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 ?

We close with Nix Uaton who is restored to his role as The Multiversal Monitor with all his drawings and sketches scattered around.


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 

Story : 9.6
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 !

Batman 683

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

Written by Grant Morrison Art by Lee Garbett


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Story : 9.5
Art : 9.0

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

 

The Dark Knight Returns

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

Batman 682

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

Written by Grant Morrison Art by Lee Garbett


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

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


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

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

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

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

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


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

Story : 9.2
Art : 8.6

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

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

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.

Finally, we get to see Dan Turpin. He is struggling trying o stop Darkseid's spirit to take him. Even Glorious Godfrey (Reverend Good) exclaims that this ordinary man is putting up a greater fight than the heroes. The bodies on Earth are rotting with the Evil Gods presence in them, unlike their bodies in the 4th World (Earth is being built by Darkseid to be in his image as the 5th World). Simyan & Mokkari argue with Godfrey on who seems to be doing more for Darkseid (Yeah, they all want be in his good books). Granny has the Power Battery of The Guardians in her grasp , the very embodiment of Free Willpower in the Universe ! Kalibak has regenerated into a ferocious Tiger (Pure Kirby !) (Note that the Hardcover says that "Libra is The Anti-Life Equation that walks"). Poor Opto is dead. Turpin is pleading for help, seems that he cant resist for much longer. Turpin is giving in. His appearance is becoming more like Darkseid. Hallelujah ! says Godfrey. Turpin believes that all is lost, it sure seems to be.

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 : Submit

Solicitation : In a world overrun by Darkseid’s Anti-Life Equation and his relentless storm troopers, do you choose to SUBMIT? As the lines between Super Hero and Super-Villain become blurred, the ultimate odd couple of Black Lightning and Tattoo Man, in what could be their final adventure, battle against the odds to save a family from the great darkness.
 
Written by Grant Morrison Art by Matthew Clark & Norm Rapmund

Synopsis : We start off with a shot of The Earth from above (The Green Lantern Energy fields are around Earth). Tattooed Man's wife attempts to use the Internet to try and communicate a S.O.S in these dire times.
Black Lightning is fleeing from the Dogs Of Apokolips and the Justifiers. He Electrifies the water to take the pooches out of commission. Tattooed Man and his son are nearby. Tattooed Man thinks the Justifiers are after them. Lots of Father-Son tension.

Black Lightning is cornered and about to be Justified when Tattooed Man makes the save with his , you guessed it, Tattoos ! T-Man takes Lightning home. He seems to have a huge grudge against heroes in general. Lightning asks him not to burn books, the last remnants of civilization. Lots of back and forth bickering, very well done.  He was supposed to go to the Hall Of Justice to help some friends but he diverted here when he heard a distress call (The SOS). He asks them to leave with him so they can be protected by SHADE. T-Man argues but his family is packed and ready. They seem to be hiding in a school so Lightning asks if there is a bus with which they can make their escape.

The Justifiers have found them. T-Man accuses the obvious. However his Wife says that it was her fault. They make a run for it. This is good and well done action. Fun! They reach the SHADE extraction point. The family runs for it. T-Man and Lightning hold line but see the Large forces gathering towards them. Lightning sees the situation and gives T-Man a Circuit (more on that in Final Crisis Issue 4) and tells him to go. Mark's son shoots Lightning, he wanted to prove himself , talk about the worst time ever kid.
mark and his family make a run for it, whereas Lightning is overrun by the Justifiers and short-circuited. Lightning's kids want to help but are stopped as they are needed for the Omega Offensive. Mark Richards leaves to complete Black Lightnings wishes and is now a hero and part of The Ultimate Resistance to save reality. We end this issue with a being destroying books and things of value to humanity and its a Justifier Black Lightning.

Anti Life Is The Answer ! Hell Yeah !

Review : The issue serves well if you understand its the calm before the Final Conflict. Its a very simple story of showing good and "bad" teaming up against EVIL. I think the art was fine, not Jones or Manhke. The story was also well written, maybe not Grant standard though. People can argue that this is an unnecessary tie-in to the story. The only salvaging thing is that it gives us a street view on how people are being affected under Darkseid's takeover of Earth after the Anti-Life Equation. Its not amazing like the rest, its not bad either. I would have liked to see something more dense. This was a bit like Morrison decompressing to fit in 30 Pages of story from what he could in 10 by his standards.


Story : 8.8
Art : 8.5

Next In Final Crisis : Earth is Darkseid, The Big Seven are gone and The New Gods are dead. What chance does Earth have? Whats happening with Dan Turpin? You do not want to miss this !

Final Crisis : Superman Beyond #2

Solicitation : The epic voyage beyond reality concludes in this heart-stopping finale as the multiverse-spanning quest for the elixir of the supergods reaches its end on the shores of a battlefield beyond imagination! But first, the Supermen of five worlds must lay bare the darkest secret of the multiverse, expose the shocking origin of the Monitors and come face to face with a seemingly unstoppable evil fuelled by the power of 52 living universes!
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

Next In Final Crisis : The Anti Life Equation has hi Earth. How do heroes and "villains: react ? Will they fight together against evil ? Or will they fall............ Do you SUBMIT ?

Final Crisis : Superman Beyond #1

Solicitations : To save the woman he loves, the greatest hero of all time becomes the pawn of ultra-dimensional forces when a wounded emissary from a world of doomed super gods comes to Earth on the eve of the Final Crisis. His mission: To recruit Superman’s help against an epic, reality-spanning menace that originated in the Crisis on Infinite Earths!
Join the Man of Steel and his alternate-earth counterparts for a mind-blowing voyage to the edge of the DC Universe " and beyond! Can these super champions overcome their differences to beat the clock, find the ultimate treasure and save all existence from extinction?

Written by Grant Morrison Art by Doug Mahnke & Christian Alamy

Synopsis : We start of with Kal-El getting blasted by energy beams and being told that he does not have a chance to save his wife. He is also told that he cannot match the eternal power this being possesses. We start where we left off at Final Crisis Issue 3 with Superman sitting with Lois. The Monitor who asks him to leave immediately is Zillo Villa (we saw her in the first issue of Final Crisis consoling Weeja Dell after the expulsion of Nix Uaton). Zillo has invented a "Chrono Paralyzer" which freezes time on Universe-0. Superman joins her on the quest to recruit the greatest heroes of the Multiverse in a bid to save the Monitors because if they fall , they take existence with them.

The only way that Kal-El can save Lois is by the possession of "Bleed", which according to Villa can only be possessed by The Monitors of Nil and nonbody else. I'm sure Superman likes his chances. He is also told to upgrade to 4-D Vision. Yikes !

We are introduced to Captain Marvel Of Earth-5 (Billy Batson) , Quantum Superman Of Earth-4 (Captain Allen), Nazi Superman of Earth-X.Allen seems to be controlling the navigational system. Ultraman is on an unneeded rampage (He is from the Anti-Matter Universe). Their ship is falling onto Earth-20 which has a population of over 2.3 Billion. They drop of the ship on Universe-51 which is The Graveyard Universe (Nix was the Monitor of this Universe before his expulsion).

Ultraman seems to like pissing everyone off, which he does effectively. Villa tells Herr Superman that there is only one way to replenish the beating engine at which he is shocked..Ultraman says that it is all a scheme and "Ultimate" means one treasure and they will all have to fight to achieve this treasure.The Nazi Superman notes that the symphony and the Music is gone at which Allen notes that they are outside the Universe in a little place Mr.Morrison loves - Limbo !

They are welcomed by Merry Man, who is the King Of Limbo. Everyone in Limbo are the people who are forgotten, Merryman was a hero once but he was forgotten. Note that Ace The Bat Hound is here too.Superman wonders if this is what happens when "we" (Is this Morrison being Meta-Physical and sating that Superman knows that he is in a story and "death" means an end of need in a story. It is a very interesting choice of words to use for Superman.) die.

Captain Marvel has found the Shard of Eternity but everyone is starting to forget their purpose here as they are being forgotten due to their presence in Limbo. Merryman tells them about a Library which has just one book and is written by a Monkey, with no start nor end (Does anyone remember that Animal Man #24 by Grant had a cover of a monkey typing stuff. So the Monkey is a personification Of a Writer ?).
Superman and Captain Marvel deduce that the book must contain everything and The Memory of their ship can download it and read it, hence getting instructions for its repair so that can get back into the Multiverse.

Previously, There was Monitor Only! And Then ! Then is a flaw found at the heart of Monitor Perfection!

OK , according to me the concept of "then" being a flaw says that time was a flaw in Monitor perfection (which is also noted by the Monitors at the end of Final Crisis issue 1, time has crept into the Monitor world from the germ worlds.)


Monitor makes a concept to contain this flaw (is that continuity ?) , Monitor examination reveals within terrifying, unforeseen complexities and contradictions (Lack of continuity and mix up ?). Magnification reveals a structure of infinitesimal rippling manifolds upon whose surface  intricate germ like processes thrive and multiply (The Germ World, the people of the multiverse i think), Superman and Captain marvel are having trouble comprehending something inside which the whole Multiverse grows, they guess that it is an Abstract Infinite Intelligence

Monitor extends a probe... designed to blend with the surroundings, the probe secures contact !... With something monitor has never before encountered ! Inside the flaw- A Chaotic Froth of Events ! Lives.Deaths.Heroes.Villains.Lovers. (So is Existence and Life a Flaw ? Interesting. Doesn't Blackest Night deal with this. Seeds on a grander scale are sown here it seems.) Stories.
With no precedent for the Concept "Story"!... No understanding of the damage "Story" might do to an Immense awareness without limits or definition.... ... Monitor has Zero Defenses (This is exactly how the Monitors seem to be behaving). Blinded in two, The Probe Withdraws! The flaw is sealed, scabbed over with divine metals (scabbed over with Bleed ?)

Made Safe. Until all that remains of that Ill-Fated First Contact is a vast,uncanny form. The mystery of the silent sentinel (I have a theory of what this sentinel is , I'll explain in Issue 2) haunts Monitor, infects the immaculate intelligence with questions, speculations, pestilential, crawling narratives. Legend takes Root. and story, like contagion, spreads unchecked !

Becomes this history of a once-might Race Of Hyper Gods, direct descendants of the first immense and unknowable Monitor! This Epic elegy for a doomed civilization, declining from splendor to squalor (This seems to be the fall of the Monitors) This Final Crisis. This last ditch attempt to save creation itself from a loathing and greed beyond measure !  But First. Eons pass of peace and plenty while the haunting relic of first contact rusts, neglected. It has always been, it will always be. Yet its shadow shadow grows ever longer, ever colder in a deepening twilight. After extensive study, the circle of Monitors make its evaluation (So the Sentinel is a weapon that will be used against the Greed as Monitor did not have defenses against it ?)
Dread Of The Thing Grows. Rumor Spreads. Only on the last day will it yield up its secrets, it is said.Only then will the gift of Novu's final Gift be understood. Dax Novu, The Radiant one, The First son of Monitor and bravest of the science gods. Novu, whose brilliant, rebel intellect first probed the flaw and mapped its horrors. Who wrestled the Angel of Contamination! Who brought knowledge of the riches to the bleed! He who gave his life to chain the beast in darkness! Who knew the day of holocaust would come again! Deep within the Sepulchre Of Mandrakk there is a restless stirring. In the plague pit, The Prime eater of life senses its freedom.

Suddenly they fall and the story closes, Billy has forgotten his word and he is a little boy and Merryman tells them that nothing makes sense. Superman says he will be back for the Book.Merryman wants to come back saying that he has a talent for Gritty Drama no one has ever used. Allen's drugs are wearing off , his intelligence is going towards the infinite. Superman's wits are failing. Superman demands information from Zillo and is shocked to see that she is using Nazi Superman's blood to power the ship (or is she drinking it ?). It seems that the good end did not happen. Mandrakk is rising. The sky shatters and Ultraman holds the book saying that he has proof that Evil wins in the end, thats what the end says.

To Be Continued........

Review : This is really those sort of things i just can't explain in words. Its something you have to read to understand. Just Mind-blowing folks. The story is complex and yet simplistic. This is Grant at his Ultimate best. I know nearly everyone, including myself were confused and disoriented at the start but reading this along with Issue 2 really helps the experience and I Wish DC had gone with the route of releasing this wholly as a One Shot in the skip Month (80 Page Story would have been an amazing add.). I can review this better while finishing off Issue 2. To Those who read it, I salute you. This is Outstanding

Story :  9.6
Art : 9.3

Superman does not Care !

 

Next In Final Crisis : The amazing conclusion to Superman Beyond after which we go back to Earth where The Anti-Life Equation has broken everything.

Final Crisis #3

Solicitation : Batman missing in action! Superman immobilized! Green Lantern on trial for his life!

A shadow is falling across Earth’s super heroes -- and now it’s Wonder Woman’s turn to face the Evil Gods!

What bizarre warning from beyond awaits Frankenstein, The Question and the agents of S.H.A.D.E. in the shadows of the Dark Side Club? What grim fate lies in store for The Human Flame? What happens when the Anti-Life Equation hits the internet? Can the Fastest Men Alive outrun The Black Racer -- Death himself? And who are the Justifiers?


Written by Grant Morrison Art by JG Jones


Synopsis : Frankenstein ( from Grant Morrison's epic Seven Soldiers ) along with the SHADE break down the entrance to the Dark Side Club ( where Turpin met Boss Dark Side in Issue 1 ). They see the Boss mummified ( giving us an indication that Darkseid's presence lurks elsewhere ) The Question is also at the scene. SHADE sees the word "Know Evil" etched on the Walls. The situation in Bludhaven is deteriorating and they aren't able to handle it. Renee seems to be getting a new role in Global Law Enforcement. She sees a dying Supergirl from Earth-X who says something in German before she passes away. Renee is taken away by SHADE

Nix Uaton is fired by the Burger place for creeping out the costumers. We see Cave Carson has found some ancient stuff at Mertropolis subway ( Note: It is Gotham Subway in The Hardcover, which probably gives us a major clue ad to where a certain someone is going to return from) The markings on the Walls are the same as The symbol Metron gave Anthro at the beginning of the story. The symbol seems to have sprung up everywhere ( seems like the Universe can feel the Dark Presence taking over, it's things like these that make Grants writing mind-blowing and awesome in scope )

Jay is at home, he ran out of steam and reached a few days later than the time the bullet was fired. We see The Flashes trying to stop Orion's death but they can't. We see Orion killed. Iris asks Jay if he's sure it's The Barry Allen and not some image from the past or a parallel universe. Jay assures her Barry Allen is back. Cool.

Libra and The Human torch are at a very Exotic location. Libra gives torch a new costume which turns out to be a Justifier costume. The Anti Life Equation takes over the poor chap and now he is Darkseid's follower. Luthor tries to neutralise Libra but is stopped with ease. He is given the option of being a justifier or renouncing Science and pledging allegiance to the Crime Bible. The Hour Of Apokolips is here and Libra is it's Prophet. Stunning, plain stunning.

Superman is besides Lois' side at hospital. Only his Infrared massage is keeping her heart from beating. She will die without his presence. Overcome by guilt he says he'll do anything to make her fine. A Monitor aeries and says that she knows He is Superman and they have to leave immediately surprising Kal-El ( To Be Continued in Superman Beyond )

Green Lantern is taken away by the Alpha Lanterns to Oa where he will face trial for his alleged crimes. Alan Scott and Wonder Woman discuss the situation of Batman being missing , Superman unavailable etc. They decide that they should prioritise the breakdown of administration in Bludhaven. Diana has a hunch that Darkseid is involved. Oracle is informed that she will serve as the Hub of communication. They discuss 'Article X' which is the draft for Superheroes. Freedie Freeman , Tawky Tawny, Aquaman of an alternate Earth, Supergirl (who is wonderul in this story.), green Arrow and his wife, Black Canary along with majority of the Bat-Family, Outsiders, Titans and the JSA along with detective Chimp join the team.

Mister Miracle aka Shilo Norman is leaving Japan just as Sonny starts to believe that there is some truth to his words about the Power Of Evil taking over the Earth.The Justifiers launch a sneak attack on them. The Super Young Team comes out of nowhere in their flying car and tell them that they have done such thing before (In the Hardcover they say "We are the answer to all your dreams" Sweet.)

Wonder Woman along with some of the Atomic Knights of Bludhaven move around in the city.Mary Marvel, who is a servant of The Dark Empire arrives and kills one of the Knights and fights Diana. She reveals that they need a carrier to carry the Disease. She attacks her with a Fourth World Element (revealed later) . Mokkari transmits the Anti-Life Equation online and self opens on every computer. Oracle and Mr.Terrific try and stop the Virus upload on the Net.

Time, Space and Life Breaks Down

Barry and Wally come to a halt at what seems to be sometime in the future (Weeks after Orion got killed). Barry does not understand why he is back. He believes his reason for coming back was to stop Orion's death. That does not seem to be the case. The World seems changed. We end with Wonder Woman, Batwoman, Catwoman and Giganta (who seem to now be the Furiess of Apokolips).

Review : This is an interesting Issue for me. Till now we have hardly had much focus on the top characters and we are seeing more of Morrison's and Kirby characters which is fine. However, I think for a new reader they would rather see more of The Big Seven. That's probably the only negative thing I can say about the series so far. The Buildup is nearly done and The War is to explode. I would have liked to see Turpin in this issue, his story is one of the Central plots. Batman's whereabouts are also unknown. Seems that the Big Seven are out, The spotlight is on the rest. For me that's great. Wonder Woman's characterization has been criticized, but I think it fits well with the overall plot. Alan Scott is terrific and He seems to be the Center of the Resistance. Superman's story is compelling as he seems to be going to the Multiverse. Fans Of The DC Rejoice ! It has never been Better than this.
J.G Jones was great on this issue. The opening referencing old comic layout was very well done. I llike how the artist and writer are referencing every Era Of the DC Universe.

Superheroes. Kill.

Next In Final Crisis : The Earth is lost as the Anti Life Equation takes over billions, The Heroes are gone and hope seems lost.
But First, We follow Superman in The Multiverse and beyond in Superman Beyond#1

Final Crisis #2

Solicitation : Meet Japan's number one pop culture heroes, the Super Young Team and their languid leader, Most Excellent Superbat! Join legendary wrestler Sonny Sumo and super escape artist Mister Miracle as they team to face the offspring of the Anti-Life Equation! See Earth's superheroes mourn one of their oldest allies! Witness costumed criminals sinking to new depths of cowardice and depravity as Libra takes things too far! Uncover the doomsday secrets of the poisoned city of Bludhaven! Learn the shocking identity of the prime suspect in the murder of a god! And read on if you dare as Batman becomes the first of Earth's champions to face the Fallen of Apokolips. All this and a spectacular return from the dead...


Written by Grant Morrison Art by JG Jones

Synopsis : "Stop ! You Must Be Supercool To Proceed. Your Life Depends on It !" How ridiculous does that sound ? Only Grant Morrison can pull it off. We open at a Japanese Nightclub (notice lots of subtle DC Universe references with The Killing Joke Cover etc). We are introduced to the Super Young team which is probably at first glance a young and fun take on the modern Superhero mixed with modern Branding and marketing.

Sonny Sumo shows up, seeing him after a long time (During the Kirby days he was omega Beamed into living his life in feudal Japan, lot of foreshadowing on a major plot point which we still face the repercussions of today). Some loser called Megayakuza challenges him. Two seconds later the fight is over and so is Mega-Loser.

The Super Young team are these who want to be heroes for the fame and glamor which they openly say, Lantern Boy goes to get his autograph. We cut to International Megastar and Escapist Shilo Norman who has walked into the club. Sonny tells Lantern to buzz off (his backs scalded by Megayakuza), Shilo Norman gets in and tells him about the Powers Of Evil having won and the Motherboxxx (Love The XXX ) led him to Sonny.Sonny remembers the device which is cool with all the Kirby references. Its a huge Kirby Love Letter.

Nix Uaton, who has been sent to Earth after his fall as a Monitor is working at a Burger story and reading words in a dictionary (Not to improve his vocabulary, more on that in Issue 5), He is also talking to himself about The Multiversal Orrey, his co-workers obviously think he's mad. Nix starts drawing some sketches on beings in Parallel earths and our first glimpse of Ultimate Evil. (More on that in another post).

Dan Turpin beats the shit out of Mad Hatter and finds out that the "mind control hats" were designed by him. We hear Reverend Good talking about Bludhaven. Mad Hatter stammers about the kids and the others being at Bludhaven. Turpin starts feeling sick, some awesome build up is going to take place soon.He takes a one way to Bludhaven, All roads lead to Hell indeed.

We see a beautiful one page of The DC Superheroes around Martian Manhunter with Superman saying that they will pray for a resurrection (which is an obvious Grant reference at Manhunter's return in The Blackest Night.)

Libra seems to have won support after his awesome showing previously, Luthor is hesitant and says that he is not a low life with small ambitions. Libra promises to hurt Superman so that Luthor can take him more seriously. Later on outside, Luthor tries to get Vandal Savage's support to overthrow Libra, Vandal declines saying that he is bored and will do anything for excitement and change. Libra has plans for The Human Flame and takes him away.

The Big Three Of The DC are here discussing Orion and Martian Manhunter. Batman believes that Manhunter's death was because he impersonated Blockbuster recently. The Alpha Lantern Kraken comes inand puts Hal down for spending too much time on Earth which he does for obvious reasons.Kraken says that it is not possible to deduce the cause of death and which Batman firmly states that Orion was shot. Tension in the Air with Bruce unhappy at the interference and Jordan tries to mend things. Disarray everywhere.

Opto and John are at The Crime Scene of Orion's death. John finds a Theotoxic trace material containing bullet containing radion which was buried in 50 years giving us a major clue of the circumstance of Orion's death. John's ring starts to falter and someone tries to take him out, he tries to block the killing blow with his hands.

Hal is awoken from his sleep and is charged with the death of Orion and the attempted murder of John Stewart. His ring and badge has been suspended and he is taken away.

Batman and Superman discuss the situation. They both believe Hal is innocent. Superman leaves to submit a report and tells Bruce he will be back in an Hour or two. Wonder Woman and Doctor Midnite are besides John administering Purple Ray Technology. Batman and Kraken discuss the situation at which suddenly Kraken's demeanour changes and she begs him to say that the machines don't work at which Bruce realises that she is possessed. Batman tries to stop Kraken but she takes him out and puts him through the Boom Tube for her Master's Dark Desires.

Turpin hides and makes his way into the Command D Block of Bludhaven (noticed that Kamandi sounds like Command D). Reverend Good tells him that the kids were already seen at The Dark Side Club. He rejoices that The Dark Master is returning and they are all being reincarnated in their bleak majesty to bring along the Final Crisis of Man. Kamandi and others who aren't affected and different are being locked away to feed "The Forever Pit". Turpin starts to feel that there is someone in his head and he sees Batman locked away in a Chamber/Device (More on that in coming posts.)

Superman is at The Daily Planet where he submits the obituary of The Martian Manhunter, He sees Jimmy go and get something for Lois. He realises that Jimmy was in the cafeteria. Jimmy turns out to be Clayface and he destroys The Daily Planet.

Wally and Jay Garrick, The Flashes are looking around to the site where Martian Manhunter was killed. Flash talks about Batman's theory that the bullet was shot from a higher dimensional gun from the future causing Orion to be hit in the present and the bullet is buried in the past . Jay is uncomfortable as he does not like things related to time. Suddenly The Bullet goes past them and in all the shock, they see the shining beacon of Hope and sacrifice running towards them shouting "Run !" Did i Say that the embodiment of death was running behind him, The Black Racer ? Yeah..............

Review : Solid writing. The thing with this Crisis is that there are many Storylines happening. The Dan Turpin story, Nix's story, Libra doing his thing, The Super Young Team, The Flashes, The Alpha Lanterns and we have not even got to Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman. Its a very straight forward story with more and more insight into the players of the battle, lots of hints and clues. The Mystery builds into what will be a major turning point in Issue 3. There was criticism during the release for lack of action. Now it seems to be jam packed.

I noticed the interesting way Grant got lot of players off the board, blow after blow nearly. First John got attacked, Hal got arrested, Batman got abducted, Superman has to be with his wife,The Flashes nearly get killed. Its amazing ! The Super Young Team is a very rich addition to Grant's list of creations and to the Rich DC Universe

The Art has been amazing , not as good as the last one though but the layouts have been top notch and all the characters are well rendered and realistic, Now its street level. Wait for The Heavenly Battles.

Writing: 9.2
Art: 9.2

Last Thoughts : The players are nearly set and the mad Battle is to begin. The Street Level story is set to be Cosmic, Its already Cosmic in scale, Watch out.

 Barry Allen is Back !

Next In Final Crisis : More Of The Heroes Fall, Libra reveals his plans and The Earth is taken over in a sweep . See you next Time.

Discussion is Welcome.