Dark Nights Metal #1
Writer: Scott Snyder
Artist: Greg Capullo
Colors: FCO Plascencia
Inks: Jonathan Glapion
Letters: Steve Wands
Publisher: DC Comics
After months of buildup Dark Nights: Metal #1 is upon us. This is DC’s big summer event and let me tell you if the first issue is any indication we’re in for an epic tale! On a personal level, I have to admit I’m one of those comic book readers that have been suffering from “event fatigue” but something about Metal drew me to it like a moth to a flame. It might’ve been the straightforward yet menacing title which in itself was a mystery. It might’ve been seeing the amazing team of Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo reunited on Batman. Their Batman run from the New 52 era was a definite highlight during that phase of the DC universe. It might’ve simply been my fondness for heavy metal music and the parallels the event and the music genre were drawing. It was probably all of those factors but most of all it was hearing all the passion and the enthusiasm the creative team had for this story. Their excitement is contagious and I found myself hoping aboard the crazy train to go along for the ride.
After a quick introduction to set the mood, which reminds me of the opening of many classic metal albums, the battery of action starts and delivers one hell of a fight sequence involving the entire Justice League. Our heroes find their special abilities hindered and must use their wits to survive. It’s really nice to see each member get some significant panel time to raise a little hell not only in the opening but throughout the issue. Snyder does such a great job establishing that everyone is going to be involved in this event. I find it remarkable he can juggle such a large cast of characters in such a significant manner. Don’t get me wrong we definitely know who the star of the show is but everyone gets some time to shine.
That opening probably could’ve been an entire issue but like a great album this creative team doesn’t want any filler tracks for this event. They hit us with a hard opener to get our head banging and keep the intensity going. The mystery and intrigue are amped as the plot the moves along. We get some surprise guest appearances throughout the issue with an extra special surprise on the last page! When reading the story you can really tell the creative team are having a ton of fun and giving the fans a truly exciting tale which if this pace holds up we’ll be talking about for ages.
What can I say about Capullo’s talent which hasn’t been said countless times? The man is an art machine messiah! His work is perfect no matter what the scene, whether it is an all out brawl or simply some heroes standing around talking to move the plot along. His visuals capture the mood and intensity Snyder is portraying with the narrative. Their chemistry is on full display with this issue and it is undeniable. They will go down as one of the all-time great dynamic duos in comics.
Another creator whose work shines in this book is the letterer, Steve Wands. I’ve noticed in reviews the letterer rarely get mentioned unless they’ve done an unbearable job. Well this is the exact opposite, Wands letters are textbook perfect throughout the issue. In a fast paced action packed book like this it can sometimes be confusing where to look first but with Capullo’s panel layout and Wands lettering arrangement the reader never encounters this problem. At all times we know exactly which way the story is flowing which is a huge credit to both.
I’ve been very vague in the description of the story to make this a spoil-free review for anyone who hasn’t read the issue. I’m telling you folks this is going to be something special. The creative team are having fun and you’ll have a blast reading it. Don’t hesitate to pick this one up. The toughest decision you should have is which cover to chose! Now even if you have to run to the hills or drive the highway to hell to get this issue grab it today!
Artist: Greg Capullo
Colors: FCO Plascencia
Inks: Jonathan Glapion
Letters: Steve Wands
Publisher: DC Comics
After months of buildup Dark Nights: Metal #1 is upon us. This is DC’s big summer event and let me tell you if the first issue is any indication we’re in for an epic tale! On a personal level, I have to admit I’m one of those comic book readers that have been suffering from “event fatigue” but something about Metal drew me to it like a moth to a flame. It might’ve been the straightforward yet menacing title which in itself was a mystery. It might’ve been seeing the amazing team of Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo reunited on Batman. Their Batman run from the New 52 era was a definite highlight during that phase of the DC universe. It might’ve simply been my fondness for heavy metal music and the parallels the event and the music genre were drawing. It was probably all of those factors but most of all it was hearing all the passion and the enthusiasm the creative team had for this story. Their excitement is contagious and I found myself hoping aboard the crazy train to go along for the ride.
After a quick introduction to set the mood, which reminds me of the opening of many classic metal albums, the battery of action starts and delivers one hell of a fight sequence involving the entire Justice League. Our heroes find their special abilities hindered and must use their wits to survive. It’s really nice to see each member get some significant panel time to raise a little hell not only in the opening but throughout the issue. Snyder does such a great job establishing that everyone is going to be involved in this event. I find it remarkable he can juggle such a large cast of characters in such a significant manner. Don’t get me wrong we definitely know who the star of the show is but everyone gets some time to shine.
That opening probably could’ve been an entire issue but like a great album this creative team doesn’t want any filler tracks for this event. They hit us with a hard opener to get our head banging and keep the intensity going. The mystery and intrigue are amped as the plot the moves along. We get some surprise guest appearances throughout the issue with an extra special surprise on the last page! When reading the story you can really tell the creative team are having a ton of fun and giving the fans a truly exciting tale which if this pace holds up we’ll be talking about for ages.
What can I say about Capullo’s talent which hasn’t been said countless times? The man is an art machine messiah! His work is perfect no matter what the scene, whether it is an all out brawl or simply some heroes standing around talking to move the plot along. His visuals capture the mood and intensity Snyder is portraying with the narrative. Their chemistry is on full display with this issue and it is undeniable. They will go down as one of the all-time great dynamic duos in comics.
Another creator whose work shines in this book is the letterer, Steve Wands. I’ve noticed in reviews the letterer rarely get mentioned unless they’ve done an unbearable job. Well this is the exact opposite, Wands letters are textbook perfect throughout the issue. In a fast paced action packed book like this it can sometimes be confusing where to look first but with Capullo’s panel layout and Wands lettering arrangement the reader never encounters this problem. At all times we know exactly which way the story is flowing which is a huge credit to both.
I’ve been very vague in the description of the story to make this a spoil-free review for anyone who hasn’t read the issue. I’m telling you folks this is going to be something special. The creative team are having fun and you’ll have a blast reading it. Don’t hesitate to pick this one up. The toughest decision you should have is which cover to chose! Now even if you have to run to the hills or drive the highway to hell to get this issue grab it today!
A Look Inside
