Blackest Night 5

Solicitation : The moment you've hungered for finally arrives! Who controls death in the DC Universe? NEKRON - Lord of the Undead! The dark being behind the undead Black Lanterns makes his presence and purpose known, and our heroes discover they re not only fighting for their lives, but their after-lives as well. Don t miss this game-changing issue from superstar writer Geoff Johns and stellar artist Ivan Reis!

Written by Geoff Johns Art By Ivan Reis

Synopsis : We kick of the story where Green Lantern 48 left us, on Ryut (Sector 666), Hal narrates saying that Ganthet and Sayd were born on Maltus and appointed themselves as The Guardians Of The Universe to ensure order, that does not mean they handled it well. He states that all the enemies have come together, so have friends and ex-Girl Friends. Hip Hip Hooray ! Sienstro patronizes Ganthet as Larfleeze complains about how nothing is worse than empty. Atrocitus asks where The Black Lantern battery is, they sense that the Guardian who betrayed them is within The Black Grasp and they will take them to her as Hal tells them to all shut ut and Light Up !

Time To Power Up.

They all power up except Larfleeze who complains that he is still hungry, Sayd says that she has given up her freedom for his cause. Larfleeze now wants a feast, his gluttony is crazy. He wants that otherwise he is taking his ring and going home.Atrocitus and Sinestro discuss about killing him and finding who the ring latches onto next. He wants to shove the Lantern down Larfleeze's throat to charge him up. Walker steps in and calms Lar down and tells him that as long as he is in the vicinity of Blue he will feel no hunger. Orange wants some dessert. Hal's construct shoves his head on the battery as Power levels touch 100000% ! Hal and the gang are ready to go aster the Black....

Back at Coast City, Barry Allen runs towards Black Hand, who is bowing before Nekron.. Nekron says that Barry's death was the first and his rebirth will be The Last ! So says he (Little Narcissist huh ?). William butts in spews some Dark Philosophy. Barry wonders what else he has gone through. William is happy because he is dead like Barry was. Barry realizes that Black Hand dug up Bruce's Grave as he touches it. It registers an Emotional Tether. William says Barry isn't his time nor is his skull. Somebody hates to know what his type is as WALLY WEST Runs in ! Wally sums 5 Issues in 4 Lines : One Green Lantern Baddie, One Giant - Skeleton Guy, One Freaky Guardian and a Black lantern in a Pear Tree. Wally mentions Kyle meeting him before. Wally says he is Barry's Nightwing to his Batman. Barry considers them equals and asks him if he is the only one. Wally says there is no Flash Corps but they have friends as The Heroes of Earth break in.

In Manhattan, Grant rises into a Black lantern as Palmer is unsuccessful to stop it. Jean Loring says that Ray understood Grant, no else did until tonight. She liked the Taste of Hope he gave grant. Mera attacks Jean who grabs her and Atom and takes them diving inside Grant's Black lantern Ring.....

At Coast City, All Hell has broken loose with the JLA kicking ass or atleast appearing to, Kid Flash runs in and tells Wally and Barry that Dove has some power and all The BL's coming towards her combust and are defeated. However, Donna Troy was bitten and she is starting to get very sick Donna did not want aid and said she would rather go down fighting. They run towards Nekron but ignore him and try and help the Guardians who are stuck in Black slime. Scar breaks in and says that The Guardians are to be drained. She says that there is no order when there is life. Someone wonders why Scar is getting pale as Hal (obviously) and his gang break in and Blast Scar.Sinestro has been waiting for this for a long time ! Some comedy with Larfleeze and The Guardian and Scar is defeated ..

Hal and Barry have a quick word with Hal confident on taking Nekron down. Indigo and the rest surround The Black Lantern and attempt to recreate The White Light Of Life as Carol and Hal mention seeing this in a cartoon. Ha Ha Nice. Nekron tells Sayd and Ganthet that their lie is to be exposed. Suddenly a ring pops out of his battery goes past the heroes. Donna is seeing Wonder Woman in Black-Lantern vision . Hal comments that this isn't doing anything as Indigo's plan is failing. Black Hand raises the skull as Donna seems to be converting .

  Bruce Wayne Of Earth

RISE !

The Greatest Comic Character ever rises ! Hal, Green Arrow, Superman, Bart and everyone express their shock. As Nekron says that He is the one who has allowed them to return from the dead and they are all connected to him as he allowed the numerous resurrections. They will help Nekron expose The Guardians lie (which we still don't know). Black Lantern Bruce Wayne spits out 7 Rings which move like bats towards the targets. Buddy Baker, Tora ,Princess Diana, Kal-El , Conner Kent, Bart Allen, Oliver Queen. Hal tries to subdue The Black Lantern Bruce Wayne. Barry runs from the Black Ring as Nekron commands "Bruce Wayne" back to rest......... Interesting. Connection is severed. Nekron says the Light awaits as The 7 along with Donna are now Black Lanterns as Hal & Barry run away from The Black Rings.


Review : So The Big game changer issue is here ?? Well it was very good. The First 5 Pages were amazing, the opening sequence in Coast City was good and The Black Hand vs Flash part was absolutely cool. Seeing Superman and the rest was a badass moment but they really did not do much nor did they say much. Black Hand just randomly disappeared until the end. I wanted much more from Superman and Wonder Woman too. Barry Allen and The Flashes were great. The Rainbow Rodeo had their little moments here and there. I'm sure I will be seeing much more with them in The Issues to come back.

Very Pissed about the way Scar was treated. Anyone who read my Character Analysis knows that I really liked her character and there was tremendous potential in her and her motivations. I wish Geoff would have given more of a thought to these little gems in this event thats all.

Ivan Reis was out of the world . Amazing work. I have never seen better in 2009, when this hit the streets. Keep up the work. More On The Batman stuff in another blog soon....

Story : 9.4
Art : 9.6

The Nekrotic Eight

Next In Blackest Night : The Nekrotic Eight and what their purpose might be

Blackest Night : Batman

Written by Pete Tomasi Art By Adrian Syaf

Synopsis : Batman and Robin go to Bruce's grave and wonder what the hell happened there. This is a reference to Hal & Barry vs Martian Manhunter. Richard takes Thomas and Martha's bones and asks Damian to take Bruce's body (skull missing) to the bunker. Sweet moment with lil D. We get a shot Of Deadman rising as seen in Issue 2 of Blackest Night. As he gets into His Black Lantern body, he sees people rising, William with Bruce's skull etc. He makes his way to Gotham. Security is shifting the bodies of some Batman rogues but the rings ambush them as we see some old school villains rise (Ventriloquist, KGBeast etc ). Richard and Damian make their way back and have an interesting back and forth.I love their dynamic. Deadman dives into Dick. Boston takes some catching up the huge status quo change in the Bat-verse. Small fight. Deadman tells him who he is and what he does. He also is aware of a Black Lantern battery is space. Deadman goes into Damian and gets Dick up to speed and tells him the powered and non-powered are rising. Deadman wished Dick luck taking care of Damian, funny Boston....Richard tells him to shut up. Boston sees Richard's and Tim Drakes' parents rise. Richard gets into a cemetery and sees his parents grave empty. He calls Tim and asks him to come immediately and tells him his parents' grave might be desecrated. Damian says they will need all the help possible as we see The Risen Villains on a Broken Bat-Signal (It broke when Hal fell on it in Issue 2).

The resurrected Black Lanterns destroy the Citizens of Gotham as the power levels are at 46.77%. The ones resurrected in the Helicopter are at Gotham Headquarters rooftop.  Dick and Damian along with a floating Deadman make their way to the armory and pick up flamethrowers. Dick and Damian have a hilarious back and forth about their respective childhoods. Richard asks Boston to try and help as many Police officers and evacuate. Meanwhile, at GCPD Gordon and the rest along with Barbara try their best to stop The Black Lanterns but to no avail. We get a great horror sequence with Barbara/Jim vs a Black lantern who is unstoppable and keeps rebuilding. The Lantern taunt Richard to come forward so they can feast on his heart. The Blackest Night will engulf The Dark Knight ? Thats kinda been used by the fans before.... The Lanterns are about to kill Jim when suddenly Boston Brand possesses Barbara and she takes Jim and makes a run for it ! Hell Yeah ! Boston tells himself  to Jim and he picks Barbara to take her to safety. The Lanterns surround Richard and Damian and Red Robin aka Tim Drake makes the save  They also save Jim and Oracle. Tim tells Richard that this is happening everywhere and Good and bad are rising. Tim's parents break in and crash the plane into the ground as we land at a cemetery . The Flying Graysons are next.

We start with Red Robin and Batman telling Robin to keep the civilians the skeletons safe.Then we have a very cool sequence of Richard and Tim where he tells him there is a section Bruce built by which they can go around Gotham, Damian will use that route. Richard also has someone he wants Deadman to bring for unlimited firepower. Deadman goes to Jason Blood and says that "Batman and Friends" would like assistance. He possesses him and Etrigan arises.Richard tells Tim these aren't their parents and they should not feel pity or anything. We see a replay Of Jack Drake's death In Identity Crisis, Tim believes this is a chance to prevent death. Richard's parents swoop in and take him for a swing. Boomerang comes in to "kill" Jack Drake but is stopped by Tim who beats Boomerang up in a fir of RAGE ! Zucco "kills" Dick's parents again as both of The Heroes pummel their parents "killers" in rage. Their parents come in and attempt to take their hearts to fuel the Black Lantern battery. Deadman makes the save with Etrigan. Dick asks Damian to send two Freeze guns over, Damian is pissed at being held the rear !! The Guns arrive as Etrigan buys them time. Etrigan has no emotion, interesting. Dick freezes Tim and himself. Etrigan is let go, Deadman is invisible as The Black Lantern search for living beings but fail. They leave all Deadman gets into the both of them and sets them free. Batman decides to pass on what they have learnt so they can fight them tomorrow- at least if there is a tomorrow.




Review : This was a very very cool series for me. I know that at the end of the story none of the information is going to affect the main story, but I like how some characters are being used. Damian in his first major event and is written well even when not written by Mr.Grant Morrison who I Love ! I like the interaction between Tim and Richard, Oracle and her father are used well. The Character Star is Deadman who is utterly amazing, I'm loving the character. The real STAR here is Adrian Syaf who has delivered an amazing visual display. Its dark and very foreboding on what is happening. Thumbs up man ! Read this series for solid art and writing and is an enjoyable Bat-Family vs Zombie mash-up.

Story : 9.0
Art : 9.1


Next In Blackest Night: The Black Lantern JLA take on Hal & Barry, where is the Atom ? Where will Mera and the rest run as the Universe falls into the coming Darkness.

Blackest Night 2

Solicitation :The event of the summer continues! The dead rise across the DC Universe, bringing terror and darkness with them. What are the Black Lanterns? What do they want? Will Earth's greatest heroes survive long enough to find out – or will they join the Black Lantern Corps?

Written by Geoff Johns Art  by Ivan Reis and Oclair Albert

Synopsis : We begin at the slaughter of what happened at Stonchat Museum at the end of Issue one when The Dibny's killed the Hawks. Atom is still trying to contact Carter and pleads and tells him his reasons for still missing Jean despite what she did in the events Of The Identity Crisis. Carter (who is obviously now a Black Lantern) asks him, to come over.

We cut back to Gotham city where Barbara Gordon and her dad discuss the situation. Jim says he has the same feeling of dread that he had when Batgirl disappeared (Is it irony that he does not know that Batgirl was Barbara ? Or is this another Geoff-con I have to deal with ? ). Hal Jordan falls right into The Bat-Signal next to them (They are on the roof of The GCPD it seems). This is a direct continuation of his battle with Martian Manhunter in Green Lantern 44.

Back to where Garth and Mera are. Mera says that she is allowing Arthur's body to be buried in the sea, not because she likes but because it was Temptest's wish. The soldiers of Atlantis go to the grave and find that it is desecrated and empty. Before they can assign blame, they are shocked the resurgence by the Black Ring which we saw in issue One of Arthur !!

Deadman is forced to rise. His spirit is intact but his physical body rises. Don Hall is not resurrected because he is "At Peace". Hank Rises. Aquaman kills off some nobody soldier. Tula and Dolphin fight over Garth and throw him. Aquaman and Mera battle, Arthur taunts her by asking her to remember their son who was killed by the Black manta. She asks the warriors to draw their weapons at which Arthur summons the creatures of the sea which devour them (extremely graphic !)


Meanwhile at Deadman's Grave we have The Spectre, Blue Devil, Zatanna and The Phantom Stranger. Phantom says he cannot interfere and only guide, Devil asks him to guide to someone who can help and he would, for once, try to understand what is going on. Suddenly, Pariah (from The First Crisis, who watched worlds die) comes in and says that even in death he cannot escape his penance Worlds have died, Worlds will Rise. He bursts and forms A Black Ring, Black Hand notices that Zatanna and Devil have Life, Stranger is something else, something strange. However, The Spectre is dead and The Ring commands Crispus Allen to Rise ! Magic is ineffective against His Lord and William is making sure he removes all those live even after death (Spectre, The Hawks). No Time To Hold hands and sing Kumbaya, Devil. The Spectre Rises !


Hal recovers from the fall and checks his ring (47%). He uploads all his intel to her disks and she will inform everyone about the situation so they can help. Hal needs Gordon's car (for a spin ? j/k). Flash and Martian Manhunter Battle.


Arthur asks Mera if she wants him back. She just wants him off. The Two Women still are after Temptest. He freezes Dolphin and Mera breaks her face apart. Her face regrows with ease and she asks Mera if she is angry with herself. Aquagirl takes Garth' heart filled with Hope (Power Levels 3.43%). Hand's welcoming some people and welcoming them to The Darkness which is peace, The Black Lantern Corps.As Garth rises.
Aquaman and the rest want her so they can complete the family. Mera flees......


Back In Gotham, Flash is evading J'onn from influencing his mind and mixing and matching chemicals which are flammable as Hal educates us, Flash Fact ! J'onn is burnt like never before, Flash keeps the fire in check. Flash and Hal know that Bruce's and J'onns grave robbings are related and asks him if he can get some intel from Oa. Hal can't as we see The Green Lantern Corps battle The Black Lanterns. Hal believes this is not an isolated case. Barry says he wants to take the remains and bury him on Mars, J'onn was the heart of the league. Manhunter says he gave his heart to the league and its time for Hal and Barry to return the favor !
The Black Lantern JLA is here - Hawkman, Hawkgirl, Firestorm, Martian Manhunter, Sue Dibny, Elongated Man ! Hal says that overcoming fear wasn't a problem but the rule-book didn't mention anything about Death.

Review : Honestly this was a very good issue. I Loved How Mera is being shown as a player. I have always loved the character and I'm glad to see her in the spotlight. However, I wonder if anything in this issue will have any relevance at the end of the story ? Hal was in it for about 4 pages and he didn't do much. Barry is looking very good, better than Hal. Arthur was great, finally seeing him after some time and it was a joy. John has written all the characters well, I'll say that but no one seems to be in a hurry and its a slow start which is fine. Maybe he is putting set pieces in play.  I hope this does not disappoint. Black Lantern Spectre ! Nice, finally The Spectre is looking evil and badass. Major Gripe is that Black Hand is just talking a lot. i want to see the powers of The Black Avatar that he is. Will we see any ? I kinda doubt it now.


Ivan Reis was bloody amazing. The Graphic battles were well rendered and its a joy buying the core series just for the Art. The Shark Attack was mind-blowing. Am loving the inking and coloring. Its all fitting well in terms of look. Not so much for the story so far I'll say.

Story : 8.9

Art : 9.5

Next In Blackest Night: The Sinestro Corps face The Star Sapphires on Zamaraon while The Orange and Blue fight on Odym. Atroctious is on Ysmault fighting The Alphas as The Hidden Light stays Hidden. What will happen when The Blackest Night Descends on them. Stay tuned.


Note: 25th Blog Post ! Yeah ! Lots more to go............

Blackest Night 1

Solicitation : Geoff Johns and Ivan Reis raise the dead in the most anticipated comics story of the year! Throughout the decades, death has plagued the DC Universe and taken the lives of heroes and villains alike. But to what end? As the War of Light rages on, the prophecy of the Blackest Night descends upon us, with Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps at the center of it all.
Don’t miss this 8-issue epic taking the DCU beyond the grave!


Written by Geoff Johns Art By Ivan Reis & Oclair Albert

Synopsis : Black hand is at Bruce Wayne's grave. He says that he is worse than death and that he can hear his master in deep space, he is hungry.Black Hand says that no one escapes death, and that includes YOU (Is the "You" referring to Bruce Wayne, Hal Jordan or the reader ?). William goes all necro on Bruce's skull by licking it.

A Day later, Hal is at Coast City and he says that the day Superman died was mourning, but since he returned it became a day to honor the Super-Heroes who gave up their life. He talks about how Coast City rebuilt itself without fear and fought fearlessly. Nice Spread Of Hal and The Corps. Some more talk about No Fear. They also reference how each character has faced death, seeing a lover die or a girlfriend stuffed in a frdge. They talk about how they rebuild the corps and Kyle flies off to Jenny's grave, Guy to Ice and John to Xanshi. He talks about death and misfortune he has seen, His fathers death, Abin's and Coast City's destruction.

Conner,Martha and Clark Kent are at Jonathon Kent's Grave. Jason,Jen and Professor Stein at Ronnie Raymond's. Jen notices that everything is seeming to die (she is referring to the flowers). The Titans are at the Titan Memorial, The Rogues are at their special and private graves paying respect to their friends. Booster, Black Canary along with Guy and Ice are at Ted Kord's grave. The flowers they are placing are dying.

Kyle is at The Valhalla cemetery and he sees how many people show up, Damage is ashamed to face his father because of his mangled profile....
Mera and Garth are contemplating what to do with Arthur's grave. Garth asks her to allow him to be buried in the seas. Mera seems reluctant. Alfred walks into Bruce's grave and is devastated to see what has happened and says he has made a terrible mistake.

Hal and Barry Allen meet up at the underground crypt of the JLA Headquarters. Hal explains that Richard Grayson had found a operation that was using Superhuman parts for use. Yikes ! Barry asks who else is dead, Hal puts up a construct where we see about 50 characters. Lotsa deaths, I say.

At the Stonechat museum, Hawkman is pissed at Atom for asking him to come to Jean's grave. Hawkman and Hawkgirl bicker and Hawkman makes an interesting statement saying Jean did something he had never seen before, Making The Atom feel small...... Ray is trying to dial in but fails to

Barry is extremely shocked at what he sees and demands Hal tell him what he has missed since he was gone.
Hal and Barry discuss how Jean was different and Carol comes up. Hal says its better this way, with them not being together, he does not know she is a Star Sapphire fighting The Sinestro Corps on Zamaron.
Alfred calls in and tells them what happened at Master Bruce's grave.

The Guardians Of Oa say that they have failed to stop the War Of Light. They see a shadow from Sector 666 approaching them. Kilowog says that the rings tore threw their constructs like paper, Guy and Kyle start to listen to some sounds, like flies. The Guardians say that Code Black must be initiated and Ganthet was right about The Blackest Night. Scar says that it wont be made and she attacks and takes the Guardians out.
The Black rings break in, Salaak cant contact the guardians as the rings break into the crypt.

Flash and Barry are at Bruce's grave and they think they should ask who knew he was buried here and who knew he was Batman. All/Most the heroes who were mentioned dead In Green Lantern 43 rise from the dead. The Dead Green Lanterns rise to which Guy says "What The **** !". Martian Manhunter is at Bruce's grave and tells Hal and Barry that they shouldn't be back and should be dead.

Back at Stonechat, Hawkman and Hawkgirl bicker and go from rage to love and they start to settle down. Hawkgirl is about to say that she loves Carter.Suddenly, Black Lantern Ralph and Sue Dibny break in and beat the shit out of them. These pages have to be seen to be believed. They are bloodied and beat as Hawkgirl dies. Carter promises to stop them. Ralph says "You can't" and he rips his heart out. Black Hand walks in and says that the Universe will finally be at peace as 2 Black Lantern rings come out of Bruce's skull and command Carter Hall and Kendra Saunders to rise as we close Issue 1.

Review : So This is The Big Event Of DC huh ? It's a very good issue. For a reader who has read Green Lantern books leading into this its more of a snooze, its more of issue for new-ish readers to the GL Mythos. SO, this issue left me very cold except for the exceptionally well drawn lat scene.
The writing has left me so-so. It was nothing exceptional. The Brave and Bold are written well. Lots Of Batman references (The Cover is his Skull, Black Hand was at his Grave in Issue 0 along with Hal & Barry) which are obviously going to be more marketing and less story at the end of everything but thats OK.
Ivan Reis is awesome and I recommend this book just for the art, very nice to see him back after a little break.

Story : 8.7
Art : 9.5

The Future Of The Universe is Death ?

Next In Blackest Night : Hal and Barry take on The Visitor from Mars as The Universe begins to face The Darkness that is coming.

Blackest Night 0

Solicitation : Across the universe the dead will rise! Prepare for the coming of "The Blackest Night" with this prelude to the biggest comic event of the year! This special edition recaps the key moments from "Sinestro Corps War" and "Rage of the Red Lanterns" that led to "Blackest Night," and will give readers everything they need to know about the Green Lantern universe, their ongoing War of Light, and their dark days ahead.

Written by Geoff Johns Art By Ivan Reis & Doug Manhke

Synopsis : We start this issue at The Grave Of My Favorite Comic Character, Bruce Wayne and his parents. Hal says he knew about the VIBGYOR and was very very interested in them, he was just someone trying to prove he was unafraid of anything. He realizes that no matter how brightly he shines the light, the shadows will not be lifted. We get a memory Of Hal and Bruce fighting in the early JLA days. Barry comes in saying that he cant stay for long a the criminal scum of Gotham are moving free with no Bat-Signal in the sky.

There were no Funeral nor any speeches and his grave is unmarked. They discuss how Robin still thinks Bruce isn't dead. Barry mistakes that thinking Richard is still Robin. He is corrected saying Tim is Robin. Hal tells Barry how Barry's funeral was and how everyone came to attend and how he died a Saint. Hal died a sinner with his grave desecrated by his Old Allies. They discuss how the world got more dangerous after Barry was lost. They reference Aquaman dead and that there were only rumors of his resurfacing during Darkseid's attack. Barry says that death isn't the end of the line for heroes whereas some people like their parents never return. Something bigger has pried The Door and if anyone has a plan, its Batman. Bruce was buried after being hit by Darkseid's Omega beams and Superman held the skeleton is his arms. Martian Manhunter was killed by Libra and was buried on Mars. Hal says that though Bruce and himself had their differences, he was still his friend and Barry says that he will always hope they come back.

As they leave, Black hand comes there choosing Bruce's grave. He pries it open and picks up the skull and recites the Black lantern oath and fills the skull with energy as we end the issue seeing the skull have Bat-Eared Energy form over it.

We have the last few Pages showing All The Corps, I have already posted these in an earlier post.

Review : A Very Good Free Issue, not much to review. Liking the Barry-Hal dynamic. Brave and Bold indeed. Disappointed to see that Editorial has made blunder saying Robin is still Tim, which implies that Richard isn't still Batman. So Blackest Night is pre-Battle For The Cowl ? I Think not. I hope this is corrected in the Hardcover.

Beautiful art by Both Ivan and Doug. Doug is coming off his amazing work on Final Crisis and i'm very happy to see him here.

Story : 9.2
Art : 9.3

The Black Lanterns.

Next In Blackest Night : The Blackest Night is nearly here, what will happen with Black Hand and how will the coming Darkness change the cosmic- War Of Light ?

The Themes Of Final Crisis

Hey Guys, we seem to be nearing the End Of Final Crisis Related Blog Posts for the foreseeable future and i thought I'd like to share some Major Themes I noticed upon a complete re-read which I did yesterday night. Enjoy !


01. The Duality Of Things/ Symmetry

Grant used this theme early on in the Book. Metron shows Man Knowledge in the form of fire which is later on used in the story by The Boy Anthro when he fights off an Invasion by Vandal Savage into the village. Later on In the story, Libra uses it to take out the Martian Manhunter. Dan Turpin also mentions that the Human race uses things which are good and use it to kill their own (Cigarette smoke)
Later on in the story, The Quantum Superman notes That the Universe is symmetrical noting that of Superman and Ultraman and how they have a purpose (annihilation in a place where nothing happens ie Limbo).

02. Power Of Symbols and Magic


The story is Full Of Symbols and Magic, From Metrons symbol in nearly every 10 pages, to the symbol of Evil which is seen on some Justifiers and Wonder Woman's Dog. The Symbols Of Time on The Monitor World. The" Know Evil" ghostly words In The Darkside Club.
Darkseid's Omega symbol (which strangely looks like 52 put together ! Its just a coincidence obviously). The Freedom from Restriction symbol which looks like an Amalgamation Of The Big Three's symbols if you look carefully (Batman on Top, A Little Superman in the middle and Wonder Woman's Lower Symbol on the bottom).

03. Modern Age Superhero

There are two ideas Grant throws at us about The Modern Superhero. One is the laid back, nightclub swinging and chilled Super Young Team who use their riches and fame to get things done and are self-obsessed rather than the iconic 1940's World War II heroic and selfless Hero. The opening In Issue 2 where Rising Sun condemns such practices is a perfect example of what happens when these two Forces collide. Later in The Year, Grant Used The Concept Of branding and style of a superhero in the modern age in the form Of The Red Hood in his Batman & Robin run.
The New God Metron mentions to The Multiversal Monitor - Nix Uaton that the Fifth world consists of Men as Gods. This view is similar to what Grant Morrison had Metron tell Kyle Rayner in his JLA Run in "World War III". These two contrasting views are something I enjoy a lot and i wish DC had done more to cash in on these two concepts in the fallout Of Final Crisis

04. The Holocaust / Fear Of Dystopia 

There are many references Of Holocaust and Mass Killings and The Fear of a Universe devoid of story and idea and in a constant and rigid form. In Darkseid's view, The Holocaust is the mass killing and surrender of every Hero and human into the hand Of Darkseid and for them to work, shape themselves and die for him.
Mandrakk's Holocaust is the end of story and to stop a happy ending. Zillo Villa also mentions how she, in her journey across the Multiverse found a better and a happy story which was that of Superman. Mandrakk wants to feed on the life and literal blood of every story until there is nothing.
An interesting thing i noticed is both of these Villains want everything to control and be in their image on an Ultimate an unimaginable cosmic scale.

05. The Power and Bane Of Story

In The Mandrakk vs DC Universe, it is a literal battle of not Evil vs Good, but A battle to decide whether stories should continue. Mandrakk believes that Time and Story is a bane and must be destroyed. Strangely enough, Mandrakk is like an angry comic book reader who is still stuck up in the past and not adapting to post-modern change. This reader is like a Vampire draining the life out of story. Maybe I'm reading too deep but it seems that way.

06. The Fourth Wall Awareness

There seems to be quite a few Fourth Wall scenes in Final Crisis. In The First Issue we have Ogama telling the reader that "Attentions Wander. We're on." He does not seem to be telling anyone. If He Is, it should be Mandrakk right ? However, it looks like he is telling the reader. Is Grant saying that we are Mandrakk ? I sure as hell hope not. :)
In Superman Beyond, when Mandrakk attacks Superman its as if Superman is asking us for a hand. The 3-D rendering and look makes it seem so. Its these subtle things that are put in that end up really making the experience of reading such an event book that much more interesting and deep unlike any other Summer Event which has lots of fluff.
I liked the Black Canary-Green Arrow moment at the JLA Headquarters where she says she refers to him as Robin Hood. Ollie looks at the reader to show us his disgust ! Hilarious work.

07. Sacrifice

Crisis stories are full of sacrifices, I Know that. We have seen heroes sacrifice everything for the ones they hold dear. We see all the Supermen of The Universe In Superman Beyond and in Final Crisis 7 sacrificing everything in order to stop Mandrakk and to stop their worldy Crisis'. 

Green Arrow and Black Lightning are heroic when Jefferson sacrifices his power of will to save civilians and a Meta, Ollie sacrifices himself for The remnants of the JLA when the Justifiers break in. I love the selflessness, no matter how small it seems, it still has great ramifications.
Batman makes the biggest sacrifice in I have ever seen in a sacrifice. He gives up not only his life, but he also breaks his one vow (which is completely Justifiable) which was what killed his parents- A Gun and a Bullet. There are lot of themes i saw In the Batman vs Darkseid confrontation. They "were" (they are both gone now, Darkseid is finished and Bruce is "missing")my favorite Superhero-Supervillain. I loved their moment in Rock Of Ages.
 

08. Man-God moments

There are Five Major Man-God moments is The Final Crisis which i enjoyed a lot.
First is the "Man meets God" moment at the beginning of the story when Metron meets Anthro at the start of the DC Universe "hero-concept". Metron gives him knowledge of fire and also the way to fight Darkseid millenniums before it would come to pass.
Second is "Man meets God dying" which takes place a few days later. Orion's dying moments and him begging Turpin and warning him saying that Darkseid is in everyone and he must fight. (I Find interesting that Orion tells the same "body" (Turpin) to fight back who is also the "body" who shoots him with the Time-Bullet).
Third is "God Takes Over Man" which takes place when Darkseid instills ultimate fear and hopelessness into Dan Turpin and slowly but surely re-builds himself inside Turpin over Three Issues, Dan Turpin's final try to stop Darkseid at the end Of Issue 4 really felt as if all hope had been extinguished.
Fourth is "God Inspires Man". Well This was more Of a God inspires Ex-Monitor but I think the way Metron set up Nix to finally remember his "magic" word of Weeja Dell and the way he told him of who he is and how if there is a problem, he could just dream up a solution. The idea of Monitors as Hyper Gods was really driven home.
The Last is "Man vs God". This is obviously the most famous Final Crisis moment- Batman vs Darkseid was a battle which showed that man had truly become a God in idea and views. Batman went toe-to-toe fearlessly with The God Of Evil. Darkseid destroyed The Anti-Monitor, he beat up Superman and destroyed The Earth and tore apart The Universe and was dragging us to a perpetual Holocaust of Hell.When Batman tells him that he is going to take him down, Darkseid for just a fleeting moment shows fear. He realizes that Batman, just a Man can do maximum damage and is not just a primitive strongman. Batman's confidence and near humor (The "Hh") shows just how cool and calculated this move is. Batman knows that this is the only pragmatic solution to regain some ground for the heroes to have a chance at victory. It was Batman who put the first blow on Darkseid. I Loved It!

09. Freedom from Restriction and Control



Darkseid's view on existence is that life has to be under him and life should be one way- HIS way. The opposite view which is shared by the God Of Science is the Freedom from all bonds. That is exactly what the symbol and circuit are. We had 6 Issues of Battle just on this. There are even references to how to the Universe got these symbols to start appearing everywhere to warn humanity of the impending Crisis.


10. Love

In my Honest and Humble Opinion, Final Crisis is A Love Story. Its full Of Love. Below are some of the "couples"

Green Arrow - Black Canary
They shared a touching moment in the Fourth Issue where Ollie gives up everything for the others safety. In Issue Six, I Love how Canary begs Ollie to break The hold of The Anti-Life Equation. She even beats him up. Their short moment in the last issue was beautiful, Grant should write them more often

Superman - Lois Lane
Superman's desperation to save Lois causes the whole Superman Beyond story. I Love how Superman really does everything against Mandrakk not to save the Universe, but just to make sure his wife is fine. They are the personification of Pure and undivided love.

Mandrakk - Zillo Villa
Dax Novu and Zillo Villa's love story must have been divine until he sacrificed his life to the angel of contamination which ended up becoming Mandrakk and was locked away. It was very sad to see him kill her, but you still see genuine regret in him after he realizes what he does. Seeing his son, Nix take him down was those Star Wars-esque moments for me. 

Barry Allen - Iris
As soon as Barry returns, he and Wally go and check on Iris. Even when Wally thinks that the Anti-Life Equation has taken her permanently, Barry has hope and kisses her, That moment was very emotional. The Fact that Love Breaks Evil seemed so right after Barry had been gone for so long. I like how Grant is ushering a New Age Of Comics by re-incorporating old ideas, concepts and bringing back characters and meshing them into modern story telling and ideas. It really is a Megaverse


Nix Uaton - Weeja Dell

Their story is central to the plot. His expulsion leads to The Fall Of The Monitors and their destruction at Mandrakk's hand. Nix is also the son of Mandrakk and Zillo Villa. Weeja is also the name that leads to Nix's restoration as a Monitor
Next In Final Crisis :  An Exploration Of some of The Problems Of Final Crisis and what should have been done.

Final Crisis #7

Solicitation :  The dramatic finale to the epic, seven-part saga of the DC multiverse concludes with an apocalyptic battle for the soul of humanity that must be seen to be believed! Can the heroes of 52 Earths save the multiverse? And is the only way to save it, to change it forever?


Written by Grant Morrison Art by Doug Manhke & Christian Alamy


Synopsis : I have decided not to write a synopsis for Final Crisis Issue 7 for now. I feel that if I do so, Ill end up putting in more words than the Issue. I'll put a mixed Synopsis-Review below. Sorry ! For anyone who has read the story they will get where I'm coming from

Review : After 6 Issues Of The Core Series and 5 Tie Ins, We Enter The Last Issue of what has so far been an Epic Event in Scale and Scope Of The Multiverse. The linearity is lost in this issue, there are scenes which are happening in random order which is meant not only to disorientate the reader but to show that The Time and Space Of The DCU is broken down. Supergirl and various other characters even mention this. Its not as if Grant was high on weed, its just a style which i think suited this Issue well.




To be a little linear to those who don't get The Last Issue, Superman confronts Darkseid in a very well written confrontation. No Punches and those over-the-top action. A Dark God vs a Sun God. Darkseid is foiled by the Black Racer, who is lured there by Barry Allen and Wally West, and taken out, Turpin is traumatised. Luthor and Superman team up to take out Libra's army. Wonder Woman is freed of The Anti-Life Equation by Frankenstein. The last scraps of Heroes leave to an amalgamation Of The Titans Tower, JLA Satellite, Fortress Of Solitude. At Checkmate, Lord Eye fails and Hawman and Hawkgirl sacrifice their lives as Mr.Miracle secures a Boom-Tube and takes them to safety.
Everything in space and time is Darkseid, the heroes battle some random parallel universe Metal men and get to work on The Miracle Machine (All The Humans are in Icetrays frozen and shrunk). Lois writes the "last" paper of the Daily Planet and how Earth Endured and Batman, just one man sacrificed himself to take Darkseid out.
Renee along with others recruit The Supermen Of The Multiverse together (All The guys from Superman Beyond are with Renee). As Soon as the Miracle Machine is nearly ready, Superman sees that Metron's chair has element X which he adds to The Machine. Mandrakk with his army return (Ultraman has The Spectre, Supergirl and The Radiant knocked out.), Superman is not scared nor surprised. The Superman Of The Multiverse are here, The Green Lantern Corps come in , every DC Hero is here along with Captain Carrot and his crew, Nix Uaton in his role as a Multiversal Monitor coordinated this. Nix is Mandrakk's son. They battle and The Green Lantern Corps and The Multiversal Supermen defeat Mandrakk.
The Earth is rebuilt slowly over time, with Metron's symbol over the Earth. Everyone is reunited and happy. All the Earths are put back into position. The New Gods are reborn on Earth-51.
Nix is back as a Monitor but he tells them that a Monitor interference is un-needed. He resigns and they all are wiped out, It is The Final Crisis Of The Monitors. Nix and Weeja are reunited as they are finished as Monitors. Superman's wish was that of a happy ending. Nix wakes on Earth, the radio is playing and now Earth has awareness of The Multiverse.

Earth Is Heaven.

We close with a rocket ship crashing somewhere during Anthro's time. Anthro draws those symbols and dies. A Certain man puts his utility belt on him and draws a Bat on The Cave Wall.

I really wanted to do a detailed review, but its something i might do and edit later on.

The art was top notch and Im very happy to see Manhke end as this issue has heavy themes from Superman Beyond and Manhke was the artists there, Its a good transistion.

Story : 10
Art : 9.6

He will live in memory forever.

Next In Final Crisis : The Definition Of a Crisis ?

Final Crisis #6

Solicitation : As the entire world turns against them, the last of Earth's Super Heroes must face the unstoppable power of the Gods of Apokolips for the final time. Supergirl vs. Mary Marvel! Superman vs. Darkseid! The fate of the Flash! And the incredible return of the New Gods! The End of Days has come and the ultimate war between good and evil will at last be decided on the battlefield of a broken world!

Written by Grant Morrison Art by J.G. Jones, Carlos Pacheco, Doug Manhke, Christian Alamy, Marco Rudy & Jesus Merino

Synopsis : We start with Superman and Braniac at the Legion Headquarters in The 31st Century. Before you start scratching your heads, this is what you need to know. Superman, after battling Mandrakk and saving his wife just before The Anti-Life Equation hits Earth, is called by The Legion and is pulled to The 31st Century where "The Legion Of Three Worlds" arc takes place. OK, on to the story.

Braniac asks Superman to hurry as there is only 72.4 seconds before everything becomes meaningless. He says that the Legion cant sent him back to the time he was pulled from because of the magnitude of The Crisis happening due to Darkseid. Braniac opens up the weapons arsenal Of the Legion and tells him about a machine The Controllers created refining The Guardian Will-Power technology known as The Final Machine in 2960. This machine turns thought into things. This cant be used now because Legion turned it off permanently after realizing how much damage a stray thought could do. Braniac shows him the machine, Superman is being pulled back to his time (This is mentioned in The Hardcover). The Machine is The Geh-Jedollah-The Absolute or The Miracle Machine. Suoerman begins to fade as he gets closer. Braniac urges him just to look at it and memorize it ts parts.

We go back to the JLA headquarters where The Ray transported Canary, The Flash Widow Club and Tattooed Man. Tattooed man, at the end of everything, is becoming appreciative of his powers and aware of the beauty around him. Black Canary, as chairman of the JLA makes him an honorary member with full privileges and responsibilities. He's flattered. The plan is to get The Flash Widow Club to safety and transport The Ray with T-Man to earth to spread Metron's symbol. The Flash Club find some weapons and are astonished as The Justifiers attempt to break into the satellite. Canary orders Ray to leave as Tattooed Man laments the life of a hero.......

Back to Bludhaven, where we see Supergirl and Mary Marvel have an epic battle on the ruins of the city, they smash each other with buses, light posts and whatever is left. The Buses have Submit written all over it. Supergirl doesn't like to be called a slut and impresses that upon Mary. Adman cant hear his gods and feels the voice of The New Gods shreiking and snickering in Mary's head. He demands as to what is Desaad ! Ah, its Desaad inside Mary. Desaad and his fetishes, he cant get enough. Freddie comes up with an ingenious idea where he has to use the last of his magical energy. But before that, Kalibak orders Tawny to explain what he is as to which tawny tells him not to be deceived by his cultured tones and That Tawky can Bite ! Rawr ! Tiger vs Tiger ! Where else but In Final Crisis would you see such absurd but amazing Battles ?

Supergirl gets the upper hand on Mary but suddenly all the civilians pick up sticks and attempt to attack her (They are all under The Darkseid's control). Freddie bursts in, catches Mary and screams "Shazam !", Kalibak tells them to have no fear as Darkseid owns the lightning to which Tawky Tawny differs by killing and disemboweling him On-Panel ! Kalibak begs The Tiger men to help to which they reply "Strong is Only" as Kalibak dies. Freddie's idea converts both him and Mary to their human form as Desaad is removed as Mary says that she will never use her word again after all "she" has done. The Heroes seem to have fought back as they have secured Bludhaven bridge and are calling in The Second Wave. Tawny feels his end is near as Kalibak's Tiger Men surround him. Instead Of attacking, they bow down before him. Strong Is Only Indeed !

We go back to Checkmate castle where it seems that The Justifiers are just about to break in. Mister Terrific explains that it seems to be the end. Shilo tells him that the symbol on his face has to be painted by everyone to be immune to The Anti-Life Equation. The same symbol which appeared on Crop Circles and other places before the Crisis. The Universe's way to stop Darkseid maybe ? The symbol signifies "Freedom From Restriction". The shields have been destroyed and Mister Terrific is about to tell Mister Miracle about Checkmate's Endgame if all hope ran out (which he thinks has) - The Black Gambit. The Furies have joined The Final battle in Bludhaven. Miracle tells Sonny that motherboxxx says he is from a lateral universe. Seems that Sonny Sumo died in feudal Japan and this Sonny Sumo fell into a hole into Sonny's life with the end of thw world at his heels. The Super Young Team has their love story intertwined at this hour. Atomic Lantern boy is in love with Aquazon who is in love with Lightning Lad who doesn't seem to feel the same for her. Imagine at the end of the world and these kids having teenage love. Love it. Shilo asks Superbat what his powers are and in typical style as what a spoiled Bruce Wayne would say, I'm so rich i can do anything. Indeed !

We cut to the JLA Satellite where The Justifiers have broken in and have the heroes on their knees except Ray who has escaped. Ollie and Jefferson try and make Tattooed man and Canary Justifers or promise to gut the kids. Canary begs Ollie not too, whereas T-Man tries to convince Jefferson he is a hero. T-Man uses his Circuit Tattoo and attacks them, Canary does what every wife wants to do- Beat The Shit out of her husband and asks him to fight the Anti-Life, in the background we start to see the Earths emerging from The Bleed!

At Checkmate:Omega, the scientists exclaim that the castle is breached. Renne is still on tour of the facilities where she is told that Ryan Choi and Ray Palmer (both named The Atom) are about to ride a Graviton Superhighway to another Universe. Psychics are trying to purge humans of The Anti-Life Equation. Mystics are trying to contact the Spectre in the afterworlds, a note about Final Crisis: Revelations is made. Another private room is shown where scientists are performing experiments On The Nazi Supergirl who died early in the story, Waller does not comment about that room.They enter a room with a massive orb around which there are OMAC's. Waller wants Montoya to meet Lord Eye.Montoya says its all over for Earth and there is nothing worth to fight for. There is a brain in The Orb (I'm guessing its Maxwell Lord) who starts to speak say that we all live in a Multiverse of possibilities and choices they make decide the fates of worlds. She is told that she has an unprecedented level of law-enforcement and she is the template for the new. A Target Eartg has been identified and she is told that she will lead a Global peace Agency that will establish the bulk on a parallel universe if Ryan and Palmer are successful, Epicness ! (That's the first time I've used that word .)

We cut back to Luthor and Sivana who are plotting to overthrow Libra. They are teaming up, Sivana says the Helmets are medieval in design as they were done by Mad Hatter. His watch is a short-range Signal Jammer. Luthor's suit is powered up in anticipation for The Day's Battle. Libra sneaks up and says that calculator will be begging for forgiveness forever but he knows that It was Luthor. He feels cheated after he gave Lex a chance to lead The Super-villains against The Last of The Superheroes, he will never choose again. Sivana activates the jammer and Luthor blasts Libra with energy calling him a "Glove Puppet Of the Gods". Libra disappears. Luthor believes this is a war against and life, and despite life's up and downs he still favors life.Sivana tells him to speak into his device and Justifiers will hear Luthor's voice as Darkseid's.

Jay, Wally, Barry and Iris are together. Barry says he knows what he has to do to stop Darkseid this time and he will need their help. Jay says that he ran from Watchtower to Watchtower until they all fell to The Equation.He was on the trail of his wife and the kids. Barry says that incase he goes down, its all upto Wally to save them. Wally makes a comment as to have outraced The Black Racer before, when he was called The Black Flash! To get to Darkseid they will have to run  faster than ever before, he is at the center of a Singularity beyond that of light. The Black Racer comes after them and they race off !

Darkseid asks Batman to stop skulking in the shadows and to come out and embrace Anti-Life to be whole. A weary and weak Batman comes in saying that Darkseid shouldn't have shot Orion. Darkseid says it was fate anyway, Batman comments it did damage to Darkseid beyond repair, A Rotten Carcass Of A God crawling into the sewer to die is Orion. Batman has the soul killing gun with which the Lump was shot at in Batman 683 and says that he has a solemn vow about firearms but he is making a once in a Lifetime decision, A Gun and a Bullet. Batman has loaded the bullet with which Darkseid shot Orion, which he had in his belt. Darkseid is genuinely for a fraction of a second fearful, The Infamous "But". Darkseid taunts Bruce asking if he thinks he can outrace The Omega Sanction, the death that is life ? Batman is confident asking him to try. Batman shoots him with a "Hh" , Darkseid Omega Sanctions Batman who is destroyed as soon as he goes down himself.

The Sacrifice Of Bruce Wayne.

Back In Bludhaven, Lois asks Jimmy to activate the watch, Superman will come. The Green Lanterns are trying to get to Earth but no matter how far they go, they cant get close. Hal promises not to abandon Earth like that ! Hawkman and Hawkgirl share a beautful moment knowing they could die the next moment. Alan Scott is fading saying that the world is broken, his flame is waning. The Heroes are losing their powers and dying due to Wonder Woman's infection. Supergirl comments how quiet it is. The Black Gambit is initiated. Nix Uaton and Metron (that guy was Metron!, obviously.) discuss how Nix's arrival has inaugurated a New Age Of Man - The Age Of Men as Gods. If they breach the bleed wall, a greater menace will be faced (MANDRAKK !).  Wonder Woman exclaims "Look ! Up in the sky......", Supergirl screams "Look there !"

Guess Who's Back ! Superman ! My God ! Kal-El destroys everything in his path,his eyes are blasting energy like never before, he is in absolute rage ! He takes the furies out in just 1 Panel !He blasts right into the bunker. I have never seen Superman pissed like this. The Heroes exclaim that they are powerless and this is the end of the world. There is no way to stop this. Suddenly, we see Kal-El come out of the singularity with a Corpse- The Corpse Of Batman !

He's Back !

Review : OK, Wow that was an ultimate Game Changer issue huh ? I think Final Crisis Issue 6 had everything you can expect in The Comic Book Genre. Action, Mystery, Love, Heroics, Sci-Fi, Epicness, Emotion and more. The writing has hit a huge high. The art was outstanding. Yes, there might have been 6 Artists but this was an amazing looking book. The end which was done by Doug was outstanding and mind-boggling. Who says Superman is a cry baby ? Looks like he's gonna break his Kryptonian foot on Darksied's ass ! Love the emotions between Green Arrow and Canary. The Green Lanterns will to never give up was very well shown. Libra was disappointing, i guess he really had no other role and this was a fitting sendoff for however long he is gone. Luthor was amazing, loved his role. Metron is the key to the resistance and we finally see the symbol being used. Loving The Super Young team.


Did anyone else see Man-Of-Bats in the end scene where all the heroes ae losing their powers. Nice to see him after his appearance in Grant's Batman Run. How can I review this without The Batman vs Darkseid showdown. DC's ultimate badass and greatest human superhero against The God Of All Evil. The Ultimate "Man vs God moment" after the "Man Meets God" between Metron and Anthro. You will see something interesting from this in Issue 7. Batman started with a gun when his parents were gunned down and now at the end of everything, Batman is intelligent enough to know that the end justifies the means and takes The God down without fear. I loved this.

Story : 9.7
Art : 9.5

Last Thoughts : This Issue was my favorite Issue 2009 and still is. It covered everything I loved in Comics. It had DC's and comicbook-dom's best writer along with a superstar cast of artists. I saw my favorite hero make the ultimate sacrifice. I saw The Greatest hero of all time destroy everything to get to the manifestation of evil. How can you top what happened in this book ?

The Earth is Murdered..............

Next In Final Crisis : Batman gave his life to give the heroes a glimpse to victory, will it be enough ? Is Darkseid gone ? Even if he is, Mandrakk is coming to devour existence. Can Superman along with the last of heroes take on The Justifiers, Furies and Villains. Watch Reality take its side against Ultimate Darkness. This is It !

Batman 683

Solicitation : This special two-part tale narrated by Sir Alfred Pennnyworth reflects upon the life and times of Gotham City’s most celebrated citizen " and hints at what’s next for The Dark Knight. Grant Morrison delivers a story of past memories, present heartache and future promises. A spectacular, unforgettable farewell to The Dark Knight, mixing memory, dream and speculation as Alfred closes the casebook on the greatest crimefighter of all time. With guest appearances by Batman friends and foes from every era of Batman's history, this epic adventure cannot be missed.

Written by Grant Morrison Art by Lee Garbett


Synopsis : Talia and Bruce are Hot as Hell !Yeah, not the best way to start a review. We see The Bare-Chested Batman vs Ra's Al Ghul, Batman riding a shark, Batman fighting a werewolf and Talia and Bruce making love. I'll tell you- Grant's two part is being more enjoyable and with more action than some mai-series.
Bruce is in the car being driven by Alfred (Note that this is a memory which is being put by Simyan and Mokkari to distract Batman from trying to stop the memory transfer which the Lump is engaging in.) Bruce is working at the hospital where he is treating a "Elva Barr" (Elva as in Vale (Vicki Vale) ? ). Simyan and Mokkari wonder if Bruce has noticed what they are doing. Bruce is wincing in pain.

In his memory, Elva Barr was Catwoman who steals the hospital. His father calls him a disgrace. Mokkari comments that all of this is Batman's worse fears. Bruce and Alfred go looking for Ace (Not the bat-hound yet). Bruce goes inside a well where he sees a dead Richard Grayson (who went to fight crime after his parents murder but was tortured to death by The Joker Killer for days). Simyan and Mokkari change the memories in panic and we cut to Batman throwing Deathstroke down a ceiling. The Memory "Bruce Wayne" starts talking about wanting a partner.

Batman meeting Jason Todd (who was trying to steal a wheel of The Batmobile, I wonder why the big EL is written A Certain Kal-El ?). It seemed that things would be better with a Robin but Teenage rebellion and arrogance caused the death Of Jason Todd who was bludgeoned to death by Joker. Bruce's fall into darkness is seen., The formation of the infamous Bat-Jerk. The Killing Joke happens (Oracle crippled by The Joker). Simyan and Mokkari are very happy to see all the trauma and believe that their plan of Batmen has succeeded. However, the clones could not handle the pressure and trauma which Bruce underwent.

Tim Drake meets Batman and tells him he has proof Batman needs Robin. The Alfred in the memory reveals himself as The Lump (we saw the clue for that in The Last issue when Mokkari said that the Lump was hiding in the memories as his oldest ally.) He shows Batman of his greatest failures in an attempt to undermine his will and need to be (Similar to The Black Glove but much more on that in later posts). Batman's will is greater though. The Lump shows him the events Of Knightfall, Az-Bat, No Mans Land,Hush, Jack Drake's death in Identity Crisis.

Lump, like A Bond Villain reveals what they are doing to him. Batman, in style says that they can have it all at once, if they can take it. He shows them the Infamous Infinite Crisis scene of him nearly using a Gun on Alex Luthor after it was implied that Nightwing was killed. The clones kill themselves. Simyan and Mokkari are frightened and scared. They decide to use soul killing shells and terminate the Lump.

The Lump begins to die, the Lump is not evil, just a tool in the Grand Scheme. Batman, being compassionate says that he will do anything to stop those who did this to them and asks him whether he needs a jolt to get moving. Bruce promises to find the men who killed him and to avenge him. Wow ! Mokkari decides that they will tell Darkseid that they had to stop the emotional transfer, nothing else.

We see Batman's adventures post-52, The Ritual with The Ten-Eyed Men, The Thogal Ritual, Damian, His Battle with the Black Glove, RIP and Zur-En-Arrh. Seems that after Batman's battle with Dr.Hurt  in Batman RIP, he got out of the river, changed his cowl and got an emergency call from the Justice League and joined them (That will explain how Kraken took him out so easily, Bruce must have been really weak).

It seem that Orion's death and the subsequent investigation is knows as "Batman's Last Case". It Began with The Murder Of a God. Bruce analyzes the bullet which John found and says that he will return it later. He leaves it in his belt. The Lump breaks and attacks Simyan and Mokkari who flee. Batman is released as his eyes open up after being Tortured for over a Month.

We conclude with The Real Alfred saying that he did once consider to resign from the Wayne household. He thought Bruce had gone mad when he said he wanted to become a Bat, but when he saw how Bruce committed himself to an ideal and to be a better man and be in the service of others for their good. What could he do but stand in Awe and clean and tidy his costume ? Very touching. Alfie says that Bruce told him that it was not a question as to who Killed the Batman, but who kept him alive all these years ! The whereabouts of  the Batman are unknown but Alfred believes that his opponents will let their guard down for one second and underestimate him and then , "No Matter How Dark The Night, There Will Be No Hiding Place For Evil."

Review : Grant Morrison's Epic run on The Batman Monthly comes to a beautiful end. This has been a great 2-Parter that has been very well written. The Speech Alfred had at the end was the most touching moment I have read in the past few years. The Art greatly picked up and showed the styles of a few eras. I thought it was well done. I have a few complaints, but they won't be here. They will be in a post after I'm done with all the Reviews. The Lump - Batman confrontation was exceptional. The whole idea of who Batman is and what he does is exemplified here.  The art is greatly improved

Story : 9.5
Art : 9.0

Last Thoughts : A beautiful conclusion to this Mini. It ties in heavily with what will Happen in Issue 6 obviously. Its a great read for a Batman fan of any generation

 

The Dark Knight Returns

Next In Final Crisis : The heroes arrive in Bludhaven for their last stand against The Darkseid, Where is Green Lantern and will he be executed wrongly ? Where is Libra and the biggest question of all, Where are The Big 3. See you soon.

Batman 682

Solicitation : Two issues of BATMAN in one month! Now that “Batman R.I.P.” has concluded, the aftermath begins! If you thought mastermind writer Grant Morrison surprised you with “R.I.P.”, just wait until you see what he has planned for this retrospective story. In his last hours, Alfred the Butler tells the life story of the Batman as you've never seen it before in this two-part adventure which bridges the gap between the events of “Batman R.I.P.” and FINAL CRISIS. Learn the secrets of Batman's early years! Witness the nightmare of a Gotham City where Batman never existed!

Written by Grant Morrison Art by Lee Garbett


Synopsis : Bruce Wayne is sitting in Wayne Manor (set before he becomes Batman ), we see him bat up, which happened the first day he went out to fight crime. Alfred comes in and submits his resignation. Alfred tells Julie Madison that Master Bruce has to cancel. Bruce talks about wanting a disguise. Alfred says that the Bat did not break the window, it was open. Alfred says it could have been worse. He thinks of other possibilities like Waspman, Bugman etc (they are hilarious).
We see flashbacks Of Batman meeting Hugo Strange, Alfred is removing a bullet out Of Bruce and they start discussing what else could have come in the window that night. Owlman, Catman (obviously a nudge at the two characters already in the DC Universe), Pigeonman, The Raven, Mosquitoman, The Skeleton and other association names.

We get a shot Of Gordon and Bruce Wayne meeting and discussing Batman's sighting.Julie breaks up with him and leaves for Hollywood, Batman is indisposed tied with a chemical vat below him. Are the Guns and Batman a Year One reference? Bruce is really pushing himself in the beginning. He doesn't eat, sleep and has lost his sense of humor. He depends on 10 minute micro-sleeps. He gets up talking about chemicals. Lots of chemical references in this story. He is at his parents grave and is informed about Madison's departure. He hardly has any emotion. His Life is only Batman. We see more flashbacks of Batman's career, fighting The Monster Men etc.


We revisit Richard Grayson's parents getting shot and Dick being designated as his ward. Richard volunteers to join Batman's quest for Justice. The fun and campy days of the 60's with some parts of the TV show and the campy writing. Really funny. The introduction Of Batwoman as Bruce's love interest. Dick has his doubts about her. We see her tragic departure.

Batman perseveres and recovers. He volunteers for a Space research project, where we see the Introduction of Dr.Hurt (more on him in March when i review Grant's Batman run.). We see Kirby's Lump creature, who is hiding inside Batman's memory and converting all his memories for a higher need.

We see the old Outsider story where Alfred died and they bury him. Bruce is being tortured inside the Torture device from Final Crisis Issue 2 Some more of the campy stuff with Joker being a buffoon and not the murderous psychopath that he usually is. Nightwing leaves to join the Teen Titans and is no longer Robin. Bruce gets darker and starts to rebuild himself. He suddenly realizes that Alfred isn't the real one as he remembers his death. He says that he is coming for his tormentors.

We cut to an alternate reality of Thomas Wayne stopping Joe Chill from shooting them and Bruce is now a loser who cant do anything for himself and is a major disappointment to his father. Simyan and Mokkari are talking and discussing how they are using Batman's traits to create an army for The Dark Empire, after which they will use his body for spare parts. Yikes !!!!

Review :  I read this immediately after I finished Batman RIP, reading this in accordance with Final Crisis, this feels as a much better read. This is majorly a retrospective story of Batman which he is seeing, feeling or sensing in his mind. The whole concept Of The Gods Of Apokolips coming to Earth, supposedly a backward planet and use Earth's greatest and most powerful , The Ultimate Man, The Batman to create an army. Imagine 10000 Batmen, they could take over Earth is minutes and Darkseid would not even need the Anti-Life Equation. The idea is fascinating, reading of all of this with Batman RIP where Batman fights The Black Glove, it all fits in and is very well done. The writing, characterization and voice Of Batman and Alfred are outstanding. The retrospective story is done well and is shown respect without any Major retcon. Notice the idea of Chemicals. I'm sure that will play a role later in the story.


The art is decent. Nowhere near the quality and standard of Jones and Manhke but its acceptable and suits the needs.  I would have liked Kubert Or Frank Quietly to do them but its all right. Expecting better from Lee in the next issue.

Story : 9.2
Art : 8.6

Last Thoughts : This is essential for those who are interested in Batman's story in Final Crisis (aren't we all ?). We know he has a major role to play and hence I would recommend this, not just for the story but for Grant Morrison's celebration Of The Batman mythos of the last 70 years and not being a retcon machine

Next In Final Crisis : Batman makes his stand against the Lump as all hope of Earth's heroes dwindle. Can One Man stand against The Mighty Dark Empire Of Darkseid? If anyone can , its Batman........ See you then.