Written by Keith Champagne
Art by Pat Olliffe; Drew Geraci; Ken Lopez; & Hi-Fi
Cover Art by Ethan Van Sciver & Moose Baumann
SUMMARY:
Released by DC Comics for June 2007, it’s the opener for a four-part mini-series spin-off from DC’s 52 weekly series. Devastated by the deaths of his beloved wife, Isis, and his brother-in-law, Black Adam has vengefully annihilated millions of innocent lives in Bialya. As Earth experiences worldwide breakouts of chaos above and below water, Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman, and Wally West’s Flash are absent on extended personal sabbaticals.
Challenging Black Adam first is an overwhelmed Martian Manhunter. Father Time’s rocket pack forces are next up. Jason Rusch desperately summons Lorraine Reilly/Firehawk to join forces as Firestorm to intercept a runaway aircraft carrier Black Adam has flung overseas towards New York City. Elsewhere in New York is a renegade Nightwing impersonator, who gleefully robs crooks.
With Black Adam pushing East towards China and possibly Russia, DC’s heroes, including the Justice Society, The Marvel Family, and The Doom Patrol, are moving into position as more defensive waves.
REVIEW:
Although his story revels in implied carnage and a few instances of snarky profanity, writer Keith Champagne plausibly depicts Black Adam’s bloody and seemingly unstoppable rampage as an extension of 52.
The dialogue generally works, particularly the exchanges between Lorraine Reilly/Firehawk and Jason Rusch (i.e. ‘how you can miss hitting an aircraft carrier?’). It’s a cheat, however, that the creative team chooses not to reveal what Firestorm actually does with this massive naval ship (or the personnel aboard), short of padding its impact in a deluge of snow.
At least, this opener’s artwork is above-average, as it’s consistent with 52’s visual style. Book One’s best selling point is frankly its well-played cover image. World War III # 1 (or Book One), overall, makes a relatively good read, but it’s not necessarily a keeper.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
Dan DiDio explains the rationale behind this mini-series in a “DC Nation” column. The four-issue cover montage is revealed. Thumbnail cover reveals include Birds of Prey # 105; Flash (Bart Allen): The Fastest Man Alive # 11; 52 # 50; and World War III # 2.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6½ Stars
