Genre: Crossover Superhero | Writer: Geoff Johns | Artist: Ivan Reis | Release Date: 2009
Publisher: DC Comics
Collecting issues 0-8, the story follows the dead rising as Black Lanterns wielding death-fueled rings. across the DC universe. Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps must unite with heroes and villains alike to stop the darkness.
Blackest Night is one of DC’s most ambitious crossover events, and it delivers a cosmic-scale story that cleverly deepens the mythology of the Lantern Corps. Written by Geoff Johns, the narrative pivots on a chilling premise: the dead rise, empowered by Black Lantern rings, targeting the emotional vulnerabilities of heroes and villains alike. It’s a story that digs deep into themes of grief, fear, hope, and redemption, with death not just being a plot device—but the battleground itself.
Johns effectively juggles a massive ensemble cast, from Green Lantern Hal Jordan and the Flash to obscure and long-forgotten DC characters brought back in twisted form. The expansion of the emotional light spectrum—introducing corps like the Red (rage), Indigo (compassion), Blue (hope), and others—adds both metaphorical richness and narrative complexity. It feels like a natural evolution of the Green Lantern lore, giving emotional depth to what could’ve been a standard zombie-invasion plotline.
Dialogue is snappy and emotional, balancing exposition with character beats. Moments like Barry Allen confronting undead loved ones or Mera being offered a Red Lantern ring stand out for their emotional resonance. Despite the event’s large scope, Johns grounds key moments in personal stakes. However, readers unfamiliar with Green Lantern mythos may find themselves overwhelmed by the terminology and number of characters. Still, for fans of the DC universe or those invested in Lantern lore, this is powerful storytelling.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Art Style
Ivan Reis’s artwork is a major strength of Blackest Night, delivering jaw-dropping visuals on nearly every page. The horror elements are visceral, with the resurrected Black Lanterns drawn in grotesque, decayed detail—making them genuinely frightening. The contrast between these twisted reanimations and the vibrant colors of the various Lantern Corps creates a visually stunning palette that reinforces the emotional conflict at the heart of the story.
The emotional light spectrum allows for a wide range of colors—green, red, blue, indigo, orange, violet, yellow, and black—and Reis uses this full range to brilliant effect. His illustrations give each Corps a distinct visual identity, often enhancing the reader’s understanding of their core emotion through body language, facial expression, and ring effects. The splash pages, especially during full Lantern Corps clashes, are high-energy and filled with dynamic action. Characters feel expressive and kinetic even in panels crammed with detail.
Panel composition is clear and flows naturally, even in complex fight sequences or heavy exposition moments. Character designs are faithful and iconic, and the undead redesigns of beloved heroes like Martian Manhunter, Aquaman, and Firestorm are nightmarish in all the right ways. Reis doesn't shy away from the horror, but never loses the superheroic aesthetic. It’s a gorgeous, gritty, and often haunting book that keeps the reader visually invested.
Rating: 4 out of 5
The Verdict
In the end, Blackest Night is an epic DC event done right—bold, terrifying, emotionally charged, and gorgeously illustrated. With Geoff Johns expanding the mythology and Ivan Reis delivering blockbuster artwork, this is a crossover that balances cosmic scale with personal stakes. It’s a must-read for Green Lantern fans and a high point in DC’s modern storytelling. Blackest Night gets 4 out of 5.
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