Blackest Night #0
Welcome to a very special edition of the Why I Love Comics Spotlight where, thanks to DC Comics we're sharing an early spotlight review on their Free Comic book Day entry... Blackest Night 0! The story has beautiful art by Ivan Reis and a script by Geoff Johns.
In the issue, we follow Barry Allen (aka Flash) and Hal Jordan (aka Green Lantern) as they have a conversation where Hal updates Barry on all the death's he's missed... including his own. Along the way, we also get some brilliant foreshadowing into the lead ring bearer for the Black Lantern Corps and the bodies of those he's recruiting. There are some pretty big and surprising names hinted at in the issue. Some were already known, of course, but some are quite new.
It's interesting to see Hal speak of his funeral and compare it against Barry's which comes off a bit more tragic than anything else. Personally, I like seeing Hal's relationship's with both Barry and Bruce Wayne explored here as well. It shows that Geoff can nail the characters in just one panel. Highlighting this, there's a page (I wont spoil but it) that shows Hal and Bruce's relationship a little differently than we've seen explored previously and it's a powerful moment.
Oh, for anyone wondering, the Black Lantern oath is incredibly creepy and a proper font is utilized to nail it down in a wonderfully horrific way.
Something else I have to commend DC and Geoff Johns on regarding this issue.... Geoff took the time to write a note promising that the event hit on time and he explained that he understands how events can disappoint and promises that things will be different here. He plans to work closely with his editors and Corps writer Peter Tomasi to oversee everything connected with Blackest Night.
Ivan Reis isn't the only one getting to have fun with the new art. Doug Mahnke also jumps in to do some character profiles for all the Corps as we are updated on their powers, history and weaknesses.
Story-wise, Larfleeze definitely steals the show for me though as Agent Orange. He basically creates his own Corps members out of constructs and is the sole Orange Lantern. I love the character so far. Oh and I finally know my favorite Red Lantern members name! Dex-Starr the evil cat who is probably my favorite corps member from any of the corps. Can't trust those cats man. We also get a sneak peek into the next two Blue Lanterns (who have very interesting designs) and Saint Walker continues to be great. My only complaint is that we get a picture of them but still have no idea on who the Indigo Lanterns are.
The last page also gives you a sneak peek of exactly what you can except going into this mini including tie-in's. On this front, I have to commend DC. Their holding at 6 books in total each month leading up to October which shouldn't hurt anyone's budget too bad, which is a good thing. That's keeping an event down to a very easy to follow number. I'm sure I'll be following it throughout telling you what you can and cannot miss in our audio podcast.
All in all, this is a great FCBD comic that sets things up for Blackest Night beautifully. You should absolutely pick it up at your local shop. I know I am heavily looking forward to the event that starts in July and should hit on all cylinders throughout the summer!
Eric Ratcliffe is a young writer/pop culture journalist/interviewer currently working on pitching a project named the Hunter chronicles. When not reading his weekly stack Eric can be found watching dvd's, playing on his 360 (gamertag: Zack Hunter) or just surfing online trying to find a scoop or two. Brand new to the Comic Related family, Eric is a fun new voice. Eric shops at TJ's Collectibles. Visit them on the web at www.tjcollect.com!
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