By Geoff Johns (writer), Ivan Reiss (pencils), Oclair Albert, Julio Ferreira (inks), and Alex Sinclair (colorist)
The Story: After the brutal events in issue one, the dead continue to rise and wreak havoc throughout the the universe. In this issue, Hal and Barry’s fight with J’onn ends up in Gotham City; meanwhile Tempest (a.k.a. Aqualad) and Mera pay Aquaman’s grave a visit.
What’s Good: The art and the action. If you thought last issue’s violence was brutal, wait till you read this one. From more bare hands ripping out hearts, to sharks and eels being summoned to bite the arms and faces off some guards, the chaotic violence was over-the-top and glorious!
What also helped amplify all this action and make this issue an entertaining read, was Ivan Reis’ work. When I first discovered that Ethan Van Sciver wasn’t going to have a hand in this blockbuster GL event, I was a little skeptical with Reis attached to this Johns project. But now, I’m sold. In this issue, Reis delivers the goods in order to make this book the fast-paced, compelling issue it is. However, in addition to all the bloodshed, Reis also shows that he can illustrate the more human moments. Surprisingly, the most tragic and haunting moment in this issue wasn’t someone’s face getting bashed in, or some creepy Black Lantern’s resurrection, instead it was a “little man” talking on the phone.
What’s Not So Good: With all the bloody mayhem, it’s sad to say that the plot doesn’t exactly thicken in this issue. It simply follows issue one’s narrative structure: more dead folks rise, and a pretty significant hero dies. Furthermore, we weren’t treated to anything really memorable with the Black Lanterns in this issue. Nothing/ nobody really made a lasting impression like the Dibnys in the previous issue. Instead, we got an all-out fight scene between the Atlanteans.
I highly doubt people were pleasantly surprised by all the aqua action. Aquaman, Tula, and the other Atlantean broad weren’t that important to begin with– which was why they were fogivably killed off over and over in the first place. I simply wish I could’ve seen more of the Black Lanterns on the cover… Or even some more creepy moments with the Black Lantern Dibnys….
Conclusion: With this issue mirroring the previous one too closely, it falls a little flat with its formulaic scenes of heroes rising and dying. Nevertheless, it’s still an exciting read that’ll keep you wanting more of the Blackest Night.
Grade: B
-Ray Hilario
Filed under: DC Comics | Tagged: Alex Sinclair, Black hand, Black Lanterns, Blackest Night, Blackest Night #2, Blackest Night #2 review, comic book, Comic Book Reviews, DC Reviews, Geoff Johns, Green Lantern, Green Lantern, Ivan Reis, Julio Ferreira, Oclair Albert, weekly comic book reviews | 1 Comment »
Weekly Comic Book Review 