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In our new hotness, we have The Best Sellers List. Here, we cover the greatest battles of a particular character in a comic or series, and how it made it a best-seller. In our new hotness for March, is Darkseid in the DC eventFinal Crisis: New Edition (2014).
First, let’s reveal a poll on Twitter. Then, let’s show how it was a success.
FAN 🎉THE DC UNIVERSE AND FANDOM TO ENTERTAIN YOURSELF AS A HOBBY ABOUT #THEWORLDSGREATESTHEROES OF THE MODERN AGE AND COLLECT THE ART DECO DC BOOK? TO #COLLECTDIGITALLY, CLICK ON BUY ON AMAZON TO DOWNLOAD THE GRANT MORRISON FINAL CRISIS: NEW EDITION EVENTKINDLE BOOK AND BECOME THE GREATEST DC UNIVERSE FAN TO SHARE AMERICAN CULTURE IN YOUR CITY.
Namely, the creative team on the story arc is award-winning talent. In a few words, award-winning writer Grant Morrison and the incredible artist Dough Mahnke collaborate on the series.
For his part, the writer is known for the very popular Doom Patrol, Animal Man for DC’s Vertigo in the late 1980s and his iconic run on JLA in the late 1990s and early 2000s. In fact, an iconic personality, Morrison has fascinated with his eccentricism and his support for minorities..
When both superstars collaborate on this work, you expect a legendary take on classic superheroes. In fact, the creative team shook the DC universe!
A CONCLUSION TO THE DC CRISES
When Grant Morrison created Final Crisis, it was promoted with the tagline “Heroes die. Legends live forever.” Indeed, in my commentary on Final Crisis, I reveal that the objective per editorial mandate was to end the DC multiverse.
Certainly, the encyclopedia crossover event concludes all the ramifications from the past DC crises; in particular, Crisis on Infinite Earths (1986). Though classic heroes such as the Seven Soldiers of Victory make their appearance, the comic makes it clear that there are major deaths and the DC multiverse dies.
Now, the heroes make one final push to save the DC multiverse from Darkseid and the Anti-Life Equation. Witness one of the most iconic finishes in DC history with the Death of Darkseid.
Importantly, Boss Dark Side owns a long list of major character deaths in the crossover event. And the violence, the brutality and the blood spread everywhere. Certainly, the crisis is a response to the economic condition at the time.
Together, the Justice League saves the remaining survivors from the ALE on the Watchtower. Before, the heroes face evil in its powerful form. When Superman is cornered by an enslaved Earth and Darkseid, all hope seems lost.
Definitely, this comic showed some of the most dramatic events in DC history with the opposition of Superman alone against Darkseid with the entire Earth and the Justice League slaves to the ALE, and the death of the New God in issue #7.
Indeed, buy this comic to witness Wally and Barry vibrate through Darkeid’s body as they outrace the Black Racer. In the end, the comic concluded with the restoration of the DC multiverse.
SALES, SALES, SALES
Really, Final Crisis #7 did not boost sales for the series but it did perform outstandingly. In fact, according to Comichron, at Number 22, it was the last Final Crisis comic with 109,400 Diamond unit sales for the year 2009.
However, in March 2009, the issue sold a very low 1,962 copies. Though its yearly performance benefited from a lack of quality crossovers at its competitor Marvel. Let’s compare to the other comics in March 2009.
2. Dark Avengers #3: The Dark Avengers set out to aid Doctor Doom as he does battle with Morgana Le Fey! […]Unit sales: 96,532.
3. Uncanny X-Men (1963-2011) #507: LOVELORN PART 4 Innocent lives are trapped between the Russian mob and the heartbroken Colossus. […]Unit sales: 77,945.
4. Ultimatum #3 (of 5): What is Magneto’s true plan? Can he be stopped before all the heroes die? […]Unit sales: 79,427.
5. New Avengers (2004-2010) #51: Doctor Strange has failed as the Sorcerer Supreme! But who is the heir apparent? […]Unit sales: 95,326.
*To celebrate Superman Day, celebrated June 10-12th this week, read our Overpowered Beings article on Thought Robot. Visit our Formidability Rating below.
Strength Class: Boundless 100%
Weaknesses: None 100%
Quality Opponents: God or Abstract 100%
Limitations: None 100%
SCORE: 100
FORMIDABILITY: EXTRA-DIMENSIONAL
IN COSMIC HIERARCHY
THOUGHT ROBOT IS SECOND TO MONITOR-MIND THE OVERVOID
Thought Robot (Cosmic Armor Superman). DC Comics.
Before the Thought Robot vs Mandrakk battle, Superman and company were stranded in Limbo. Indeed, it was the Final Crisis, and Monitrix Zillo Valla had recruited the super-champions of the multiverse.
To this end, their quest was to recover the Ultramenstruum, the substance of life. But, they had to stop Mandrakk first, the Dark Monitor who held the Ultramenstruum or Bleed.
Near Cosmic Midnight, Mandrakk’s forces closed in on Superman and company. While struggling to hold with their inoperative ship, Captain Adam unlocked his power.
With quantum superposition, Adam was able to fuse together two dualities: Superman and Ultraman. With their selves fused onto a higher plane of existence, the new being ascended to Nil or Heaven.
There, they became Thought Robot. At Cosmic Midnight, Cosmic Armor Superman faced the enemy of the DC multiverse: Mandrakk.
According to the legend of the Monitors, Thought Robot is a 4-D Doomsday Weapon whose sole purpose is to defeat the Ultimate Enemy. In effect, Thought Robot is moved by the story of Superman and can become as strong as needed in response to his enemy’s attack.
Consequently, Cosmic Armor Superman has the power of Reactive Evolution. As a Doomsday Weapon, Thought Robot is the being “of divine metals” that Monitor-Mind The Overvoid formed in order to protect the DC multiverse.1
Really, the character is second only to Monitor-Mind The Overvoid in importance and power.
OVERPOWERED, THOUGHT ROBOT CAN BREAK THE FOURTH WALL
Originally, what struck fans was that Thought Robot was the most powerful version of Superman in DC continuity. As matter of fact, Thought Robot is among the few characters in comics that can Break The Fourth Wall.
In literature, drama or theater, this is a meta-fictional technique by which a given character is aware of the audience, the reader or the writer. Moreover, the character is usually depicted addressing the audience, reader or writer.
Related to this case, Thought Robot either addresses the Presence, or is aware of being a character in a comic. In the image above, Cosmic Armor Superman seems to be addressing the Writer, that is, Grant Morrison.
Moreover, this super power can be attributed in part to Clark Kent’s profession of journalism, which is to tell stories. In this case, the journalist becomes the story. Really, this is a very powerful super power, perhaps the greatest.
Philosophically, #ThoughtRobotIsNecessary to the DC multiverse. In the mythology created by Grant Morrison, the Writer created the DC multiverse as a story. In that story, the Monitor-Mind the Overvoid is an outerversal being who represents DC comics itself.
However, because of his perfection, the Overvoid could not comprehend the significance of the concept “story.”1 Like a Deus Ex Machina, Thought Robot was built to protect the DC multiverse from the imperfection of story.
Doubly as a journalist and as Thought Robot, Superman functions as a storyteller. And what is the ultimate purpose of the storyteller in society: it is to preserve human civilization.
In a philosophical sense, #ThoughtRobotIsNecessary because stories are the blood of DC Comics and because he makes them intelligible to the Monitors, the Overvoid and a special person dear to Superman.
VISITING METROPOLIS? CELEBRATE SUPERMAN DAY AND BUY THE SUPERMAN, THE GREATEST STORY PDF AS YOUR TRAVEL COMPANION.
At the end of the battle, Superman demonstrated that his energy projection is Nigh-Omnipotent. After Mandrakk kills Zillo Valla, the battle kicks into high gear.
With Superman on the ropes, bleeding, panting, Mandrakk presses on. Then, the voice of Ultraman helps him re-double his strength.
With multiple attacks, Thought Robot disarms Mandrakk. Finally, in a powerful blast of heat vision, Superman casts Mandrakk into the Overvoid.
Perhaps, one of the best finishing moves in comic battles. In fact, proving that Cosmic Armor Superman is beyond the DC multiverse!
In ’52’ (2007) #45, Black Adam massacres every man, woman and child in Bialya grieved over Isis’s death caused by the Third Horseman. Photo/DC Comics
IN READING GUIDES, LISTS, REVIEWS
One of the most disastrous events in comic book history. Gift this graphic novel to your friends and collectors on the occasions of trips to Comic-Cons and festivals. Available on Amazon.
Click on the Amazon product image below to buy the Kindle & Comixology comic.
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
A week of death and destruction as Black Adam begins his strike back against those who unleashed the Four Horsemen upon his home and family. As the heroes of the world plan a course of action, Black Adam battles Death!
Critically, ’52’ #45 is one of the most disastrous events in comic book history. Thematically, the comic deals with the pain of loss and grief which it heightens to incalculable destruction. Namely, genocide.
To sum, the story is about Black Adam driven to madness by the death of his wife Isis. In order to avenge her against the Third Horseman, he commits atrocities in Bialya.
Critically-acclaimed Geoff Johns, Greg Rucka, Grant Morrison and Mark Waid collaborate on the story. Indeed, their writing shines in the series. And Black Adam’s stardom skyrockets as a fallen anti-hero destroyed by pain and betrayal. Meanwhile, Keith Giffen, Chris Batista and Jamal Igle match the tone of turmoil and mayhem. In fact, they have emotional resonance.
Certainly, this is an event you do not want to miss. Indeed, share this graphic novel to fans of Black Adam and on the occasions of Comic-Cons. Definitely, it is worth its price and will leave you wanting for more Black Adam! And Death!
This comic showcases “52 #45.” One good feature of this graphic novel is that it is available in Kindle and Comixology formats. It is published by DC Comics.
FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS
“52 #45.”
Publisher: DC Comics.
Language: English.
Print Length: 22 pages.
Kindle and Comixology formats available.
Free purchase with Comixology Unlimited membership.
Critically, ’52’ #45 is the event that skyrocketed Black Adam into an A-list supervillain in the DC Universe. Normally, a man with a violent temper. Out of love for his wife Iris, Black Adam reformed. When Isis was killed by the Third Horseman, Black Adam went on a rampage in Bialya: He killed every man, woman and child in the country, causing a genocide. In the midst of the genocide, holding a flower in his hand, Black Adam cried.
The comic is excellent for your collection. You will definitely love the intimate moments and the picturesque fall from grace. This is the graphic novel to own in order to build your Comixology collection.
This product has no reviews.
Overall, this graphic novel was great.
CONCLUSION
POSITIVE:
Kindle and Comixology formats available.
Free purchase with Comixology Unlimited membership.
Great writing.
NEGATIVE:
No customer review ratings.
OUR PRODUCT REVIEW RATING:
I recommend this comic as one of the most disastrous events in comic book history.
My e-book is titled ‘Superman, The Greatest Story: How Art Deco Meets Plot Device.’ In ‘Superman, The Greatest Story’ Discussion Part III, I discuss Part III of my e-book.
VISIT SALES FOR A FREE PREVIEW OF 10 PERCENT OF MY E-BOOK ON AMAZON KDP.
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REVIEWS
‘Justice’ (2005) #1 Cover. AP Photo/DC Comics.
IN Reading Guides, Lists, Reviews
90s-00s JLA STORYLINES RANKED BEST TO GOOD
STAR RATINGS:
Best: 5 to 4.5 stars.
Good: 4 to 3 stars.
Bad: 2.5 to 2 stars.
Worst: 1.5 to 0 stars.
BEST: “JLA: TOWER OF BABEL” (2000).
Collects ‘JLA’ #43-46.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 5 out of 5.
Dialogue: 5.0 out of 5.0 stars.
Plot: 5.0 out of 5.0 stars.
Characterization: 5.0 out of 5.0 stars.
Art: 5.0 out of 5.0 stars.
“JLA: Tower Of Babel”is a classic JLA story. Really, it showcased at the time, why the Justice League was DC’s premiere superhero team. True, Superman may function as the first among equals. Though, Batman is revealed to be the most dangerous man on DC Earth.
Certainly, it is a case of Bat-god Syndrome. The main plot of the story is the following: Eco-terrorist Ra’s Al Ghul has hacked Batman’s contingency plans. In his paranoia, the Dark Knight had developed over the years contingency plans. In effect, they were intended to neutralize each member of the Justice League, should they ever go rogue. Of course, when the plans are enacted, disaster ensues.
Mark Waid and Howard Porter collaborate on this timeless story. Without a doubt, what makes it work is the larger-than-life feel of the pencils. Porter’s lines are crisp, athletic and the coloring brings movement to life. The consequences of the story arc lead directly into “JLA: Divided We Fall.”
In 2004, Brad Meltzer and Rags Morales crafted “Identity Crisis.” To date, no JLA story has been more controversial. In his “Guide,” Sam Stone at CBR.com argues the crossover event drove deep wounds within the superhero community. Indeed, its ramifications bled into the darker universe of “The OMAC Project” and Geoff Johns’ “Infinite Crisis.”
Chiefly, “Identity Crisis” is near the top of this list because of its inter-connectedness and the insurmountable danger it poses. The JLA is expert at handling crises, alien invasions, wars and natural disasters. However, moral dilemmas are another matter entirely. Simply put, what happens when the greatest DC Universe heroes are put before a secret involving questionable moral choices and tragedy?
While Rags Morales’ art shows the urgency of the situation, Brad Meltzer goes through the thought processes of its heroes in the narration. Then, what we are facing is a murder mystery that promises to rip through the relationships in the DC Universe. So, who wiped Doctor Light’s mind? Also, who wiped Batman’s mind? Finally, who is at fault? If these questions spring more dramatic events in the future, the story arc ends with a twist.
To sum, this is ethics put to the test of DC’s elite metahumans and gods. Precisely, it is why it belongs at the top of the list as one of DC Comics’ most thought-provoking stories. Definitely, this story is an essential JLA story.
A FAN OF THIS STORY? CLICK ON “Identity Crisis (New Edition)“ BELOW TO PURCHASE THE COMIC ON AMAZON.
BEST: ‘JUSTICE’ (2005-2007).
Collects ‘Justice’ #1-12. *This limited series is not canon to DC Mainstream continuity.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 5 out of 5.
Dialogue: 5.0 out of 5.0 stars.
Plot: 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.
Characterization: 5.0 out of 5.0 stars.
Art: 5.0 out of 5.0 stars.
‘Justice’ offers a flashback on previous Pre-Crisis JLA stories. In his 2009 interview with Newsarama, writer Jim Krueger revealed his inspiration for the 12-issue limited series. Specifically, Krueger intended a Super Friends vs Legion of Doom Silver Age story. And it showed the Silver Age elements resonated with fans. Indeed, ‘Justice’ #1 sold out upon its release.
Simply, the plot is straightforward. Motivated by dreams where the Justice League fails, members of the Legion of Doom assemble. In a few words, their plan is to destroy the JLA in order to better the world. Of course, it turns out their partnership is the result of manipulation by genius evil masterminds.
So, what makes ‘Justice’ work out is its ambition. By pitting against one another good superhero vs evil supervillain teams, Krueger crafts a “superhuman war.”1 More importantly, Alex Ross’s art is the central draw for the price of admission. Without a doubt, his photographic paintings create an experience worthy of the most timeless DC stories.
Definitely, this limited series is certainly a must-have for your JLA collection. In particular, fans of the Silver Age will love the classic feel of good vs evil.
A FAN OF THIS STORY? CLICK ON “Justice” BELOW TO PURCHASE THE COMIC ON AMAZON.
Decisively, “Crisis On Infinite Earths” put an end to the DC multiverse. However, the concept would resurface in continuity with “Zero Hour” and “Hypertime.” Largely because of Grant Morrison, the DC multiverse would surely come back. In a one-shot, “JLA: Earth-2” recounts the first multiversal meeting in Post-Crisis continuity. Per chance, the Justice League of America meets its antimatter counterpart from Earth-2, the Crime Syndicate of America.
Desperately, Lex Luthor, the unexpected hero from Earth-2, has come to the DC Primary Earth. Dangerously, he enlists the JLA to aid in fighting off the Crime Syndicate on Earth-2. Unfortunately, things do not go as planned. Eventually, the counterpart teams return to their respective worlds.
A FAN OF THIS STORY? CLICK ON “Jla: Earth 2“ BELOW TO PURCHASE THE COMIC ON AMAZON.
BEST: ‘JLA: YEAR ONE’ (1998).
Collects ‘JLA: Year One’ #1-12
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 5 out of 5.
Dialogue: 5.0 out of 5.0 stars.
Plot: 5.0 out of 5.0 stars.
Characterization: 5.0 out of 5.0 stars.
Art: 3.5 out of 5.0 stars.
Over the years, DC Comics published the “Year One” line of titles. In Post-Crisis continuity, they serve as important origin stories to the greatest heroes in the DC Universe. Previously, in “’00s Batman Graphic Novels Ranked From Best To Worst,” we reviewed Batman graphic novels set in the “Batman: Year One” continuity.
To begin, ‘JLA: Year One’ is set ten years ago in the Post-Crisis continuity. In short, it is part origin story and part world-building. In a few words, the Justice League of America first forms in order to stop an Appelaxian alien invasion. Soon, the JLA are a sensation on Earth. Despite their obvious differences, the founding members who are Green Lantern, Flash, Black Canary, Aquaman and Martian Manhunter must learn to work together. However, trouble brews. As they uncover the clues of the secret organization known as Locus, the JLA soon learn there is a spy in their ranks.
Obviously, the JLA are DC’s A-list superhero team. Indeed, Morrison’s JLA immortalized the Big Seven: Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, Flash, Aquaman and Martian Manhunter. Here, what makes “Year One” work is the introduction of B and C-list heroes. Definitely, there is chemistry and even romance. In the final issue, is the grand finale with big splash pages of ensemble battles. Though, Brian Augustyn’s art suffers throughout the book due to a lack of distinctiveness.
Nevertheless, Mark Waid’s maxi-series is a fan favorite. Indeed, its blend of adventure, optimism and romance make for a fun experience. Definitely, this is essential JLA.
A FAN OF THIS STORY? CLICK ON “JLA: Year One Deluxe Edition” BELOW TO PURCHASE THE COMIC ON AMAZON.
A FAN OF GRANT MORRISON? BUY “SUPERMAN, THE GREATEST STORY”
Gloriously, “JLA: Rock Of Ages” is one of the most celebrated Justice League stories. In fact, the Morrison/Porter three and half year run has been touted the definitive JLA. In Grant Morrison’s JLA run, “Rock Of Ages” is the third story arc.
Storytelling-wise, Morrison’s story arc fits within a wider narrative. In effect, Morrison devised an alternate DC mythology with big sci-fi concepts and scale. This thread, of an impending crisis that threatens the entire DC multiverse, runs through Morrison’s story arcs. Dangerously, we envision a glimpse of that threat when Luthor and the Injustice Gang use the Worlogog to create an alternate future. In that future, Darkseid has imposed the Anti-Life Equation on New Genesis and Earth.
Critically speaking, the story appears bombastic. Yet, as the future would demonstrate, Morrison was erecting a Superman-centric universe. In “DC One Million,” that future comes to pass. Definitely, “JLA: Rock Of Ages” revealed DC’s most ambitious story yet.
A FAN OF THIS STORY? CLICK ON “Rock of Ages (Justice League (DC Comics) (paperback)) by Grant Morrison (24-Sep-2008) Paperback” BELOW TO PURCHASE THE COMIC ON AMAZON.
‘Final Crisis: Superman Beyond’ #2. AP Photo/DC Comics.
IN READING GUIDES, LISTS, REVIEWS
One of the greatest Superman stories in the 2000s. Gift this graphic novel to your friends and collectors on the occasions of Comic-Cons and festivals. Available on Amazon.
Haga clic en la imagen del producto de Amazon España a continuación para comprar el cómic o comparar con los precios en Kindle y Comixology.
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
The epic voyage beyond reality concludes in this heart-stopping finale as the multiverse-spanning quest for the elixir of the supergods reaches its end on the shores of a battlefield beyond imagination! But first, the Supermen of five worlds must lay bare the darkest secret of the multiverse, expose the shocking origin of the Monitors and come face to face with a seemingly unstoppable evil fueled by the power of 52 living universes!
‘Final Crisis: Superman Beyond #2’ is one of the most celebrated aspects of ‘Final Crisis.’ With the life of Lois Lane hanging in the balance, Superman embarks on a journey across the DC multiverse that takes him to the edge of reality. Grant Morrison’s opus is a literary tour de force of the DC Universe.
Grant Morrison’s writing is at its best here. He brings together multiple concepts: the DC multiverse, the Bleed, the Monitors and Heaven. Do not miss the battle between Superman and Mandrakk.
This is an event you do not want to miss. Share this comic to fans of Superman and on the occasions of Comic-Cons. It is definitely worth its price and will leave you wanting for more Superman! And the Monitors!
The Kindle and Comixology formats are highly recommended.
This comic has a feature. One good feature of this graphic novel is that it is available in Kindle and Comixology formats. This comic is free with a Comixology Unlimited Membership.
“Final Crisis: Superman Beyond #2 (of 2)” is the comic to own in order to collect Grant Morrison’s runs. ‘Superman Beyond’ is part of Grant Morrison’s Superman-centric DC Universe and fits well in Post-Crisis continuity.
The comic is excellent for debates about comic book battles and for sharing your fandom. Fans of the DC Universe and ‘Final Crisis’ will love the art deco style of Doug Mahnke. With a Comixology Unlimited Membership, this comic is free.
This product has 3 ratings with an average score of 5 out of 5. There are no customer reviews.
Overall, this comic was great.
CONCLUSION
POSITIVE:
Affordable price.
Kindle and Comixology formats available.
Free with Comixology Unlimited Membership.
NEGATIVE:
No 3D format available.
Due to the large file size, there may be slow downloads.
OUR PRODUCT REVIEW RATING:
I recommend this comic as an important addition to Grant Morrison’s runs in the DC Universe.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
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