Archive for the ‘Gary Frank’ Category

Justice League #9 Review

Posted: May 17, 2012 in Comics, DC Comics, Gary Frank, Geoff Johns, Jim Lee, Justice League Of America
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Written by: Geoff Johns
Pencilled by: Gary Frank, Jim Lee
Cover Color by: Alex Sinclair
Lettered by: DC Lettering

Hold on a sec…the Weapon’s Master is back???  I guess the DC reboot hasn’t forgotten everything that made the Dan Jurgens run of the Justice League so good!  In fact, it was issue #61 of the Justice League that featured the Weapon’s Master from April of 1992 that birthed my love of comic books.

Much to my dismay however, the Weapon’s Master is neglected the spotlight and used more as a comic relief, along with Flash and Green Lantern’s bantering over who plays who in the old “good cop-bad cop” routine.  But Wonder Woman never misses a beat with her ever-so-subtle entrances to help calm the storm.

Meanwhile, Supes, Bats, and Cyborg take on a riot at Arkham Asylum, seemingly started by the notorious villain, “The Key.”  Apart from Bruce Wayne’s text to Clark Kent about his dinner plans, this a much more angst driven fight, filled with the kind of gothic sensibilities that follow Batman like a plague.

However, hovering in the shadows is the crippled author, David Graves who mysteriously disappeared and now walks with a super powered metal suit (so it would seem) attacking Colonel Steve Trevor and forcing him to reveal the secrets of the JL Satellite base.  From author to potential arch villain?  From respected JL fan to revenge driven old man?  This I gotta see!!!

There’s an interesting juxtapose coming out of #9; Graves is shown being an expert on the Justice League, having written multiple books on them and other super-powered phenomenons, and the book continually (and randomly) flashes back to each League member’s past, showing very stressful times in their lives that directly connected to their current situation as superheroes. Unlike last month’s installment, this issue is working on almost every level, providing us with some very cool story building elements.  I’m going to make the educated guess that these flashbacks are both memories which haunt the League but also have to do with the knowledge Grave’s has in which he will use against the League within an issue or two.  I wonder why Aquaman wasn’t included in the festivities though?  Hhhhmmmmm…

One of the most terrifying moments in the book is when Graves shoots his doctor.  It doesn’t matter that superheroes and villains have died of much more devastating causes due to supernatural, explosive, or cataclysmic events, the visual of a bullet to the chest and blood flowing out on the carpet seems to have a different and much more emotional impact.  Would you agree?

I love Jim Lee, but am I the only one who sees his work as…unchanging?  Comic books, especially the much more main stream ones, have gotten to a point where even their BEST artists follow a similar format when it comes to penciling. With Jim Lee, so many of the poses and stances each character has in THIS issue can be found in almost every issue Jim Lee has ever drawn.  I love his work, don’t get me wrong, but due to its unevolving nature, I find myself enjoying the artwork of Amanda Conner, Francis Manapul, and others that tend to keep their style fresh and unique.

And of course, a secondary storyline involving Billy Batson and company comes to us right after Steve Trevor ends the Justice League section of the book, being forced to do something that Wondy will, most likely, whoop his butt for!  Billy is having to endure being apart of a family he never wanted in the first place, a school that seems to be against him, and anger issues he should probably seek therapy for.  But it’s all part of the plan for the upcoming change destined for little Batson.  I’m enjoying the slow pace, I just wish it wasn’t in the Justice League book!  I appriciate not feeling compelled to buy another title, but unless there’s an eventual connection Captain Marvel will have with the League, (Possibly replacing the uninteresting Cyborg???? pleaseohpleasohpleaseohplease…) I’d really like the Cap to have his own solo book.

And there we have it, issue #9!  It’s a great read and an undeniably fantastic improvement on an already fun title.  Three more issue to go before we hit the one year mark, and things are just starting to boil!

9 out of 10 stars

Justice League #8 Review

Posted: April 20, 2012 in Alex Sinclair, Comic Book Review, DC Comics, Gary Frank, Geoff Johns, Justice League Of America
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Written by: Geoff Johns
Pencilled by: Gary Frank
Inked by: Gary Frank
Cover Color by: Alex Sinclair
Lettered by: DC Lettering

How many times can we recall Oliver Queen having a GOOD story written for him? If you think about it, I mean REALLY think about it, the answer would be zero.  Green Arrow has so much potential as a Superhero but DC’s never provided him with a script worthy of his his character.

I can honestly tell you that Justice League #8 does absolutely nothing for Green Arrow’s popularity in the slightest.  There’s too much of a resemblance to the Smallville depiction of Queen and feels more like an unlikable comic relief that reader’s don’t laugh at.

Granted, there is some potential in developing the Emerald Archer in a more positive way, so maybe this issue was simply a way of getting all the bad characteristics out to make way for the his more enjoyable side.  But it still doesn’t change the fact that this issue’s a snoozer, acting more as a slap stick comedy sketch or a Merry Melodies animated short where the character keeps on coming back regardless of what hits him.  Watch out Wile E. Coyote, you may have some competition in persistence!

Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE the classic slap stick from before I was born, but Justice League has never been marketed as such.  For me, that makes it difficult to swallow.  But on the bright side, Geoff Johns is truly making the League a central driving force with the New DCU.  This is a League that really doesn’t like each other, yet somehow has the ability to work together.  A true enigma if I ever saw one.

Plus, I’m enjoying Wonder Woman’s sword slinging.  Women and swords, it just feels so right!  There was also a nostalgic shout out to the Meltzer days of the Justice League where the team was formed in the heat of battle against Amazo.  DC hasn’t forgotten about the quality stories that gave life to the League, and it’s nice to see how well they’re incorporating the old and new continuity building parts of the universe.  Martian Manhunter as a League enemy?  This is going to be SUPER exciting.  (Hopefully MM will fill in for Cyborg when DC realizes he’s just not League material!)

Due to the focus on Green Arrow, the issue is lacking in entertainment.  Thankfully, Johns is able to lighten the mood with a Shazam secondary story that’s as fun as it is epic.  It’s always a joy to see an 11 page story have as much depth and character in it as a regular 32 page comic.  And give props to Gary Frank for continually bringing his top game to the pages of everything he does!

I enjoyed the art in this book, as well as the Shazam story and a few little things within the main JL storyline.  However, I wasn’t able to keep my eyes open long enough to finish the issue in one sitting…and that’s saying something for me!  Because of that I simply can’t give #8 a very high rating.  Sorry boys and girls, #8 just didn’t cut it.

5 out of 10 stars

Justice League #7 Review

Posted: March 24, 2012 in Comic Book Review, DC Comics, Gary Frank, Gene Ha, Geoff Johns, Jim Lee
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Written by: Geoff Johns
Pencilled by: Gary Frank, Gene Ha
Inked by: Gary Frank, Gene Ha
Cover Color by: Alex Sinclair
Lettered by: DC Lettering

Pay no attention to the creative quartet, all bearing the letter “G” in their first name. Although it is amusing!  (Sorry, These are the things I notice that should be passed over.)

Five years after the Justice League was officially recognized by the government, the team is still operating as a band of unorganized individuals who are unable to function as a unit…at least not from the reader’s standpoint.

Within this comic book world that the Justice League protects, the government is trying to maintain its ability to “govern” while the rest of the world hopes to kick it’s elected officials out and allow the heroes to take over and run the country.  It’s a pity the country doesn’t truly know how poorly the League cooperates with each other…but I guess that wouldn’t be too different from the real world.  We can always consult Colonel Steve Trevor as to how the League is functioning of course, but even he would uphold an unbiased position.  (right?)

Yes, I was just as perplexed as I’m sure you were, Steve Trevor has made his appearance in the new DC Universe, and it seems that men high up in the ranks are not free from political scrutiny when it comes to relationships.  If any of you were wondering about the future between Clark and Lois, put those inquiries on hold and focus more on the future of Colonel Trevor and Wonder Woman.  Instead of developing this couple in her own title, the two have been forced to explore their relationship across the universe.  It seems clear, though, that the two care for each other, even if Diana seemingly rejected Steve’s confession of love.

Despite Steve’s love for the princess, it doesn’t distract him from his duties as liaison between the Government and the League.  He seems to be doing his job well, even if his bosses wonder about his involvement with Wonder Woman.  If only they could see how they League behaves behind closed doors in their satellite watchtower.  Not only do they bicker, fight and focus more on enjoying their time in space, they also like to take advantage of getting free meals, bedding, and anything else that room and board includes.

Wonder Woman seems to be holding up her role as the intelligent female with the only sensible head on her shoulders, while the others have too many muscles and powers for them to be concerned with “thinking” and “working as a team.”  I was certainly surprised by Batman’s comment about the Justice League: International, but maybe he’s just frustrated with organized crime fighting units in general, more importantly…his own.

Now don’t think this issue is ONLY about a hopeless romantic disguised as a military official, or even the strange mutated subplot – there’s a mysterious villain hiding in the background sizing up the League and their abilities.  What his (or her) motives are is unclear, but I’m guessing it’s going to be a way to give Green Arrow a REASON for even being in the new DC Universe.  (Probably the worst fad that came out of the series Smallville…stupid sunglasses.)

I would have preferred that Captain Marvel stayed out of the League’s book, but the short, introductory story was at least entertaining.  I won’t be skipping over this secondary story like I do with most other comics.

I couldn’t be happier with Gene Ha’s penciling skills.  I do miss Jim Lee taking the charge, but I would be perfectly happy if Gene Ha takes over permanently.

If I were to take a guess, Geoff Johns is setting up  a more realistic viewpoint of the League.  These aren’t perfect heroes who hold to the same sense of Justice and honor the ones we knew before the reboot did.  Rather this is a group of Heroes have a lot to learn…and that promises for some fine reading material!

10 out of 10 stars

Brightest Day #24 Review

Posted: May 1, 2011 in Blackest Night, Brightest Day, Comic Book Review, DC Comics, Gary Frank, Geoff Johns, Ivan Reis, Joe Prado, Patrick Gleeson, Peter J. Tomasi
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Written By: Geoff Johns & Peter J. Tomasi

Artist: Ivan Reis, Joe Prado, Patrick Gleason, Ardian Syaf, Scott Clark, Norm Rapmund, Vicente Cifuentes, Oclair Albert, Tom Nguyen, Mick Gray, Mark Irwin, & David Beaty

Colorist: Aspen MLT’s Peter Steigerwald

Cover Artist: Gary Frank & Rod Reis

Letterer: Rob Clark Jr.

Editor: Rex Ogle

The Earth Shattering Plot

Swamp Thing is Earth’s ultimate savior, but in order for him to return, someone else must die.  As the newly inducted elemental heroes fight off the Dark Avatar, one hero will sacrifice himself in order to save all of humanity…and the one he loves.

My Awe-Inspiring Opinion

As a lot of you know, my opinion of Brightest Day has been quite low. However, with that being said, as painful as it was, I’m certainly glad I stuck it out all that way through as the series as I found out of Swamp Thing’s return.

However, as awesome as this return is, the issue isn’t perfect and seems to have been thrown together to help wrap up a series that was destined for failure.  The end result of each character’s stories may look as if there’s some semblance of a coherent conclusion, but ultimately makes little sense.

The Hawks turn into the wind, Manhunter becomes the Earth, Aquaman becomes H2O, and Firestorm become fire.  These biological alterations of the heroes of course make sense when thinking of their characteristics, but make little sense with the stories they were caught in the middle of within Brightest Day; The Hawks get caught in an interdimensional duel with Shiera’s mother, Manhunter goes through a lovers quarrel over the longevity of Mars, Firestorm failed in his attempt to save his professor, and Aquaman controlled the dead fish…it just doesn’t make sense to me.

As Brightest Day strung me along with multiple convoluted storylines, I now find myself happy about the return of one character but still confused about where this whole thing is going.  Why did Hawkgirl not return and Hawkman did?  Why is Firestorm uncertain about his future?  Brightest Day did a great job at stringing readers along without giving any indication about what was going to happen and leaving virtually no clues to help solve the mysteries.  Now we are left with even more daunting events and questions which, in turn, make no sense and I sit here thinking to myself that I have absolutely no idea what happened in 24 issues.  #24 only satisfied my geeky side with the return of Swamp Thing but didn’t give me any closure with the series itself, not that I was expecting it too.

It was confusing during Blackest Night and is STILL confusing for me in Brightest Day…How can a Black Lantern exist while the actual hero lives as well?  Firestorm goes up against himself and now Swamp Thing fights the Dark Avatar…which is Swamp Thing.  I feel this concept was never successfully explained which makes everything even more confusing than it already was.

And of course I come to the book’s art, and as I’m sure you can see, it has a jumble of artists.  Save me oh Lord, the jolting effect from one page to the next gave me such an artistic headache that I literally took three Advil and five Ibuprofen just to help simmer the pain.  (That’s completely untrue by the way, no medication was needed.  It was just painful to gaze upon.)  The first splash page of Swamp Thing standing over the world is gorgeous!  Then I turn to the next splash page where Swamp Thing fights the Dark Avatar and he looks completely different with no resemblance from the previous page.  The artistic talents in this issue are amazing, but the toggling eats at my soul.

My Majestically Climactic Conclusion

All in all, Brightest Day is a failure, leaving nothing but confusion, uncertainty and very little closure.  Yeah, sure, Swamp Thing is back and it’s awesome…but the ending doesn’t give readers anything to work off of.

3 out of 10 stars.

Action Comics #900 Review

Posted: April 28, 2011 in Action Comics, Action Comics #900, Alex Ross, Comic Book News, Comic Book Review, Damon Lindelhof, David Goyer, DC Comics, Gary Frank, Geoff Johns, Jesus Merino, Neil Gaiman, Paul Cornell, Richard Donner, Superman
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Written By: PAUL CORNELL, RICHARD DONNER, DAVID GOYER, DAMON LINDELOF, GEOFF JOHNS

Artist: PETE WOODS, JESUS MERINO, GARY FRANK

Colorist: BLOND, BRAD ANDERSON

Cover Artist: ALEX ROSS

Superman Created By Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster

The 900th Plot

The Black Ring storyline comes to a climactic conclusion in this 96 paged Action Comics installment, as well as providing us with a few smaller, less significant Superman tales with the exception of one.  #900 comes to us in a package of three, giving us a heated rhetorical duel between Supes and Lex, another battle where Doomsday vs. everyone else, and a barrage of short stories with multiple guest writers and artists.  What’s established amongst all these stories is a satisfying ending to one, and an annoyingly predictable beginning to another.

My Awe-Inspiring Opinion

Action Comics #900 is like a can of mixed nuts; you look for your favorites and deal with what’s left over at a later time.  Thankfully, the story I was most excited about comes right at the beginning…the conclusion of The Black Ring story arc!

I haven’t been following the whole Reign of Doomsday “thingy” simply because Doomsday is way overplayed and I just don’t care; it’s inclusion within this 900th issue was fairly annoying to me, and I’m probably not alone in the sentiment am I?  Its connection to the Black Ring arc, toggling back and forth, felt forced and unnecessary.  I hope DC will one day let Doomsday remain in history as the one who killed Superman and boot Cyborg Superman “Owt da doh!” Move on to bigger and better things DC, please.

Paul Cornell, however, was really on top of things with the confrontation between Superman and Lex Luthor.  Finally, Lex was able to achieve his God-like state and bring his unfathomable wrath on Superman once and for all and put an end to his long hated rival.  But of course, like all good Superman stories, the concept of good is ballooned into an awesomely cheesy yet powerful bit of prose, allowing Lex to see his potential of doing good rather than emitting chaos throughout the cosmos.

But now Lex knows of Superman’s secret identity!  How will this turn the tides in the future of Superman storylines?  Cornell brilliantly implemented a human side to Lex with his anger and jealousy of Superman in having parents like Ma and Pa Kent.  This issue gives us an even deeper analytical look into the psyche of Lex Luthor and how everything that he is today all falls back on his upbringing and poor relationship he had with his father.  If it hadn’t been for the Reign of Doomsday jargon connected to the Black Ring arc, I would say this was the best issue of Superman this year!

On another note, it’s been hitting the news on both the World Wide Web and public news broadcasting media…Superman is renouncing his American citizenship!  This bit of news even hit the radio waves on NPR.  Is it really that big of a deal?

The answer: Yes!  Why? Because Superman is looked upon as a major American icon. For him to take the Americanized aspect of himself out of the picture could greatly change his image and character among readers and fans.

Click To Enlarge

But let’s not take this lightly and think Superman is hating on America.  As he stated, he feels he cannot limit himself to one type of thinking.  His walk across America seems to have done more good for his thinking and broadened his mind quite a bit.  He views himself not JUST as a hero for America, but a hero for the entire world.  The “American way” is not something he wants to limit himself too, but rather to become a hero for everyone and not only be viewed as an American entity.  But again, how will this change in mentality alter future of Superman storylines and will it be for the better?  I for one am excited at the possibilities!

Another notable story feels more like a two paged set up for a Clark Kent and Legion of Superheroes pin-up…for those who DARE to tear up good literature for the sake of decoration.  (phooey on you all!!!) It’s a cute addition and I loved it.  And just a side note, Lois Lane has amazing legs!  Thank you Gary Frank for making the sexiest Lois Lane in the history of comics!

Speaking of art, I’m not one for artistic toggling, but this issue did alright.  They appropriately placed certain artistic styles depending on what past situations Paul Cornell and his team of assistant writers were calling out to.  I was glad to see Gary Frank take over during the memory of Pa Kent’s death and Jesus Merino take over on some of the other flashback scenes.  Pete woods, however, brings some amazing artistry to the main story sequence and gives Lex Luthor that terrifying edge needed.

My Majestically Climactic Conclusion

I had more good things to say about #900 than bad, so overall, this issue was a complete success in my opinion.  Sure, Doomsday tainted this issues potential, but I can overlook that due to the sheer awesomeness that the rest of the issue delivered.  But now that we are at issue #900, can Action comics survive 100 more issues and get to #1000???  I’ll definitely hope to be alive to witness such an occasion!

9 out of 10 Stars

Brightest Day #23 Review

Posted: April 10, 2011 in Brightest Day, Comic Book Review, DC Comics, Gary Frank, Geoff Johns, Ivan Reis, Joe Prado, Oclair Albert, Peter J. Tomasi, Tomasi
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Written By: Geoff Johns & Peter J. Tomasi

Artist: Ivan Reis, Joe Prado, Norm Rapmund, & Oclair Albert

Colorist: Aspen MLT’s Peter Steigerwald

Cover Artist: Gary Frank & Rod Reis

Letterer: Rob Clark Jr.

Editor: Eddie Berganza

My Awe-Inspiring Opinion

Ok, let’s get one thing straight here…Brightest Day is a pretty bad miniseries; it’s been filled with confusion and strange happenings that seem so out of place that there really was no way to save it from its eternal damnation.  So the only thing remaining is to give it a dynamite ending!  Now there’s still one Brightest Day installment remaining (coming out on the 20th) and the tension has reached a buckling point and all that lies ahead is a shimmering ray of hope that all will be well……and AWESOME!!!

I typically don’t like stories that use the four elements as part of the plot; they typically get a little too cheesy and ridiculous.  But the way Johns and Tomasi construct this plot twister was nothing short of perfect.  Looking back on how things developed into what they are now also makes perfect sense.  While I don’t think that is a redemptive aspect of the series itself, it helps me to breathe a little easier.

I can tell that the end result of Firestorm, Manhunter, Aquaman, and the Hawks was truly planned out and not improvised as I felt it was as the series progressed.  In fact, I found myself slapping my forehead in disbelief…How did I NOT see this coming?  Brightest Day put so much emphasis on the Earth that I should have at least seen some semblance of the Earth elementals being a major player in the story.

But yet some mysteries still remain.  Hawk and Dove still haven’t been given their destinies, and we remain unsure why Cappy Boomerang has to throw his you-know-what’s at our sweet and innocent Dove.  One more issue to go, let’s hope it’s good!

The story within this issue is tense from start to finish!  Why couldn’t the entire run have been like this?  And all the tension occurs in one central location where all Hell is about to break loose.  It’s simply amazing how well Johns and Tomasi give this single issue such an amazing boost of excitement and awe.  I was blown away!

The White Avatar, which speaks to everyone in riddles and one-liners, really has me perplexed.  I’ve found myself wondering through this series if whether or not the white avatar really knows what’s going to happen as random as everything seems to be.  But one thing’s for sure, he’s funny as hell.

“No need to worry Jason Rusch.  Death sometimes makes you stronger…or simply just dead.”

What mystical being says that something like that?  I’m only now beginning to appreciate the humor of the white Avatar.  But it makes me wonder if he’s going to end up being this flimsy, absent-minded being that’s never sure where he’ at or going.

The return of Swamp Thing caught me by complete surprise.  I guess I’m not paying enough attention to the rumors that have been spreading around the internet.  Bringing back Swamp Thing was a brilliant move on Johns and Tomasi’s part, especially in the WAY they bring him back.  How many debates have been flying around the social networking world about who will be Earth’s ultimate defender?  And how many guesses were there for Swamp Thing?  I would dare say…zero!  But it makes perfect sense as Mr. Alec Holland is, in fact, made of the Earth itself.  I can’t wait to see what is in store for him in the future of the DC Universe!!

This issue had me going nuts over the multiple splash pages and crazy destruction.  The Dark Avatar was incredibly well done, and looked amazingly like Swamp Thing…don’t you think?  This is some of the best art I’ve seen in the Brightest Day title since issue #1.

My Majestically Climactic Conclusion

Overall, #23 is an absolute delight.  The story is fantastically written and finally gives Brightest Day something to be joyful about.  It’s smart and exciting to say the absolute VERY least.

10 out of 10

 

Brightest Day #21 Review

Posted: March 3, 2011 in Brightest Day, Comic Book Review, DC Comics, Gary Frank, Geoff Johns, Ivan Reis, Joe Prado, Patrick Gleeson, Tomasi
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Written By: Geoff Johns, Peter Tomasi

Artist: Patrick Gleeson, Ivan Reis, Joe Prado

Inker: Mark Irwin, Keith Champagne, Norm Rapmund, Christian Alamy

Colorist: Peter Steigerwald, Nathan Eyring

Cover Artist: Gary Frank, Nathan Eyring

Letterer: Rob Clark Jr.

Editor: Adam Schlagman, Eddie Berganza

My Awe-Inspiring Opinion

You know what?  Martian Manhunter has never really been given a story worthy of his awesome character.  Even with Grant Morrison’s exceptional White and Green Martian storyline (One of his very few successes) I’ve never felt that the Manhunter has ever been successfully utilized by DC to his full potential.  However, at long last, hallelujah, the alien hero has finally been given a chance to shine!

J’onn is still fighting with his alien witch friend on Mars, trying to make her understand that he doesn’t want to start a new life with her, while D’Kay works her persistent little tushy off to convince J’onn that loving her is his only option.  Amongst all of the mind games D’Kay throws at him, J’onn remains the immovable object that he is and brings this daunting battle to a burning conclusion.

Speaking of which, here I am slapping myself in the face thinking that Johns and Tomasi were feeding me an obnoxiously obvious plot device.  Earlier in the Green Arrow title, the white lantern’s task for J’onn was to “Burn it. Burn it all. Burn it all down!”  This, as I now see it, was not referring to the Star City forest, but rather to himself and the memories of his past.  This doesn’t necessarily mean he should forget his deceased loved ones, but rather facing his fears in order to move on with his life.  And what better way to jump-start the life of someone who fears fire than by hurtling himself right into the heart of the sun?  Applause to both writers in finally giving Martian Manhunter the literary treatment he’s been lacking for so many years.

But now the bigger question remains, why has every other hero who’s died thus far disintegrate into dust, but J’onn J’onzz melts into the Earth as the white lantern tells him that the Earth has accepted him?  As much as I like this issue, nothing really makes sense yet.  Sure the pieces are coming together, but in an incoherent fashion.  However, I do have a feeling that with four issues remaining in this miniseries, things will be much more tolerable and fun to read.

I’m not trying to say Patrick Gleeson isn’t a talented artist, he’s one of the best in fact.  But for those of you who know me, I believe that Ivan Reis is a force to be recognized.  As I read #21, I kept hoping the artistic talents of Reis would pop up to delight and enthrall me.  I kept turning the pages….and continued to turn them…and turned some more…but no Ivan Reis trademarked work!  WTF?!?  It wasn’t until I got to the last two pages when I finally saw it…ONLY TWO PAGES!!!  I was very disappointed to say the least.

I’m not faulting this issue for that, it’s just personal taste which dictated my thought process.  Gleeson has so much to offer the comic book world and his treatment of the Manhunter’s dilemma was fantastic.  So Gleeson if you’re reading this, please don’t misunderstand me.

The highlight of this issue for me, however, was the cover.  I can’t tell which artistic genius conjured up this beauty, but I’m leaning towards congratulating Gary Frank.  This cover absolutely took my breath away with how well it handles the orange and black shades on J’onn’s body as it melts in with the blinding white light behind him.  I know it’s only March, but some artists are really going to have to work their butts off at beating this as the best cover for 2011.

My Majestically Climactic Conclusion

I still don’t believe that Brightest Day will be saved from its terrible spacing and storytelling, but it’s taking a step in the right direction.  If there were more than four issues left, I’d say the series has a shot and redeeming itself based on what was presented in #21.  But there’s really no way I can see series making a mark like Blackest Night did.  Still, if you’re a Martian Manhunter fan and feel the same way as I do about his career in comics, this issue will be a breath of fresh air.

7 out of 10 stars