Brightest Day #23
Writers: Geoff Johns and Peter J. Tomasi
Artists: Ivan Reis, Joe Prado, Norm Rapmund, and Oclair Albert
Cover Artist: Gary Frank, Rod Reis, and Ivan Reis
Publisher: DC
This bi-weekly (most of the time) event is coming to an end and there are still many questions left to be answered. The issue starts off with chaos and darkness enveloping the Earth. The only place that appears to be safe from the disaster is the forest in Star City. Unfortunately, the White Lantern is preventing anyone deemed unworthy or unnecessary from entering. While Deadman struggles against the coercion of the White Lantern, Dove, Hawk, and surprisingly, Captain Boomerang, find their way to the forest. The White Lantern reveals its four champions against the oncoming onslaught of the Dark Avatar.
This issue was alright; there were certain aspects that were actually quite interesting, while others felt out of place. The explanation behind the forest was decent, but I thought the explanation between the “deaths” of the Hawks, Aquaman, Martian Manhunter, and Firestorm was great. In retrospect, I think it would have been even better had they not been on the cover of the issue. Captain Boomerang’s appearance felt terribly rushed and completely forced. The Dark Avatar makes for an interesting character, but I just can’t see how this could come to an actual end with only one more issue. 3.5/5
Superman/Batman Annual #5
Writers: James Robinson
Artists: Miguel Angel Sepulveda
Cover Artist: Dave McCaig
Publisher: DC
It should first be mentioned that anyone looking to find a standalone story will not be pleased. Rather, this issue happens to be part 4 of the currently ongoing, and relatively unadvertised in my opinion, Reign of Doomsday crossover event. The issue starts off with Starman and Saint Walker trapped outside of the JLA watchtower unable to enter, when they realize that Cyborg Superman has taken control of the entire base, using every little bit to attack Doomsday. Dark Supergirl, who find herself being poisoned by the tower (Cyborg Superman’s doing), is sidelined for the majority of the issue. Though she does take the down time to find out she’s dying, and then to fix herself and revert back to the Red and Blue heroine. Batman, the only one without any superpowers, fights his way through the Watchtower to relinquish Cyborg Doomsday’s control of the station, freeing Supergirl to enter the brawl.
I thought that this issue was great. Cyborg Superman coming out of Boodika, taking control of the Watchtower, and pretty much holding his own against Doomsday was awesome to see. Doomsday, who is growing immensely more powerful with every chapter of this event, continues to dominate the “Super” family like nobody else. The monster that killed Superman way back when, is now infinitely stronger and out for blood. It makes no sense why this event has been relatively quiet, especially in comparison to Flashpoint or War of the Green Lanterns, considering it is spanning across the board of “Super” books. And for all you Dick Grayson fans, there’s a totally rad scene where he’s in the DC equivalent of the danger room and takes on a slew of DC’s dastardly villains. 4/5
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Arnab Pradhan
arnab@comicattack.net
The Reign of Doomsday story does seem like it’s only barely being advertised and DC is pumping more into GL because of the upcoming movie and the Flashpoint event that’s on the horizon. I usually like the Supes/Batman annuals because they’re stand alone stories I guess this will have to wait until the trade comes out.
The Reign of Doomsday story hasn’t been advertised. The only reason I really know about it, is because it has been taking place in books that I already read.
Love me some Doomsday!