Talkback: The Road to "The Blackest Night"

[Steve]

With "Rage of the Red Lanterns" coming to an end soon and given JME's recommendation, I've created this thread for all talk about the issues leading up to this year's Big Damn Story Arc. Leave the RotRL thread for discussing that storyline, everything else as we embark on the buildup to "Blackest Night" goes here.

And since I'm in the mood for ominousness, some Yeats...


"Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold;
Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world,
The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere
The ceremony of innocence is drowned..."

"Turning and turning in the widening gyre..."

- William Butler Yeats, "The Second Coming"

[CaptainChewbacca]

Nice, but IMHO Yeats is used entirely too much to build ominous drama in scifi.

[Steve]

Point taken. But I didn't know anything better.

[JME2]

Looking good, Steve; thanks for setting up the thread.

And for anyone who disagrees with Yeats, how about a Reading from the Book of Cosmic Revelations - Verse 3:



Seven Corps will be born. Seven Corps will shine their light brightly.




Seven Corps will be at war. It is foretold that as the emotional spectrum glows brighter and the War of Light ignites in full force, the skies on every world will darken. The hiss of the shadows will announce to us that our time is over. Then the Blackest Night will descend upon us all. Without prejeduce or mercy. Without reason. The Seven Corps will fall. As will the Universe. Back to a place devoid of light. Of emotion. And of Life.

[Steve]

Oh no.... I feel it....

Another overload of Awesome. AAAGH.

I have a sudden urge to write Green Lantern crossovers! MUST REPRESS.

[JME2]

Oh no.... I feel it....

Another overload of Awesome. AAAGH.

I have a sudden urge to write Green Lantern crossovers! MUST REPRESS.

Why not channel it into something else then, say, a certain Star Trek VI quote I know you're fond of...

[Steve]

Yes....

*spins in computer chair*

Cry HAVOC! and let slip the Dogs of War!

[JME2]

*spins in computer chair*

Cry HAVOC! and let slip the Dogs of War!

Heheheheheheh...

Ah, the next five months are going to be good, oh yes indeed...

[Tasoth]

I know the Sinestro Corps Wars is out in TPB, but are they releasing the arcs leading to Blackest Night? Abnett and Annihilation made me squee when I finished it and everyone is making this one sound uncountably superior.

[JME2]

I know the Sinestro Corps Wars is out in TPB, but are they releasing the arcs leading to Blackest Night? Abnett and Annihilation made me squee when I finished it and everyone is making this one sound uncountably superior.

The list of post-SCW collections for both titles (and those which are setting up elements of TBN) are as follows:

Green Lantern HC's
* Secret Origin (Out Now)
* Rage of the Red Lanterns (On Sale in July)

Green Lantern Corps TPB's
* Ring Quest (Out Now)
* Sins of the Star Sapphires (On Sale this Summer)

Yeah, Annihilation is good, but being a DC man, I'm more biased towards "Sinestro Corps War" and the kick-ass modernization of the Green Lantern mythos that's been ongoing since late 2004.

[Crom]

Speaking of fanfic crossovers, I've got this idea on the brain for a couple days now:

The God Emperor of Man, instead of founding the Legions, instead creates seven central power batteries, fueled by the Warp. And around each of these batteries, he raises a Corps ...

Goddamn it. I can't even figure out how to write a WH40k/Green Lantern crossover without going insane.

[Steve]

Speaking of fanfic crossovers, I've got this idea on the brain for a couple days now:

The God Emperor of Man, instead of founding the Legions, instead creates seven central power batteries, fueled by the Warp. And around each of these batteries, he raises a Corps ...

Goddamn it. I can't even figure out how to write a WH40k/Green Lantern crossover without going insane.

I once wrote the opening scenes of a Green Lantern/Warcraft crossover. Twice. As in two versions.

I also, out of boredom, once wrote a first chapter of a RevengeFic-style story about a defiant young woman from the Top-Shaped Counterearth Which Must Never Be Named (if you want the shorter name, think of the lead Zod follower in the New Krypton storyline, the height of irony given the direction New Krypton has taken) getting a green power ring. I even posted it to LibArc, but it thankfully didn't get any notice. Otherwise I probably would've been ruthlessly pilloried.

[Steve]

Hahahahaha.... heeheeheeheehee.... MWAHAHAHAHAHAHA.

Was re-reading Green Lantern #25. From the aftermath scene in Coast City with John and Hal talking about the 1st Law...

Hal: I'm not completely opposed to this new law. I understand the unfortunae necessity for it. I just can't help wondering...

...there's been so much death in our universe. Where's it all going to lead us?

Where indeed, Hal Jordan. Where indeed....

MWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!

[Steve]

Well, after ten years of having a wallpaper of the B5 White Star with the Pillars of Creation in the background, I've finally opted to go for a new wallpaper.



The clock's ticking as we move inexorably toward THE BLACKEST NIGHT, and this nice wallpaper will be a good reminder.

Well, assuming I don't succumb to the desire for consistancy and go back to my old desktop.

[JME2]

Hahahahaha.... heeheeheeheehee.... MWAHAHAHAHAHAHA.

Was re-reading Green Lantern #25. From the aftermath scene in Coast City with John and Hal talking about the 1st Law...

Hal: I'm not completely opposed to this new law. I understand the unfortunae necessity for it. I just can't help wondering...

...there's been so much death in our universe. Where's it all going to lead us?

Where indeed, Hal Jordan. Where indeed....

MWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!

And as I've said before, that's one of the things I love about Johns. He's one of the best long-term writers in comics, planting seeds and slowly cultivating them over years until they reach their natural gestation and conclusion. He did it in during his Flash run and he's done it here again. July can't come soon enough...

[JME2]

We have a minor update as we continue on the road to the Blackest Night. Newsarama has posted a preview of the middle chapter of Final Crisis: Legion of 3 Worlds. Given the mini-continuity that exists between Johns' books, we knew that there were going to be clues planted for TBN within LO3W, especially with the recent developments within JSA and the Sodam Yat cliffhanger of LO3W# 2.

This preview further vindicates us. It gives a further look at the abilities bestowed upon Yat by the Ion powers and the wording of Yat's Lantern Oath is very, very interesting:
Spoiler

In Brightest Day
Through Blackest Night
No other Corps shall spread its Light
Let those who try to stop what's right
Burn like my power
Green Lantern's Light!

I think we have a safe bet now as to what Laws 3 and 4 will entail, hmm?

[Steve]

Damn smurfs....

And JME, we already had Law #3. The "No GL relationships with other GLs" bit.

[JME2]

Damn smurfs....

And JME, we already had Law #3. The "No GL relationships with other GLs" bit.

My mistake ; I meant Laws 4 and 5.

[Manus Celer Dei]

This preview further vindicates us. It gives a further look at the abilities bestowed upon Yat by the Ion powers and the wording of Yat's Lantern Oath is very, very interesting:
Spoiler

In Brightest Day
Through Blackest Night
No other Corps shall spread its Light
Let those who try to stop what's right
Burn like my power
Green Lantern's Light!

I think we have a safe bet now as to what Laws 3 and 4 will entail, hmm?

That's not at all surprising, given the Guardian's already visible distrust of the Zamaron's efforts. What's really interesting is fact it incorporates wording from the Sinestro Corps' oath; there's already a bunch of speculation about Sinestro possibly rejoining the GLC during/after Blackest Night, and this adds a bit of weight to that.

[JME2]

What's really interesting is fact it incorporates wording from the Sinestro Corps' oath; there's already a bunch of speculation about Sinestro possibly rejoining the GLC during/after Blackest Night, and this adds a bit of weight to that.

It could be, though I doubt it; any GL's that hadn't fought Sinestro pre-"Emerald Twilight" certainly have cause enough to want to see him dead in the aftermath of the SC War and the damage he inflicted. I think the oath shown here is more indicative of the arrogance inherent in the Oans. Their immortality, coupled with their control and certainty in the power of the spectrum's fulcrum (green), is bound to make them believe they are superior in any and every way. I would not be in the least bit surprised to seem them alter the oath like this as the War of Light ignites in full.

Also, the "Origins and Omens" backup, narrated by Scar, starts hitting DC books this month; this week features Adventure Comics #0 and Secret Six # 0. According to talkback threads, there are a few minor points of interest and hints towards July, but nothing major. It's a marketing gimmick, plain and simple.

[Steve]

The big question, then, is why it wasn't changed back after TBN's events.

This makes me wonder if perhaps Johns has an interesting conclusion in mind. Especially when you consider that Sodam also invoked Ganthet's name when cremating Rond Vidar's remains.

[JME2]

This makes me wonder if perhaps Johns has an interesting conclusion in mind. Especially when you consider that Sodam also invoked Ganthet's name when cremating Rond Vidar's remains.

Indeed. Perhaps aspects of that theory you shared with me a while back could come true.

[JME2]

As any NYC denizens of SDN are likely aware, the NYC Comics Convention is this weekend and the DC Nation panel was held today. Comic Book Resources has posted a transcript of the panel. The segments relevant to the War of Light (and with supplementary stuff from Newsarama's transcript of the panel), of course, are as follows:

* Orange Lantern Oath: Not a major one, but worth noting. Johns indicated that, while he wouldn't discuss it aloud, it's his favorite of the Oaths. Not too surprising, given how he's been saying for a while that Agent Orange has been one of his favorite characters to write.

* Setting: The War of Light will be taking place primarily in space and on New Earth. It doesn't appear the conflict will spill over into the Multiverse (and given that this was the point of Final Crisis, it would be repetitive).

* Cosmic Characters: No word on whether any of DC's other cosmic characters will be drawn into the conflict (the original question was aimed towards the possible involvement of the Space Heroes from 52 and Countdown to Adventure).

* Ground Zero: TBN will have a #0 prequel issue that will be part of Free Comic Book Day (as was previously reported in the "Rage of the Red Lanterns" thread). It's also worth noting that this, and Flash: Rebirth # 1, will be the first post-resurrection reunion of Hal and Barry. In addition, Hawkman and Hawkgirl will appear alive and well (thus clarifying whether or not they survived Final Crisis, something that wasn't satisfactorily dealt with) and that they have a part to play. Not too surprising, given that Johns has written both of them for nearly a decade within Hawkman and JSA respectively.

* I'm an Agent of Chaos: The chaos and chances unleashed by Final Crisis will play into TBN (as was to be expected).

* In Brightest Day: Johns indicated that the next big story after TBN has already been planned (and fits in with his claim a year or so back that he had Green Lantern plotted through issue# 55).

* Indigo Lanterns: The Indigos will not be appearing until TBN. Very interesting; I was wondering if they would show up in the "Agent Orange" arc or in the final pre-TBN

* Carol Ferris: As expected, she will have a role within TBN. The question, of course, is in what kind of capacity; it's very likely that the Zamarons may forcibly re-induct her into the Star Sapphires.

* Flash Count: Someone humorously asked how many of the Speedsters would get bumped off in TBN; according to Didio, "not enough". Again, not relevant, but I found it amsuing.

* Night of the Living Dead: It seems to confirm that the Black Lanterns are indeed animated corpses (again, it was obvious, but just for the sake of the record ), that they will not return to the living, and, surprise, will feed upon them.

* Sins of the Father: Sinestro's daughter, first mentioned in "Rage of the Red Lanterns", will be appearing within the next 3 months (makes sense given the upcoming solicitations for GLC).

Black Lantern Candidates
* Aquaman: Will be appearing; not explicitly named as a Black Lantern, but I should note that the manner of his RIP status is confusing due to the vagaries arising from his appearance in Final Crisis.

* Batman: Has a part of play; very vague.

* Blue Bettle (Ted Kord): Johns says yes, but there's still the matter of that closing page from his Booster Gold run...

* Libra: Not explicitly named as such. I mention him simply because, a.) He's KIA thanks to Luthor and b.) No one at DC apparently has any plans to use him, but Johns could always slip him in as a Black Lantern. It is, doubtful, though, as again, it would be repetitive of the last event.

* Kal-L: We already knew, but it's mentioned again.

* Villains: Many dead rogues across the DCU will be getting Black Rings; again, not surprising. On a personal note, I want to see a Black Ring go to Roscoe Dillon AKA The Top very badly. Johns' offing of him during "Rogue War" was dark, yet strangely hysterical. And he's got an obvious axe to grind against Captain Cold, so it'd be fun to see the Rogues having to deal with both this and the return of Barry Allen in Flash: Rebirth. With his abilities, he might actually be an asset to the Black Lanterns).

To conclude, Newsarama conducted a video interview with Maestro Johns on TBN. Relevant points include:

* TBN will be bigger in scale and scope than SCW (Again, as to be expected).

* The Star Sapphire Oath was the most difficult to come up with.

* There will be specials similar to the "Tales of the Sinestro Corps" one-shots focusing on Black Lanterns, but will be only for relevant characters. Johns is pushing to avoid the Red Skies syndrome.

[JME2]

One more additional, if minor note -- Toy News International has snagged photos of DC Direct's case of figures at the NYC Con. While Black Lantern Kal-L and J'onn are not present, it does give a nice, closer look at both waves, especially the Indigo Lantern figure. Be warned, load-time is very slow, even on DSL.

[Enigma]

So the golden age Supes doesn't get a black ring? What about Connor? I guess the Black rings do not have power over those that came back from the dead?

EDIT: I'm betting that they don't have power over those returning from the dead as it would then have power over most of the heroes\villains. lol