By Sam Christopher
The mystery of the Martian Manhunter deepens in Brightest Day #6. There is also a little more on Boston Brand’s White Lantern ring and Mera’s revelation from last issue. Apparently, from what they’ve shown us, J’Onn J’Onzz is now imbued with the Touch of Death—except for squirrels. In an unrelated story (maybe), we’re also shown that Boston Brand loves cheeseburgers and they’re apparently his hold on life. I couldn’t make that up, folks—although it’s probably more complicated than that. Mera, it turns out, isn’t what she’s appeared to be for the past forty-something years and now we’re going to meet her family. The only other thing to talk about in this ish—besides a Barb Gordon appearance, which is always cool—is Ronnie Raymond joining Firestorm while drunk and then he and Jason learning a rather interesting factoid about the whole new Firestorm thing. And the ish ends with Martian Manhunter finding out what that thing on the first couple pages meant. Yeah, you’ll have to read it to get that. I have to say I would like this better if they went away from the “52” format of rotating vignettes and just focused on Boston Brand since the White Lantern is the “star” here. On the other hand, I can see this style, too. Probably helps Geoff Johns and Peter Tomasi not burn out on the story, too. I suppose that’s also why they have so many artists, so each vignette has its own “feel”. Doesn’t hurt to have talent like Ivan Reis, Joe Prado, Scott Clark and Patrick Gleason on the book, either.
Always remember: “Sometimes being Dr. Mid-Nite means being just plain ‘Doctor’.” I know it may sound cheesy but that is easily my favorite line from Justice Society of America #41. Beyond that, all kinds of things happen, from Obsidian and Dr. Fate being taken over by the Starheart and waxing the folks at Shade’s house (and, no, they didn’t kill Wildcat although they should, or at least have him retire from field work) to the true reason behind Starman’s easy capture in the closing pages of the latest ish of JLA. This is the second part of the “Dark Things” JLA/JSA crossover and it lives up to the first part. It’s even better, to me. I think my favorite part is near the end where Miss Martian is reverted to her White Martian self (and I never paid enough attention to that, I guess; so the White Martians are genetically evil?) and is taken out with one punch by Power Girl. Pretty cool. Another installment of greatness by James Robinson and Mark Bagley.
And then we end this segment with Birds of Prey #3. And this, this is just a well-structured story by Gail Simone, something we’re used to seeing from her. I hate to say anything at all about this chapter, as it is full of shocks and twists and turns. I didn’t see them coming, anyway, although I’m glad they did. It’s always a better story when nothing’s safe, when nothing’s what you think it is. Especially a detective story, as virtually anything set in Gotham City tends to be. The only thing I will say is that Pengy’s wounds make for some pretty hilarious reading, and that Ed Benes is still churning out that great artwork. One thing more: Always remember if a girl has a Blackhawk emblem on, the yellow in it doesn’t stand for chicken. I love Zinda.
