By Geoff Johns (writer) Doug Mahkne (pencils) Doug Mahkne, Cristian Alamy, Tom Nguyen, and Rooney Ramos (inks), Randy Mayor (colors)
The Story: The newly resurrected, cosmic-zombie black lantern Martian Manhunter attacks Hal and Barry as they try to uncover why someone would dig up Brice Wayne’s bones (one can only postulate their reaction had they known that there was some Black Hand skull licking involved). As expected, a battle ensues with Hal and Barry mostly on the receiving end of the Manhunter’s assault. Meanwhile, Scar gets some much needed spotlight as she explains more about the Black Lanterns’ plans and how she came to turn against the Guardians. Lastly, yet another Blackest Night surprise occurs, as Lantern Jon Stewart’s past comes back to haunt him.
What’s Good: Well, at this point if DC printed a Blackest Night spin-off featuring Krypto’s visit to the vet that gets briefly held up because Clark gets lost on the way, I would probably buy it and spend all week wondering what was going to happen in its pages. I’m sure I’m not the only fanboy obsessed with Blackest Night. Sso anything Blackest Night is going to get a good review if not solely on the events’ early momentum. That being said, there are some things to truly love in this issue.
First off, Black Lantern Martian Manhunter is awesome. It’s his best incarnation–even better than Fernus from Kelly’s JLA arc. Not coincidentally, Doug Mahnke also did pencils in that arc, so I think it is say that he has established himself as best artist to draw the Martian Manhunter.
I’m not one for prolonged fight scenes where heroes talk as they fight to progress the plot, but Johns does a nice job of scripting this battle and providing interesting details of the three heroes’ relationships. The scenes with Scar are really good and she/he creeps the heck out of me. Seriously, imagine waking up one night and seeing that smurf-demon standing across the room, staring at you. Regarding the new surprise at the end of the book, despite me being completely detached from this plot-thread and frankly annoyed every time it’s brought up, it was a cool development and I wonder how the cosmos will deal with it.
After reading Sinestro Corps War this past weekend, I appreciated the fact that Johns tied in the events there, specifically Scar’s injury, to explain what is happening and how this Blackest Night’s fruition originated back then. Also, I am going crazy trying to figure out who the force behind the Black Lanterns is, i.e. Scar’s master. Kudos to Johns for building a great mystery.
Lastly, Mahnke rocks this issue as he did last. Next to Ethan Van Sciver, he is my favorite Lantern artist.
What’s Not So Good: Listen, this is a well crafted issue and mechanically there isn’t much to complain about. However, I was really expecting more from the Manhunter’s arrival than just a throwdown. Seeing Hal and Barry get tossed around as the Manhunter boasts he is just as powerful as Superman was a boring letdown. Because of this, I felt this was just an ancillary tale that was filling the place of a GL issue while not wanting to take too much away from the Blackest Night main series. I hope to see more substance in this series as this event proceeds.
Conclusion: This issue keeps the Blackest Night fever running high, but not as meaty as what I had hoped for and frankly, expected. But don’t miss this issue –even though you could and wouldn’t miss a beat of Blackest Night. Wow– if that paradox doesn’t communicate the jist of this issue then I don’t know what will.
Grade: B
– Rob G.
Second Opinion
Oddly enough, I think this issue delivers the excitement and energy that I felt was lacking from Blackest Night #1, and I suspect that as this epic storyline progresses, I will probably have the most fun following it in the pages of Green Lantern. With the skill and artistry of a master craftsman, Johns has built the foundation of “Blackest Night” over the years with an eye on this moment, and my God does it pay off beautifully. Johns excels at conveying the utter creepiness of the Black Lanterns, filling their scenes with fantastic character moments like their ability to identify the emotional spectrum in their victims, or the way the rings ooze black oil over those they choose to resurrect. Aided by the outstanding art of Doug Mahnke, whose work has grown by leaps and bounds since I last saw it in Seven Soldiers of Victory, this issue hits all the right notes. Manhunter’s resurrection is a truly terrifying experience, and his relentless pursuit of the brave and bold duo is both tragic and haunting. My favorite moment of this issue? When the zombie Manhunter reminds us that he is every bit as powerful as Superman, further underscoring the danger the Black Lantern Corps poses to all life. Make no mistake: “Blackest Night” is going to be the premiere event of the summer, and now’s the perfect time to jump on board and find out why!
Grade: B+
-Tony Rakittke
Filed under: DC Comics, Reviews | Tagged: blackes, Blackest Night, Comic Book Reviews, comic books, Cristian Alamy, DC Reviews, Doug Mahnke, Geoff Johns, Green Lantern, Green Lantern # 44 - Review, GREEN LANTERN #44, Randy Mayor, rooney ramos, The Blackest Night, Tom Nguyen, Weekly Comic Book Review | Leave a comment »
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