With this review, DC’s major 2008 event is now up to date. A scheduling checklist has also been added below.
General Information
Title: DC Universe: Last Will and Testament
Author: Brad Meltzer
Illustrators: Adam Kubert (pencils), John Dell and Joe Kubert (inks), and Alex Sinclair (colours)
Cover Date: October 2008
Cover Price: $3.99
Premise
The world’s heroes are convinced the end is near. They each deal with the knowledge in their own ways. Many just question themselves, while others question their faith in others. Geo-Force, however, takes a more pro-active approach, and tries to take care of one last piece of unfinished business.
High Point
The Green Lantern moment.
Low Point
If Deathstroke’s that good, why did he miss that detail?
The Scores
This is an original tone for a major comic book story. The heroes have practically given up and resigned themselves to the end of the world. So much for that “never give up” attitude. It’s unpleasant, but still original. I give it 5 out of 6.
The artwork is solid, allowing for immeditate recognition of all of the characters, in or out of costume. I give it 5 out of 6.
The story is really about Geo-Force and Deathstroke, and what the pressure of Final Crisis is doing to Geo-Force, moreso than the events of Final Crisis itself. Still, as a character piece, it works very well. I give it 5 out of 6.
The characterization is solid, and stands at the forefront of the issue. It’s literally the entire issue. I give it 6 out of 6.
The emotional response was good in the sense that I felt for the characters, right up to the disturbing ending. Unfortunately, the characters are really depressed, so this loses a lot of that idyllic hope I usually enjoy from comics. It manipulates my emotions effectively, but I dont want to feel the way this makes me feel. I give it 4 out of 6.
The flow is effective, with the main story interrupted at points that draw effective parallels from one arc to another. I give it 4 out of 6.
Overall, it’s an issue that does an effective job of delivering its story. I’m sure it’ll be of major signifigance to fans of Geo-Force, but I doubt it’ll have a major impact on the rest of Final Crisis. I give it 4 out of 6.
In total, DC Universe: Last Will and Testament receives 33 out of 42.
Final Crisis Checklist
- DC Universe #0
- Final Crisis #1-2, 3, 4: October 22, 5: November 26, 6: December 31, 7, complete series
- Final Crisis: Requiem
- DC Universe: Last Will and Testament: complete
- Final Crisis: Rogues Revenge #1-3: October 15
- Final Crisis: Legion of Three Worlds #1-5: ??
- Final Crisis: Revelations #1-5: December 31
- Final Crisis: Superman Beyond #1-2: ??
- Final Crisis: Submit: October 8
- Final Crisis: Resist: October 29
- Final Crisis: Rage of the Red Lanterns: October 15
- Final Crisis: Secret Files: December 24