Forever Evil #5 Review

Writer: Geoff Johns

Artist: David Finch

Can Batman and Lex Luthor get along for the greater good? Read on to find out.

The official description from DC Comics:

With everything to lose, Lex Luthor and his Injustice League raid the stronghold of the Crime Syndicate with consequences so devastating, the DC Universe will never be the same!

I feel very much like a broken record when it comes to talking about Forever Evil, as despite it always being good it has yet to transcend into the category of greatness. This however isn't a bad thing and the fact that the series remains strong is what really matters.

Geoff Johns has really started to give some great developments over the last couple of issues, and the series is definitely starting to show promise for further progression. What I loved most about Johns' writing in this particular issue was how he handled the interaction between Lex Luthor and Batman, with the attempted coexistence being extremely entertaining. There is also some amazing action and suspenseful build-up throughout, all of which adds to the overall quality. Added to that the defining notion that even on the side of good, evil still rules and the series' concept just becomes better and better.

David Finch's artwork throughout this series has been nothing short of wonderful, and it continues to amaze me yet again. The terrific layouts along with the dynamic action make this a breathtaking issue, which is both exhilarating and intense. Finch also adds a lot of depth and tone through the facial expressions, with his art helping to increase the tension during the Batman/Luthor interaction. Added to this the brilliant inks by Richard Friend and outstanding colours from Sonia Oback and the final finish to this issue is simply astonishing.

Forever Evil continues to be a success and with the dramatic dialogue and explosive action this is a series that everyone will enjoy. Highly recommended.

Rating: 8/10

Forever Evil #4 Review

Writer: Geoff Johns

Artist: David Finch

Will Forever Evil continue to be a strong event for DC? Read on to find out.

The official description from DC Comics:

It’s all-out chaos as the DC Universe continues its march through darkness! War erupts across the Earth between the villains! Allegiances are formed! Rivals are murdered! And at center stage it’s Lex Luthor versus Batman—and their fight couldn’t come at a worse time as Deathstroke’s Hunting Party closes in on the world’s only hope against the Crime Syndicate!

So far Forever Evil has been moving a little slowly in my opinion, as even though the series has consistently been brilliant, there hasn't been a huge lot of progression so far.

This would start to change slightly in this issue, as Geoff Johns starts to implement more interesting developments, utilising previous Justice League material perfectly. Johns would also continue to add a lot of suspense and drama in this issue, and with it still lacking ever so slightly in the development region this would be a much needed addition. Johns would also start to bring more of the big time players together in this issue, cultivating in some fantastic character interactions. On top of that Johns would continue to develop the Crime Syndicate perfectly and it should only be a matter of time before the series pays off big time.

David Finch would also do a fantastic job of the artwork in this issue, with his work in this issue possibly being his best yet. The detail in Finch’s artwork was simply outstanding, as despite the usual minor imperfection it would be very impactful. The best part of Finch’s art however had to be the layout, and especially during the sequence with Batman confronting Luthor, as the shadowy nature of Batman would add a lot of intensity to the sequence. The only main negativity I have with Finch’s art is with the cover, as though it was very good it felt slightly awkward.

Forever Evil is slowly starting to get closer to the quality of Trinity War and whether it tops Trinity War or not, it is looking to be yet another terrific event from DC.

Rating: 8/10

Forever Evil #3 Review

Writer: Geoff Johns

Artist: David Finch

Although it hasn't been as astonishing as Trinity War was, Forever Evil has been a very exciting and entertaining series, being the perfect continuation to Trinity War, as well as being a brilliant event in itself, re-introducing the Crime Syndicate in a big way.

Plot

As Batman and Catwoman take Cyborg to get help, Lex Luthor with Bizarro's help finds the location of Ultraman and sees his fight with Black Adam.

Review

This was yet another fantastic issue, and although the series has been progressing slowly, it continues to be very exciting. Geoff Johns once again did a terrific job of developing this story involving the Crime Syndicate, as although I'd have hoped for a little more development by now, he is still doing an amazing job of keeping the story entertaining, and the set-up in this issue has me excited for the next. I also loved how Johns managed to have most of the developments within this issue flow into each other, as it makes the development in the event so far feel more connected. The character interaction and action in this issue would also be fantastic, adding a lot of drama and excitement to the issue, as well as more depth.

The artwork on this issue would also yet again be brilliant, as although there was a couple of things that annoyed me, overall David Finch produced some fantastic art. The detail throughout would be mostly consistent, as although there were minor imperfections, there weren't many, though a couple of them were rather jarring to look at. The layout on the other hand would be perfect throughout, adding a lot of depth and tone to the issue, as well as making it a bit more intense at times. The action sequences would also be amazing, though the Ultraman/Black Adam sequence would have couple of awkward panel that let it down a bit.

This issue would start with Batman and Catwoman taking the remains of Cyborg to his father Silas Stone in the hopes that he can once again save his son. This however wouldn't be the part of the sequence that would interest me the most, as that would go to Batman learning that the Crime Syndicate have revealed Nightwing's (Dick Grayson) identity, having me excited for the future development of this. I also enjoyed the interaction that Catwoman would have in this sequence as it would lighten the tone slightly.

Lex Luthor would also continue with his plans against the Crime Syndicate getting Bizarro to help him get one of his satellites back in working order. Now this sequence didn't do a lot for the story besides set-up the next sequence brilliantly, as well as the last part of Luthor's appearance setting up the next issue. I did however enjoyed the interaction between Luthor and Bizarro and how Luthor's tone would change every now and then to get Bizarro to do what he wanted. This interaction would also add a lot of entertainment as fin to the issue as well.

We'd also get to see the continuation of the Ultraman/Black Adam fight that started in Justice League #24. Now I thought the fight in that issue was amazing, and was looking forward to it continuing in this issue. I will however say that it would have been bettwer if the full fight was shown in one issue or the other, as although both were exciting, they'd have felt much more so if in the same issue, as much like the part of the fight from Justice League #24 this didn't feel long enough. I did however find it to be very exciting and enterating, and Ultraman's attitude throughout added a lot of depth as well.

Final Verdict

Although the series is progressing slowly it still manages to be very entertaining and exciting, with this being no different. This issue would also have some interesting character interactions, and the way the story would develop would be extremely interesting. Due to all this I'd highly recommend this issue and the event so far, and can't wait for the next issue.

Rating: 8/10

Forever Evil: Arkham War #1 Review

Writer: Peter J. Tomasi
Artist: Scot Eaton

Although the Villains Month prequels in the Scarecrow and Bane issues weren't as good as I hoped they would I have still been looking forward to this series, with this being the only mini-series from Forever Evil that I'll be getting bar Forever Evil itself.

Plot

With Bane's arrival near, Scarecrow turns to Penguin for advice on how to deal with him.

Review

This was surprisingly a very good opening issue for the series, as I half expected the first issue to be of the same quality level that the Villains Month prequels were. Peter J. Tomasi did however do a very good job of kicking this off, giving people who missed Villains Month a reader friendly issue, whilst also allowing people who read the prequels a better reading experience. The issue itself was also brilliantly paced, as even the slower sequences had the perfect mood and tone, with the exciting moments also being very explosive, and dramatic. Tomasi also did a great job of adding as many villains as he could without it feeling forced, and I was very happy that he added a smaller villain like Professor Pyg.

The artwork on this issue was also amazing, and Scot Eaton did a fantastic job. The detail throughout the issue was brilliant, with everything being very consistent. I also really enjoyed the way that Eaton laid his artwork out, as it helped with the overall pace of the issue, adding a lot of depth, and also being very dynamic. Eaton also did a brilliant job with the character movement, and expression in this issue as well, as it allowed for so much more excitement and drama, also adding even more depth to the issue. I also loved how Eaton drew Bane, as he managed to make him look like the monster that he is, showing the intensity that he brings, which isn't easy considering you can't show much facial expressions.

The main theme of this issue would be Bane's imminent arrival, and due to this the issue would see Scarecrow frantically going about trying to find ways of stopping Bane. This would included Scarecrow having interactions with both Professor Pyg and the new mayor of Gotham, the Penguin. Now I really enjoyed this, as although I have found Scarecrow's personal fear to be a hindrance for his character, it was handled in a brilliant way in this issue. I also really enjoyed the Penguin's lack of concern over this, as it showed his characteristics perfectly.

This issue would also see Bane on a rampage, with his main target in this issue being Blackgate Penitentiary. Bane was easily the most enjoyable character to read in this issue, and Tomasi really seems to know what he's doing, as although his Bane Villains Month issue was rather slow, he has made up for that big time in this issue. I also really enjoyed seeing Bane exert his dominance, and how it was extremely clear that he didn't care about anything besides taking control of Gotham. I also enjoyed how Tomasi showed Bane's intelligence, as although he doesn't care what he has to do, he still very much has a plan about how best to accomplish his goal.

Another thing that I enjoyed about this issue was that we got to see how the Gotham City Police Department was dealing with the sudden carnage, with Commissioner James Gordon making an appearance. Now his appearance wasn't long in this issue, and that was probably a very good thing, as it didn't take away from the two main characters, Bane and Scarecrow. I did however feel that it was a great addition, as with Batman gone there needed to be some sign of protection for the city, as although they may not be winning, it wouldn't be right to show not attempt at all to stop these villains.

Final Verdict

This was a fantastic issue, and much better than I originally thought it would be. It was however still not perfect, but did set the series up brilliantly, and I'm expecting a lot from the future of the series now. This issue itself was also very dramatic and exciting, being perfectly paced, with the slower parts even having brilliant tone to counter that. Due to all this I'd highly recommend this issue, as it is well worth giving a try.

Rating: 8/10

Forever Evil #2 Review

Writer: Geoff Johns
Artist: David Finch

This crossover event kicked off brilliantly with it's opening issue last month, teasing the future of the DC Universe. Now that Villains Month is finally over I personally look forward to seeing the affects that Forever Evil has on the DC Universe, and what better way of starting that than with another issue of the main event, Forever Evil itself.

Plot

With the Justice League dead the Crime Syndicate make preparations to keep this world for themselves. As this is happening both Lex Luthor and the Teen Titans make their own plans to stop the Crime Syndicate.

Review

This was a brilliant issue, and a fantastic continuation to this even. Geoff Johns did a great job of showing how bad the world has went now that the Crime Syndicate have taken over, also setting up other branches of this crossover brilliantly. Another thing that I loved about Johns' writing was that although most of this was set-up work, he managed to keep it very exciting and entertaining, also adding plenty of suspense. Johns also did a fantastic job with the dialogue, as it was simply amazing, being humorous at times, overall making some slower sequences much more exciting. Johns also set a brilliant tone in this issue, with some mystery in the background, and overall I can't wait to see what he does next.

The artwork in this issue was also spectacular, and David Finch did a fantastic job. The detail throughout this issue was simply brilliant, as although there was the odd rough patch here and there, the majority of the issue was to a very high standard. The facial expressions on the other hand were a little awkward at times, something that tends to happen in Finch's art a lot. It doesn't however take much always as there are plenty of great things that overshadow the minor flaws. Finch also once again had some brilliant layouts in this issue, that added a lot of depth to the issue. There was also one character in particular that Finch did a good job of, but I won't spoil the surprise appearance of this character by naming them.

This issue would kick off with Luthor continuing his plans to fight back against the Crime Syndicate, going down to sublevel 13 of Lexcorp Headquarters to attend to a project that he's been working on. Now this was a brilliant development, and it was nice to see Otis again as well, as even though he was in a different role it was nice to see him and Luthor interact with each other again. It was however Luthor's project that interested me the most, as although I won't reveal who it was (it's easy to work out) I was very happy when it was revealed, and it has me very excited for the future of this story.

The Crime Syndicate were also making there own plans, with a hooded man tied up in the Justice League Watchtower with them. I really enjoyed this sequence, as it showed a bit of dysfunction between the members of the Crime Syndicate, something that was bound to happen sooner or later. I did however also like some of the mysterious background developments, and how it continued one development in particular that was brought to our attention in Justice League #23.4 Secret Society. I am also now looking forward to see what the Crime Syndicate has in store next, and if they'll manage to continue working a team.

The Teen Titans would also make an appearance in this issue with Red Robin (Tim Drake) saying that now the Justice League are gone that it's up to them to take the Crime Syndicate down. The Teen Titans would then get into a fight with Johnny Quick and Atomica. I personally liked seeing the Teen Titans in this issue, though I would have loved their appearance to have been a bit more meaningful, as it basically seemed to be a way of setting up their part of this crossover. I did however enjoye seeing Red Robin act as the leader he is, as well as their encounter with Johnny Quick and Atomica, but it could have been better.

Final Verdict

This was a fantastic issue, and a great continuation of the story. It also does a brilliant job of setting up the crossover storylines in this event, also having some brilliant developments for the main series itself. There was also brilliant dialogue, with some exciting sequences as well as a bit of mystery as well. Due to all this I'd highly recommend this issue as well as the first and can't wait for the next.

Rating: 8/10

DC Reveals 18-Part Crossover Called Forever Evil: Blight

This morning DC announced an 18 part crossover story named Forever Evil: Blight, that will run from October this year till March next. The crossover will feature in the Justice League Dark, Constantine, Trinity of Sin: Pandora, and Trinity of Sin: The Phantom Stranger series'.

DC Editor-in-Chief Bob Harras said, “And when he wakes up, Constantine will refuse to believe that his teammates – particularly Zatanna – are dead. Therefore, he casts a spell to locate them … but his search is quickly blocked by a dominant force within the metaphysical world. It seems that the Crime Syndicate’s invasion has significantly enhanced the levels of evil in the universe, and that this evil has a physical manifestation: Blight. In order to save Zatanna, Constantine will be forced to take on Blight. Along with Swamp Thing, Nightmare Nurse, and the Trinity of Sin themselves – Pandora, Phantom Stranger, and The Question – Constantine will need to defeat Blight if he wants to ever see the woman he loves again. But when Blight becomes aware of Constantine’s quest and draws in a human host to take him down, will Constantine and the army he’s assembled be enough to battle a force that encapsulates all the evil in the world?”

This story will be be told across the following issues:

Part 1: Justice League Dark #24
Part 2: Justice League Dark  #25
Part 3: Trinity of Sin: The Phantom Stranger #14
Part 4: Constantine #9
Part 5: Trinity of Sin: Pandora #6
Part 6: Justice League Dark  #26
Part 7: Trinity of Sin: The Phantom Stranger #15
Part 8: Constantine #10
Part 9: Trinity of Sin: Pandora #7
Part 10: Justice League Dark  #27
Part 11:Trinity of Sin: The Phantom Stranger #16
Part 12: Constantine #11
Part 13: Trinity of Sin: Pandora #8
Part 14: Justice League Dark  #28
Part 15: Trinity of Sin: The Phantom Stranger #17
Part 16: Constantine #12
Part 17: Trinity of Sin: Pandora #9
Part 18: Justice League Dark  #29

My Thoughts

Although I feel there are enough Forever Evil tie-ins going around I actually really like the idea of this one, as with it connecting all the dark and mystical DC series' it allows for something really unique. It also is a good way for people who only read certain series in this event a chance to try the others, as although it will upset some that they'll have to get more series, it's a good chance for the others to get a bit more promotion. I also like the fact that Constantine will be the centre of this story, and overall am really looking forward to it.

Forever Evil #1 Review

Writer: Geoff Johns

Artist: David Finch

With the way Trinity War ended how could anyone not be excited for this event. With it making a massive change to the DC Universe, being the first company wide crossover since the start of the New 52 I'm expecting a lot, and I'm sure it won't disappoint.

Plot

With the Justice League presumed dead, the Crime Syndicate plan to take over this world, recruiting as many villains as they can to do so.

Review

This was a fantastic issue, and although it wasn't quite as good as I hoped it would be, it was a brilliant start to the story. Geoff Johns did a great job of continuing from where he left of at the end of Trinity War, but at the same time made this easy enough to get into, as although people that didn't read Trinity War, who also avoid comic news may be shocked, Johns quickly brings things together, and story wise this looks to be shaping into something that's simply amazing. I also loved the tone of the issue, another thing that Johns did a great job with, as it flowed smoothly, having plenty of drama, and suspense when needed. It was however slightly lacking in excitement, but I'm sure Johns will make up for that with the next issue.

The art from David Finch was also amazing, being some of the best art that he's done for a long time. The detail in Finch's art was outstanding for most of this issue, as although there was the odd imperfection, it was generally fantastically handled. I also loved the layout from Finch in this issue, as although not very unique, it did add a bit of a dynamic tone to the issue, adding more depth, and helping the story to flow smoother. I also really enjoyed the fold out artwork in the middle of this issue, as due to slightly disliking parts of the cover, feeling that it was too many characters in to short a space, he has made up for it here, with this phenomenal assembly of villains.

This issue would start with Lex Luthor, showing him trying to take over Thomas Kord's company, then noticing the changes that the Crime Syndicate have caused. It was already established that Luthor would play a key role in this story, but it was extremely interesting the way that he was introduced into it, as following his short time in Trinity War I was really excited for this. The thing I liked most about Luthor's appearance had to be his reaction to the carnage, as considering just how far he's willing to go to get what he wants (as shown in this issue), I was shocked by his reaction to the Crime Syndicate, and this just goes to show how bad things are now that they are here.

Another character that was established to have a vital role in this storyline would be Batman original sidekick, Nightwing (Dick Grayson). To be honest he didn't have quite as bog a role in this issue as I expected, as although overall he had a huge role it wasn't for the reason that I expected. Nonetheless it was still extremely interesting, and very entertaining, and I loved seeing him step out from Batman's shadow, taking the limelight now that he's not around. I am however interested to see what role he will have in the future of this story, as so far it's been amazing.

The Crime Syndicate themselves were awe-inspiring, as although they didn't appear as a team as much as I would hope for, they certainly showed that they meant business. Their first goal would be to gather up all the villains that they could, no matter what it took, and the meeting between the Crime Syndicate, and the other villains was simply outstanding. Now I won't go into any details, as to avoid spoilers, but this is exactly what I was hoping for with this series, not disappointing, and if things keep up like this, as well as adding more excitement it has the potential to be one of the best events ever.

Final Verdict

This was an amazing start to what I hope will be a wonderful event. It had the perfect tone, setting everything up perfectly, allowing people who've missed Trinity War the perfect chance to see what changes it would cause. It also has some interesting sequences, and brilliant dialogue, and I for one can't wait for more, and would highly recommend it to anyone, even if you missed Trinity War.

Rating: 8/10