DC Nation I need your help with BLACKEST NIGHT

[HEATWAVE 2010]

Hello fellow comic enthusiasts! I need YOUR help. I'm a new reader, returning to comics a few months ago after a decade or so of hiatus. At the time I was reading comics, it was the mid 90's and Image comics was ruling the universe and those are the titles I was reading (Top Cow titles in particular). I'm not too familiar with the DC universe and my exposure to such is limited. I will get into that later.

Anyways upon my return to the comics world I have discovered good informative sites such as CBR and Newsarama among others to help me dive back into the medium. Upon scouring these sites I have come across many, many articles singing the praises of Blackest Night, and saying how it is the biggest event of the year and such. So I fell for the hype and bought issue 1, and as of yesterday I also have issue 2. Now after reading both issues twice, I still have no idea what is REALLY going on except for the obvious that the dead are rising.

I need the help of YOU the DCU experts. Tell me what is going on in these books. Tell me...

A) Why I should care that these characters that are dead (whom I never heard of besides Martian Manhunter and Aquaman) are rising?

B) Who is the guy that is digging up Batman's skull?

C) What the heck is the big deal about BLACK lanterns?

D) How did Arthur Curry die in the first place?

E) Where is Superman?

F) Why is Alfred there but not the new Batman and Robin?

G) Where is Wonder Woman?

H) What is the significance of this Blackest Night event?

I) [most important] Will I be able to understand the story by just purchasing Blackest Night #1-8 or am I going to have to buy all of those books on the "checklist"?

J) How did Green Lantern end up in Gotham City?


Now let me add what my experience with the DC characters so that you can see what limited knowledge I have of the DCU and maybe that will help in the answers to my questions.

-I've seen all the Batman movies past and present, Batman the Animated Series back in the 90's, the 60's Batman TV show, and Super Friends cartoon.

-I've watched Superman movies 1-4, and Superman Returns. I have watched most of Lois and Clark the TV show back when I was in middle school, and I am a big fan of Smallville. I've seen Superman/Doomsday the animated movie and a few episodes of Superman the Animated Series and Justice League the Animated Series.

-I'm old enough to remember having seen the Wonder Woman TV show.

-DC books I have read: The Dark Knight Returns, Batman: Year One, Batman: Long Halloween, Kingdom Come (personal fave), All-Star Superman, Superman: Secret Identity, Batman: Hush, Superman: For Tomorrow, and I have Batman and Robin #1 and 2. THAT'S IT. Hope that helps, because I really would like to get into Blackest Night but so far I've spent 8 bucks on it and the best thing I've read is the Superman Origin preview lol. HELP ME!

[Mister Blisterfists]

your exposure to DC is limited to the TV, it would seem.

none of which will prime you for an event book, which generally star tons of characters from across the DCU.

but we're here to help.

A) Why I should care that these characters that are dead (whom I never heard of besides Martian Manhunter and Aquaman) are rising?

Because death has become a joke in comics. This event is gonna try to make death relevant, and meaningful again.

B) Who is the guy that is digging up Batman's skull?

His name is Black Hand, and he is a Green Lantern villain. Coincidentally, that's not really Batman's skull.

C) What the heck is the big deal about BLACK lanterns?

The Black Lanterns are resurrected corpses.

D) How did Arthur Curry die in the first place?

He was murdered defending Sub-Diego.

E) Where is Superman?

Superman is Off-World, working to establish a New Krypton.

F) Why is Alfred there but not the new Batman and Robin?

We'll know soon

G) Where is Wonder Woman?

No Idea. The big three are MIA at the moment.

H) What is the significance of this Blackest Night event?

To untangle the mess that has been made of death being a revolving door.

I) [most important] Will I be able to understand the story by just purchasing Blackest Night #1-8 or am I going to have to buy all of those books on the "checklist"?

Yes. DC is much better about their event books, than Marvel is. Most Important things happen in the main book.

J) How did Green Lantern end up in Gotham City?

Hal and Barry were Examining Bruce's grave, in GL #24, when J'onn attacked.

[Psavell2]

Originally Posted by HEATWAVE 2010

Now after reading both issues twice, I still have no idea what is REALLY going on except for the obvious that the dead are rising.

Don't worry, you're not supposed to understand it yet. It's a mystery and there are supposed to be several twists before we get to the end. If you think you're confused, just imagine how the characters in the books feel, from their much more limited perspective.

[Thok]

Originally Posted by HEATWAVE 2010

D) How did Arthur Curry die in the first place?

This is a very long story. Basically, he sacrificed himself to help the people of Sub Diego (San Diego sunken underground) which transformed him to a creature called the Dweller of the Deep. In that form he was later killed.

His actual cause is death is likely to be irrelevant to the story at hand.

H) What is the significance of this Blackest Night event?

There's a prophesy connected to it from an old Alan Moore story about the destruction of the Green Lantern Corps. This story was also used to explain why Abin Sur was in a spaceship when he crash-landed on Earth and gave up his ring to Hal (since as a GL, he wouldn't need a spaceship to fly.)

If you can find this story it's worth checking out (it's collected in the DC Tales of Alan Moore; that collection also contains the famous Batman/Joker story The Killing Joke and is worth getting.)

I) [most important] Will I be able to understand the story by just purchasing Blackest Night #1-8 or am I going to have to buy all of those books on the "checklist"?

You may want to check out Green Lantern/Green Lantern Corps, but theoretically it's a stand alone story. The other tie-ins are more of the form "The Dead have risen, how does this affect Character X?" GL and GLC are filling in some gaps (for example, much of the Martian Manhunter/Hal/Barry fight took place in Green Lantern 44.)

J) How did Green Lantern end up in Gotham City?

Hal and Barry heard that somebody was digging up Batman's grave, and went to it to investigate. Batman's grave is in Gotham. Basically, the entire Martian Manhunter fight takes place in Gotham.

[HEATWAVE 2010]

Mister Blisterfists, Psavell2, Thok thank you all for answering my questions. I appreciate the help, and I have a little better understanding of the "event" now. I'm hoping you guys come back here after issue 3 because I'm sure I'll have other questions.

Thok- "The 90's are not the Bronze Age" is hilarious.

[Mister Blisterfists]

Originally Posted by Thok

There's a prophesy connected to it from an old Alan Moore story about the destruction of the Green Lantern Corps. This story was also used to explain why Abin Sur was in a spaceship when he crash-landed on Earth and gave up his ring to Hal (since as a GL, he wouldn't need a spaceship to fly.)

If you can find this story it's worth checking out (it's collected in the DC Tales of Alan Moore; that collection also contains the famous Batman/Joker story The Killing Joke and is worth getting.)

I happen to have a spare copy of this issue if anybody's interested. It goes for a lot on ebay, but I'd let it go for a reasonable price if anybody cares to make an offer.

Heatwave, I'll keep an eye open for the thread, I'll be happy to lend a hand. I'm pretty big on DC History, at least Post COIE.

[Mat001]

Originally Posted by HEATWAVE 2010

Hello fellow comic enthusiasts! I need YOUR help. I'm a new reader, returning to comics a few months ago after a decade or so of hiatus. At the time I was reading comics, it was the mid 90's and Image comics was ruling the universe and those are the titles I was reading (Top Cow titles in particular). I'm not too familiar with the DC universe and my exposure to such is limited. I will get into that later.

Anyways upon my return to the comics world I have discovered good informative sites such as CBR and Newsarama among others to help me dive back into the medium. Upon scouring these sites I have come across many, many articles singing the praises of Blackest Night, and saying how it is the biggest event of the year and such. So I fell for the hype and bought issue 1, and as of yesterday I also have issue 2. Now after reading both issues twice, I still have no idea what is REALLY going on except for the obvious that the dead are rising.

I need the help of YOU the DCU experts. Tell me what is going on in these books. Tell me...



E) Where is Superman?

He'll be along in "Blackest Night: Superman". Earth-2 Superman is in Smallville.

F) Why is Alfred there but not the new Batman and Robin?

They show up in "Blackest Night: Batman".

G) Where is Wonder Woman?

She'll show up in "Blackest Night: Wonder Woman".

I) [most important] Will I be able to understand the story by just purchasing Blackest Night #1-8 or am I going to have to buy all of those books on the "checklist"?

You need "Rebirth", "No Fear", "Sinestro Corps War", "Secret Origin", "Rage Of The Red Lanterns", "Agent Orange", "Ring Quest" and "Sins Of The Star Sapphire". You don't need the other tie-ins. Only the main BN series is important.

Now let me add what my experience with the DC characters so that you can see what limited knowledge I have of the DCU and maybe that will help in the answers to my questions.

-I've seen all the Batman movies past and present, Batman the Animated Series back in the 90's, the 60's Batman TV show, and Super Friends cartoon.

-I've watched Superman movies 1-4, and Superman Returns. I have watched most of Lois and Clark the TV show back when I was in middle school, and I am a big fan of Smallville. I've seen Superman/Doomsday the animated movie and a few episodes of Superman the Animated Series and Justice League the Animated Series.

-I'm old enough to remember having seen the Wonder Woman TV show.

-DC books I have read: The Dark Knight Returns, Batman: Year One, Batman: Long Halloween, Kingdom Come (personal fave), All-Star Superman, Superman: Secret Identity, Batman: Hush, Superman: For Tomorrow, and I have Batman and Robin #1 and 2. THAT'S IT. Hope that helps, because I really would like to get into Blackest Night but so far I've spent 8 bucks on it and the best thing I've read is the Superman Origin preview lol. HELP ME!

Well, those trades I mentioned earlier should help out with regards to Green Lantern. It won't help as much with other characters that you aren't familiar with. But since you've watched JL and I would assume JLU, then you know the Green Lanterns, Hawkman, Hawkgirl, the Atom, Dr. Light and so on. Since you know Superman and Batman, then their mini-series can be read.

[HEATWAVE 2010]

Originally Posted by Mat001

He'll be along in "Blackest Night: Superman". Earth-2 Superman is in Smallville.

What is Earth-2?

You need "Rebirth", "No Fear", "Sinestro Corps War", "Secret Origin", "Rage Of The Red Lanterns", "Agent Orange", "Ring Quest" and "Sins Of The Star Sapphire". You don't need the other tie-ins. Only the main BN series is important.

Are these all related to Green Lantern? I know Sinestro Corps War and Rage of Red Lanterns are, but are the rest?

Originally Posted by Thok

There's a prophesy connected to it from an old Alan Moore story about the destruction of the Green Lantern Corps. This story was also used to explain why Abin Sur was in a spaceship when he crash-landed on Earth and gave up his ring to Hal (since as a GL, he wouldn't need a spaceship to fly.)

So Green Lantern Corps are going to be destroyed in Blackest Night? Who is Abin Sur and what is his/her importance? I saw the Abin Sur grave on one of the pages but had no idea who he was.

[Thok]

Originally Posted by HEATWAVE 2010

What is Earth-2?

There are multiple universe in the DCU, each with different variations. The collection of universes is called the multiverse. Earth-2 is a universe where the heroes of the Golden Age were allowed to continue their lives; for example Batman married Catwoman, and they had a child who took the identity of the Huntress.

Kal-L is the Superman from that Universe.

Are these all related to Green Lantern? I know Sinestro Corps War and Rage of Red Lanterns are, but are the rest?

All of those tales are arcs in either GL or GLC.

So Green Lantern Corps are going to be destroyed in Blackest Night?

Possibly.

Who is Abin Sur and what is his/her importance? I saw the Abin Sur grave on one of the pages but had no idea who he was.

Abin Sur is the GL of Earth's space sector before Hal Jordan, and the person who gave Hal the Green Lantern ring. He was also a close friend of Sinestro, before Sinestro betrayed the Green Lantern Corps.

That said, if you are asking questions like "Who is Abin Sur?" you should probably take a look at the "Secret Origins" arc, which was designed to help newcomers learn about Hal Jordan's early years.

[maraxus60]

I would gladly send you over to wiki for all of your answers. You can find out just about everything you need from there.

What is Earth-2?

Earth-2 is where the Golden Age Superman is from. Late 60's or early 70's continuity problems began to occur, there were stories that would happen that avid readers could not understand. From misunderstanding came oppurtunity for DC.

The stories that were being told were without regard for previous stories, and continuity. DC created MULTIPLE Earths as a way to explain away the continuity issues. There were now multiple Supermen, multiple Batmen, multiple superhero teams. Earth-1 had the Justice League, Earth-2 had the Justice Society, Earth-3 had the Crime Sindicate of America. This all happened because of creative control, the new people who worked on the books, were more interested in telling stories of the "MODERN" take of classic characters than they were about the history of some of the characters.

It was later revealed that the reason there were multiple earths was because of a Maltusian (same race as the Guardians of the Universe) named Krona. Krona was a scientist, he wanted to know the secrets of the universe. He made a machine that was able to see the beginnings of the universe. what he found was a disembodied hand holding the universe, he felt that he should go farther back. While trying to look farther into the past his machinery blew up, thus creating a second Big Bang right after the first and making the Multiverse. All of this can be found in a Graphic Novel called Ganthets Tale.

[Will.S]

Originally Posted by Mister Blisterfists

Because death has become a joke in comics. This event is gonna try to make death relevant, and meaningful again.

I would say that Johns is just as guilty for contributing to this as anyone else.

[daveageallen]

blackest night is the first dc title i ever bought, i used to download few thinking they were hit or miss or not worth my money. not any longer. i bought rebirth, and then dived into blackest night 1. i was able to understand things well but had some questions so i wiki'd and also got flash rebirth, and got the blackest night prelude.

i am loving it so far, i know it probally doesnt affect me as much seeing all these dead people return than a long time dc fan, i have always read mostly marvel and dark horse. but i am still amazed with the set up. cant wait to see marvels reaction after its over. the big 2 have always played off each other trying to top the other in shock value. i think this is dc's secret invasion pitting hero and villain against a single threat, former heroes.to bad S.I. was crap in the end.

[Mat001]

Originally Posted by HEATWAVE 2010

What is Earth-2?

In addition to what you were told by Thok, you remember the JL episode "Legends"? Similar concept.

Are these all related to Green Lantern? I know Sinestro Corps War and Rage of Red Lanterns are, but are the rest?

Yes. Even though "Blackest Night" is about the DC heroes, it is mainly about Green Lantern and all the characters associated with them. "Rebirth" is about Hal Jordan returning to the Green Lantern Corps and the final rebirth of the GLC. "No Fear" is about Hal trying to return to his old life. Both stories set the tone for what is to come. "Sinestro Corps War" is about the Yellow Lanterns. "Secret Origin" is Hal Jordan's origin and features not only Sinestro, but Atrocitus and Black Hand. "Rage Of The Red Lanterns" is about the Red Lanterns and the introduction of the Blue Lanterns. "Ring Quest" is about the Sinestro Corps in the aftermath of the war. "Sins Of The Star Sapphire" is about the Star Sapphires who you saw in JL. Mainly with the Secret Society and the Injustice League. This story talks about the origin and the nature of their power. "Agent Orange" is about Larfleeze and the Blue Lanterns. You're reading order should be "Secret Origin", "Rebirth", "No Fear", "Sinestro Corps War", "Rage Of The Red Lanterns", "Agent Orange", "Ring Quest" and "Sins Of The Star Sapphire".

So Green Lantern Corps are going to be destroyed in Blackest Night?

Sorta. It's what the Blackest Night prophecy was about. The destruction of the Green Lantern Corps was foretold, but we'll see how they avoid that. Thus changing their own destiny.

[LordEd1976]

Originally Posted by Mat001

Sorta. It's what the Blackest Night prophecy was about. The destruction of the Green Lantern Corps was foretold, but we'll see how they avoid that. Thus changing their own destiny.

It should be noted that the original Prophecy mentioned Ranx the Sentient City and the Children of the White Lobe. Both were part of the Sinestro Corps' assault on Mogo and both were killed/destroyed. It seems as if the GLs are already chenging their destiny, but at what cost remains to be seen.

Also, the one who told Abin Sur of the prophecy was Quill of the Five Inversions, one of the beings imprisoned on Ysalmut, home of the Red Lanterns. He claimed to telling the truth but that doesn't mean some facts may have been twisted around.

[Mister Blisterfists]

He told the truth, but in such a way that it became a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Abin Sur believed him. Which is what was most important. He could've changed the outcome, but since he believed in the truth of it, he had no reason or want to.