Written by Peter J. Tomasi
Art by Doug Mahnke; Christian Alamy; Rodney Ramos; Nei Ruffino; & John J. Hill
Cover Art ‘Silver’ by J. G. Jones
Cover Art ‘Variant’ by Doug Mahnke; Christian Alamy; & David Baron
SUMMARY:
Entitled “Caretakers of Mars,” DC Comics released this Final Crisis one-shot for September 2008. As previously depicted in Final Crisis, an abducted J’onn J’onzz – the Martian Manhunter is seen systemically tortured, and then sadistically murdered by Libra’s forces.
Including a memorial service and later a funeral on Mars, the extended Justice League family grieves (and privately rages) over their longtime friend’s still-to-be-avenged death. Including Batman, Hal Jordan’s Green Lantern, & Black Canary, selected Leaguers experience and recite J’onn’s telepathic epitaph reflecting upon what he held important in his life. His legacy, in essence, now belongs to Mars and at last rejoining his long-dead family.
REVIEW:
Unquestionably, the visuals are of stellar quality. Peter Tomasi’s poignant scripting of the Justice League both before and after J’onn J’onzz’s funeral is befitting of the character’s iconic status. However, Tomasi’s prolonged torture and execution scenes (expanding upon what is seen in Final Crisis) are still an ugly excuse for entertainment.
For DC’s hardcore fans, Requiem is likely a keeper, but its plotting is decidedly a mixed bag.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
DC’s Senior Story Editor, Ian Sattler, pens a “DC Nation” column, which includes thumbnail cover reveals for Joker’s Asylum: Penguin #1; Booster Gold # 1,000,000; & Final Crisis # 3.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6 Stars
‘SILVER’
VARIANT
