Blackest Night #1 - by Johns, Reis, and Albert - This is it folks. This is the super-big event of the summer, and boy, is it a doozy! This is the perfect jumping on point to the DC Universe, and not to mention one of the coolest concepts in a long time. It seems the DC Universe has a problem with everyone dying and returning to life as most comic book characters do, so the Black Lanterns (who govern the concept of death) have been created. The Black Lanterns are none other than all the heroes and important people who have died and NOT came back, such as Elongated Man (who died in the 52 event), Martian Manhunter (who died more recently during the Infinite Crisis) and many many others. They have come back as Revenants, undead killers, to apparently wage war on the other ring-bearers (Green Lantern Corps, Sinestro Corp and others) and to ensure that which should be dead, is dead. A pretty lofty goal, one that has been years in the making.
While the action in the story doesn't really start until well past the halfway part, the set up is necessary as a framing point and as an excellent set up for what happens later in the story. The action, which really takes place in the last eight pages, is fast and brutal - not to mention a shocker.
The art by Reis and Albert is top notch and vaguely reminds me Bryan Hitchs' work on the Fantastic Four and Ultimates, where the superheroes look human, even while they are flying about. It's very well done and easy on the eyes.
All in all, if you can only buy one comic book this week, this is it; even if don't want anything to do with the DC universe. All the confusing storylines which seem to plague their books recently seem to melt away under the zombie hordes.
Doctor Who #1 - by Lee and Davison - On a much lighter note, this title whole heartedly captures the fun and excitement of the current BBC TV series of the same name. The story takes place during the silent film boom in the 1920's Hollywood, and while the names of all the famous people have been changed (which honestly, kind of grates on the reviewer), everyone is quite recognizable. It's a very quick and enjoyable read and Tony Lee catches The Doctor's spirit very well. The art is well done, and makes the story easy concentrate on. This reader can't wait to see how The Doctor gets of the mess he finds himself in at the end of the issue.
The Last Resort #1 - by Palmiotti, Gray and Caracuzzo - This obvious send-up to the schlocky horror movies of the 1970's has outdone itself. This book reads exactly like one of those movies. The story revolves around a zombie outbreak on island resort and the planeful of characters who unwittingly land there. This is not a book for the kids, as it is filled with sex and profanity, but that's alright as it wasn't meant for them. The jokes are hilarious, and to tell the truth, all the characters are very well portrayed, engaging and likeable. The art, done by Giancarlo Caracuzzo is gorgeous and well done, and the cover by Amanda Conner is subtlety awesome. If good, schlocky horror is your desire, this book is definitely worth your money!
The Punisher #7 - by Remender, Huat and Loughridge - Frank Castle continues his one man rampage through the Marvel Universe, declaring war on Norman Osborn and his "Dark Reign." Currently fighting Osborn's co-conspirator, The Hood, The Punisher is cutting a swath of destruction through his criminal empire. In the last issue, The Hood used his magical powers to resurrect a dozen or so previously killed villains with one purpose in mind, to kill our beloved anti-hero. This issue, Frank doesn't waste time at putting these villains back where they belong - in the ground. Remender does a great job in characterizing The Punisher as the tortured anti-hero and keep everything moving along; even with a horde of characters. The pace is a bit on the slow side, but the momentum in this arc is definitely building quckly. This is a good solid issue.
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