Reviewer: Chris Delloiacono
Story Title: Black Reign: Conclusion
Written by: Geoff Johns
Penciled by: Rags Morales
Inked by: Michael Bair and Rodney Ramos
Colored by: John Kalisz
Lettered by: Bill Oakley and Nick J. Napolitano
Associate Editor: Stephen Wacker
Editor: Peter Tomasi
Publisher: DC Comics
A crossover that doesn’t suck!
Inter-title crossovers have a way of draining my wallet and giving me little to no satisfaction. As “Black Reign†concludes this week, I must give a hearty thank you to Geoff Johns, and everyone else involved, for making me happy to spend my money on this storyline the past six weeks. This is proof that great storytelling, beautiful artwork, and important consequences can come out of an event storyline.
Reign, reign…please don’t go away!
I can’t tell you just how pleasurable it has been the last six weeks going to the comic shop and having this gem waiting for me. Geoff Johns, as usual, has crafted a storyline using superheroes that speaks about real world issues and can be placed in context with our everyday lives. While in the course, Johns never lost sight that this is a comic book and is meant as relaxation and enjoyment for the majority of fans.
Black Adam, along with his followers, are on a mission to end evil, at least what they view as evil. While he and his cohorts are fighting for a “good†cause, let’s just say the techniques they are using are a touch on the brutal side. Geoff Johns places the reader in the middle of the ethical dilemma that Black Adam is causing. Are vigilante tactics, and overly brutal consequences how “evil†should be dealt with? Who’s right; who’s wrong? As you read this storyline you will do a lot of soul-searching.
The JSA, which Hawkman has taken control of in his own powerplay, are at major odds with Black Adam. Black Adam and his partners—Northwind, the new Eclipso, Atom Smasher, Brainwave, and Nemesis—all have very strong ties to the JSA or its members. Most of the JSA members understand, to a degree, what Black Adam is trying to do. Yet, he’s invaded a small nation, Kahndaq, and while saving them from subjugation he’s imposed his will on the masses.
The knockout to end all dragouts…
As this saga comes to a close much of Adam’s team has been decimated, but the JSA is in ruins as well. Black Adam takes the fight to the JSA’s remaining members proving that no matter which side he’s on, he’s one of the heaviest hitters in the DCU. Johns’ instills the book with tremendous gravitas as Black Adam’s ruminations serve as the narration for much of the story. We get inside his head and get an amazing view of the JSA through his eyes.
This issue is almost all action, with Captain Marvel and Hawkman taking center stage. We get a suitable resolution to the conflict; which leaves every opportunity open for a “Black Reign†sequel. Something I hope will happen sooner rather than later. Even better, there’s ample room for these two titles (especially JSA) to move onward from here. The biggest surprises occurred earlier in the storyline when a lost Golden Age character returned and a guest villain showed up; this final part serves up a couple of surprises too and ends “Black Reign†on a high note.
As is becoming a 411mania tradition, I’ve culled together the six separate reviews for the “Black Reign†storyline as well as a cumulative score.
Part 1 (JSA #56) – Reviewed by John Babos: 8.5
Part 2 (Hawkman #23) – Reviewed by Matt Morrison: 9.0
Part 3 (JSA #57) – Reviewed by Mathan Erhardt: 9.0
Part 4 (Hawkman #24) – Reviewed by John Babos: 8.5
Part 5 (JSA #58) – Reviewed by Kevin S. Mahoney: 9.5
Part 6 (Hawkman #25) – Reviewed by Chris Delloiacono: 8.5
With an average score of “8.8†it’s quite clear that this six-part crossover was far from average in the minds 411mania’s review staff.
A fond farewell to an amazing creative team!
Sadly, this issue marks the end of Geoff Johns, Rags Morales, and Michael Bair’s run on Hawkman. It took a little while, but this book became one of my favorite titles month-to-month under their stewardship. It’s going to be weird to see a creative team switch on this book. As of now, there hasn’t been official word on what regular team will take over. Hopefully the new gang will come on soon. As detailed in the two most recent Near Mint Memories columns Winged Migration part 1 and 2, Hawkman has had a lot of problems in the past, and a lack of writing direction could put this book in hot water really fast.
