Blackest Night #1 - DC

I couldn't wait to crack this book open. I came straight home from the shop, and skipped over everything else to read this book. And I was not disappointed. I mean, the cover says it all . . Blackest Night . . Geoff Johns - Ivan Reis - Oclair Albert. The expectation has been set. The curtains about to be drawn. All that's left is to relax and enjoy the ride. And what a ride it was. We start out with the depravity that we've come to associate with Black Hand, William Hand. He's desecrated Batman's grave and is licking his skull. And then . . then it's like Memorial Day. Everyone is remembering the Heroes that have fallen, and the innocents that they failed to save. There's even a ceremony at Coast City ending in the lighting of a pyre by all the active, Earth-born, Green Lanterns. And those that have cheated death . . Bart, Connor, Hal, Ollie, Barry, Kendra & Carter . . they all know the irony of the events, and emotions displayed before them. But there's 2 things happening while all of this is going on. First, the Guardians admit . . "We have failed. The war of light has erupted. In nearly every sector, the Lanterns clash. Emotion runs rampant." Secondly, when the Black Lantern appeared in sector 666, it immediately sent out black rings to every corner of the universe. They're closing in on OA, and they keep saying the same thing over and over . . "Flesh", "Flesh", "Flesh". During this debate and confusion, Scar decides to make her move. Like a rabid dog, she rips at the throat of a fellow Guardian, and then pulls his heart out. It's almost like she's trying to kick-start the events. As if she's saying, "Alright! This is it! Let the games begin! The die has been cast!" And then . . then all hell breaks loose everywhere. All their fallen comrades . . 'heroes' and 'villains' alike, permeate the skin of OA and "RISE!" to face their living brothers. J'onn returns to the Hall of Justice to judge Hal and Barry. And Ralph and Sue attack Kendra and Carter. The problem the 'heroes' will be facing here is one that Kendra and Carter no longer have to worry about. Kendra is eviscerated, and Carter is pummeled to death. But once dead . . "Carter Hall of Earth. Kendra Saunders of Earth. Rise!", the dead only serve to enlarge the Black Lanterns already burgeoning numbers. Wow! What a powerful first issue. I especially liked the way Geoff wrote the contrast between the events in the beginning of the issue, and how dark it turns when the Black Lanterns "Rise!". Ivan and Oclair's art was phenomenal. The crisp clean lines of Ivan's pencils served to illuminate the darkness that has been released upon the universe. Again . . fantastic contrast. And this is just the opening salvo. We still have 7 issues to go . . plus various mini-series, including Tales of the Corps this week. I'd love to break it down and give you all the details of this issue, but I think it's better to leave you with the wide brush stokes. This is a book that you have to pick up, read, and experience for yourself. And if you're not picking it up . . Hello! Get out from underneath that rock, and look to the sun. You're missing many things, and this is one that you could be kicking yourself for. There's also a fantastic cover by Ethan Van Sciver. The summer has arrived and the hits are comin'. To bad Casey Kasem retired because this would definitely be in his 'Top-40'.