[Editor’s note: This review may contain spoilers.]
Writer: Scott Snyder & James Tynion IV
Artists: Jim Lee, Andy Kubert and John Romita Jr.
Summary
The comic book event of the summer starts here! Something is coming to the DC Universe, a truth that some believe should never be discovered is about to be revealed to the world. A truth so dangerous that the Guardians of the Universe send Green Lantern Corps member, Hal Jordan on a secret mission to stop it.
Green Lantern soon discovers that Batman appears to know something about what’s happening, but has kept it secret from, not only the other League members, but even members of the Bat-family as well.
Hawkman, who has lived multiple lives throughout time, may be the key to understanding the truth of what’s happening. Aquaman, Duke Thomas and other characters also make surprise appearances as the mystery builds up, leading to an ending that is sure to excite many readers.
Positives
The writing of Scott Snyder and James Tynion IV is always fantastic and this title is no exception. They successfully set up what promises to be the most talked about summer event in comics. The first issue doesn’t give any answers and only leaves the reader asking questions, but those questions are so compelling one can’t help but be excited for the next issue.
Each panel of every page is beautifully illustrated, which should come as no surprise when you have seasoned professionals like Jim Lee, Andy Kubert and John Romita Jr. on art duty.
Prior to his move to DC, I was not much of a Romita Jr. fan, but his work at DC has really been great in my opinion. In this book, his style really works well on the Green Lantern pages, making me wonder what an issue of Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps might look like with him illustrating it.
The best parts about this book are the other DC characters making their appearances, especially the promise that criminal-turned-hero, Plastic Man will soon be an active player in the DC Universe once again.
Negatives
It’s too early to tell if this event will live up to its potential or not, but for a single issue, the only negative is the sporadic change of artists. They are all great artists in their own right, but there doesn’t seem to be any rhyme or reason as to when they are chosen to draw a page. A change in art style in the middle of a book can be jarring at first, and it would’ve flowed a little better in my mind if they at least chose to have one artist stay on one subplot each. For example, if Jim Lee starts with Green Lantern, then each Green Lantern segment should’ve been illustrated by him. It almost feels as if that was actually their intent in the beginning since Kubert’s art is primarily on Hawkman, but then for some reason that idea got lost along the way. It’s nitpicking, but it just would’ve been nice if it was segmented like that throughout the book.
Verdict
Pick up this book! It has something for everyone and if it lives up to it’s potential, I think it will be one of the most exciting events in comics, right along with Blackest Night, Flashpoint and Rebirth.
