Dark Nights: Metal- Dark Knights Rising

This Dark Nights collection reprints the seven one-shots devoted the most evil Dark

Knights of the Dark Multiverse. 

This book read like a library of Elseworlds stories. Yes, I know that these origin stories

are canon. But they have that imaginary 'what if' kind of feel to them that I love so

much when reading those Elseworlds classics.

The most surprising element to this volume is the level of violence. Some of your most

favorite superheroes are taken down by an evil version of the Batman in gruesome

fashion. It's almost like Robert Kirkman took a break from The Walking Dead to pencil

these ghoulish adventures. 

While Kirkman didn't have a hand at these amazing tales, a number of DC talents did.

Scott Snyder, Peter J. Tomasi, Joshua Williamson, and James Tynion IV are just a

few of the many, and I do mean many, artists and writers who contributed. They all

did a fantastic job. Almost.

Along with the seven one-shot origin tales, there was also a one-shot that focused

on Detective Chimp and the efforts of a number of scientists on Blackhawk Island

to combat this coming Dark Multiverse crisis. I literally remember zero of what these

guys contributed to Metal. Perhaps it's time to re-read it. I was so lost reading Dark

Nights: Metal because I hadn't read all of the prelude material. But I've just completed

all of that by finishing this volume. So I guess I am doing something that I rarely ever

do and giving something I've already completed a second read.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

Superman Special #1

There's just two more weeks until Bendis officially takes over as the writer of the Superman Family. But before that happens, a trio of current writers of the Man of Steel have been allowed to tie up some loose ends.

In For Those Who Serve, Peter J Tomasi has Superman and Son returning to 1940s Dinosaur Island to save the last surviving member of the Losers.

Mark Russell's Strays and Strangers sees the Man of Tomorrow reflecting on the life lessons the Kent's taught him when he was growing up.

Then in Ian Flynn's Split Decision, the Atomic Skull is on the road to redemption as a member of Maggie Sawyer's Metropolis Special Crimes Unit. But when his next mission pairs him with Superman against the Skull’s old partner Shockwave, conflicts arise. Which side will the reformed criminal ultimately stake his claim to?

With all of the Superman Family titles getting cancelled to make way for Bendis, I understand DC's need to publish this one-shot. But while this was an enjoyable special, the level of importance to each story seemed anything but. For one thing, I was expecting another teaser into the Bendis Man of Steel miniseries, like in DC Nation #0. The only real mention of the Superman event of the decade was a two page ad listing information that isn't new if you already follow social media groups devoted to the DCU.

The cover price of $4.99 also seemed steep for the level of action and adventure in these stories. The Superman Special was bigger than a standard Superman Rebirth issue. But still, without a real draw, like a never before published Otto Binder Superman adventure, this issue shouldn't have been priced higher than $3.99.

One saving grace for the book is the artwork. I loved Kaare Andrews TAS stylization of Superman and the Atomic Skull. Plus Bryan Hitch’s 1980s throwback artwork was perfect for the story of Clark's childhood. But I was mixed on Scott Godlewski’s art. His dinosaurs and representation of Superboy Jon Kent were exceptional. But there was just something off about Godlewski's take on the Man of Steel.

Overall, this book is a good Superman title, but unlike it's name, there just isn't anything special about this Special.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 7 out of 10 stars.

The Superman Special #1 debuted in stores and digital platforms on Wednesday, May 16th, 2018.