The Super Powered Fancast

Dark Nights Death Metal The Last Stories of the DC Universe #1

DC Comics

Written by Joshua Williamson, James Tynion IV, Scott Snyder, Jeff Lemire, Mariko Tamaki, Gail Simone, Christopher Sebela, Cecil Castelucci and Mark Waid

Art by Travis Moore, Rafael Albuquerque, Daniel Sampere, Meghan Hetrick, Christopher Mooneyham, Mirka Andolfo and Francis Manapul

Colors by Tamra Bonvillain, Ivan Plascencia, Adriano Lucas, Marissa Louise and Enrica Eren Angiolini

Letters by Deron Bennett, Steve Wands, Travis Lanham, Dave Sharpe, Saida Temofonte and Josh Reed

Together

Donna Troy sits on a beach on the eve of what will be the final battle for the fate of the multiverse and she finds that she’s not alone. Beast Boy comes along to try to cheer her up and they begin to reminisce about their shared past as Titans. Gar takes Donna to a meeting with Titans old and new along with some of their greatest enemies, but it will be an unexpected arrival that opens some recent wounds.

The end of the issue continues the story and is the perfect encapsulation of everything that makes these characters unique and why they continue to connect and engage with readers.

A great story that taps into the nostalgia felt for these characters and their shared history. Travis Moore delivers some great art as well that does the same.

Last Knights

Hal Jordan returns to the ruins of Coast City and realizes that there is only one thing he wants to do on the eve of what might be the end of the universe. As he flies over the ruined landscape, he is haunted by the ghosts of his past and the promise of who he wanted to be in life. When he finds himself at the monument to the fallen Green Lanterns, he finds he is not alone as an old enemy returns looking for a new path.

Jeff Lemire delivers a touching and very well done short that is both somber and hopeful. Rafael Albuquerque brings those emotions out in some great imagery.

The Queston

Wonder Woman contemplates how she will fare with the battle to come and seeks solace in her mother. After talking to her and receiving a strange pep talk from a villain, Diana descends into the depths to be alone. Questioning whether she can be effective in battle, she is visited by a denizen of a dead world who felt the way she does now. Someone who tells Diana of Themyscira exactly who she is and what she will face when the time comes.

Mariko Tamaki nails what makes Diana so unique a hero. The story emphasizes how personal this fight will be and why she will feel its end deeper than the others. A great story with awesome art from Daniel Sampere.

Dust of a Distant Storm

Black Canary and Green Arrow sit together overlooking the ruins of Themyscira and contemplate what is to come. The two look back over their life together and talk about their regrets and what they never got to do. One of the things they discuss, Ollie tries to give her. Unfortunately, in the twisted world they’re in, that doesn’t go as planned. As the two of them commit to each other in the best way they know how, a new face emerges to remind them of what they’re fighting for.

A perfectly crafted story for these particular characters. Gail Simone delivers great dialogue, humanity and heart to Ollie and Dinah. Meghan Hetrick brings some great, light imagery to the story as well that is hopeful.

Whale Fall

Arthur Curry has a message for his daughter. A message that will require him to unburden himself of the lies and compromises he made to keep people safe as a servant of the Batman Who Laughs. As the heroes of the Earth prepare for battle, Arthur will contemplate, life, death and love as the tides remind him of all those things and the nature of death.

A brilliantly somber story from Christopher Sebela. It’s a serious story of regret that is filled with heart and the tone is beautifully rendered in the art.

We Fight For Love

On the eve of battle, Batman has Barbara gather the family for one final meeting. All the things Batman wishes he could say to his family race through his mind as Barbara gathers Dick, Tim, Jason and Damian to speak to Batman for what might be the last time. Barbara and Dick’s troubled history threatens to make things tense on the field as Dick works to make amends and Barbara fights back her own hurt.

Cecil Castellucci brings the sordid history of these two characters to an end in a sweet and engaging way for the reader. Mirka Andolfo’s beautiful artwork is the perfect fit for both the tone of this story and the characters themselves.

Man of Tomorrow

Superman wants to spend his final moments with his family, but there are too many people in the world calling out for help. Using tech Jon brought from the future, Clark crafts a device that will allow him to do something he never dreamed he could for as many people as he can before things some to whatever end they will.

Mark Waid delivers a powerful story for the man of steel. A story filled with heart and hope that reminds the reader of what kind of hero Superman is. Francis Manapul delivers equally powerful art that is bright and filled with energy.