Green Lantern: Blackest Night **SPOILERS**

[Tragic Angelus]

Ok, so this is long, long overdue. There are currently 3 issues of Green Lantern tieing directly into Blackest Night, and I should've done them when I did the others but I forgot them, and got behind. So I'll start with the first of them, and work my way up to get caught up so youc an stay filled in. It'll be just like the other review/recaps. And again, I don't have the GL Corps issues as I don't get the book, and won't be picking it up for the mini.

Green Lantern #44:

*Note, this takes place during the end of Blackest Night #1 and before Blackest night #2

We open on Mars, at the monument of J'onn J'onzz. We see the Choco cookie Batman placed on his casket begin to slide as the monument begins to rumble, and finally the cookie falls off cracking, just as Black Ring bursts through, calling J'onn to rise, which he quickly does.

Cut to Barry and Hal at Bruce's unmarked grave. While they're investigating his disturbed grave, they're greeted by the newly risen Martian Manhunter, as we all know well by now. We see Hal colored in Will, and Barry in Hope (personal note, a blue Flash looks wickedly awesome), and as they realize he's not alive, they attack. But by going invisible, J'onn can easily take them apart, as he does by attacking with his body and mind both. But as he prepares to pull Hal's heart, Barry regroups and puls Hal out of harms way.

As they have time away from him, they discuss the Black Ring he had on, and Barry asks when they started getting more colors of rings. Just then, J'onn returns, lifting the building apart that the two had crashed in, proclaiming he's just as strong as Superman and that people forget that.

Cut to Sayd, the Black Lantern Guardian, saying she never betrayed the Guardians but rather that she's carrying out the mission that the Manhunters and Green Lanterns have failed to do. We see Ysmault, home of the Red Lanterns where the Lost Green Lanterns are rescuing the body of Laira and battling Red Lanterns, Okaara home of the Orange Lanterns, where Larfaleeze watches his Corps attacking the Blue Lanterns, and Zamaron, home of the Star Sapphires where the Sinestro Corps is attacking the Sapphires to free they're trapped members.

Back on Earth, Barry and Hal are discussing what could have done this to J'onn, and how he seemed more Alienated in the end. J'onn tells Barry he'll help him understand him again, like he used to, and as he begins to Barry strikes out against J'onn, seemingly beating him. Then, in a very incredible two page spread with Barry punching straight into someone, we learn that someone was actually Hal he'd been attacking. So we have a huge spread of Barry punching a very injured Hal through the air, as Hal tells him to stop.

As the two land, J'onn grabs Hal and hurls him through the air (where we know he'll land on the Bat Signal in BN #2).

Cut to John Stewart, residing in space near the destroyed planet Xanshi, remembering the day it all happened. When suddenly, thousands of Black rings rush to fill the area around him.



A Fantastic issue, and I'm so glad that Doug Mahnke is taking over the art chores for Green Lantern. He really fits the mood and style of the Blackest Night arc, and I've always loved how he draws a Flash, and here he definitely keeps it up.

[Tragic Angelus]

Green Lantern #45:

So we open back with John Stewart at the remains of Xanshi with rings flying everywhere aroudn him, and we see a Black Lantern Pariah claiming that 'world's have died, and worlds will rise,' when suddenly the entire planet of Xanshi itself is seemingly brought back as a giant Black Lantern Planet with the symbol etched on it. Could it be they have their own Mogo now?

Cut to a huge battle between Star Sapphires and Sinestro Corps members on Zamaron, where female Sinestro members are being imprisioned and 'converted' by love. Most of this issue is narrated by Carol Ferris, describing how she's only doing this again because she was told Hal would need her help. But she argues with her ring, which wants to put her under it's control like it used to, putting her in what she says is 'auto pilot'. Carol wants to remain in control this time and use the ring rather than be used.

Finally, many of the members are freed by their leader, Sinestro, who instantly recognizes and targets Carol. He tells her he has no fued with her in particular, and will allow her to live so long as she stays out of his way, but she refuses, attacking him.

We cut to the Lost Lanterns again, like last issue, still on Ysmault the home of the Red Lanterns, trying to escape with Laria's body but Boodikka will not leave as an Alpha Lantern, and is killing Red Lanterns mercilessly. But as they try to get her to leave, the planet is overrun by Black Rings calling former Corps members to rise, including Laria herself.

Back to Carol and Sinestro battling it out, which I have to say is really amazing. Two I never thought would ever get into it but who clearly have some history through Hal really let each other have it, with Sinestro even creating a large yellow GL Hal to attack Carol. But she gets the upper hand, and actually captures Sinestro in the Love Crystal Chambers that have been converting people throughout the universe into members fueled by Love.

We learn while he's trapped in the crystal that Sinestro once was deep in love, but not just with any one in particular, but rather Abin Sur's sister, Arin, until he lost her, and upon all the memories of her, he explodes from the Crystal with Yellow Energy, and violently lashes out at Carol. And this is like every other time his rage has really come into play. Sinestro is unleashing all he has, and you can tell he's ready to kill every Star Sapphire just for Carol making him relive it all over again.

And as he and a few of his Corps members have her trapped, ready to kill her, some Black Lanterns arrive, killing a few other Sinestro Corps members, including Abin's son, former Sinestro Corps member.

Cut to Odym, hope of the Blue Lantern Corps, under attack by the constructs of the Orange Lantern Corpse (If you're not aware, Larfalezz is the only ACTUAL member of the Orange Lanterns, and all those he's killed he creates as constructs acting like members, keeping the power solely to himself). As they battle the 2 Guardians and 3 members of the Blue Lanterns, Black Rings hover over the planet claiming to await for death since there are no dead bodies on the planet.

Back on Okaara, home to Larfalezz, who watches all of this occur, waiting for his Blue Ring to be brought to him, is swarmed with Black Rings. He tries to catch one, but they race to the hundreds of dead bodies littered around him, and each and every dead member he uses as a construct member rises as a Black Lantern ina comical 2 page spread with him mearly uttering 'uh-oh' and a very 'oh shit!' look on his face.

Overall, great issue, and Mahnke continues to astound with his artwork. I really loved the Carol/Sinestro interactions, revealing and touching on a lot of history that we've always known but never focused on as it was always Hal and Carol or Hal and Sinestro, though all three were always encountering one another.

[Tragic Angelus]

Green Lantern #46:

*Note, this takes place immediately after the last issue, but also immediately after about the halfway point of Blackest Night #3

We open back on Zamaron, where the Guardians of the Star Sapphires are witnessing both the Sinestro Corp members there and the Sapphires now battling Black Lanterns. As they notice the danger, they make one vow and that's to prevent the Predator from escaping (Predator is the Violet Corps Entity like Ion and Parallax, and in contrast to the Violet Corps so far female only members, is a seemingly male Entity).

Sinestro takes over narration on this one, and as he and Carol seemingly table their fight he refuses to actually assist stopping the Black Lanterns since he's there to free his corps members only. As protects himself and tries saving his members, Slushh the green clear member with bones floating inside has about 5 Black Lanterns erupt from within in a really cool moment. As Sinestro and Carol become somewhat surrounded, Hal and the two members we saw in Blackest Night #3 appear on Zamaron. Channeling multiple Corps' light, she and the other Indigo lantern destroy many of the Black Lanterns, and the male Indigo lantern takes leave to head to Oa, leaving Hal and Indigo-1 with Carol and Sinestro.

Carol and Hal work together taking Black Lanterns down as he explains the multiple colors aspect to defeating them, and discussing how she volunteered for this and how she's in control this time, and how she did it because Hal would need help.

As they work together, Sinestro attacks them both until stopped by Indigo-1, who informs him she can be trusted as Abin Sur told her if he was not around that Sinestro was to be trusted with information. But as he asks her what she knows of Abin, two Black Rings head for the main power battery on Zamaron.

Inside appear to be the crystalized bodies of 2 lovers. Both with wings. Khufu and Chay-Ara, both of Earth, are called to Rise. As they do, the Battery shatters, killing hundreds of Star Sapphires and Sinestro Corps members, raising power levels to 75.25%, and freeing the Predator.

Indigo manages to, of course, save Carol, Sinestro, and Hal, as she was using Hal to connect to the main or leading members of each Corps. As they leave the planet, Sayd the Black Guardian orders all unengaged Black Lanterns to follow the Indigo Light.

We see John again at the now risen planet of Xanshi, and a voice calling out to him that it can help him save them, and he flies toward the planet.

Indigo-1 transports the four of them to Korugar, in order for Sinestro to complete his goal of battling his rival for control of his Corps. Mongul has staked his claims in the Corps, and as Sinestro is transported directly to his throne on the planet, the two immediately begin battling each other to the death. The other three Lanterns jump in to help, but coming back from an incredible hit, Sinestro knocks all of them out of the way, claiming this is his fight, his world, and his Corps.

We're treated to a greatly drawn battle by Mahnke where the two utterly mismatched characters duke it out. Sinestro is easily overcome by Mongul's huge frame and sheer power, and when the other Lanterns try to help he again shoves them away, this time with a construct of Abin Sur. But Mongul lifts him up from under his foot, and prepares to crush Sinestro's head in his hands, as Sinestro reachs up to the rings on each of Mongul's fingers.

We learn Sinestro has overrides on all of his Corps' rings since he was the one who forged them, and he is the one who allows someone else to wear them. We see he actually has total control over each of his members if necessary, The Yellow Energy strikes back at Mongul, freeing Sinestro, and shoving massive yellow spikes all through Mongul's body.

Sinestro calls for the Central Fear Battery and members of his Corps, informing Mongul that he will not control the Yellow Lanterns, nor die and join the Black Lanterns, but rather in a constant state of pain in the Battery.

Just as Sinestro restakes his claim and declares himself the leader of the entire charge agasint the Blackest Night, a ship with the Black Lantern Logo lands, and we see each of the Four Lanterns colored with their respective emotion.

Then, inside the ship, claiming Sinestro is the reason both of them died, we see Black Lanterns Abin Sur and his sister Arin.


Another great issue, and I hope the collection of leaders continues here in GL so the main story can be pushed in the main title until the two converge.

[Mr Wallstreet]

The BN issue with J'onn sounds particularly fantastic and emotionally gut-wrenching. I've always felt J'onn and Aquaman were both underrated, and utilized improperly. To see J'onn return and gun for his old team mates, team mates who were on one incarnation or another of his team makes it all that much awesome.

At the conclusion of Meltzer's first story on JLA both J'onn and Arthur were watching them from the background discussing the history of the league. It would be great if both BN Aquaman and MM took on the League.

Xanshi being the the "OA" of the BL makes sense in every way. One of the biggest failures of any GL is now the home and point of power of all the dead. The scene where you describe John watching the sky fill up with BL rings reminds of one of one of the scenes in the Sinestro Corp. wars - when the GLs and YL's were fighting it out on earth - the next page showed the space on top of earth filling up with yellow and green lantern rings. It was a fantastic piece of artwork. It gave the reader a sense of how much death was taking place on both sides.

Just a clarification - the Love Lanterns: their rings take over the bearer?

[Tragic Angelus]

1. As for Xanshi being the Oa of the Black Lanterns, I don't think that's the case. They actually have a central Power Battery on another planet, the one the Anti Monitor's corpse landed on and turned into, which I believe is Ryut. I think Xanshi is more like Mogo. A planet that IS a Lantern, rather than the homeplanet.

2. Yes, the Star Sapphires are more controlled by their rings rather than control the rings themselves, much like the Red Lanterns. Johns explained that the two, being on the far ends of the spectrum (red and violet) are far more emotional and actually controled by the emotion/rings themselves, rather than utilize them. That's why Red Lanterns are just rage filled violent lanterns, and Sapphires are those seeking to spread love and convert, and generally speak the way the old Star Sapphires used to.

[Mr Wallstreet]

2. Yes, the Star Sapphires are more controlled by their rings rather than control the rings themselves, much like the Red Lanterns. Johns explained that the two, being on the far ends of the spectrum (red and violet) are far more emotional and actually controled by the emotion/rings themselves, rather than utilize them. That's why Red Lanterns are just rage filled violent lanterns, and Sapphires are those seeking to spread love and convert, and generally speak the way the old Star Sapphires used to.

Hmm, I can't say as I agree with that idea (love/rage controlling their ring bearers) but hey, its his universe and were just livin in it, so I'll go along with it.

Another thing I thought was a nice touch was the Orange Lantern keeping all his power for himself. Greedy mofo

:greedy:

[Tragic Angelus]

Green Lantern #47:

We open with the now Black Lantern Laria (see issue #45) attacking the Lost Lanterns who are on Ysmault (homeworld of the Red Lantern Corps) to rescue her. As Atrocitus gears up to attack the Lost Lanterns, the other Four of the Five Inversions on Ysmault of which Atrocitus is the only surviving member, rise as Black Lanterns. Atrocitus speaks with them, and when they ask if his Rage can get any stronger, and he responds no, one of the newly risen Black Lanterns rips Atrocitus' heart from his body.

When a Black Ring attempts to have him Rise, it's cut off, and instead his ring calls out "Rage", and Atrocitus wakes up, screaming that "You things may slaughter the other corps, but the Red Lanterns will not fall so easily!" as he attacks the Black Lanterns. In other words, ripping the heart out of a Red Lantern doesn't do jack, as we know the rings replace a members blood with the red fire of rage, making their heart useless.

Cut back Korugar, where Black Lanterns Abin Sur and his sister Arin attack Sinestro, Hal, Carol and Indigo. Arin launches onto Sinestro, knocking him down into the underground of Korugar, while Abin grabs Hal by the throat and carries him into the sky, mentioning how he always knew Hal would surpass him. He then mentions to Hal how he never almost brought the Corps to completely destruction or failed to save millions in a city. But none of that phases Hal, as he attacks Abin claiming he's past Coast City and Parallax, and knows that it's not really Abin.

Indigo tells Carol to help "her man" Hal, while she'll go aid Sinestro, who's beneath the streets of Korugar. Arin Sur reminds him that she died below those very streets, which doesn't phase him at first, but when she reminds him of their love, we see Sinestro colored in Fear, along with Love and Compassion. Suddenly, Arin is blasted with Green Light, and Sinestro thinks it's Hal before Indigo arrives, having channeled the Green Light to hurt Arin. Arin rolls over, appearing not as a deceased person, but rather her normal self, calling out to Sinestro.

Just then, Carol, Hal and Abin burst into the scene. The four then channel their lights together, Carol and Hal destroying Abin, and Indigo, Sinestro and Hal (having split his energy two ways) taking out Arin. As the two Black Lanterns are deactivated, Abin calls out that he recognizes Indigo. Hal then asks Sinestro who that woman was, and upon learning it was Abin's sister, Hal asks who she was to Sinestro, to which he angerly replies Nobody.

Sinestro then makes a claim to take charge, demanding Indigo to take them to Atrocitus. Hal argues for Saint Walker (the first Blue Lantern) but Sinestro counters that the Red Lanterns have their hearts replaced by the Red Rings (which we've just seen) and that it could give them an advantage. Hal counters that the Red Lanterns are uncontrolable, and the Blue Light can counter and subdue the Red, something they could use first.

While the two argue over who they should recruit, Hal attempts to reason that if the Universe falls, so falls Korugar, which should interest Sinestro. He replies that he has over 100 of his Corps members above the planet who will give their lives to defend Korugar, which he states is a fact, rather than a threat.

And Hal steps up. He says he's done being a pawn. To Sinestro, to the Guardians, and all the other Corps, referencing how he's worn nearly every ring now other than Violet and Indigo. He says that if Indigo wants him running things, then he will, and everyone there is going to help, but that he will be in charge, no one else, indicating Sinestro.

Sinestro calls to his Corps. He states they will now continue protecting Korugar and the Central Battery while he is gone. Also, he states that for the duration of the Black Lantern attacks, Green Lantern Corps members are no longer to be engaged as enemies. He then, in a manner of words, deferrs control of the 'Corps Heads' to Jordan.

Cut to Xanshi, where John is exploring the planet surface and following a green Light. He lifts up a Green power Battery, and we see him being watched by someone who wields both Green and Black Power Rings, as teh voice calling out to him says "Salvation is Right Here."

Cut to Odym, home of the Blue Corps. As the 4 Blue Lanterns and 2 Guardians try to fight off the Orange Construct Members, the Guardians notice the Black Rings getting closer, perhaps sensing death. But Saint Walker has faith, and suddenly his ring stats that All Will Be Well, and suddenly his ring powers up and he blasts through constructs. The others note their rings are back online and fight back as well (As you'll recall, Blue Rings only work beyond flight and force field/space travel with another Corps near by, so far the Green Lanterns that we know of). Our four Corps leaders arrive, and as the construct of Larfleeze recognizes Jordan, he claims he wants him because he wore both the Green and Blue rings, before all fo the Orange Construct members disappear.

Cut to Okaara, homeworld of Agent Orange, aka Larfleeze, the Orange Lantern. He's on the run from dozens of Black Lanterns, each one the risen body of a person he's killed and made a member of his Construct Corps, calling out that he "Wants, Wants Wants.. Help." As he finally stops to prepare for the attack, we hear a Red Ring call out Rage. The final page is an enraged Atrocitus standing before him, blasting away the Black Lanterns and yelling that he wants Larfleeze's Power Batter.

A decent issue, but much more "talk and exposition" than anything else. 5 of the Corps Leaders are now together (Hal, Carol, Sinestro, Indigo, and Saint Walker), and Atrocitus and Larfleeze are in the same place, but it seems Atrocitus is ready to kill the other. Guess the other 5 only have a few moments to get there. Beautiful work from Mahnke again, and I really love his style, though his Larfleeze is different, I still like it. I'm really curious as to why Atrocitus would want the Orange Battery, but I'm ready for the joining of all 7 Corps.

[Mr Wallstreet]

It sounds a lot more idea and dialogue heavy, which is not a bad thing and can also be a nice break from the non-stop action and provide a breather. The only question was if it was important dialogue/explanation or just padding.

[Tragic Angelus]

I'd say it was a bit of pacing, with some importance. I say that because we honestly have no clue where some leads and beats are going to go, or how things will play out. It's interesting to go back to some issues, key points, and things to see how they plaid out 2-3 issues later.

I think the Red Lanterns having no heart to remove is important.
Hal taking charge of Sinestro is pretty crucial, along with re-locating the Sinestro Corps to Korugar.
And of course, the gathering of the '7 Corps Leaders' so to speak.

Great break from nonstop action, and fitting way to fill us in on some back story, and foreshadowing.

[Mr Wallstreet]

This is all so exciting. I can't wait for the books to be released in softcover trade paperback in 2012 so I can read about them

...seriously...

[Tragic Angelus]

Haha, seriously you're enjoying how it sounds or seriously you were mocking DC's inability to get paperbacks in decent time? Or both?

[Mr Wallstreet]

Both. I've been looking forward to Blackest Night since summer 08 and from everything that's been posted about it, here and other places, it sounds like its shaping up to be a pretty good story.

Unfortunately, DC (like Marvel) are a bunch of a-holes when it comes to putting out a story in trade. First they wait a whole f'ing year before they release an HC. Then a year after the HC comes out they release the tpb. I realize that this is common practice in publishing but it still blows.

[Tragic Angelus]

Actually, HC are coming out withing Months of it wrapping on Marvel side, and for some DC stories as well. The Flash Rebirth HC is due out in February, and BftC is already out now. I see Blackes Night HC being released in April or May after the main book wraps.

[Mr Wallstreet]

Marvel may be a bit better at releasing softcover's after trade's are released but not by a lot.

For DC, they are completely crap on softcover front. The Flash HC while scheduled to come out in February, I can almost gurantee the release date will be pushed back by several months.

[wolf_2099]

They really should be able to publish the effin things weeks after they come out, even the HC if they have bonus material.

[Tragic Angelus]

Hardcovers really are pretty quick to come out, but yea Softcovers they push back, and it's simply for profit reasons. The longer the Hardcover's on the market as the only option, the more likely people will finally pick it up to read the story rather than wait any longer.

[Sandman]

I can not say enough good things about this event. it is the most I have enjoyed reading comic books in years

[Tragic Angelus]

Green Lantern #48:

*Note, this takes place immediately after GL 47, and just after BN 5.

We open with Larfleeze and Atrocitus arguing and wrestling over the sole Orange Lantern, as the two are being chased by the Black Lanterns of the Orange Corps members. Throughout the fight, and issue itself, Larfleeze has some fun playful dialogue because he has absolutely no idea about most of the outside world having been held up on Okaara all his life. Atrocitus manages to spew out a wall of red flame to hold most of them back, before Larfleeze decks him with the Orange Lantern, knocking him out. He tries reconstructing his Corps to fight the Black Lanterns, but they're useless.

As the Black Lanterns descend upon Larfleeze, he's saved by the other 5 leaders of the various Corps' who begin dismantling the Black Lanterns while Larfleeze becomes angered at Saint Walker, still coveting his ring. We find out that Ganthet and Sayd have joined the Corps leaders on their quest, and they try to calm Larfleeze down as he demands a Guardian of his own.

The rest of the members regroup to push Larfleeze back and ask him how he knew about Odym, while Sinestro attempts to restrain the still unconscious Atrocitus. Hal learns the Guardians gave Larfleeze the news about Odym, and he vows to never work for them again after this, to which Sinestro again rises up and argues with him, claiming that Hal reminds him Abin is dead, and that he must have been what Abin tried to warn him about all those years ago.

Atrocitus wakes up just then and breaks free in a great double page spread, striking at Sinestro, before moving towards Hal. The remaining 3 Leaders try taking him down, and when Compassion doesn't work, Saint Walker tries Hope, to no avail. Luckily Hal restrains him, while Sienstro holds Larfleeze as well. Hal tries reasoning with them, but Sinestro refuses, and informs Larfleeze that his Corps has hidden 12 blink bombs on Okaara, and if he refuses to cooperate then he'll lose all of his positions. He then tells Atrocitus that if he cooperates, the Red and Yellow Corps will join together to destroy the Green Lanterns after this is all over.

Atrocitus breaks free, attacking Sinestro, as does Larfleeze, when suddenly Everyone's Rings light up and show them the image of Black Lantern Jean Lohring killing Damage and that power levels are at 100% for the Black Lanterns, and it calls out to Hal Jordan. Indigo-1 channels a broken Black ring learning the source of the Black Lantern's Powers, and she transports them there, saying they cannot let down her savior Abin Sur.

We arrive on Ryut, which was Atrocitus' home planet, to which he becomes enraged again, but as he lashes out he finally falls to his knees, showing another emotion aside from Rage, as we learn that on his home planet, he lost the one thing he loved, being life. Atrocitus finally agrees to help the others, but that the Guardians will die when he's done.

Larfleeze agrees to help if he gets his own Guardian, so Sayd steps forward agreeing to serve him if they all survive. The group learns the Black Lanterns have moved, and decide to track them down. We get a final page of the 5 different personal Lanterns apearing with Larfleeze holding his own and Indigo-1 holding her staff, as Gahnthet says they'll give everything they have to destroy the Black Lantern Corps.



Overall, a good issue that goes straight from the last one and into Blackest Night #5. Lots of exposition, but I'm glad it was in this book rather than stretching out an issue of Blackest Night. Very cool seeing all of them come together, and again I can't say enough good things about Mahnke's work! The coloring as well really helps highlight the darkness of the story, making each emblem, ring, and lantern that much brighter when they shine.

[wolf_2099]

Are you going to do a college level dissertation on Blackest Night when it is over?

[Tragic Angelus]

It's possible. I could. I'm more interested in one on symbology in Buffy. For realz.

[Sandman]

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w87/entersandman79/Photo2copy.jpg

Boo-yeah!

[wolf_2099]

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w87/entersandman79/Photo2copy.jpg

Boo-yeah!

How sing us all the songs.

[Tragic Angelus]

Hahah once I get through this fucking week I plan to take similar pics with the rings I got!! Very nice!

[Mr Wallstreet]

No, no, no Sandman. You need to post a picture of yourself with yuor rings wearing the green spandex costume. Come on man!

[wolf_2099]

By these powers combined, I am CAPTAIN PLANET!

[Tragic Angelus]

Ok I'm back and ready for action. Lot of ground to cover so let's get into it:

Issue #49:

*Note, this issue takes place DURING the events of Blackest Night #5

We finally get caught up with GL John Stewart, who's been investigating the suddenly re-constructed planet Xanshi, where he found a beat up GL personal Power Battery, and learns it once belonged to a lantern who had died but somehow managed to be kept alive by a ring error and helped John and Katma Tui hunt for Sinestro until finally passing on later on. Suddenly, John is confronted by dozens of Black Lanterns, including the GL he was just learning about, as people of Xanthi rise up around him.

He goes Military, tossing the Battery into the heart of them and firing a construct bullet at it, causing it to explode, but seeing it do little damage. Suddenly, the risen Kat, John's former lover, tackles him down, bringing up the night they consumated their relationship, and shared their feers. She brings up John's fear of a time he was in the military and forced to kill dozens of civilians to protect a fallen friend, and that he was afraid of dying on a foreign land and being forgotten.

As the BLs gather in close and hold him back, and Kat moves in to take his heart, John admits he knows it's time to move on and accept he can't save everyone, and he explodes in a mass of green light, finally making up dozens upon dozens of construct Marines to help him out.

As they fight a short fight, Kat reminds him he can't win by himself, so he flies off of Xanshi to head for Earth.

Only then he finds out that Earth is just a few hundred Miles away from Xanshi, and it's getting closer. He makes a desperate plea and call to anyone on Earth to let them know they've "Got Incoming."

Back Up Story:

Mera and Atom were pulled by Black Lantern Jean Lorhing into a Black Ring, and we get what happens here. She's brought them there to show them why the BL's do what they do. Again we see the inside like a Darkness with Bones spurting and connecting around through it, and Jean makes mention of life acting like a fungus growing on the nothingness that they seek to remove.

We get a recap of the original 'War of Light' and that the Universe existed BEFORE light errupted. And that there's no beginning or end to the Universe, but rather to the Reign of Life that exists in it.

She tells us that the Darkness manifested Nekron as it's own Guardian since the others have disrupted it's peace, and that he is not Death but Peace to them.

She then shows them the image of the 'Batman' spewing Black Rings and the heroes who fell before in life and have returned joinging the BL Corps (See issue 5 of Blackest Night). As they drift further into Darkness, we see Deadman trailing after them, learning the secrets as well...

End issue.

Overall, not bad and we finally got to see what John was doing, but it just kind of .. felt out of place. This could have easily been a one-shot issue or happened earlier as to me it felt like it interrupted the flow we previously had with Hal and the New Guardians (who return next issue) doing additional things outside the pages of the main title.

[Tragic Angelus]

Issue #50

*Note, this takes place after Blackest Night #6. Also, minor continuation from the special BN: Phantom Stranger tie in issue.

This issue starts off with the New Guardians and their newly deputized members (See Blackest Night #6!) flying headlong into battle against the growing number of Black Lanterns.

Saint Walker helps Barry learn how to channel the Blue Light, as the two take on BL Firestorm, and Jason Rush begins to be freed from Ronnie.

Atrocitus and Mera are confronted by BL Aquaman and the dead child of the one time King and Queen. Red Lantern Mera, responds in great anger, yelling she never wanted children and burns away the child, seeking out Aquaman next.

Wonder Woman and Carol begin sealing off BLs in the Violet cocoons, while Ray and Indigo-1 communicate in the hidden language. While Hal argues over Scarecrow and Lex getting rings with Sinestro, Scarecrow flies thru, reveling in the fact that he can fear again. Larfleeze takes on Lex, as the two refuse to share the power of the Orange Light. And then it happens.

Black Lantern Spectre arrives, and demands Hal Jordan be Judged. This is something I've been waiting on since he was called up waaaaay back in issue 2 of Blackest Night. Bout Damn Time. As Hal tries getting away from the Spectre, it grabs him with black energy, welcoming him into the Black Lantern Corps. Ganthet steps in and severs the energy, and Sayd uses the Blue light to reverse the portion of the Black energy, saving Hal. But then the Spectre consumes the two, forcing Hal to destroy the Spectre's lower jaw to save them.

He pulls them out, and the two Yellow members begin attacking the Spectre, but he retaliates and tries to punish Scarecrow. But as he does, Other members of the Guardians and deputies move in, and Ganthet and Hal launch a huge spike through his chest. But as the connection is about to be severed, Spectre refuses, and pulls the spike out.

As they try figuring out why it won't work, Atrocitus claims that the Spirit of Vengence is absolute Rage fused with Death, and he must belong to the Red Lanterns.

Hal gets the idea that will save the day. He has Ganthet summon the Power Batteries of all 4 Earth Lanterns. Because he knows the one thing that the Spectre fears. The one thing it Cannot, and Will not, Destroy. Parallax. Who's been hidden in the four batteries since the Sinestro Corps War.

Sinestro of course, is furious at where he's been, and argues that Hal should not be the one to take him on with Parallax but that he will be, and frees him from the Batteries. The two fight it out, but Hal quickly wins over, and as he heads for Parallax, Carol calls out to him. saying she doesn't want to lose Hal to him again, but he says that she'll be the one to free him when it's done, and the two finally kiss for the first time not only in this story, but possibly since Hal has returned to life if I recall.

Hal grabs Parallax then, and feels his fear, imagining the day his father died, and Parallax lunges inside him. Sinestro cries out against it, and Yellow Light explodes in the city.

And then, saying that Hal isn't here anymore, and calling for the Spectre, Parallax stands tall. ready to take him on.

End Issue.

Honestly, I loved it, and it was great to get back to Mahnke's art after Benes filled in last issue, because his Spectre and Parallax are PHENOMINAL. He's really been a huge force for this story, and this issue is one of the best he's done so far.

[Tragic Angelus]

Issue #51:

*Note, this takes place Immediately after the previous issue, and before Blackest Night #7.

We open with Black Hand, connecte dto all the growing death, finally smiling, only to be interrupted by Larfleeze yelling and battling with Luthor over the Orange Power Battery. Luthor has learned that the Orange Light works best with one person's mind mainlined into one individual ring, and it shares the methodology of Corps building as the Black Corps. The lives and Orange Lantern takes becomes his soldiers, his Lanterns, and Luthor Demands that Superman become one of them. As he moves in, Larfleeze pulls his Corps in and pulls him off the attack, but the foot of the Spectre slams down between the two, leaving the Lantern in Larfleeze's hands.

Then, it's Parallax (in Hal) full on against the Black Lantern Spectre. All around, other New Guardians and Deputies are destroying Lantners, where Ray worns Mera to stay away from BLs she's connected to so she can stay in control of the Red Light, but Atrocitus reveals that as she gets stronger, so does he. And that an even greater Rage is in their presence.

As Parallax and Spectre go at it, Parallax rips open the chest of the Spectre, diving in deep, saying he knows the Lantern's secret. It turns out, the real Spectre is trapped inside, trapped by the fact that the corpse he's in is what is actually possessed, not the spirit of vengence. And under that, he finds the real ring holding the Spirit chained, and with the power of the Green and Yellow Light, destroys it, freeing the Spectre, now that Crispus Allen is freed.

As the others notice the Spectre is released, the realize they need to save Hal immediately. But Parallax immediately attacks the true Spectre, who says that Parallax has more blood on his hands than any other being in the universe, save the Anti-Monitor, and that he will die today, regardless of whether or not Hal must die as well. As he goes on the attack, Atrocitus declares to make his move to use the Spirit of Rage he sees before him.

Parallax goes back on the offensive, ripping the face off of the Spectre in an incredibly surprising, detailed, and somewhat gruesome panel, but just then Sinestro decides to intervine, pulling Parallax back and attempting to hold him off.

Atrocitus moves in, and demands that the Spectre feel the connection and remember what he is and join the Red Lantern Corps. We then see the Spirit of Vengence consumed by Rage, and joining the Red Lanterns, attacking Sinestro and Parallax as they battle.

But suddenly, he turns to Atrocitus and declares he is not the entity of Rage he is seeking, but rather God's Rage, shaking off the power of the Red Light. But Spectre knows the creature of the Red light, and says if Atrocitus seeks him out, he will be destroyed by it.

Spectre then grabs Parallax, and tho he's afraid of him, claims that fear will connect him to Parallax, while Hal is anchored to Carol. As she pulls on one end, and the Spectre the other, the two are seperated, and Sinestro rushes in to save Parallax before he's destroyed, but suddenly he's pulled away by something and the Rings cannot determine what.

Cut to Belle Reve Prison. A certain telepath by the name of Hector Hammond pannics because "It has Parallax."

Back to Coast City, where the New Guardians and Deputies appeal to the Spectre for help with the situation. He says he is aware and moves to confront Nekron.

He claims Nekron has violated the laws of life and death and must be punished. He reaches out.

And nothing happens. Surprised, the Spectre learns he cannot strike Nekron. And Nekron retorts that it is because he has no soul to be judged. That he is not alive, but Darkness. Nekron orders him to begone, and moves THROUGH the Spectre, causing him great pain and to disappear.

And with Black Lantern JLA members behind him, (Superman, Martian Manhunter, Firestorm, Hawkman, Aquaman, Hawkgirl, and Green Arrow), he declares that the Universe will Die Now.

End Issue.

Another fantastic art delivery from Mahnke, who I cannot get enough of. I'm really interested in the Red avatar now, and the inclusion of Hammond knowing about Parallax. As things wind down I'm trying to figure out how all of this is going to wrap in only about 1 issue of GL and the final issue of BN left to go.

[Tragic Angelus]

Issue #52

*Note, this issue takes place after Blackest Night #7

We open 10,000 feet above Coast City, with John Stewart, Kilowag, Star Sapphire Fatality, and other Lanterns from all of the other Corps blasting through hunreds upon thousands of Black Lanterns, when suddenly, the White Lantern/Brightest Day symbol flashes over the Black Lantern symbol on all of their chests, and they all retreat, heading straight for Earth.

John contacts Hal to let him know that whatever is happening down there has drawn the attention of every Black Lantern as they're headed that way, in the first of numerous 2 page spreds by saying "The Sky is Falling," as we see every BL swarm down towards Earth, heading straight to Coast City, with Xanshi almost right on top of Earth now as well.

Meanwhile, down on Earth, in another double page spread, we have Hal getting the call, and we see White Lantern Sinestro unloeashing blinding white light as he adjusts to his new abilities.

As he pushes out the white light, every BL it touches is destroyed, and he claims he is now one with every living being in the Universe, and he is ready to take on Nekron when suddenly, the Entity inside him speaks to him. And then, we get the history of the Universe.

Sinestro narrates the history, saying he sees the White Entity's birth in blinding light, saying it's far beyond all knowledge that not even Krona knows whether it was sent or accidental, and that it fought back darkness by creating stars and planets, finally making it's shelter Earth in the spot that it first appeared.

It hid deep under molten rocks and waters, before touching the oceans to transform them into spontaneous seas of life, creating complex evolutions as it does.

He sees the first sentient creature in the Universe to ever WILL itself to move, creating the origion of Willpower itself, and those the birth of Ion (The Green Lantern Entity), as that organism is engulfed in Green Light and becomes the Ion Entity.

And from here, we get the origins of each of the remaining 6 Entities.

He sees thousands of years go by, where creatures have left the oceans and some taken to the air, fleeing for survival from other creatures, and as it does it becomes the embodiment of Fear, being the first creature to exude that emotion, and we see the birth of Parallax, the Yellow Entity.

Then, in what looks like a virtual Paradise, "Love ignites into existance, so does the Predator," the Violet Entity.

With a snake in an Apple Tree "a creature eats what it does not need. Avarice Consomes all it touches," the Orange Entity.

A rock, covered in blood ina field "Rage grows from Murder," the Red Entity.

A thunder storm where "Hope from Prayer," the Blue Entity.

And a brilliant Indigo explosion, "where at last, Compassion is offered to us all," the Violet Entity.

Then, in an incredible double page spread, we see White Lantern Sinestro dead center, stating "We Live." as images of the 7 Entities form around him.

Rage is a violent, Bull like creature, who's two sets of horns on it's head are shaped like the Red Symbol.
Avarice is the Serpant from the previous image, with the Orange Symbol burned on it's head.
Parallax, as we've seen him before.
Ion, again a being we've seen before.
Hope, a large bird like Alien who's overall shape mimics the Blue Symbol
Indigo, a large 4 tentacled Octopus like creature, with Indigo symbols throughout it's body.
Violet (Predator) in much more detail than normal, as a Dinosaur esque being.

Suddenly, Sinestro is sliced vertically, from the head through most of his torso, by Nekron, where every living being again feels the agon and is covered in white light. Nekron claims the being cannot hide from him, in a planet or living being, and he will dig him out and end it and all life.

Hal blasts Nekron back, calling for Indigo and Saint Walker to heal Sinestro, as Coast City begins breaking apart due to the gravity of another planet so close to Earth. He calls to John, who says Xanshi is lighting up, when it suddenly fires a huge black blast down into the ocean beside the city, causing a massive tidal wave to head for Coast City.

As the water piles in, Hal places up a huge Green blockade saying he's got it controled but needs John to lead the charge in taking out Xanshi and the Lanterns coming from it.

As John leads the charge of a handful of different Lanterns towards Xanshi, Fatality and he discuss how he still feels responsible for the planet. While the two finally destroy Katma Tui, he says tha the has to accept what happened and move on, and not let the planet and actions of the past destroy him anymore than they already have. Suddenly, Driq, the Black (And still Green) Lantern who's Power Battery he found in issue 49 tells him he's found the planet's weakness.

Indigo tells everyone that there is no wounds or trauma to Sinestro, and she can't help him, even though he's been severed.

John leads the charge, blasting deep into the core of the planet, and as they do they realize that Xanshi is moments away from blasting away at Earth again. They find the center of hte planet, a huge mold of hundreds of Black Rings, and the various lanterns begin blasting away, finally severing the Connection of Xanshi, as we see them fly out of the planet with it exploding in multiple lights behind them.

Nekron screams out in pain, as Black Lanterns are destroyed all around Coast City, and Sinestro expands his white light, destroying even more of them.

John's Lantern team heads to just above Coast City, where they make a multi colored structure in the sky (Tho mostly Green, of course) that blocks out the falling pieces of Xanshi from destroying Coast City. As they do, Sinestro heals himself, with the White Ring telling him to Live, as he tells the others to stand aside, for he's been reborn.

The last page has Sinestro, with huge white wings forming behind him, and making a huge oversized white construct sword as he lunges at the reader, claiming to be the True Guardian of the Universe, while Hal states the White Light means he's alive.

End of Issue.


An amazing issue, though once it was over it felt like an absolute quick read, due mostly to about 4 double page spreads, and quick hits on a lot of info. Xanshi's dealt with, John's on Earth with most of the other Corps now ready to see Sinestro and Nekron throw down. What really got me was the Entities being revealed.

Johns seems to have mixed Science and Religion to form them all. Ion and Parallax being made up of evolutionary ideals, where Avarice seems to be the Serpent from the Garden of Eden (where it seems that Predator may have originated as well). If Rage comes from Murder, what better Murder than the first one recorded, between Cain and Able, as that's generally considered the first instance of rage, and the rock helps make it seem likely. Which makes me wonder if Vandal Savage, who is bearing the Mark of Cain right now after Final Crisis: Revelations, will play in (And the Spectre did battle him and nearly lose in that book..hmmm?)

Hope coming from Prayer also emphasizes this, and Compassion being offered to all? The Indigo Tribe is by far the one we know the least about, so I really dont' know how this all could come about either.

Blackest Night wraps in issue #8 of the main book next week, but there's still a LOT to go down, so it will definitely bleed over into Brightest Day, without a doubt. Johns has a lot to tell us, with ver little time. Unless it's a double sized issue?