flash, and Atom, showing that while these three are technically second stringers and outsiders, they come into their own and step up when the situation calls for it. As for the villains, let's just say that there are eye popping cameos you'd like to take note of. Several new Black Lanterns make their appearance here too, including the ring leader, who many of you should know already know as Nekron, as revealed cover pic to issue #5 DC released a few months back. He's a menacing figure who clearly means business, and we'll probably see what kind of game he wants to play with the DCU come next issue.

I can't deny the fact that I've enjoyed Ivan Reis' art for the entire run of this series so far. Although Ethan Van Schiver has a style nobody can help but admire, Reis is a class A talent himself, and has drawn some of the most intense scenes that compliment a dramatic comic book tale such as Blackest Night. There are moments in the book that will make you feel every bit of emotion known to the spectrum - will, rage, fear, hope, love, avarice, and compassion, and it's timed well with the scenes that encourage optimism, or wrack a reader with despair as they see an important figure they've come to relate to get consumed by the power of death.Issue #4 is a highlight for Reis when it comes to the middle ground. There's no GL on sight, but that doesn't stop the other heroes (and undead lanterns) from shining forward and looking like gold. Oh, and the supplementary material known as "The Book Of Black" returns, and narrates a well conceived but twisted tale from the mind of Black Hand that deals with the concept of Willpower. What other thoughts burned into his deceased head will be interesting to read about as the series progresses. Here's me holding my breath and hoping for more superb writing and art from Johns and Reis.

So there goes another issue for the books. We're in the middle point of Blackest Night now, and it seems like death is having its way with everyone and transforming the universe, and most especially earth, into its own flying zombie Halloween Party. This issue could not have come at a better time, especially when the frights are in the air and all the ghoulies at home are expecting their trick or treats to get their grubby hand onto. I can't blame them, so if you're in the mood for some excellent comic book reading, I once again proclaim Blackest Night as the one and only choice. It's a must read event, and if you're celebrating All Hallow's Eve, it's the definite way to go.

Score - 10/10

Comic Review: Blackest Night: Batman #3

The first of three Blackest Night miniseries tie-ins reaches its conclusion, and while there's still a long road to traverse with the main story for the next few months, one can only wonder how the heroes will triumph when everything is said and done. Given that most of the books I picked up last week were Batman related, I can't help but feel that this book weighs in more over the others, especially since I wanted to see how the new Dark Knight and his posse escape the wrath of the undead lanterns unscathed. Well, the final curtain call has settled in and we've been given an ending, but is it the kind that will leave fans with a sweet after taste or a bitter one once they finish reading? Read on and find out after the summary jump.

Blackest Night: Batman #3
Written By: Peter J. Tomasi
Illustrated By: Ardian Syaf

After crashing the Batplane into a nearby cemetery, the new Batman and Red Robin find themselves confronting their long deceased parents, newly resurrected and among the ranks of the growing Black Lantern Corps. Using their powers, the undead lanterns begin to torture the young crimefighters, echoing familiar moments and scenarios from their past. Dick Grayson knows its a trap, but Tim Drake wants to believe differently, seeing this as a second chance to save their parents. Both are soon sucked into the emotion-filled void by Black Lanterns craving for their hearts, and if Deadman doesn't make it back in time with "additional help", the new Dark Knight and other Robin may become the latest victims in the chaos that is the Blackest Night.

Once again, Andy Kubert graces us with another horrific, yet amazing cover (and just in time for Halloween too!). It's another work that shouldn't be taken for face value, but it gets the message across that Dick Grayson/ Batman is in for a world of hurt... by the undead constructs that were once his beloved parents.

Wrapping up his 3 issue Blackest Night: Batman stint, Peter J. Tomasi's credibility with the new Dark Knight is sound. He knows how to write a mean Dick Grayson, and is careful to point out in clear detail that he's no Bruce Wayne, but just a worthy heir who's doing his damned best to live up to his mentor's reputation. That determination, however, is clearly being tested to its limits, as Dick comes to face to face with his Black Lantern mommy and daddy - the two people he'd never thought he'd be forced to face. Writing has been pretty consistent and fair in DC Comics as of late, and I'm pleased Tomasi is up to speed with the developments happening in Batman: Reborn and beyond, even going as far as to research and incorporate elements from classic DC Stories. All this is flawlessly implemented into the narrative, and Pete even does a bang up job of presenting brilliant internal conflicts within the Bat-Family. For instance, "New Bats" tries to be the voice of reason to a one track minded Red Robin, who's more eager to see this as an opportunity for a "family reunion" rather than a fatal threat, citing his crusade/ obsession to find Bruce Wayne as an example that he believes in the impossible being possible. Real excellent writing I say, with the right balance of action and story involved.

While this issue is mostly about the Graysons and the Drakes, let's not forget the supporting cast involved. Damian Wayne has less screen time here as the new Boy Wonder, but his absence from the real fight is justified when he's tasked to bring the Gordons to safety in the Bat Bunker. Oracle and Jim Gordon don't do or say much either, but Deadman's on the case to save his living and breathing allies. To this end, he "persuades" a magical ally of the Bat-Family, namely the demon Etrigan, to save their asses, especially when the fuel tanks of the Batboys run out. Nothing much can be said for the Black Lanterns, but they're still the wise-cracking flying zombies who'd love nothing more than to eat your hearts out, literally. By the issue's end, a new way to counter their attack is presented, but how that's going to work for the rest of the universe is another story that will have to be told another time, as Blackest Night still continues and develops on into a mega classic event.

I praised Ardian Syaf's art in the past two issues, and he's still living it up and showing his guns for the world to be see and be amazed at. I'd really like this artist to take on the Bat in the main series someday, and even DC has pointer out to the readership that we should watch out for this guy. He's an up and coming pencil sensation, and for me at least, drawing a convincing and mean Batman already earns my vote. His final sketches here are already starting to look routine, but at least that's a good thing. Can't wait to see future projects from this guy, if and when DC manages to cook up something that suits his style.

So, with Blackest Night: Batman in the bag, what's going to happen to Dick and the gang? The conclusion of this arc was not too disappointing, but it was lacking considerably. It just goes to show that tie-ins are tie-ins, and we can expect the bigger things to happen in the main Blackest Night book. While I'd like to see more Batman in action, he'll no doubt appear in the main book, and as for the skull of Bruce Wayne, I haven't seen it since BN #1, and I was hoping that would be tackled in this miniseries, but to no avail. Let's hope that shows up in the main, as well as Dick, the Bat-Family, and the heroes rallying up and coming up with a plan to fight the Black Lantern threat back soon. So far, weaknesses have been discovered and exploited. It's all a matter of timing and execution now. Bottomline? Anyone who hasn't picked Blackest Night, I highly recommend doing so if you're a DC fan. Blackest Night: Batman? A good tie-in, but only grab it if you enjoy supplements... and the Dark Knight himself, of course.

Score - 8/10

Comic Review: Blackest Night Superman #2

With all the madness happening in the video game world this week thanks to the major Japanese gaming event that is the Tokyo Game Show, how could I forget my dip into this week's comic book goodness? Earlier, I had to chance to take a look at some new titles that are either beginning and ending some pretty classic runs this week. On the fresh-o-meter, we have Geoff John's take on the secret origin of the Man Of Steel with Superman: Secret Origin. Alongside that, Brian Michael Bendis and Alex Maleev breath new life to the upside down world of Jessica Drew with the release of Spider-Woman #1. Finally, Mark Millar's epic run on the geriatric days of Wolverine ends with the final chapter to Old Man Logan, chronicled in the mega-sized Wolverine: Old Man Logan Special #1. All these books are solid buys... but I'll most probably get the trades instead. For now, I'll continue with the books I'm currently collecting, and for this week, it's Blackest Night: Superman #2.


Blackest Night: Superman #2
Written By: James Robinson
Illustrated By: Eddy Barrows

It only took one night for all hell to break loose on the quiet town of Smallville. Resurrected as Black Lanterns, Kal-L, The Earth 2 Superman, and his wife Lois Lane have attacked the quiet suburb and have set their sights on Superman and his family. Digging up the coffin of Jonathan Kent and kidnapping his wife Martha, the undead couple intend to reunite the two in death. Fortunately, Superman and Superboy are able to stop the unholy process from occurring, only to have a more grueling battle waiting for them in the form of the newly resurrected Psycho Pirate. While Superman's hometown suffers from provoked emotional frenzy, New Krypton's fate lies in the balance, as Supergirl has to do the unthinkable: take down her undead father, Zor-El.

Lately, I've been enjoying the Blackest Night tie-ins more and more, as each issue delves into other people affected by the event at an emotional scale. It's no surprise that the major players of the Crisis Of Infinite Earths saga are "reborn" as Black Lanterns since many of them are dead, but what I AM surprised about is their new and radical ways of thinking. Recently revealed in Blackest Night #3, Black Lanterns feed off the emotions inside every individual and use it as a homing beacon to stalk their prey, in a manner most similar to Sharks attracted to the blood of their victims in the open sea. It's quite obvious that Kal-L and Lois Lane are perverse versions of their former selves, but I can't quite say the same for the Psycho Pirate. After getting his face blown to bits by Black Adam in the pages of Infinite Crisis, the manipulator of emotions is back, and his power has probably tripled after his resurrection, instilling every kind of twisted emotion on the helpless inhabitants of Smallville. To say that things just got worse is an understatement, this guy has made Supes' hometown his playground, and he's loving every second of it.

On the story itself, James Robinson's writing capabilities are enjoyable enough. It's neat, fresh, and straightforward action and terror all around. You won't find anything that you'll have to dig through other than some back issues pertaining to some of the undead faces involved. His take on Supes has some flaws though. Personally, I would think that Clark has enough experience as a hero to take charge when the situation looks intense, but here he feels a little too confused and naive at what's happening, and probably it makes sense since he and the rest of the world are dealing with the Black Lanterns for the very first time. I do enjoy his futile efforts to reach out to Kal-L, since it makes the latter look so powerful and manipulative at the same time. Those reading Adventure Comics and Supergirl may be more familiar with what's happening to the boy and girl of steel, but as someone who hasn't touched on recent facts related to them aside from wikipedia, I only have this book to follow and bring me up to speed. Still, everything's fleshed out and going so smoothly. The bad guys are kicking ass, and the good guys are on the way to getting retribution... hopefully.

Art is without a doubt one of the book's highlights. Eddy Barrows does his magic and shows just how pretty and ugly Smallville is during the events of BN, and for his take on Superman and company, I can't think of a better artist to handle the story other than him. Probably the most eyecatching scene for this issue is the triumphant return of the Psycho Pirate. Barrows illustrates how deadly his powers of emotion manipulation can be, from the moment one person clips his neighbor to the time Superboy falls under his spell and attacks his mentor. The only drawback I can think of is how Kara is portrayed when she confronts her dead dad. Her teary-eyed demeanor is understandable, but did that have to tie in with that dreadful looking "emo-punch" she landed to her parental unit? That didn't look good there at all, but that aside, the pencils are all good here, especially if you're one to look for explosive art and visuals.

With a month to go before this series wraps up, BN: Superman's second issue is a strong follow to the previous book and a good tie-in for those hungry for more Blackest Night goodness. Like I mentioned with the first issue's review, it may alienate those not familiar with the Crisis Characters, but follow the narrative enough and you won't even have to research on these guys. The book can stand on its own, and it just presents itself as another sticky situation the Man Of Steel and his allies have to get out of before they end up dead meat. Sure enough, something bad's gonna happen later and beyond this book, and I'm keeping the suspense up for the climactic battle between good and evil (dead). The price tag alone is not bad at all, and it has enough action and drama to keep you interested, especially if you're a Superman fan.

Score - 8/10

Comic Review: Blackest Night #3

When all hell breaks loose and you find yourself right smack in the middle of a situation with zero chances of winning, what would you do? That's exactly what's on the minds of several DC heroes who are experiencing first hand the brutal assault of the Black Lantern Corps. Friends, foes, and the dearly departed have risen and become perverted beasts that lust for the hearts of the living, and as the situation gets more intense, more lives are being lost to the blackness. Awesome is the word, and I'm glad Geoff Johns is writing this.XD


Blackest Night #2
Written By: Geoff Johns
Illustrated By: Ivan Reis

As the Blackest Night continues to consume the entire universe, things become even more desperate for the heroes of Earth. Green Lantern and The Flash continue to battle their former Justice League comrades turned Black Lanterns, and even as they are joined by a friendly face, their efforts prove to be futile when they learn their enemies can't be incapacitated. Fortunately, hope arrives in the form of the Indigo Tribe, who finally make their presence known in the War Of Light. As Hal Jordan and his surviving allies regroup in the Hall Of Justice, they reassess the situation and learn about the history of Light and how to fight back the darkness consuming the cosmos. Unfortunately, as Indigo-1 explains that the solution isn't as easy as it sounds, Black Lanterns invade the Hall and attack in full force.

I am pleased, Geoff Johns, very very pleased indeed.

If anybody needed reassurance that Blackest Night would deliver on its promise to be a hot book each month, Blackest Night #3 just flew off the charts and created more buzz than anyone could ever anticipate. Johns is clearly on a role here, and he's not playing for keeps either. No... he plays a deadly game with casualties involved and plenty of "What The Heck" moments to make readers jaws drop. We're just in the third issue of BN, and already we're looking at earth on the verge of annihilation from the Black Lantern Corps! Their power levels are increasing exponentially, and even with heroes bravely fighting the dead to turn the tide, nothing penetrates these suckers... until the cavalry arrives in the color of Indigo. This issue doesn't mark the tribe's full fledged appearance (that was chronicled in Blackest Night: Tales Of The Corps), but it certainly shows how POWERFUL they can be. In the nick of time, they save Ray Palmer, the Atom, from being skewered and destroy two of the Black Lanterns. Yes, Johns is finally showing signs that these guys can be defeated... but it won't be an easy process. Hardships are still evident, and the fact that emotion plays a big role in how the Black Lanterns attack makes things even worse. Like anyone in real life, the heroes are confused and lost, and this was nothing they could have prepared for. Even heroes like Hal and Barry, who have long experience in the field of heroics, are going heads and tales over things, and when it comes to disagreeing and agreeing over things, these two are truly the Brave and The Bold of the DCU. There's still plenty of carnage going around though, and even if by some chance the Emotional Spectrum pools their efforts together to combat the common threat, it may be too late already. I just love anticipating the worst that could happen in major comic events like these.

Speaking of the worst that could happen, it certainly did for one hero who's the highlight of this book: the new Firestorm. Anyone not familiar with the guy at all can piece together his history through the fantastic script Johns has put together, and when everything is said and done in Blackest Night, trust me, he's not going to be the same again. The fact that Ronnie Raymond, the original and now undead Black Lantern Firestorm, was brought back is a clear indication of that change, and in this issue, he enforces it big time. I'm not going to spoil what happens, but let's just say it will leave a bitter taste on your mouths after reading the whole book. This is one of the many plot devices used in BN that certifies Geoff Johns as a true, evil mastermind. He brought Green Lantern back from hell... and now he's brought hell to the entire DCU. Way to go Geoff.XD

Art, once again, is just WOW. I mean, I always thought that Ethan Van Schiver should be the only one paired alongside Johns for this project, but I was proven otherwise by Ivan Reis, who shows he can be an imposing force in the penciling department himself.
The issue's standard cover art alone is a testament his creative talents, and his ability to capture how creepy Black Lanterns are is projected beautifully in a spread that's just a clear picture of hopelessness. In fact, the cover kinda reminds me of the other album cover to Michael Jackson's Thriller, where a group of Zombies huddle around MJ as they pose for a group shot. Black Hand and his "posse" are just frightfully scary, and the image of him smiling should send chills and warnings of impending doom to the DCU. He doesn't make an appearance in this issue though, but the second chapter of his journal", "The Book Of Black", more than makes up for his absence. I'm loving how Johns explains his twisted understandings of life, rage, and death in this chapter, as well as his thoughts on certain "entities" that may play a major part in future events.

Once again, another issue of Blackest Night has arrived, and there's room for more suspense to come in the next five issues. Anyone who questions their investment on the monthly series should be fully aware how great this book is. It's not just another superhero crossover event... it's THE crossover event that will leave a dirty little mark in DC History, literally. Geoff Johns promised to explain the impact of death in the DCU and how people perceived it. Well, he's doing just that... and he's going to be wrecking the yard a lot to get his message through. Trust me, this is solid, A class storytelling folks. Nobody does it better than the man who resurrected Hal Jordan and Barry Allen, and he's got a talented team to back him up and deliver what is already shaping up to be "Epic".

Score - 10/10

Comic Review: Blackest Night: Batman #2

Seeing the cover at first glance, I'd call this "Batman and his amazing friends vs the Black lantern super zombie squad." Hehe, funny. It's exactly the opposite of that.

As the events of Blackest Night continue to wreck havoc upon the entire universe, many continue to face the threat head on. Heroes do their best to fight back and turn the tide in their favor, but the overwhelming number of Black Lanterns increase, as each victim they claim becomes another soulless recruit to their cause. This is the bleak scenario Gotham City faces now, and even with a new Batman and Robin protecting the city, Blackest Night: Batman #2 clearly shows that supernatural forces aren't exactly the dynamic duo's specialty.


Blackest Night: Batman #2
Written By: Peter J. Tomasi
Illustrated By: Ardian Syaf

With time running out fast and the whole situation already relayed to them by Deadman, Batman and Robin race to the Gotham City Police Department to save as many lives as they can from the growing menace that is the Black Lantern Corps. Making a quick pass at the police armory and arming themselves with flamethrowers for the battle ahead, the Dynamic Duo prepare to give their best, even if the entire situation looks grim. Meanwhile, Commissioner Gordon and his daughter, Barbara, are caught in the midst of the carnage, as the newly risen King Snake and other undead Gotham villains make quick work of the GCPD forces. Will Batman and allies arrive in time to save them, or will they be the next victims of the Black Lantern onslaught?

If you've been following the Blackest Night trail as I have, I'm sure you're aware that there isn't a place on Earth (or the universe for that matter) that's left untouched by the invasion of the Black Lantern Corp. If you ever wanted to see how bloody things can get, the second issue of BN: Batman shows a massive display of carnage and gore that will literally have you feeling sorry for every Gothamite prone to danger. The fact alone that writer Peter J. Tomasi indiscriminately has the newly risen Black Lantern villains kill off innocents here and there is a testament to his ability to portray a Gotham that's not prepared to handle situations like these. Sure, they got insane guys who commit mad crimes like these everyday in the city, but to have these same dead guys come back to life and empowered by mystical means... that's ten times worse.

Given the supernatural premise already established thanks to the inclusion of Deadman, there's a bit of hope on Dick Grayson's side that he has a fighting chance to survive the onslaught of the Black Lanterns. Still, I was a bit puzzled as to why they had to rely on the GCPD armory. For someone who's supposed to be Batman's protege and successor, shouldn't he know by now that Bruce is a rich guy who has every toy for every contingency? Maybe he's new to the game or he felt the situation called for desperate measures, but the fact alone that Dick and Damian had to rely on other tools beyond their own was somewhat of a letdown. Damian was also uncharacteristically light-hearted, compared to Grant Morrison's depiction of the kid, who's snotty and bratty as hell. On a similar note, I found Red Robin's "timely arrival" to be a quick one. Wasn't he in Paris just a few hours ago? And if he's back with the Batplane, does that mean Tim brought the Batplane with him on his journey to search for Bruce in the Red Robin series? Those are my only gripes so far. What I am impressed with, though, is the depiction of the undead Gotham residents tormenting Bats and his posse. King Snake establishes himself as the definite de facto leader of this particular Black Lantern group, and I did enjoy Blockbuster's taunt to Dick, showing continuity is well established here. Is there also a hint of Dick and Barbara reconciling somewhere? Lots of questions come to mind really, and by the conclusion of this issue, you have a situation that looks really bad for the proteges, now that their mommies and daddies are back to play. Tomasi playing with reader's heads... in a good way.

Again, the art holds up to my expectations. With his work here, Ardian Syaf definitely establishes himself as a top talent that could be utilized in future big budget projects. I'd love to see his work in the main Bat series, he's got great pencils that could work well to attract more readers for the Dark Knight. Speaking of other artists, don't let the cover by Andy Kubert fool you. As much as many like to believe it is, this isn't a Ghostbusters meets Batman book where the Dark Knight's actions make a difference. They hardly do at all, given the crisis they face.

So, now that hell has literally come to Gotham, readers have to wait for the conclusion to this Blackest Night tie-in next month. If you're loving every single moment of zombie mayhem happening in the DC Universe, you owe it to yourselves to pick up and see what's happening to the new Batman as Black Lanterns ravage his community. Dick Grayson may come off as being the one holding the short end of the stick in the hero community when it comes to powers, but the character of Batman has always been about will and determination, a human who uses wits and physical means to get the job done. He faces tough odds now, but Batman always finds a way... doesn't he? We'll see how it goes for Dick next issue.

Score - 7/10

Comic Review: Blackest Night Superman #1

It's been a while since I've read a Superman, and with the exception of back issues and occasional wikipedia browsing, I haven't been up to date with the character's current situation in the comics. All I know is that he's juggling between visiting Earth and "New Krypton", and he's placed his pal, Mon-El, in charge of protecting Metropolis while he's gone. From the look of things, the Man Of Steel's got his hands full alright. However, with Blackest Night happening, things are going to get a lot worse before they get any better, and in the Man Of Steel's case, he's going to deal with a figure he thought he'd never see again; one that can go toe to toe with him at any given moment. The cover alone is an indication in itself - ALL HELL WILL BREAK LOOSE IN SMALLVILLE.


Blackest Night: Superman #1
Written By: James Robinson
Illustrated By: Eddy Barrows

Smallville is a quiet community, and a place that Clark Kent/ Superman lived and grew up in. It also happens to be the final resting place of one of the greatest heroes the multiverse has ever known - the Earth-2 Superman. Resting in a memorial dedicated to him and his wife, Lois Lane, all is peaceful... until Black Rings rain from the sky and bring the dead back to life. Now resurrected as a dark shell of his former self, Kal-L seeks to spread the word of death around his New Earth counterpart's home, stalking and preying every living being in the rural little town. Even as Superman and Superboy spring into action, they are unable to deal with the situation, and things become much worse for the Superman family when they all find out the grotesque plan the Black Lanterns have for their loved ones.

One of the more prominent comic figures I've come to respect and admire over the years is the Earth-2 Superman. An older version of the character we all know and love, he is also known to fans as "The Golden Age Superman", having a slightly different origin story and "S" shield logo as part of his costume. Before going into details with the story at hand, I probably should give a brief history lesson for those not familiar with the guy... it's kind of a doozy reading about him in wikipedia, so here's the short version of his story:

Unlike our world's Superman, Kal-L is portrayed as an older and wiser hero, happily married to Lois Lane and fighting the good fight... until the events of Crisis Of Infinite Earths happened. Together with his wife, Superboy-Prime, and Alexander Luthor III, they defeated the Anti-Monitor, and subsequently "exiled themselves" into a world akin to that of limbo. Life was peaceful for the quartet... until Lois' failing health, coupled with tragic events he witnessed in our Earth, force the older Kryptonian to take action and reveal himself at the beginning of Infinite Crisis. Believing he could save his wife by bringing back his own counterpart world called Earth-2, Kal-L was instead manipulated by the machinations of Alexander Luthor III, whose only interest was to recreate the Multiverse and find the "perfect earth". After Lois' death and a brutal fight with our very own Supes, Kal realizes his mistake too late, and is there to witness the death of Superboy (Conner Kent) at the hands of a now mad Superboy-Prime. Determined to right his wrongs, both Supermen join forces to stop Luthor and Prime, but he perishes after a brutal beating from the latter, dying in the arms of his cousin, Power Girl.

Over three years after his death, Kal-L finally returns... but as an undead minion of the Black Lantern Corps. Before it was spoiled, I never expected this to happen to the guy considering his heroic history, but let's face it - It was writer Geoff Johns who killed him off in the first place, and it's only natural that he brings him back... in a twisted manner though. I'm sure he'll be using the newest member of the Black Lantern family in the main Blackest Night book soon, but for now, we'll have to follow his adventures in the tie-in. Handling the writing duties of this book will be none other than writing veteran, James Robinson, who's no stranger to the Man Of Steel either. Prior to this tale, he's already done work with the Superman titles, especially with recent events on "New Krypton". He clearly tries to make Blackest Night happen concurrently with that time period, and even the denizens from that world are affected by the Black Ring invasion, as explored in a short, two-page segment I won't spoil here. Given the fact that he knows about all this and Clark's current predicament, I have faith that he can handle writing about Kal-L from Earth-2 and give a clear representation of his actions as this mini progresses. The book also has wonderful art by Eddy Barrows. While the quality is not as strong as Ethan Van Sciver or Ivan Reis' material, the artsyle fits in nicely with the tone of this book, and he draws one mean, ghoulish looking Earth-2 Superman to boot.

Definitely a must read for any Superman fan, Blackest Night: Superman #1 will get you back into the Man Of Steel's game if you feel out of touch with the character. Like the other BN tie-ins, it serves to expand the bigger picture of the series, aiming to please the Superman community if you really want to know how characters from that universe react to the invasion. It might not click with everybody though if they haven't read Crisis Of Infinite Earths and Infinite Crisis. Given that this is a Earth-2 Supes story, they might be a bit confused. Putting that aside, the writing is solid and the art is fantastic, and even if the story feels a tad inaccessible at first, the action will carry you through. If the first page of the book doesn't convince that trouble's brewing, you bet your asses that things will be worse once the story's over. The final page says it all, and hopefully when the next issue comes, a backstory will flesh out and we'll find out the fate of Smallville and the entire Kent family.

Score - 8/10