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.
Showing posts with label Morrison. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Morrison. Show all posts
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Saturday, January 2, 2010
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.
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 ?Friday, January 1, 2010
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 !
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 !
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Final Crisis #5
Solicitation : Humanity enslaved! Time shattered and bleeding! Anti-Life triumphant! Can Earth's demoralized, beaten heroes rally their scattered forces for the ultimate super-battle against the nightmare armies of Apokolips when the forces of good meet the forces of evil on the bridge to Blüdhaven? As Darkseid's presence causes reality itself to sicken and the lights to go out across the universe, as even the Guardians fall, the true power of the evil gods finally reveals itself, and a major character returns for a shocking conclusion.
Written by Grant Morrison Art by J.G. Jones, Carlos Pacheco, Marco Rudy & Jesus Merino
Synopsis : Finally we get back to what has been happening with Hal Jordan and The Green Lantern Corps. Hal Jordan has been taken to Oa for trial for the murder of Orion and the attempted murder of John Stewart (Hal , you racist ! Kidding). He is accused by Alpha Lantern Kraken (Granny Goodness has possessed her). Hal says that there is nothing called infallibility in the Universe, when told about The Infallibility of the Alpha Lanterns. Kraken claims that the scar of Hal's face is where Orion struck him before death. She also says that Hal was easily possessed by Parallax, so he could easily be taken over by The Evil Gods Of Apokolips.
The Guardians say that all must be examined as Hal is a valued officer, Honor Lanterns Kyle and Guy pop out of nowhere and say that it is Kraken who plays host to The Evil Gods. The Scar on Hal's face has a suppressor field chip inserted and hence its hiding her from detection. Guardians are shocked that an Alpha is compromised. Granny says its folly to underestimate The Darkseid. She attacks Guy while the other Green Lanterns attack her and smack her against the Central Power Battery. Granny wants to be Darkseid's favorite again and picks the Power battery wondering this was the Ultimate Technology that Metron had pointed them towards. The Guardians cut power from her ring and internal battery. Hal does his usual 1-2 Punch and takes her down ! Pure Hal. Grant, I Bow down to Thee. An Immortal is injured by Granny. The Guardians initiate the Krona Protocol which hides the Central Battery until the all-clear. Kraken is sent to a Sciencell, Kyle explains to Hal that Spacetime around The Earth has crumbled with weeks squashed into days and they couldn't get close to the gravity sink without being sucked in. The impact of Darkseid's fall and emanations have caused problems in space time across all the sectors of The Universe and Earth is the center of The Doomsday Singularity. John is still on earth and Hal asks all the Green Lantern who want to, to journey to Earth to stop the Crisis. The Guardians say that Hal has 24 hours to save the Universe. Go Jordan !
We get back to Earth, Checkmate Castle, where Montoya, Khalid and Renee discuss and try and explain the Multiverse and its aspects to Renee, she is going to have a major role there it seems. The Generation-Zero Biomacs which will act when the Superheroes fail bear an obvious similarity in Tribute to Jack Kirby's "OMAC".
At Bludhaven, we see dead warriors lying around.Wonder Woman's back seems to have faced a lot of lashes ? Self-punishment ? Something else? I guess its upto your interpretation. Wonder Woman's shield has the Omega on it. Simyan, Mokkari and Godfrey beg Darkseid to keep them alive and not let them die. Lots of kissup here. The Furies are getting ready for the battle, we finally get a shot of Darkseid, wow he looks amazing ! The Hour of Apokolips is here. He asks the Furied to end it all, Note that Wonder Woman's Dog has the The Symbol Of Evil as its Tag (The Inverse Of The Symbol Of Good, look at The FC Sketchbook.)
Big Battle outside Checkmate Castle. Tempest tries to save Hawkgirl, who is told to save Alan, who is being Made a Justifier by Donna Troy, who is smacked to Hell by Hawkman, who tells Bulleteer, Condor and Starman to cover him. (I did the who thing on purpose , It Feels like Bang-Bang-Bang-Bang-Bang)
Inside The Castle again, The Super Young Team is pissed at Mister Terrific and the rest for thoughtlessly gunning down International Megastar- Shilo Norman aka Mister Miracle. Emotions are running high. Terrific asks everyone to calm down saying a doctor is on his way and how he can be traced as he is invisible to machines. Shilo says that Motherboxxx is more than a machine and is way beyond than what would happen if The Gods made I-Pods that were alive! Miracle is stirring and talking about how the Motherboxxx set up a Boom Tube which brought them to the castle. Miracle was wearing a Impact-proof vest, obviously and he seems fine. The time of change is here and everyone has o take sides before The Darkseid takes them all down. Terrific decides to take his help as they have stayed clear of The Anti Life Equation. Castle falls in 15 minutes, they are taking fire so that the heroes can attack Darkseid at the root. The War has broken time and space.he tells Mister Terrific and the others to paint the pattern The Team has on their faces.
Kalibak has formed his Tiger-Legion and is moving around waiting for the heroes so that they can slaughter whatever is left of them. Kalibak promises that this will be the slaughterhouse of man and they see the last of the heroes arrive in force:
The Last Of The Heroes ? Don't Like Their Chances.
Epic Battle ensues ! Someone is screaming something in Spanish. Frankenstein is quoting Milton's "Paradise Lost" (which seems right for some reason). John Stewart is proceeding towards Command-D bunker , that is where Darkseid's base is.Kalinak tells his Tiger-men to wait for the lightning to strike. Maru Marvel arrives and is reading to sneak attack Supergirl but she is taken by suprprise by Black Adam who starts to beat her to a pulp. Freddie Freeman (Captain Marvel) asks him to stop. Adam sees an old man in her eyes.She's possessed. Freddie pleads with her but is beaten up by Mary Marvel who taunts him.She does the infamous crotch rub on him (Yech !). Tawky Tawny appears and tries to stop her but is taken by surprise by Kalibak who is about to kill him. Tiger vs Tiger. Sweet.
Nix Uaton is captured by the Justifiers and thrown into a cell. Everyone unaffected by the Ani-Life Equation is kept there. Nix has lost hope saying that there are no Gods but Darkseid, A Man in the wheelchair starts talking about the minimum moves in which a Rubix Cube can be solved saying no one has done it in less than 18, which is The Number Of God. He starts solving the Cube. The Time Of The Gods is over, he gives him a piece of paper which has Meton's sumbol to Anthro on it.
A Man with hairy hands, who I Think is Himon hands him pieces of paper of his sketches and tells him to think of things that can help, and says that it has to be a word, a face, a voice a magical word, a name. Nix realizes that and finally gains memory ........ WEEJA DELL ?
Clones of Mokkari along with Justifiers come in to take them to burn in The Forever Pit. They realize something is different, The man in the wheelchair says "17." and a blast of energy destroys the Justifiers. Metron is Back. Look at his eyes. Yeah !
Libra is doing his French Revolution/ Russian Revolution style hanging and killing and hangs Calculator for betraying them to the Heroes so that they could attack the birthplace of Darkseid. Libra tells Luthor he wants him to lead the charge against the heroes at Bludhaven Bridge. Libra hits a joke about letting him be first in line with Supergirl.........
Supergirl and John Stewart are teaming up and cant find a weak spot, John wonder where Superman is. Where is he indeed. Simyan, Mokkari and Godfrey try and save themselves. Godfrey tells Darkseid about Simyan & Mokkari's failure about The Batman-Psycho Merge. Darkseid says that nothing living can resist him now. All Flesh is part of Darkseid's body. He absorbs their energies as they die. Humanity has only faced an idea of a God before, Now God has come incarnate among them! All Is One In Darkseid !
Supergirl tells John that she can see a massive energy source inside like a brain sending signals to a gigantic nervous system, however he can't hear as he does not have super-hearing. Light and energy crashes into Darkseid's bunker. He is becoming reality. Frankenstein's quote is great "Dropp'd from the Zenith like a falling star.....beware". Supergirl is attacked by Mary Marvel, she begs Marvel to stop and that there is still time. John demands for backup saying that everything is becoming a hell which is Darkseid. Guardians say that help is on the way, another one says that he cant hear them (Whats with the John cant hear Grant ? Very funny though). Hal, Kyle, Guy and the rest of The Green Lanterns are losing their energies and stop flying and plunge straight into the singularity Of the Darkseid, get ready for time distortions.
Father time is with The President Of The US,he tells him the country is no longer his, the Earth is no longer ours. The Justifiers have found the bunker (Anyone guessed what this is the reversal of ? The Soviets finding Hitlers bunked in World War 2, notice the President has a gun in his hand, which he will probably use on himself). Power Levels On John's ring in down to 2%. Libra celebrates as The Fifth World Of Darkseid has begun. The Night Of Anguish that lasts forever.
Darkseid makes his presence known to The Earth. You have to read this to believe it. Its mind-blowing.. I.Am.The.New.God. Check out the rest below.
Darkseid's Brightest (Or should I say Darkest) Moment ?
Review : This has to be the longest review I have done to date and that is because so much happened in this issue, its great to see multiple storylines tying into one another, I wish that they would have mentioned Batman's whereabouts a little clearly in this issue for those who did not read the Two-Part crossover in The Batman Monthly. The Green Lantern characterization was very well done by Grant. Johns-esque or greater in my view. He has a strong hold on Checkmate and All Kirby characters. I was impressed by Supergirl in this issue. He seems to really enjoy writing all the Super-characters. Darkseid's speech to close the Issue was probably the most Powerful I have ever seen the villain. Nix's return was very well done. The whole issue was well structured. I wish I could see more of Wonder Woman though.
The art has greatly improved in this issue, the artists are gelling together well now and I was very impressed by The Opening sequence Of The Guardians On Oa, The Splashes were beautiful. I'm glad that it looks better after the last issue which greatly disappointed.
The Judge Of All Evil is here indeed
Art : 9.2
Last Thoughts : The Battle has begun ! Most Of the stories are tying into one, clarity arrives. Characters have never looked or felt better. This Story is The Ultimate Compression story unlike some other overly decompressed stories. Each issue has felt better than the previous and they all read very well at one sitting.
Next In Final Crisis : Darkseid has made his presence to Earth, who has the power to even stand before him, yet alone defeat him? Don't Miss The Fate Of Batman as he prowls around Command-D. Watch the congregation of Earth's heroes on the fields of a broken and dying world. Do Not Miss It !
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Batman 683
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."
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
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.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Final Crisis #4
Solicitation : It's one month after the Anti-Life Equation was released worldwide. Millions now toil as slaves of Darkseid, while the Justifier shock troops of Apokolips lay waste to the planet Earth and hunt down its protectors.
The remaining free humans and superheroes are stationed around the world, besieged within the walls of ten very familiar 'Watchtowers', as they fight a desperate, losing battle against the triumphant forces of evil.
While Green Arrow and Black Canary attempt to deliver the secret of humanity's last hope across America's blasted wastelands, the Outsiders brave the horrors of the Bludhaven bunker in search of Batman. The ultimate battle is coming…but which heroes will become villain - and vice versa? And what part do the Secret Society have to play in the dawning of this new Age of Evil?
Darkness is falling and death rules the day. Is this truly the end of the Age of Super Heroes? Don't miss FINAL CRISIS #4: "How to Murder the Earth!"
Written by Grant Morrison Art by J.G Jones, Carlos Pacheco & Jesus Merino
Synopsis : We open with the narration of The Lightray. At exactly 530 pm EST, time, space and everything was broken. Seems like The Evil New Gods used every mass communication device into a God Weapon and delivered The Anti-Life Equation to the humans of Earth ending their freewill on Earth. The very precision and accuracy of the attack seems to have devastated the Earth. They used Mobile Phones, Radios, Television, In Flight planes everything became a device for Darkseid to spread his will.
The Justifiers have taken control and are now converting people. All is Darkseid. Lightray has been delivering news and papers to all the places of resistance.He pulls The Tattooed man into the Hall Of Justice (to know why Tattooed man is there check out the Final Crisis: Submit Review ), The armies of Darkseid are outside trying to make their way in.
Green Arrow does his usual patronizing of Tattooed man and calls him a Trojan horse for the bad guys. Tattooed Man is pissed and says he has information from the Black Lightning (Final Crisis: Submit). The three go in and we see Oracle, Black Canary and the Flash Widow Club. The Daily planet is now publishing at the Fortress Of Solitude. The original Flash (Barry Allen) is heard to have evacuated a town, single-handedly in minutes. The Bludhaven Strike force obliterated by The Darkseid.
The Bludhaven Task Force.
So Oracle can kill the Internet ? Hmmmm. The Anti-Life equation is the mathematical proof that Darkseid is the rightful owner of existence. Most of them seem scared in the Hall Of Justice. Lightray sets up a worldwide link using his powers through the Unternet (which is like the antithesis of the Internet), which the super-criminals used. He is setting up a link with 10 Watchtowers where the last of the Superheroes are standing ground. There's a siege at Checkmate castle, Hawkgirl smacking some Justifier ass ! Renee Montoya is handed over to Miss Waller who will probably be explaining Renee's role in Global law Enforcement. Mr.Terrific hands the stage to The Green Lantern, Alan Scott. He tells them to maintain hope and courage and this was the first moment that everyone has shared since The Anti Life Equation hit Earth. We see everyone at The 10 Watchtowers, there seem to be battles with Justifiers there too. Freddie Freeman breaks into Black Adams lair and asks him to join the last stand of existence against Darkseid. Sources confirm Bludhaven is the entry point into this world. Interesting.
The Last stand of Humanity is at Bludhaven, that's where the big battle will ensue.Black Lightning breaks into the Hall Of Justice. Black Canary suggest Ray power the teleporter and use it to escape out of The Hall Of Justice.
Elsewhere, We continue from where we left off at Issue 3 with Barry and Waly meeting The Four Furies who try and attack them, they take them out and flee. Wonder Woman can see them even at high speeds ... They re running towards family. Family First indeed. Barry tells Wally that the whole multiverse is being pulled down by Darkseid and they have to stop him.
Back at The Hall Of Justice, T-Man has put on The Metron Circuit Tattoo on himself (so cool) and they are all rushing towards the teleporter. Green Arrow explains that they should all leave and let him stay so that he can destroy the Teleporter. Canary objects strongly but Ollie says its the only way as The Justifiers will never stop. He also hits The "Anti-Anti-Life Arrow !" Joke. Nice Romantic moment between the two and the rest hurry off-world. Oliver Queen fights bravely but is over-powered by Black Lightning and crew . Ollie promises that the heroes will fight till the very end, before he is Justified ! Oh Damn.
Black Canary laments for a minute before she orders a station weapons review. She probably expects The Justifiers to arrive. "Yes, Sir!" Even at this dark and lost moments, Grant doesn't lose his humor.
Turpin is the personification of human struggle against Evil.He is struggling. Mary Marvel comes in to give Darkseid his crown. Godfrey asks for a sign, Thumbs Up for the victory of the Human Spirit and..... thumbs down for A Day Of Holocaust that will never end !
But before that Alan Scott and Hawgirl are defending The Castle before the Omega Offensive launches, Alan's flame is waning. Hawkgirl exclaims that it is raining blood. We cut to see Production of The Justifiers helmets etc and see how the world has gone to Hell. Its very depressing. Iris comes back home and is under The Anti-Life Equation's power. Barry and Wally race in and Barry does what he has waited a Thousand Lifetimes for- A Kiss ! The ALE is broken and Barry promises that everything will be alright.
Humanity is the end of everything, the world of Gods is colliding with Humans, the sky is raining blood.Suddenly, The Castle gets incoming from The Super Young Team's Wonder Wagon. Mister Miracle asks them to stop, saying that they can save the world. He is Shot.........
Freedom's Spirit Falls. A Sign, Great One! Devastator ! Lord Of Woe ! Eternal Darkseid !
Dan Turpin after Months Of Resistance finally gives up to The Darkseid and says that "At The End, There's No Choice At All. Only Apokolips and Darkseid. Forever. Give In !" That is it, Humanity Has Fallen !
Review : Wow, this book had taken 3 Months to Publish and when it did we were literally dying. The art delay changes greatly reduce its quality from the first 3 issues. The Scenes in the JLA HQ were very off. The Darkseid scenes were classic. The Shade scenes were OK too. I am really disappointed with the art, had great expectations of 7 Issues Of J.G Jones. That's not the case.
The writing was top-notch, the storylines of The Super Young Team and checkmate are tying in. Darkseid will soon do something at Bludhaven and all the heroes are coming there. Wonder Woman as a Fury along with rest was plain scary. Flash was well used. Very emotional scene with Iris. Dan Turpin's fall was really sad and watching that really makes this story very powerful. The Battle is here and we don't even know where Superman is, we don't know whats happening with Batman , Wonder Woman is in The Dark Side, Green Lanterns are off-world, Flashes aren't with the rest, Martian Manhunter is dead.
Grant Morrison's characterization has been amazing. he has a strong hold on Alan Scott, Green Arrow and Canary as well as all the Kirby characters. Very Very Good.
Story : 9.5
Art : 8.8
The New Face Of Existence ?
Last Thoughts : Its an overall great issue and when read together with all the previous books it feels very complete. Very Much Recommended. This was the game changer issue. The next Issues are going to be All-Out War !
Next In Final Crisis : The Darkseid is back and he owns reality, what can the heroes even do ? Is this it ? But First, we check out a little hero Known as Batman and where he is now in the crossover Batman 682 and Batman 683. You have to read it to believe it.
Final Crisis : Superman Beyond #2
As the sun sets on existence itself, Mandrakk, the dark Monitor, is awakening! Can Superman prevail against the ultimate enemy of life and find his way home before utter darkness falls across the cosmos?
Written by Grant Morrison Art by Doug Mahnke & Christian Alamy
Synopsis : Ultraman seems to have read the end of the Infinite book and according to him Mandrakk is building a bridge from the void to the Multiverse and in the end all life shall kneel before Mandrakk and die.
Superman is not intimidated. An invasion of reality begins. Huge machines, which are Monitor nanotechnology invade Limbo. Merryman and his people fight with whatever they have.The Circle of Monitors have fallen. Nazi Superman and Billy exchange words about Zillo being evil, every monster has a story. Billy smells a love story (In this series , which is about stories, a Love story is the Ultimate Story. Note that Final Crisis is a Love story. Surprised ? More on that in later blog posts). Zillo is impressed by Billy and tells him to repeat the two words and then the lightning (SHAZAM !)
The Machines of Mandrakk are attacking Limbo, Superman asks Allen to help (He seems to be in another plane of thinking because of his ultimate power). Ultraman seems to have lost it, he wants to take the Ultima Thule ship and spread the word of the end to the Multiverse. Superman tries to stop him . If Superman and Ultraman touch each other, they annihilate.
Captain Marvel stops them from even trying, He realizes that everyone has role to play in this story and they remember that weapon from the Monitor Story. Allen returns by letting go of restriction and limits. He uses Quantum Super-position and attacks the enemy. He also realizes that there are no dualities and only symmetries. Superman tells Captain Marvel to take the Ultima Thule and tell everyone to prepare for Ultimate battle. Allen is the endgame of the Superman idea and is beyond conflict, he is unaffected by Ultraman's words and actions. He fuses the essences of Superman and Ultraman and transmits them to a receiver in The Monitor world ! Confused ? Don't be, do remember that nothing is formed nor destroyed at Limbo and hence the pure energy by their annihilation is sent to the Monitors. Does that make sense ? I hope so.
Superman is in the Monitor plane and is given (or is he ?) the thought robot capable of saving existence against Ultimate Evil. Weeja Dell meets him and she sighs at how life is ending on their existential plane. The Monitors of Nil realize their mistake of expelling Nix Uaton. It seems that when Ultimate good makes its presence (Superman), so will its counterpart.
Ogama has betrayed the Monitors and has awaken the Master, His Brother, MANDRAKK. You have to see Mandrakk to believe it. He is badass.
Vampires Control Existence.
Their fight is epic in scale, scope and art. Amazing work here.Zillo Villa tries to tell Mandrakk that there is a better story of a "child sent from a doomed planet....... Superman's story". Mandrakk, enraged kills her. He realises his mistake. Zillo Villa and Mandrakk are lovers, it seems
Superman realizes Mandrakk is Dax Novu who got corrupted wrestling the angel of contamination. He realizes that his part in the story is only to match Mandrakk and he does so until the Overoid, Mind of Monitor engulfs Mandrakk. He is given the vial of Bleed which will save Lois and he also writes something on the tomb which Mandrakk wanted to inscribe his name on.
Superman falls back into the Multiverse and using International sign language they destroy the enemy ships.Ultraman falls somewhere else where the rogue Monitor Ogama gives him a choice to join Mandrakk, which he accepts. Mandrakk promises that the next time they meet, it will be with millions. Ominous huh......
Clark saves Lois.Lois seems to have seen all of this in her dream and says that she was sure of a happy ending after seeing what was written on the tomb. Clark smiles and leaves. We end seeing what was written on the tomb - To Be Continued. Wow !
Note that this takes place before the Anti Life Equation Hits.
Review : OK, I'll be honest. Superman Beyond was very hard for me to review. I have never been a Fan and have actually hated Big Blue. But after reading this story i have just fallen in love with Superman. Grant has accomplished a lot with this story, as a standalone and as a tie in. Its metaphysical style and its concept is one of a kind. The Superman vs Mandrakk is a personification of how Superman is aware of story and his role and as the clarity hits him , the outcome does not matter because he knows what to do . That idea has a huge impact at the end. For people who did not read this and just read the core series, they would be very confused and disoriented.
This Book Is Very Much Recommended ! Please Read This Book To Understand The Final Crisis !
DC, why did you not promote this book as critical ? Why Why Why ? Yeah, its a mini-rant. I apologize, its just that i think most of Final Crisis criticism is crap, thats all
Thankfully it was included in the trade
Doug Manhke's artwork was awesome. His rendering of the monitors and Mandrakk's vampire like appearance was very well rendered. Doug is suited for these Alien/Horror Genre. No wonder why he is on the Green Lantern monthly now..
Story : 9.7
Art : 9.5
Last Thoughts : Very Good Series.Essential and well written. Has a huge impact at the end of the story.
Pure Beauty
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