Archive for category The Blackest Night
Blackest Night – Issue #1 of 8
Posted by Ryan Brewer in The Blackest Night on August 29th, 2009
The Dead Shall Rise
It has begun. The War of Light is raging and the dead shall rise. This issue is nothing but a thrill ride of horror from beginning to end. An action packed A-List of heroes and villains are all lined up to make this truly a summer blockbuster event. I think that Geoff does a great job in this issue of not making this a “Green Lantern” story arc. Obviously the main theme is Green Lantern related, the henchman of death is a Guardian, a bunch of zombie like creatures are now wearing power rings… but beyond that you see very quickly that this is going to go far beyond anything strictly Oan. If for some reason you weren’t planning on picking up this series… change your mind now. This is going to be a gory roller coaster ride from beginning to end.
We kick off the issue with Black Hand in the grave yard digging up an unmarked grave next to Martha and Thomas Wayne. Then we jump to an explosion of black power rings that erupts within Space Sector 666. Like a swarm of flies they are coming and they are seeking flesh! We then jump to Coast City on the anniversary of the day that everyone thought Superman died. This day has been declared a National Day of Mourning… since Superman returned it’s become a day to remember Super-Beings who gave their lives protecting the world; and the innocents they failed to save. The Green Lantern crew consisting of Hal Jordan, John Stewart, Guy Gardner and Kyle Rayner ignite a “No Fear” memorial in the center of Coast City as Hal comments on the loved ones he has lost in his days a Green Lantern.
As the emerald flames shine on the faces of the people of Coast City we see flashes of people across the world mourning those they have lost. In Smallville Conner, Clark and their Ma Kent are at the grave of Jonathan Kent. Pittsburgh shows us the grave of Ronnie Raymond the first Firestorm. San Francisco the Teen Titans view the memorials of their comrades. Even the Flash’s own Central City hosts the Hidden Graveyard of Rogues. And we hear the debate over Arthur Curry and his being buried on land when he has a magnificent tomb waiting for him under the sea. Then in Gotham City Alfred discovers the grave of the man he raised has been dug up, defiled and remains stolen.
12 Must Read Story Arcs to Prepare you for The Blackest Night
Posted by Ryan Brewer in Green Lantern, The Blackest Night on August 23rd, 2009
If you are into comics you’ve heard about the impending Blackest Night summer event (unless you’ve been living under a rock that is.) This one sounds like it won’t be for the faint of heart! But are you prepared to jump in head first to the biggest thing to hit the DC Universe since The Final Crisis? Do you know the back story? The key players? Why that little blue guy named Scar keeps puking up black bile all the time and turning the page in that massive book under the city of Oa? Well if not you’ve come to the right place! This quick list of a dozen story arcs will fill you in on everything you need to know about this upcoming mega DC Comics event. Hold on to your tights and charge up your power rings because here we go…
1. Green Lantern: Rebirth
It all starts here! Or did it all restart here? Hal Jordan has overcome his inner demons and separates himself from the Spectre. This arc was published as a six-issue arc from October 2004 to May 2005 and starred characters from throughout the entire 60 year history of Green Lantern. Not only do we get Hal back, but the Guardians of the Universe, Kilowog and even Sinestro get their own rebirth as it were in this story by Geoff Johns with illustration by Ethan Van Sciver. But one of the aspects from this story that is having ramifications five years later with the Blackest Night is the introduction of the emotional spectrum.
2. Green Lantern: No Fear
Green Lantern Issues 1-6
Geoff Johns is back at it again here and is kicking off the newest volume of Green Lantern with issues 1-6. This story is about Hal Jordan attempting to restart his life after having been dead for quite some time. He returns to a very different Coast City. He becomes a test pilot with the Air Force again and starts reconnecting with all his old super hero friends. But along with these friends come some old enemies. Hal and his ring tangle up with Hector Hammond, Shark, The Manhunters and Black Hand (he’ll be REALLY important later.)