Blackest Night 6

Solicitation : The secrets of Nekron are revealed as darkness consumes the DC Universe. Everything else: TOP SECRET.


Written by Geoff Johns Art By Ivan Reis and Oclair Albert

Synopsis : We start with a shot Of "Bruce Wayne's" skull in Coast City moments after his skull was used by Nekron in The big conclusion Of Blackest Night 6. Carol and Saint Walker wonder what has happened as the ring calls out Hal's name. Hal corrects Saint and tell him only the resurrected are being targeted by the rings

Superman and The rest of The Nekrotic Eight take on Hal as Ollie says that heroes and all that is over. Everyone is only Nekron now and thats how things will be from on and forever. Hal recounts how every one of them was killed as Barry tries to outrun the rings as Nekron is hungry !!

 The Rainbow Rodeo has Superman and tell Hal to deliver The kill shot but Hal refuses as he does not think Superman can be dead. Sinestro says that this must be done or its better to lay down and die as Indigo's Bright idea did not work out...

Bart (at least The Black Lantern version) tried to goad Barry Allen telling him that he was the first Lifeline Nekron created and says that they all belong to him now. Bart goes after Wally as Barry tells Hal to throw him a line. Barry says he is faster than the rings as they race off. The rings connections are severed.. Barry explains that without a Cosmic treadmill, Time Travel is guesswork. They are Two seconds in the future. They try and wonder why Bruce was the only Black Lantern who combusted on his own. They have no cluw whatsoever and hope that they and the Nekrotic Eight don't die after all of this is over as they Race back to Coast City.

Ray, Mera and Jean Loring are in The Black Lantern Ring where suddenly Deadman possesses Jean and tells them that Black Lanterns from the whole Universe are descending to Earth. Atom and Ray flee out.

And now, For our 1 dialog - Double Spreader Edition Of John Stewart who gives us an Idea of all The Black Lanterns coming to Earth

At Least A Billion ? That's Xanshi behind...

They leap out of Wonder Woman's ring which is supposedly on its last legs.  Mera thinks she has what it takes to take on Wonder Woman. Yeah right, you wish..........

As Hal and Barry return, Indigo and the rest believe that they will need all the light bearers to recreate the light of life to Destroy The Black Lantern Battery. Indigo agrees to send her people to get all The Other Lantern Corps. Ganthet replicates Hal's ring and says some crap about how they are all Oan Technology and recruits himself to the Green Lantern Corps and replicates the rest of The 6 Rings to search for 24 Hour Replacements on Earth. Rings go around and find the following

Mera - Red Lantern Corps
Lex Luthor - Orange Lantern Corps
Scarecrow - Yellow Lantern Corps
Ganthet - Green Lantern Corps
Barry Allen  - Blue Lantern Corps
Atom - Indigo Tribe
Wonder Woman - Star Sapphires

The BL Wonder Woman tries to resist but Love overrules everything as the Ring is severed as we end with Our Saint Barry telling Hal Jordan

The Second Rainbow Rodeo !

Review : OK I will be honest with you. When I first read it I absolutely Hated it and thought it was utter Garbage ! However, reading the Tie Ins and some reasoning for some stupid decisions like Barry becoming a Blue Lantern over Superman ! WTF ? Ridiculous moves. I would have given it a 0 but now I will be a little more rational. Geoff has made an interesting concept stale and kind of ridiculous now. Nekron did absolutely nothing whatsoever, Black Hand was not even mentioned and Scar thrown like a bad disease. No resolution on The Guardians. Nothing Nothing Nothing ! Why The hell was Batman and Robin 7 even delayed for this story.

The art by Ivan Reis was great and I really loved it. That saved this issue from being Toilet paper. Thats all

Story : 7
Art : 9.4

Next In Blackest Night: Green Lantern 50 hits ! Its Hal Jordan vs Spectre as an old and familiar face returns. The Shit hits the fan, maybe..............

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

Green Lantern 48

Solicitation : BLACKEST NIGHT continues! Agent Orange and his Orange Lanterns face off against the Black Lantern Corps, and Larfleeze finds himself wanting something he never has before: Help. Meanwhile, Saint Walker comes face-to-face with the one being in the universe he has no patience for Sinestro!

Written by Geoff Johns Art By Doug Manhke & Christian Alamy

Synopsis : We start on Okaara where Agent Orage and Atrocitus face off in a battle for the possession of The Orange Battery. What a cool looking match-up. I'd love to see an Atocitus-Larfleeze team-up ! Agent Orange hits Atro with the battery and knocks him out as All his Orange Lanterns merge with their Black self and he loses control of his entire Corps ! Poor Lar, what a bad week he is having indeed !

Fear not, All Will BE Well.The Rainbow Army is here in full force, lar accuses the Blue of the attack. Saont assures him that this is not The Blue Lanterns doing and promises that Okaara's forests will no longer burn or will The dead bother him. Sinestro comements on Larfleeze's "stench", Indigo says its the Ring and not him as they begin to severe connections. Hal and Carol discuss who Larfleeze is like , nice comedy. Little tired of seeing Hal always use a plane as his construct but maybe that is just me.  Ganthet is here and he tells Larfleeze that thy are no longer Guardians and that he is surprised why Lar broke the pact made Eons ago. Agent Orange complains how The Guardians fooled him to go to Odym, he wanted a Blue rig and did not know there was a Blue Lantern Corps with its own Guardians. He wants a Guardian ! Hal puts up a Construct called "STOP." Orange cant read , poor kid. Hal is surprised that The Guardians told Larfleeze about Odym (This was seen in Green Lantern 42). Ganthet says that the Guardians want to extinguish all light. They discuss about the Guardians failed plan to stop The War Of Light. Agent O wants a forest Of Christmas Trees ! Sinestro says that Hal is the tool used to start this war and its his fault. Hal promises to Quit the corps before ever working for the smurfs. Sinestro deduces that Abin Sur wasn't trying to stop The Blackest Night but Hal. Someone has something else to say .........

Atrocitus' Rage !

He beats up Hal and Sinestro and promises to make them wear Black as Indigo, Carol and Saint Walker jump him, Indigo tries to make him feel compassion. Saint Walker disagrees and believes it is hope. We get a glimpse of Atocitus and a female of his planet working with the Blue Lanterns, Atrocitus says he will not be weakened to which Saint says that the Universe always has a plan, Atro says whoever says it was a good one ?

Hal tells Atro that while he might be loud and primal he isn't stupid and he came on Okaara for help and Larfleeze will be overrun by The Black and thy all need to work together to succeed.  Sinestro says they wont be rallied by words. Ganthet asks him what he has done. Sinestro grabs orange and tells him that his corpsmen are hiding a doze blink bombs across his world and if Lar doesn't join he will destroy his world and mount his head. Sin also tells Atro that after The Blackest Night he will join the reds and destroy the Green Lanterns together to which Carol says that "Hal is here". very funny. Atro and Lar break free and attack Siestro. What a misstep Sinestro ! Suddenly Power levels hit 100%. Indigo channels the Black ring and senses the source and says that they cat fail her savior Abin Sur. She transports them.

Carol asks where thy are to which Atro tells her "Space Sector 666, The Planet Ryut, My Home" He curses
Ganthet and Sayd for their sins (the use Of the android Manhunters). He says they came and they (Atrocitus' kind) did nothing to deserve this as he breaks down and cluctches the soil of a once living Earth . The Greatest Moment Of Blackest Night, screw The story, this was beautiful. Carol comments that Atrocitus once loved something, Life. Saint Walker and Atro discuss their kinds death to which Atro promises that after all this, The Guardians Die. Lar says that he will only join the All-Lantern Corps if he gets a Guardian of his own. Sayd gives up her freedom and promises to serve Larfleeze after The Blackest Night. Indigo comments that The Black lantern is no longer.  Gathet says they will do everything to stop it and they will find it.


Review : Wow, An Awesome Issue Of Green Lantern, All The Characters had some or the other role. Geoff really has a good grip on these characters, he has after all created quite a few of them and revamped them all. I'm really liking the tales of The Rainbow coalition. I just hope that their return to the main series wont be jarring and out of place which will confuse readers. Atrocitus is officially my favorite Character in the Green Lantern mythos and if he dies I am going to get very pissed off. Geoff, you have created an awesomely complex and intelligent character and I hope to see more from him and see him written by many writers for the years to come. The focus on him the past Two Issues have been refreshing. The only problem is that Indigo seems to know too much, will she betray them or is some major twist coming ? I think that is a possibility but I would rather not see such a thing occurring.

Doug did an amazing job here too. Just Larfleeze and Saint Walker look a little off, but The panel Of Atrocitus breaking down and Larfleeze meeting the Guardians (The dark look on Ganthet and Sayd looked mesmerizing). I read this again just to see the beautiful drawings. Congrats and hope to see more on green lantern. Its a shame he is not illustrating issue 49, maybe he has something mind-blowing in 50. Highly recommended issue as it leads directly into Blackest Night 5.

Story : 9.4
Art : 9.5

Time To Light Up !

Next In Blackest Night : Nekron has risen. He wants lives. Hal and his gang are close by. The heroes of Earth gather in Coast City to fight The 7 Million dead and Thousands of other dead heroes and villains and Black hand finally releases a great Power.

Blackest Night 4

Solicitation : Summer’s hottest event explodes in this critical issue! Hold on to your power rings, because the secrets behind the Blackest Night finally stand revealed! While Earth is evacuated, Hal Jordan embarks on a brave journey to the darkest depths to uncover the truth behind the Black Lanterns! You won’t believe what he uncovers!

Written by Geoff Johns Art By Ivan Reis

Synopsis : At the headquarters Of The JLA, The Flash fights The Martian Manhunter. Walking along a grave in Coast city passing through Hal Jordan's parents grave, Black Hand talks about how Superman, Flash and Green Arrow cannot escape death. He also says their Blackest Light will end the "Let there be Light." Power Levels 93.55%

Mera fights Hawkgirl and wonders why The Indigos took Hal away though his Green Light is a way to stop The Black Lanterns. Ray Palmer deduces that it was probably to prioritize and find the other Lanterns and pull the plug from The Black Lantern home world. Flash says its their job to hold fort on Earth until The Lite-Brite Brigade return, he asks for Firestorm to which..........

Oops !

The Flash runs to which Ronnie tells him that with Jason on board he can transmute Organics. All of Jason's emotions are being used to build the percentage of The Black Lantern Battery (93.86%). Ronnie goes for Barry's heart but suddenly Jason takes over and tells Barry that a voice in the rings says it wants Barry Allen. He asks them all to evacuate Earth ! Ronnie takes over as Aquaman and the rest break in. Barry wants to leave, Ray asks him for some time as he calls 911 and dives into the lines with Barry and Mera to a Police Hotline place.

In Gotham City, Scarecrow says he wants to to feel fear as he hears those screams of Horror. Black Lantern Azrael assaults some citizens. Scarecrow is immune to fear, Azrael tries to frighten him to no avail, Scarecrow says the only thing that scares him is The Batman as power levels are now 95.45%

Lex Luthor and Calculator discuss about the dead rising. Luthor says its every one for themselves as he prepares himself for battle. Barry asks Ray and Mera to find Alan Scott while he goes and rallies the troops and finds someone who can help Firestorm, as The Black Lanterns search for life in The JLA HQ. Flash says that the JLA are on this, Ray says that that isn't true and they need to find Superman and Wonder Woman. Flash says for now Ray and Atom are Wonder Woman and Superman. Good motivational speech by Barry as he tells them that they were born to kick ass ! He runs off,  Mera asks Atom if they are Superman and Wonder Woman who is Flash (an obvious reference to Batman, Blackest Night is full of them). Ray says "The Flash", Hmmmmmmmm..........

Atom and Mera jump into the Battle The JSA is having with the Black lanterns in New York, Flash rallies everyone from Wonder Woman,Green Arrow and The Titans..

At Coast City, Black Hand says the Tunnel of Light leads them to the Guardians Ultimate Lie as The Power Levels are 97.79%.. Wally and Bart ask Barry where they should come . Barry says wherever there is trouble.Alan and Mera's powers seem ineffectual against The Black, Damage's father, Al Pratt, The original Atom rises and fights his son. Atom and Damage fight back and subdue him when suddenly Jean Loring arrives and rips Damage's heart out ! Ouch (He was emoting Hope). Power Levels are 100%.

Barry Allen stops to a Halt and wonders what that voice is. Scar says the light awaits as the Black lantern battery transport. Barry sees Black hand and is blown away. The Black lantern Central Battery rises above Black Hand's mortuary home. Black Hand commands Nekron to Rise. ! Barry wonders where the Hell Hal is  as Nekron rises. We end with him commanding Coast City to rise and also saying that "Barry Allen, You owe me your life. You all Do."

Review : Ever heard of The Solicitations Lie ? This is a prime example. No Hal Jordan (he is working hard in The Green Lantern series), Earth is not evacuated. However that does not mean this was not a great issue, It was classic. I absolutely loved Barry's part in the issue. Mera and Atom were powerfully written. We see glimpses of all the mini-series. We did not see Hal nor any Green Lanterns in this but we see some sense of desperation and also some interesting plot points for Scarecrow and Lex Luthor. Lots of Batman references. The story is finally developing after 3 Issues of Zombie only action.

Ivan Reis' art was the best thing I have seen in 2009. Amazing stuff man. I would hate to see the quality decrease. One complain is that I would have Liked to see Superman and Wonder Woman actually doing something. I know that the spotlight is on the smaller heroes but I'm sure that these two are proactive and not reactive. Lets hope for the best i guess.........

Finally Black Hand did something ! yeah ! That makes the issue cool........

We all owe our life to him

Story : 9.2
Art : 9.5

Next In Blackest Night: Indigo-2 and The Green Lantern Corps team up to face The Black on Oa. Will they be enough is strength ? Kyle faces an ultimate choice and Guy Gardner faces his problems as the power levels have already hit 100%

Green Lantern 47

Solicitation : BLACKEST NIGHT continues! The war between the Blue Lanterns and Agent Orange implodes as the universe darkens! But a strange turn will send this epic battle in an unexpected direction when Larfleeze has something he desperately hordes taken away from him!

Written by Geoff Johns Art By Doug Manhke & Christian Alamy

Synopsis : Atroctious says that Hate is not born out of ignorance but from personal pain and revenge, Laira rises and attacks her fellow "Lost Lanterns". Atty is fighting The Green when he is greeted by his fellow people of Sector 666.

Best looking Black Lanterns.

The Black Lanterns say that they have seen tomorrow and they have come with answers to all his questions and they also have seen how he will die , which seems to be a truly intriguing tale (That is very interesting). The green rings say the power rings are unknown. The ring says they were The Last Survivors of The Massacre of Sector 666. Atro and The Inversions go back and forth. Atro says that their prophecy was only a whisper in the shouting match and they did not see the rise of The Emotional Spectrum, Black Lanterns etc saying that their words were only blind and stupid rhetoric. Qull asks him whether his rage could be any more to which Atro says NO. His Heart is removed. Atrocitus (sorry that I have been spelling him wrong so far guys) Of Ryut (The Black lantern homeworld) Ri..........., Atrocitus says that he will not be taken down like this and beats the shit out of The Inversions (Note that the Red Lanterns do not have any use of their heart and removing it does not effect them, they can only be defeated if their rings are removed).

On Korugar, Abin Sur and Hal Jordan battle with Abin listing out all his flaws and mistakes he has made. He says that he never brought the corps to near destruction or faced to save a city of Seven Million. Abin says that Hal refuses to see the future and it wouldn't matter if he lived tomorrow or died today. Elsewhere, Indigo says Abin Sur's rise as a Black Lantern makes this totally blasphemous and she asks Carol to go and help her man, Hal (to which Carol says "he is not my man"), Your Green Lantern then...

Arin Sur and Sinestro fight, Arin says that his madness for order caused her death at Korugar and she asks Sinestro whether all this was worth it, whether it was worth to lose the only woman he loved. Before Sinestro can answer though, Indigo slams Arin with The Green Light she has channeled from Hal, Arin begs her "Thaal Sinestro" and tells him she loves him so much. Hal breaks in with Abin. Hal says its time to cut short this reunion. Sinestro tells him to have respect for the dead and there is no need to banter as they finish the two. Abin shouts that he knows Indio before he is defeated........... Hal asks Sinestro who Arin was to him, Sinestro replies "Nobody"

Sinestro and Hal bicker as to who will lead the team. Good work here. Hal says that he will stop all the problems The Guardians caused and they will help together and Sinestro will not take charge (Boo ! I want Sin to lead !). Sinestro grudgingly agrees and tells his Corps that The Green Lanterns are not to be considered as enemies and they will all work together to quell The Blackest Night. Sinestro aks Hal not to crash their mission.

On Xanshi, John lands and picks up a Power Battery as he is told salvation is here. That's all ! WTF ?

On Odym, The battle is on between The Blue and Orange as Saint Walker says that death is not evil, only those who bring it on prematurely are. The Blue Lanterns can't use their rings until A Green lantern is in their vicinity. Suddenly the rings come back online as we see The Rainbow Coalition arrive, Larfleeze says he wants something from Hal (the wielder Of The Green and Blue) as he and the rest of The Orange Lanterns disappear.

On Okaara, Lar is running from the Black Lanterns as he screams in desperation and says he wants "Help". Aww.......  Atro breaks in (badass !) and says he wants His Orange Battery Now.

Atrocitus is amazing !

Review : Very solid and well written book with brilliant art and characterizations. This is what I want to see in the Blackest Night. The Coalition is strong and nearly complete. I'm liking this happening at relatively in the middle of the story, so there is a twist coming. My problem is that this may seem abrupt and weird to see Hal come with everyone out of nowhere in The Core Series for those who are only reading the core. If these people read the Lead Ins, its obvious they all hate each other. Lets see how this is tied.

I wish we could see more Indigo interaction with Abin as there have been clues dropped here and there of something similar or some relation between the two during each and every one of her appearances so far. Maybe this is an important plot point in the works.

The Art is absolutely super, my only gripe is that I wish Doug draws Saint Walker better, he looked strange when I saw him, besides that an All-Star job.

However I have still a rant, WTF with John Stewart ? One Page and no words by him ? I would have liked to see atleast 3 or 4 pages., it would make his story seem to be of some value at least.  One can hope.........

Story : 9.2
Art : 9.4

Next In Blackest Night : Black Lanterns come into The lives of The Titans as lovers, friends and enemies rise. What happens when a Mother confronts her dead family and is a Titan holding the Keys To Victory in The Blackest Night ? Coming Soon.

Green Lantern 46

Solicitation : BLACKEST NIGHT continues! For months, Mongul has wrested control of the Sinestro Corps. Now Sinestro wants a word with him. And Hal wants a word with Sinestro. But in the midst of BLACKEST NIGHT, they'll all become the hunted as the fallen Sinestro Corps members rise. What will happen? Here's a hint: Sinestro gets some serious payback

Written by Geoff Johns Art By Doug Manhke & Christian Alamy (Special Thanks To Patrick Gleason)

Synopsis :  The Zamarons note that their love crystals and power is completely ineffective against the Black lanterns. This is because their power is not from the emotional spectrum. The Star Sapphires are falling. Predator must not be unleashed they say. He's getting out for sure.Sinestro and Carol fight the Lanterns to no use, Sinestro says he is only here to get his corps and leave. Amon Sur and Sinestro fight and Amon blames him for his father's death and says That The Blackest Night is here. Sinestro also addresses Arin as his lover. Slushh attempts some heavy damage, nice seeing him.

Hal and The Indigo's arrive.Hal and Munk take out a Black lantern. Indigo sends Munk to Oa to help The Green lantern Corps and Carol asks to be brought up to speed.Hal tells her what to do and tells her she looks good in Purple. Sinestro attacks Hal and they have a mini-skirmish. Indigo attempts to subdue Sin who mistakes her for a Sapphire. her tie to Abin intrigues him, suddenly a black ring enters and breaks into The Central Battery and orders Khufu and Chay-ara of Earth, The Original Hawkman and Hawkgirl to RISE ! The explosions kills many as power levels jump to 75.25% as Indigo, Carol, Hal and Sinestro leave.

On Ryut (Homeworld Of The Black Lanterns) in Sector 666, Scar tells her lord that the violet light fades, she sends all the disengaged Black Lanterns after the Indigo light

John is still at Xanshi and a voice says it can help him and he flies towards it, thats it.

The Four Land at Korugar and Sinestro tries to get some answers but is told to relax and that he has been brought for a reason- To Fight the one who tried to take over HIS Corps - Mongul.
Mongul says he has been waiting to prove himself and establish himself as the head of The Sinestro Corps. The others try and interfere but Sinestro pushes them back saying its his battle and he launches a frontal attack. Interesting note in review. Mongul pummels him to the ground. As the others approach, he throws them away with Amon Sur's constuct, Cool. Mongul says it is now The Mongul Corps and he is about to finish him when Sinestro says that Mongul is a creature of Action and he does not understand how things work and The rings were created by him and he had installed a fail-safe and then this happens:

Sinestro Is Amazing !

Sinestro knocks him with a Power Battery all his corps men hail him and the people begin to start to respect him again.He assumes control and says he will assume leadership in  Abin's mission to quell Darkness. A Ship crashes and out come Black Lantern Arin and Abin. Hal vs Abin coming up....

Review : This has been my favorite Blackest Night Issue so far, it was perfect and very well done. the writing is finally hitting its stride. the Corps are getting together. There was less of unnecessary Zombie action and we still get how the Blackest Night is destroying the Universe. The Guardians tiny role was very well done. I still hate how John Stewart is being shafted to one page and 2 Lines. What The Hell ? This sucks for his fans.

Doug was very good on this. Loved the spread posted above, His space stuff looks very beautiful and well done so I'm happy seeing this being rendered by him. Patrick Gleason did the page of Sinestro fighting Mongul (The One Page Splash), nice to see him do that as he has been building up this fight for nearly a year in The Green Lantern Corps monthly.

Story : 9.3
Art : 9.1

Next In : Oa is beginning to Fall as The Black Lanterns nearly take over. Is All help on Oa gone ? Will anyone answer their call. Guy and Kyle take their stand against the never-ending force as The Blackest Night is here.

Blackest Night 3

Solicitation : As the dead attack in full force, Green Lantern is faced with an impossible decision and the scattered remains of the Justice League suffer a terrible loss. Who can stop the Black Lanterns? Why are they rising? And how can the Spectre help

Written by Geoff Johns Art By Ivan Reis & Oclair Albert

Synopsis : The Firestorm pair discuss about their love for each other. Sweet moment between them, its nice to see some positive in an otherwise dark event. Surely a set up for a tragedy you would say ? Read On. The JLA device beeps.

In Gotham, Its The Brave and Bold vs The Dangerous and Dead. Hawkman, Hawkgirl and The Dibny's battle Hal in an epic spread. Firestorm takes on Barry in order to try and make him feel and kill him. Ronnie compares Barry to the Professor as a boring man. Flash removes his black ring to see what happens. The Power Levels hit 50.32% as Ronnie screams that Their Lord will rise and nothing can be done to stop it. The Brave and Bold cant find a way to stop them as The Atom comes out of Hawkman's ring and describes the ring to be composed of Dark matter and all the energy is being worm holed to somewhere in space. We see all the emotions in the ring being sent. Atom fears them not coming back.

Jason and Gen combine as Firestorm and are in The Headquarters which is all quiet and they see the Black Lantern uprisings in their screens.all over the world. Mera comes out of nowhere thinking they are one of the Lanterns. She tells Gen to calm down as the Black Lanterns move on the basis of emotion like sharks. The Dead will rise.

Back In Gotham , Ralph accuses Hal of scoping Sue when she wore a skirt and accuses Ray of feeling bad after what Jean did. Ray feels "Compassion", he is told that compassion is rare but a little can go a long way as he takes his....... Indigo-1 is here ! Nok Klek ! She and Indigo-2 knows as Munk take out the Black Lanterns and channel the power of Will and Sever The Black Ring connection. They take Ralph and Sue out and teleport them to the JLA Headquarters . There, they meet up with Mera and Firestorm and they ask Indigo to explain what is going on.  The beautiful spread explains all below:

So Says Indigo..........

Indigo says that they are the invaders and The Darkness is how things were. Ray believes that the rings are wearing the dead and are a computer which download memories and use it to their advantage to cause fear into their loved ones. The Green Ring and another ring can cause the destruction of a Black ring. Indigo believes they must recreate the white light to take down the Black. Hal is informed that Carol is a Sapphire, Hal wants to go to Zamaron. Barry tells him to think and death is weeping across and they need a plan. Hal says "Death is overrated." Some more talk between them, as soon as Hal is convinced, The Black Lanterns break in "We're Baaaaaack !" The Indigo Lanterns take Hal away. Firestorm and Ronnie battle and Ronnie breaks them apart and taunts Gen and Jason. He gets Jason aboard his head and uses his mind to get the formula of the organic Common salt and makes Gen into common salt as power levels hit 56.69%. All those in The Underground Crypt are made to Rise as we close this installment.

Review : This is an interesting story. Finally some plot development with Indigo coming and explaining nearly everything like a Deus Ex Machine but I am sure that it is not complete and they wont be able to execute things so easily. She seems to be the one who will rally the Corps members for Ultimate Battle. Her appearance lifted my spirits. Finally we see other Corps in the main story. Still none of The Big Three so far, thats OK. Its like a Brave and Bold Team up event. One Major problem, Where The Hell Is BLACK HAND ! I want to see him. He was built as a major villain, He is just playing a side role doing nothing so far.

The art is freaking mind-blowing. Ivan is killing it. The event is worth just for his art . I'm really liking his work and he is rendering the characters very well. I hope that the quality wont fall as we end this event.

Story : 9.0
Art : 9.5

Next In : Hal and Indigo-1 reach Zamaron as Carol and Sinestro face The Black Lanterns. What about Mongul and how will The Black Lanterns affect The War Of Light ?

Green Lantern 45

Solicitation : BLACKEST NIGHT continues! The Black Lanterns descend on all the Corps throughout the universe! Sinestro's assault on the Star Sapphires’ homeworld of Zamaron is interrupted by another Sinestro Corps – one made up of those who died during the Sinestro Corps War! And while the War of Light flickers, deep in the darkness of space, John Stewart comes face-to-face with his deceased wife – and longtime Green Lantern – Katma Tui

Written by Geoff Johns Art By Doug Manhke & Christian Alamy

Synopsis : John is at Xanshi and demands for immediate backup after seeing the Black Rings, he doesn't get a response and is attacked by the rings. We listen to Pariah's words in Blackest Night 2 "Worlds will Die, Worlds Will Rise" as Xanshi Rises.

Carol and the Star Sapphires take On Sinestro's Corpsmen in an all-out battle as Queen Agapo and the rest start thinking about using Predator or something on Carol as she seems to be the one who can control the Sapphire ring better than the rest. Interesting. Sinestro breaks in and informs Carol that she is far from home.He taunts her a bit more and tells her to be a good girl or he will kill her to which she says that she never was a good girl. Sinestro isn't pleased.

On Ysmault, The Alphas and The Green Lanterns are trying to retrieve Laira's body and take it back. However, The Alpha Boddika is facing a problem as she is assigned to destroy all the corps. She is about to be stopped when Atroctious breaks in and pummels them saying that their blood will charge his rings. Black Rings burst in as The Inversions and Laira are commanded to RISE !

Karu-Sil kicks ass as usual, Sinestro asks Carol why she is doing all this if Hal will never love her and will always be a rebel. (Cool Hal Construct) She says it isn't for herself or for their relationship, Its for Hal and she will do everything to Help him. Sinestro simply says "Love Is A Lie". Carol senses love and crystallizes him ! We get a glimpse of Abin and Sinestro meeting Arin Sur, Abin's sister and we see something between the two (Sinestro and Arin obviously.) Sinestro breaks out in rage screaming "Arin". He pushes aside Carol and says that he does not have time for this and his Corps is in a Civil War. He asks his Corps men to hold her. One of them seems overly-ready and is soon killed by a Black Ring (Power Levels- 45.43%). Amon Sur and the other dead members return to greet Sinestro. Carol hopes that she is able to live to answer if all of this was worth it , For Hal that is. We see Qward battling The Black lanterns.

Over Odym , the black rings circle around waiting for death. The Orange Lanterns have severed the foundation and are stealing the Central Battery. Sayd is concerned, however Ganthet says there are bigger worries, The Blackest Night is here. On Okaara, Larfleeze is pleased and very happy. Black rings enter his lair. He wants One ! However, he will be denied as all those he kileld are made to RISE ! Lar is terrified.

Yuh-Oh !

On Oa, we see The Sinestro Corps member trapped in The Book Of Black seeing all the happenings as she begs Sinestro for help. Scar tells her master that Zamaron will soon fall as will the other 5 worlds, to which she asked of the Seventh Light (Indigo). She promises it will be theirs as soon as it is lit. Lets see Scar.

Review : Finally !!! The War Of Light and The Blackest Night collide. I Loved the concept of these Epic Space Operas colliding and I was not disappointed. Sinestro vs Carol was great to see and I really enjoyed this book a lot. This is what Blackest Night should have been in my opinion and not a side story. This is what we have been building to. None of the monthlies built Blackest Night, it was The GL Books and I much rather see those characters than the Other DC characters. Wish the scene on Odym was longer and in more detail but that is a minor gripe, I guess. I absolutely love Sinestro and was happy to see half the Issue devoted to him.

Doug was top-notch. Enjoyed this issue's spreads. It does feel a little light on story, but it seems to be having much more plot advancement that the Core Issues.

Story : 9.3
Art : 9.3

Next In Blackest Night: Guy, Kyle Kilowog and the rest face the Blackest Night. What will happen when Jade and a Natu meet ? Who will take command now that the Guardians are MIA. Questions are abundant.

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............

Green Lantern 44

Solicitation : Blackest Night” continues! As Hal Jordan and Barry Allen investigate a bizarre crime in Gotham City, they come face to face with one of their oldest allies – J’onn J’onzz, the Martian Manhunter! But their old friend is not there for reunions; he’s come for much more. Meanwhile, Sinestro seeks to rebuild his army and take his revenge on the being who would usurp it – Mongul!

Written by Geoff Johns Art By Doug Manhke & Christian Alamy

Synopsis :  We open with a shot of a Choco (Bruce Wayne placed it on J'onn's Grave during Final Crisis) which crumbles and is destroyed. A Black Ring smashes in a slips into his hands as he is commanded to rise. Hal and Barry start off where they were in Issue 1 of Blackest Night and start wondering "Who knew he was buried here and who knew he was Batman". They also discuss how heroes keep their identities secret and urges Hal to do more. Manhunter returns and says that they shouldn't be back and he changes his look back to his pre-death, Hal's ring says that he is dead with no vital signs..

He blasts him with energy and there is a huge fight scene where Martian Manhunter tries to get an emotion out of them and taunts them about their failures etc like Parallax. Barry speeds in and grabs Hal before he is killed and  tells him to pull things together. Hal tries to contact Salaak and Oa but cannot. Hal smells a much larger case building up. Manhunter destroys a building and says that he is as powerful as Superman...

On Oa, The Guardians are chained in Black Goo and one of them asks Scar why she is betraying them. Scar says that she is simply carrying out their work of bringing order to the Universe. Power Levels 0.75%. On Ysmault, The Black rings descend as soon as The Alpha Lanterns recover Laira's body.The rings descend on Okaara (Larfleeze is coordinating an attack on The Blue Lanterns) and Zamaron (Star Sapphires are fighting Sinestro Corps). Power Levels are 1.2%. Scar says its collecting light and soon it will be his turn to Rise.

Back on Earth, Hal and Barry try and evacuate some people but Manhunter gets into Barry's mind and tells him that Barry understood him and he wants him to understand he cant outrun death not when its J'onn.  Flash counters and fights back and beats him. Turns out that Barry was made to think he was attacking J'onn. He was actually pounding Hal. J'onn throws Hal into the night towards the Bat-Signal and throws Barry into a vat of chemicals (Batman and Joker lol.)

John is near the remains of Xanshi and sits dejected at his "failure", suddenly Black Rings burst in and command Xanshi to Rise..........

Review :  This was a filler-heavy issue. Guess this should be expected in this Zombie/Horror story. The Hal/Barry vs Martian Manhunter was more of a Fan-thingy than actual story, it was so-so. No out-of-the world writing. I'm interested about the Various Lanterns. I would have much rather seen more of the Battle between the Orange and Blue on Odym. This story could have been done in 8 Pages.
The Art is looking good, Manhke is a great fit on this book so far and I would like to see him for much more time. The Dark scenes look spectacularly rendered. John Stewart gets 3 Pages ? Thats less, it will only get worse....

Story : 8.4
Art : 9.0

Worlds will Rise.

Next In : The Blackest Night hits Oa in Green Lantern Corps #39 as The Green Lanterns face their own dead........

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 ?

Green Lantern 43

Solicitation : The official prologue to BLACKEST NIGHT starts here as the first Black Lantern is born! Black Hand has been an enemy of Hal Jordan since Hal’s early days as a Green Lantern. But even Black Hand is unaware of the true power he holds that will connect him to the Blackest Night! Discover this villain’s connection to death and the Black Lantern Corps!

Written by Geoff Johns Art By Doug Manhke and Christian Alamy


Synopsis : We kick off being told that the events take place before Blackest Night #0 (Issue 0 shipped 2 Months before Green Lantern 43). Scar (who is the Guardian who was attacked by The Anti-Monitor in The Sinestro Corps War) says that while no one is supposed to live forever, she has as one of The Guardians Of The Universe. She mentions how before starting The Green Lantern Corps, they had The Manhunters who were their police force. They were replaced after a "Programming Error" caused them to destroy an entire Space Sector Of Life (Sector 666). She talks about how emotions together will end up causing The Blackest Night, where a Darkness with no Life will take over. She knows what this darkness is. She Worships it. The Darkness tells her to take part in the birth of the First Black Lantern.

Black Hand is in a grave which has skeletons. Umm, Yeah get used to it. He enjoys death in a necrophiliac way. He hears death calling his name.He has been hearing death speak to him for a long time. We are shown glimpses of his childhood and his affliction  towards the dead. His father ran a mortuary. We are shown a horrific memory where he kills his brothers dog and stuffs him. He is interested in his fathers work and tells him before hand where he wished to be buried.

When his parents thought he needed help, he created a facade to hide all his desires and started saying things psychologists wanted to hear to pass him off as normal. Though he was different his family loved him, as did he. We cut back to a moment from Secret Origins where Atrotcious breaks in and tries to take the darkness that lies within him. Hal & Sinestro take Atro down, whereas the voice asks him to run (He takes Atro's device with him). He blasts a hole inside the graveyard and stays.

We get some old references to Star Sapphire's initial appearances. Black Hand creates his costume and goes after Hal. He is taken down all too easily and considered a joke and overpowered by various Green Lanterns. He remembers how Parallax destroyed the corps. We go back to Rebirth where The Hal-Spectre took Black Hand's hand, which was later put back by Evil Star and her starlings. William starts to see all the dead around him. "Tula, Al Pratt , Digger Harkness , Ted Kord ,Dee Tyler , Roy Lincoln , Ralph Dibny , Jean Loring, Sue Dibny , Ronnie Raymond , Maxwell Lord , Ryan Kendall , Roger Hayden , Vic Sage , Arthur Light , J'onn J'onzz , Boston Brand , Tara Markov , Wesley Woods , Jenny-Lynn Hayden , Arthur Curry , Jonathon Kent , Bruce Wayne".

Black Hand also sees all those that have been resurrected "Clark Kent, Diana Prince, Oliver Queen, Kilowog, Hal Jordan, Tora Clapsdotter, Conner Kent, Bart Allen, Barry Allen", the dark voice says he wants them all. Will is walking in a grave and he destroys an Easter Egg (The Symbol Of Life ? Scary foreshadowing....., he is at The Hand Mortuary and home.

The family discuss about  Billy and say it must be the cops looking for a free dinner this Easter in the excuse of checking whether he was home. His brothers consider him gone.A Brother opens the door and Billy destroys him, he walks in and kills the second. His mother looks at him and he kills her nonchalantly. His father pleads and asks "Why ?". Because This is What I Do. You know what he does.

The Voice tells him that he isn't done and there is one more.He commits suicide.

Not your everyday comic.

He falls down with his brains splattered. Scar comes in and says that "This pleases him." and spits out A Black Lantern ring which goes into William's hand as he is appointed as The embodiment and The Lord's herald (He is an avatar like Ion, Parallax and The Predator). We end with Black Hand promising to extinguish the light.

Review : Wow, this is quite to my surprise a very strong opening. The Art by Doug, who starts his art duties on Green Lantern is top notch and very good. H really does well with all the dark and otherworldy stuff. Scar looks terrific and Black Hand is just wow. Lots Of Spread Layout and One Page splashes which makes it dynamic and beautiful to watch.

Geoff delivers a top-notch issue as he shows us how well he writes the bad guy. He has put in quite a few retcons in too (How could Scar live forever ? Ganthet was the only Guardian after Emerald Twilight.) Also shouldn't Superman have been named Kal-El ? Wonder Woman should be Princess Diana . Well, I guess those are acceptable. This issue also gives us a clue of something I will elaborate on later. Recommended issue. Its a very good Villain One-Piece

Story : 9.3
Art : 9.2

The First Black Lantern

Next In Blackest Night: Hal and Barry meet at a Grave just as Black Hand decides to visit the same......