Review: Brightest Day #21

Writers: Geoff Johns & Peter Tomasi

Artists: Patrick Gleason, Ivan Reis & Joe Prado

Inkers: Mark irwin, Keith Champagne, Norm Rmpund & Christian Alamy

Color: Aspen MLT’s Peter Steigewald & Nathan Eyring

Cover: Gary Frank & Nathan Eyring

Publisher: DC

Release Date: March 2nd, 2011

 

The last few issues of Brightest Day have been really good and with Brightest Day #21, it’s more of the same. Reason being, as BD comes to its conclusion, the drawn out character story arcs associated with, do so as well.

Per the cover, we see learn happens with J’onn J’onzz – the Martian Manhunter.

The issue is a quick read as more than half the issue features splash pages. Seeing how DC is going the 20 page route, I do wish they would use less of the large scale dramatic art routine. However, a majority of what was done here was fitting.

J’onn and D’Kay battle it out both within and without. The Martian Manhunter is written as a most noble alien creature, as the decisions he face are certainly difficult – and terrible. However, J’onn knows what he must do, and without a thought in regards to himself, makes them.

As J’onn faces the end – numerous times – he looks into the face of death and life — and doesn’t bat a Martian eye.

As each of the chosen fulfills their mission, or not, and the White Lantern returns life, or not, the anticipation as to what is to come builds and builds. The White Lantern might be as bad as the Black Lantern, just on the opposite side of the spectrum.

Gleason, Reis and Prado do an amazing job. The battle sequences between the two Martians is most graphic and comes off looking good. Previously, I mentioned the numerous splash pages being too much, but at least they were done well and with quality. The particular sequence that dealt with J’onn and D’Kay’s “brightest day” looked horrifying and exhilarating at the same time.

Manhunter fans should, hopefully, be happy with this particular issue as should those following Brightest Day.