Brightest Day #0

What a great sampler. Brightest Day has me really excited for a couple of reasons. Not only does it feature some favorites of mine like Martian Manhunter, Hawkman, Hawkwoman, and Firestorm, but it also seems to be molded after the best DC experiment of the past few years: 52. This is shaping up to be a character study where B and C level characters get some spotlight and some importance, and I think that is a great sign for the DCU.

This issue follows Deadman around as he checks in with the resurrected characters (the 12) who came back at the end of Blackest Night. Aquaman and Mera are getting "reacquainted," but Aquaman is worried that he hasn't left the Black Lantern influence behind him. Hawkman and Hawkwoman have decided to live in the moment, but someone is on the trail of their past lives' dead bodies; they're also tied to the Star Sapphires somehow. Max Lord is attempting his biggest mind control ever. We'll see how that shapes up in the new Justice League: Lost Generation series. Martian Manhunter is happy and determined to be the hero of two worlds, Earth and Mars. Osiris wants to make sure that Black Adam and Isis get another chance. Captain Boomerang wants to be a rogue again and Reverse Flash is still locked up. Hawk is on a rampage against criminals. Jade is trying find out where she belongs now (we know it will eventually be the JLA). Firestorm (Ronnie Raymond) is a frat boy, he's looking like a real jerk. Deadman has the tightest tie to the White Lantern entity, but I have no idea what his job is going be as he helps protect the returned characters.

I'm really excited to see how these characters use their increased exposure over the next year. As I've said before, I whined and moaned when these characters will killed off for no reason, it is only fair that I be equally excited when they all return and star in their own series. DC is definitely on an upswing for me these days. Best of all, I actually trust Geoff Johns and Peter Tomasi to do right by these characters, they appreciate the legacies involved.

Fernando Pasarin's art is nice and detailed, it looks a lot like Jesus Merino's work in JSA. In fact, I greatly prefer his style over the pinched faces and darkness on David Finch's cover.

Good