Brightest Day #4
Written by Geoff Johns and Peter Tomasi
Art by Ivan Reis, Adrian Syaf, Scott Clark, and Oclair Albert
I do like this book, let me preface the review with that. I like the direction I foresee this series going in in the long term, and I do anticipate it, but as far as pacing goes, there is definitely something lacking. The series is definitely broken up into separate stories that occasionally intertwine, each featuring someone who was brought back during the end of Blackest Night, but the transitions make the book almost feel more like an anthology then normal series. By that I mean that, well, let’s take this issue for our example and break down the pacing.
- Hawkman and Hawkgirl continue their search for Hath-Set (seven pages, four of which are double page splashes)
- Deadman meets up with Hawk and Dove (six pages)
- Our recently revealed (not in the issues, but in previews) Aqualad makes his debut (nothing of note happens in the two pages)
- Villain debuts (two pages)
- Ronnie Raymond has something happen to him (three pages)
- The cliffhanger (revisits a previously mentioned plot for two pages)
Fundamentally, there is nothing wrong with that. There is an ensemble cast that is loosely tied together, and has stories that really aren’t meant to sync up very much. At the same time, the amount of page time given to each of the stories leaves the book feeling like we’re constantly being teased with every story, as opposed to having things really fleshed out. The Hawk’s have so far had the most development with their story, and even that has yet to really pan out as something I can see lasting more then a few more issues. I fully believe that there is a plan by the writers, but the way the book is being paced right now leaves you wanting more in an unfulfilling way. It’s like we’re reading vignettes instead of stories.
I do expect the book to pick up in the next couple of issues though, not sure why, just a feeling I’m getting. I figure once a few of these initial plots begin to boil and/or wrap up, and more explanation is given as to why these characters are back, or why the Black Lantern versions keep flashing in and out, I figure that’s when the story is going to get more edge of the seat.
I also might just be wanting more Aquaman, I can’t believe I’m saying, as his appearances so far are arguably my favorite things in the short run this title has had. Seriously, I never thought I’d be hyped up for Aquaman, but I guess that’s the magic of the two man Lantern Corps, Johns and Tomasi.
The art is solid, and I do like the way they handle the art where each of the stories is handled by a different artist, as it does maintain a consistent feel between issues. I also imagine that this method of art duties is going to help keep the consistent tone throughout the entirety of the book, which would mean no random fill in artists coming in and messing with the tone in order to meet deadlines. I’m always in favor of that not happening.
Still, it was a fun issue, and I do enjoy this series, but unless you’re in it for the long haul, this issue doesn’t seem to do that much. As a cog in a larger story, I imagine it will have importance, but on it’s own? Not so much.
Overall?
6.5/10
