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

by Carlos R. on December 08, 2020

Dark Nights Death Metal The Last Stories of the DC Universe #1 Cover Graphic
“Together”
Written by: Joshua Williamson, James Tynion IV, Scott Snyder
Art by: Travis Moore
Colors by: Tamra Bonvillain
Lettered by: Deron Bennett
Publisher: DC Comics

“Last Knights”
Written by: Jeff Lemire
Art by: Rafael Albuquerque
Colors by: Ivan Plascencia
Lettered by: Steve Wands
Publisher: DC Comics

“The Question”
Written by: Mariko Tamaki
Art by: Daniel Sampere
Colors by: Adriano Lucas
Lettered by: Saida Temofonte
Publisher: DC Comics

“Dust of a Distant Storm”
Written by: Gail Simone
Art by: Meghan Hetrick
Colors by: Marissa Louise
Lettered by: Travis Lanham
Publisher: DC Comics

“Whale Fall”
Written by: Christopher Sebela
Art by: Christopher Mooneyham
Colors by: Enrica Eren Angiolini
Lettered by: Dave Sharpe
Publisher: DC Comics

“We Fight For Love”
Written by: Cecil Castellucci
Art by: Mirka Andolfo
Colors by: Andrew Dalhouse
Lettered by: Saida Temofonte
Publisher: DC Comics

“Man of Tomorrow”
Written by: Mark Waid
Art and Colors by: Francis Manapul
Lettered by: Josh Reed
Publisher: DC Comics

This issue finds the heroes and some of the not-so-heroic types of the DC Universe on what may be their last night on Earth before their cataclysmic battle with Perpetua and the Batman Who Laughs.  Typically, with these types of issues I always find myself drawn to the Batman stories, but Aquaman and Green Lantern stole the show for me.

Death Metal is one monster of an event, the tie-ins have definitely played a major role in fleshing out the main story and this issue adds to the dramatic weight of what’s to come for these characters. The setup to this issue helped to make it a very digestible read. I came into the book curious as to how everyone was spending what they believe to be their final moments. This issue depicts how family, love, and friendship are integral themes to the stories of these characters. “Last Knights” was my favorite by far, I’m probably biased since I’m such a fan of Hal, but this short story packed a wallop focusing on Hal’s past, chance at redemption, along with the thoughts of his father’s last moments.

The Last Stories of the DC Universe has an impressive flow to it, there’s no jarring points between stories since most take place on the beach of Themyscira and they share similar color palettes and tones. “Man of Tomorrow” had such bright visuals it was fitting for the Man of Steel, it exemplified the hope he represents and underscored the message of the story. The backgrounds in “Whale Fall” are beautifully designed and I love their connection to Arthur’s inner monologue as he swims deeper into the ocean, especially when they contrast to the brightness when he rises to the surface. “We Fight For Love” wasn’t exactly my cup of tea, but I can see its significance to the overall story and did enjoy Bab’s dialogue with Dick.

This issue collected some excellent stories from some of DC’s best talent, “Last Knights” alone was worth the price of the book.
 

Our Score:

8/10

A Look Inside