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Review: Brightest Day #14

C'mon... who's the REAL chosen one?

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Deadman passes his ring along to Batman, convinced he's the chosen one - - but the ring itself might actually disagree.
 

The Good

This was a surprisingly-good character study that delved into Deadman's regrets about his own selfishness without ever getting overwrought. Actually, Johns and Tomasi drew a very sharp line from that history to Brand's current shirking of responsibility vis a vis jumping to the conclusion of Batman being the chosen one. Being as frustrated by "hero quest" cliches as I am, I appreciated their inversion of that trope.

The Bad

I realize this is a bi-weekly book and the pacing is thus going to be a bit more deliberate than the typical monthly book you'll read. It actually does pack a lot into the issue, but still... I felt like the pages of Deadman's acrobatics throughout Gotham ran a little too leisurely. Also, while the set-ups were great, Batman's "Zero, freeze!" zinger kind of stretched the joke too far.

The Verdict - 4/5

Even though I've been reading basically all of the Brightest Day tie-ins, this is actually the first issue I've gotten to read of the series itself. The storytelling's tight enough, of course, that I don't even need a recap to follow what's going on. Having been a huge fan of Tomasi's run on Green Lantern Corps, I've come to appreciate the unique synergy he and Johns have when they're working together like this.

22 Comments

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Theodore

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Edited By Theodore

I really enjoyed the Deadman stuff. Now Batman knows about Max Lord too I hope he shows up in Generation Lost.

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inferiorego

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Edited By inferiorego  Staff

This book has been a bit crappy the past 4 issues. This one, however, was great.

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Crimson Eagle

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Edited By Crimson Eagle

I have got to read this, and the cover looks awesome.

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batman_is_god

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Edited By batman_is_god

So... Batman is a white lantern? 
 
He JUST got back!
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JairamGanpat

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Edited By JairamGanpat

I really liked this issue but I really wished there was more action in this story

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Decept-O

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Edited By Decept-O

Another comic book with an absolutely beautiful cover.  I am not into these right now but had to say that. 
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Brickabrack

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Edited By Brickabrack

I haven't read this yet, but I think it's a given that we won't be seeing Batman continue being the White Lantern, if only because he's not a White Lantern in any of his other books, plus he's rejected similar powers before. So again, without having read the issue, this feels a little gimmicky as a concept.  Maybe when I read it later in the week my mind will change.
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lostlantern13

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Edited By lostlantern13

Agreed, really good character study of Deadman - especially for those who don't know much about him.
 
Batman + Max Lord + Generation Lost = So much win.

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noj

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Edited By noj
@Theodore: There's no way he wont appear in Generation Lost at some point. One of the main draws of Generation Lost is the "reformation" of the JLI, which Batman founded. It was only a matter of time! Now we just need Guy Gardner and Captain Marvel!
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Duo_forbidden

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Edited By Duo_forbidden

I don't want to say that the ending surprised me, but it did. And I like it....for now.

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Theodore

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Edited By Theodore
@noj said:

" @Theodore: There's no way he wont appear in Generation Lost at some point. One of the main draws of Generation Lost is the "reformation" of the JLI, which Batman founded. It was only a matter of time! Now we just need Guy Gardner and Captain Marvel! "

Martian Manhunter Needs to show up too!
 

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Nitroniss

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Edited By Nitroniss
I didn't read  Brightest  day but having Batman get a ring , isn't it over kill? I mean Batman doesn't actually need a ring to kick ass. But anyway  might pick up the issue later on if there seems to be a continuity with the batman comics.
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noj

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Edited By noj
@Theodore: Dang! I cant believe I forgot about Martian Manhunter and Mister Miracle! Though he may be a little busy with Brightest Day stuff, so he may not show up. Sucks that Mister Miracle is dead, though I guess his successor might make an appearance. Dont think he's done anything since Final Crisis.
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Theodore

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Edited By Theodore
@noj said:

" @Theodore: Dang! I cant believe I forgot about Martian Manhunter and Mister Miracle! Though he may be a little busy with Brightest Day stuff, so he may not show up. Sucks that Mister Miracle is dead, though I guess his successor might make an appearance. Dont think he's done anything since Final Crisis. "

Is he still alive or did he die in Death of the New Gods?
 
edit: oh yeah they were all reborn!
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doordoor123

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Edited By doordoor123
@Nitroniss said:

"I didn't read  Brightest  day but having Batman get a ring , isn't it over kill? I mean Batman doesn't actually need a ring to kick ass. But anyway  might pick up the issue later on if there seems to be a continuity with the batman comics. "


 Who says batman gets a ring? 
hahaha you obviously have no idea whats going on, but its okay.     
I dont want to spoil you so I suggest you start reading Brightest Day and all of the developments between the brightest day cross over issues. Theyre still building but soon its going to get much better.
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Pizawle

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Edited By Pizawle

I love that cover so much.

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jakob187

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Edited By jakob187

This was a good issue.  It's about time there was another good issue of this book.  Many may disagree with me on that sentiment, but I feel like Brightest Day has been absolutely lackluster. 
 
The biggest thing I give them credit for:  the cover and the contents of the book actually matched for once! 
 
Also, now it looks like I'm going to have to pick up all of the Generation Lost stuff...as well as learn more about the JLI.  HEY TONY, 3-MINUTE EXPERT PLEASE!!!

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Dr. Detfink

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Edited By Dr. Detfink

Final page with Bruce is awesome. Oh no Maxie, Bruce hasn't forgotten about you. Not by a long shot.

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longbowhunter

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Edited By longbowhunter

I'm glad we got to see a whole issue dedicated to Deadman for a change.
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MintBerryCrunch

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Edited By MintBerryCrunch

The cover is pretty crazy!

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NightFang3

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Edited By NightFang3

I love the cover and it was good to see Deadman getting a little more respect!

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Eyz

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Edited By Eyz

Pretty kickass issue with an equally kickass cover!