Thursday, May 5, 2011

Read: Brightest Day #23

Issue: Brightest Day #23
Title: "Rise And Fall"
Published Date: Apr2011
Generation: Modern Carter, Modern Shiera
Retcon Status: In Continuity

Summary: As natural chaos erupts all over the Earth, at the Star City Forest, the Entity has gathered together Firestorm, Martian Manhunter, Aquaman, Hawkman, and Hawgirl -- and with the power of the White Lantern, they are transformed into the Elemental champions of the planet Earth.  The Hawks are now the avatars of Air, appearing as misty cloud creatures.  

Outside of the forest, only those chosen by the Entity, such as Captain Boomerang, may enter.  The Dark Avatar is rising up, and is revealed to be the muck creature Swamp Thing.  The creature's connection with the Green -- the life force of the Earth itself -- has been lost, and now it is embodying the spirit of Nekron.  As the Elementals attack the giant plant-based monster, The Entity reveals to Boston Brand, Hawk, and Dove the champion of Earth: Alec Holland.

Review: Well, I have to admit that I did not see the Elemental thing coming.  Given the Elemental angle, Swamp Thing is not too big of a logical leap, but still, had you told me that this was the Endgame a year ago I would have thought you were crazy.  There's a lot of maneuvering and fiddling to get everyone where they need to be for the big finale in the next issue, but there is some nice stuff in here as well.  The giant Dark Swamp Thing looks fantastic, for instance, as do the Elemental depictions of our heroes.  Unfortunately, the Hawks have little to do other than blow strong winds at the monster this time out.  And I am still a little confused as to what exactly the deal is with Swamp Thing, but overall this issue moves along nicely.

Image: Brightest Day #23, 2011, Gary Frank.

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