Sodam Yat, the superstar Lantern makes the ultimate sacrifice in order to save the people of Daxam in their battle against the evil Sinestro Corps. Thanks to his actions, every man woman and child is imbued with powers equivalent to those of Superman. Meanwhile, in the middle of nowhere, Lanterns Sarek and Ash meet each other. They were both sent on the same mission, to retrieve the body of the Anti-Monitor. In doing so, they are unknowingly setting the Blackest Night into place; The dreaded prophecy which will wreak havoc on the universe.
Unbeknownst to the two men, they are being watched by a figure that happens to be wearing a one-of-a-kind ring which will soon become all too common as the dead begin to rise. A great distance away, on planet Oa, all convicts break loose, and a motley crew of Green Lanterns and criminals aid in containing the Yellow and Red Lantern warriors.
Peter J. Tomasi is firing on all cylinders when it comes to the GL Corps title. This book has been consistently bouncing with action – the characters pop off the page, and the intertwined storylines continue to amp up as the Blackest Night crossover event approaches. There are lots of fun moments to behold in this book, including the return of Bolphunga the Unrelenting – an Alan Moore creation and longtime foe of Guy Gardner. When Daxamites gain Superman-like abilities in an instant, it’s a hilarious moment featuring flying kids and a diapered baby firing heat vision while flipping upside down.
The Patrick Gleason illustrations continue to shine – his pencils are consistently emotionally evocative and pleasurable to behold. The second page is very reminiscent of a panel from Watchmen, which is strangely fitting considering it features a character first formulated by Alan Moore. Later, a faint, silhouetted illustration of a so far unseen key character is teased well, showing just enough so that long-time readers will be aware of who it is, while maintaining a small surprise for newcomers. Rebecca Buchman and Tom Nguyen are extremely capable in the ink department. Gabe Eltaeb provides an excellent pallet of colors.
The GL Corps title continues to entertain, and it’s a monthly installment of a ride I do not seek to see end any time soon. Lots of action, drama, and laughs – I don’t expect anything less from a mainstream superhero monthly. If you are not in the Green Lantern camp yet, do some catching up and join up.
Action Comics #883
Nighwing and Flamebird make their public debut and start the hunt for Zod’s most dangerous sleeper.
Blood and Water
Vampire stories are all the rage these days. Most are silly teenage romances, but every once in a while a vampire tale comes along that doesn’t, um…suck.
Secret Six # 15
Deadshot tries to come to terms with his homicidal impulses.
Blackest Night #4 (of 8)
Barry Allen does his best to rally the heroes, but will they be able to stand against the arrival of Nekron?
Superman: World of New Krypton #9
Jemm storms New Krypton’s High Council Chamber demanding an audience, Kal-El and Zod meet, and the first murder on New Krypton is committed.
Madame Xanadu #16
The return of series artist Amy Reeder Hadley also marks the start of a new, creepy, and great Matt Wagner story.
Superman #693
General Lane makes Mon-El an offer he has to refuse, but an unlikely ally might just save Mon-El’s life.
The Brave and the Bold # 28
The Flash travels back in time to World War II where he joins forces with the fabled Blackhawks.
Northlanders #21
A settlement along The Volga River in Russia deals with the onslaught of a plague in the start of a new story arc.
Superman: Secret Origin #2 (of 6)
Young Clark Kent experiences a bit of a super identity crisis, but manages to get by with some help from his parents and some new friends…Long Live The Legion!
Superman/Batman #65
The Scarecrow takes Superman, The Batman, The Joker, and Lex Luthor on a fear gas induced Halloween nightmare ride.
Azrael #1
The new Azrael’s ongoing series debuts with the death of a major character…
Supergirl #46
The Metropolis Three finally capture Reactron, Thara and Kara make up, and some more light is shed on Lana’s mysterious condition…