Being over analytic is nearly half of what being a comic book journalist is all about. When we see teaser images, it is our job to pull speculation out of thin air and set forums ablaze. Which is why, when DC released the latest image from its upcoming Green Lantern #43, a direct lead in to the first issue of Blackest Night, I jumped for joy. The image brings forth candidates for the Black Lantern Corps, some of which are quite obvious and some that you might not have thought about in years, but all are certainly exciting.
The two page spread shows the Black Hand as he is seemingly "discovering" each of the dead souls showed in a grid-like formation. Each panel is accompanied by the deceased's name and a scene of their death. Below you will find CraveOnline's attempt at picking apart the legitimacy of these teases, as we attempt to predict who might actually wind up being on the side of the undead. Of course, there are a few mentioned in this image that have already been confirmed by http://www.craveonline.com/entertainment/comics/article/blackest-night-update-77363"so they will be skipped. These include Ronnie Raymond, J'onn J'onzz, and Arthur Curry. Of course, this is entirely speculative. But, would you expect anything less from comic fans?
http://dcublog.dccomics.com/files/2009/06/gl_43_p12-13-1-copy.jpg
Tula
Tula, the original Aquagirl and former Teen Titan, is first on the list. Unfortunately, Tula was one of the many heroes that met their end during Crisis on Infinite Earths, having drowned in water poisoned by the supervillain Chemo. Not only did this lead her to appear on the infamous "died during the Crisis" list, but also on the equally lengthy list of why it sucks to be a water-based superhero. Since her death, she's been through the routine superhero ressurection teases, including being impersonated by a supervillain to weaken the resolve of an arch-nemsis, as well as being brought back to life, albeit briefly, to battle her former partners.
Yay or Nay? Yay. Tula has been largely unseen in the DCU since her death, and serves as a perfect counterpart for the already confirmed Arthur Currey Black Lantern. Her death was relatively unimpactful for, well, almost everyone, so bringing her back in this role - at least from a fan perspective - only adds something new to her character.
The two page spread shows the Black Hand as he is seemingly "discovering" each of the dead souls showed in a grid-like formation. Each panel is accompanied by the deceased's name and a scene of their death. Below you will find CraveOnline's attempt at picking apart the legitimacy of these teases, as we attempt to predict who might actually wind up being on the side of the undead. Of course, there are a few mentioned in this image that have already been confirmed by http://www.craveonline.com/entertainment/comics/article/blackest-night-update-77363"so they will be skipped. These include Ronnie Raymond, J'onn J'onzz, and Arthur Curry. Of course, this is entirely speculative. But, would you expect anything less from comic fans?
http://dcublog.dccomics.com/files/2009/06/gl_43_p12-13-1-copy.jpg
Tula
Tula, the original Aquagirl and former Teen Titan, is first on the list. Unfortunately, Tula was one of the many heroes that met their end during Crisis on Infinite Earths, having drowned in water poisoned by the supervillain Chemo. Not only did this lead her to appear on the infamous "died during the Crisis" list, but also on the equally lengthy list of why it sucks to be a water-based superhero. Since her death, she's been through the routine superhero ressurection teases, including being impersonated by a supervillain to weaken the resolve of an arch-nemsis, as well as being brought back to life, albeit briefly, to battle her former partners.
Yay or Nay? Yay. Tula has been largely unseen in the DCU since her death, and serves as a perfect counterpart for the already confirmed Arthur Currey Black Lantern. Her death was relatively unimpactful for, well, almost everyone, so bringing her back in this role - at least from a fan perspective - only adds something new to her character.
Al Pratt
Al Pratt was the original Golden Age Atom, preceding the well known and loved Ray Palmer. His powers were a bit different than The Atom we know today, but Pratt held great stature (and continuity confusion) with the Justice Society of America, all the way up until he was killed in 1994, during Zero Hour, where he was killed by fallen superhero Hank Hill, then known as Extant. As it is with most JSA members, Pratt's legacy has lived on in the form of his children: Grant Emerson, Pratt's son, is currently a member of the JSA as the hero Damage, as is his godson, Albert Rothstein, better known as Atom Smasher.
Yay or Nay? Nay. Although Pratt's return as a Black Lantern would be great fodder for the personal issues of some of the lesser known characters in the JSA, the story is simply too large scale for the return of Al Pratt to mean anything signifcant, or be given enough time to play out in a satisfying fashion.
Yay or Nay? Nay. Although Pratt's return as a Black Lantern would be great fodder for the personal issues of some of the lesser known characters in the JSA, the story is simply too large scale for the return of Al Pratt to mean anything signifcant, or be given enough time to play out in a satisfying fashion.
Sue Dibny
Poor, poor Sue Dibny. Though she was not technically a superhero herself, she was the focal point of her husband - The Elongated Man, Ralph Dibny's - entire life. She was brutally murdered by Jean Loring, while pregnant, in 2004's Identity Crisis mini-series that also revealed her secret past of being raped by the not-so-goofy Dr. Light. Ultimately, it was Sue's death that led to many of the events that are still being felt throughout the DCU today. Because of her death, the mindwiping scandal of the Justice League was discovered, and subsequently, Infinite Crisis. The death of Sue Dibny is one of the most far-reaching deaths that have ever rocked the DC Universe.
Yay or Nay? Nay. Not only did Sue's death set into motion the direction of the current DCU, but writer Mark Waid left her and Ralph on a high point at the end of 52, settling them into their role of "ghost detectives". While since that last issue of 52, these roles have gone largely unrepresented, there is so much potential in the idea that I can't forsee Geoff Johns pulling the rug out from underneath is 52 collaborator. At least, I hope not.
Yay or Nay? Nay. Not only did Sue's death set into motion the direction of the current DCU, but writer Mark Waid left her and Ralph on a high point at the end of 52, settling them into their role of "ghost detectives". While since that last issue of 52, these roles have gone largely unrepresented, there is so much potential in the idea that I can't forsee Geoff Johns pulling the rug out from underneath is 52 collaborator. At least, I hope not.
Digger Harkness
Yet another casualty of Identity Crisis, the first Captain Boomerang was killed while on an assassination mission to kill Tim Drake's father, Jack. Deceived by who would be revealed to be Jean Loring, Jack Drake was sent a pistol to defend himself with for when Harkness came a'knocking. The Boomerang mantle was passed onto Harkness' son, and Harkness himself would later be - you guess it - briefly revived to further a plot point.
Yay or Nay? Nay. This is another character that simply wouldn't benefit from returning in this role. Though his relationship with his son is sweet, for lack of a better term, the current Captain Boomerang is not enough of a main player to be wrapped into the Blackest Night craziness. The only thing that gives me second thoughts is the recent return of Barry Allen, and Geoff Johns' promise that the Flash would have a significant role in the overall story.
Yay or Nay? Nay. This is another character that simply wouldn't benefit from returning in this role. Though his relationship with his son is sweet, for lack of a better term, the current Captain Boomerang is not enough of a main player to be wrapped into the Blackest Night craziness. The only thing that gives me second thoughts is the recent return of Barry Allen, and Geoff Johns' promise that the Flash would have a significant role in the overall story.
Ted Kord
Well, like Sue Dibny, Ted Kord's death was one of the most signifcant of the past ten years, as it laid the groundwork for what has become the current DCU. When Ted Kord, as the Blue Beetle, discovered a rotten consiracy headed by Maxwell Lord, former ally, he was murdered point blank upon his refusal to fall in line. The death is the inciting incident in what would become the major storyline for 2005, Infinite Crisis. Since his death, his return had been teased in numerous places, mostly in the pages of Booster Gold.
Yay or Nay? Nay. According to Geoff Johns, Ted Kord is actually currently alive, though Booster and the rest of the DCU seem to be unaware of it. It seems that Ted has managed to cheat his death while leading the world around him to believe that the timeline they all knew was still in tact. For this reason alone, Ted can obviously not be a Black Lantern.
Yay or Nay? Nay. According to Geoff Johns, Ted Kord is actually currently alive, though Booster and the rest of the DCU seem to be unaware of it. It seems that Ted has managed to cheat his death while leading the world around him to believe that the timeline they all knew was still in tact. For this reason alone, Ted can obviously not be a Black Lantern.
Maxwell Lord
When Wonder Woman snapped the neck of Maxwell Lord while he had mental control of Superman, we all jumped for joy that the killer of Ted Kord had finally been served. Max Lord has remained dead since then, though he has had appearances in Booster Gold, along with Ted. His death was another in a string of casulaties around the time leading up to Infinite Crisis that put a heavy stain of blood on a much more violent DCU.
Yay or Nay? I say yay. Lord is an odd choice for a Black Lantern, and in the very least would give Wonder Woman a signifcant emotional crisis during the series. Not to mention, it could also potentially create an out for the corner that the not-so-dead Ted Kord has painted himself into. While he's not the most intriguing choice of Black Lantern, I can't say that I wouldn't be interested to see where this could lead.
Yay or Nay? I say yay. Lord is an odd choice for a Black Lantern, and in the very least would give Wonder Woman a signifcant emotional crisis during the series. Not to mention, it could also potentially create an out for the corner that the not-so-dead Ted Kord has painted himself into. While he's not the most intriguing choice of Black Lantern, I can't say that I wouldn't be interested to see where this could lead.
Ryan Kendall
While the original Black Condor is a Golden Age classic, the same can't really be said for the Ryan Kendall iteration. Though he starred in his own short lived solo book, as well as become a member of the Freedom Fighters, the most memorable thing that Kendall ever did was be killed in Infinite Crisis. When ambushed by the Secret Society of Super Villains, Kendall was hit by Sinestro's beam of death and subsequently left the Earth forever. Or maybe not.
Yay or Nay? Yay. Bringing back the second Black Condor is an opportunity, much like Tula, to provide new purpose and depth to a previously misused character. If nothing else, his inclusion in Blackest Night may inspire some previously uninterested readers to go back and check out the character's past.
Yay or Nay? Yay. Bringing back the second Black Condor is an opportunity, much like Tula, to provide new purpose and depth to a previously misused character. If nothing else, his inclusion in Blackest Night may inspire some previously uninterested readers to go back and check out the character's past.
Dee Tyler
Yet another hero killed by Johns himself in Infinite Crisis (seeing a trend here?), she met her brutal end at the hands of the combined efforts of Cheetah and Deathstroke, when Cheetah wounded her and Deathstroke finished her off via impalement. Along with Ryan Kendall, her body was hung and displayed for all to see on the Washington Monument A pretty gruesome way to go, if you ask me.
Yay or Nay? Yay. Johns seems to be reveling in his own work a bit as he teases many characters that he himself killed off in Infinite Crisis. Plus, given the similar fashion in which she and Ryan Kendall died, perhaps they've struck up some sort of post-mortem romance. What good is a zombie story without some semblance of zombie love? While there is no valid indication of Dee returning, I can't help but feel that she is another character that Johns would find ripe for a reinvention of sorts.
Roy Lincoln
Here lies another Freedom Fighter, The Human Bomb, who was also killed in Infinite Crisis alongside Ryan Kendall and Dee Tyler and strung up for display. Beaten to death by Bizarro, Roy Lincoln's explosive powers were ultimately his demise, as Bizarro found the colorful explosions he emitted to be endlessly entertaining and thus punched him until he could explode no more.
Yay or Nay? Yay. Why not? A Freedom Fighters reunion! Lincoln's powers are certainly powerful and destructive enough for the Black Hand's bidding, and combined with guys like Kal-L, the Black Lanterns could have the most formidable arsenal out of the entire emotional spectrum. Though the other Lantern Corps could certainly hold their own in any fight, many of them are still mere mortals with no superhuman powers without their Power Rings. Imagine the fierce combination of superpowers, evil, AND a ring?
Roger Hayden
Coming out of Crisis on Infinite Earths, Roger Hayden, the second Psycho-Pirate, was one of the biggest potential characters in the DCU, as he was one of the few to retain full memories of the continuity crashing event. However, Hayden was driven insane by them and appeared only sporadically throughout the next two decades. His only real significant purpose between the end of Crisis on Infinite Earths and Infinite Crisis was to help settle the long dispute over Power Girl's "official" origin, which he revealed to her. Subsequently, in Infinite Crisis, Black Adam pushes Hayden's mask through his face, killing him.
Yay or Nay? Yay. With Power Girl now starring in her own series, the timing is perfect in order to bring her into the Blackest Night fold. Though I don't expect any sort of cross over, any appearance by a character with a new (and struggling?) solo book could certainly benefit from major appearances in the company's biggest story. Plus, despite being moot at this point, Hayden's memories of the original Crisis was always an interesting potential plot device.Vic Sage
Yay or Nay? Yay. With Power Girl now starring in her own series, the timing is perfect in order to bring her into the Blackest Night fold. Though I don't expect any sort of cross over, any appearance by a character with a new (and struggling?) solo book could certainly benefit from major appearances in the company's biggest story. Plus, despite being moot at this point, Hayden's memories of the original Crisis was always an interesting potential plot device.Vic Sage
Vic Sage
The Question is without a doubt, one of the most beloved characters in the DC Universe. Throughout the course of 52, which ended with Renee Montoya taking over the mantle, it was eerily fitting that Vic go out not in some grand, supremely violent style, but rather from a bout of common cancer. Vic was truly the emotional center of the entire 52 series, and the normalcy of his death (aside from all the craziness going on around him, of course) was one of the most tender and heartbreaking moments in comics.
Yay or Nay? Yay. It's hard for me to think of a character that could pack more of an emotional devastation than Vic Sage. Beloved by all, it would be an additional blow to the fans that are already worked about Arthur Currey and J'onn J'onzz being Black Lanterns, and that is awesome. The more things are shaken up, the better, I say. Also, with Greg Rucka, orchestrator of the Question/Renee Montoya saga currently handling Detective Comics featuring Renee's sometimes lover Kathy Kane - Batwoman - the potential is there for Rucka to take hold of Renee and Kathy's reaction to Vic's reemergance as a Black Lantern and use it.
The Question is without a doubt, one of the most beloved characters in the DC Universe. Throughout the course of 52, which ended with Renee Montoya taking over the mantle, it was eerily fitting that Vic go out not in some grand, supremely violent style, but rather from a bout of common cancer. Vic was truly the emotional center of the entire 52 series, and the normalcy of his death (aside from all the craziness going on around him, of course) was one of the most tender and heartbreaking moments in comics.
Yay or Nay? Yay. It's hard for me to think of a character that could pack more of an emotional devastation than Vic Sage. Beloved by all, it would be an additional blow to the fans that are already worked about Arthur Currey and J'onn J'onzz being Black Lanterns, and that is awesome. The more things are shaken up, the better, I say. Also, with Greg Rucka, orchestrator of the Question/Renee Montoya saga currently handling Detective Comics featuring Renee's sometimes lover Kathy Kane - Batwoman - the potential is there for Rucka to take hold of Renee and Kathy's reaction to Vic's reemergance as a Black Lantern and use it.
Ralph Dibny
Ralph Dibny, devoted husband of Sue, valiantly sacrificed his life during 52 in order to stop Neron and Felix Faust, trapping them in the Tower of Fate. Though his sacrifice was somewhat in vain, as they escaped not long after, Ralph was able to be reunited with his beloved in the afterlife, where they took on the role of ghost detectives.
Yay or Nay? As I said with Sue, there is too much undeveloped potential with the current role the Dibnys are in. Unless they somehow revert back to the current status quo post-Blackest Night, I can't forsee, nor do I want, the Dibnys having a role in the Black Lantern Corps.
Jean Loring
Jean is an interesting addition to this teaser, if only because previous to being shown here, her death was rather ambiguous. During Countdown (does it even still count?), Jean was fractured from Eclipso, whom she had been bonded to since Countdown to Infinite Crisis, and her body was shown sinking into the depths of the ocean. And, that was it, really. There was no body ever found, which in the case of comics, usually means no death. Though I would assume her appearance in these pages of Green Lantern #43 are confirmation, don't forget that Ted Kord also appeared, who has been confirmed as alive and well.
Yay or Nay? Nay. Most of these characters that had such a massive impact back in the days of Identity Crisis and Infinite Crisis are best kept in their graves, so as not to lessen that impact just yet. C and D listers killed during that time frame is one thing, but the orchestrator of the entire Identity Crisis mini-series is something else entirely. I don't forsee a Jean Loring return just yet.
Arthur Light
Yay or Nay? Nay. Most of these characters that had such a massive impact back in the days of Identity Crisis and Infinite Crisis are best kept in their graves, so as not to lessen that impact just yet. C and D listers killed during that time frame is one thing, but the orchestrator of the entire Identity Crisis mini-series is something else entirely. I don't forsee a Jean Loring return just yet.
Arthur Light
He may not look like much, but Identity Crisis turned him into one of the mose vile and captivating villains in the entire DCU. Unfortunately for him, Dr. Light's terrible ways caught up with him in Final Crisis: Revelations, in which the Spectre turned him into a human candle, effectively using Light's head as a wick. A brutal end to a brutal man, but Dr. Light made an impression on readers that they will not soon forget.
Yay or Nay? Yay. Please God. Dr. Light is packaged to become the most ruthless Black Lantern of them all, and I can see no good reason for him to not fulfill that role. Again, a character with newfound potential that is simply screaming to be revisted.
Boston Brand
Yay or Nay? Yay. Please God. Dr. Light is packaged to become the most ruthless Black Lantern of them all, and I can see no good reason for him to not fulfill that role. Again, a character with newfound potential that is simply screaming to be revisted.
Boston Brand
...He's Deadman, for Christ's sake.
Yay or Nay? Nay! Brand's whole gimmick is being dead. Technically, he's not a zombie, but still. This is too painfully obvious to be of any interesting use in Blackest Night. Skip this one.
Tara Markov
Another brutally tragic female in the DCU, Tara Markov, the original Terra, sister of Geo-Force, was used as a pawn in the war against the Teen Titans by uber-badass Deathstroke. She went certifiably crazy, betraying both sides until ultimately, she killed herself attempting to destroy Deathstroke. She was remembered honorably by the rest of the Titans, and her betrayal was never publicized.
Yay or Nay? Yay. With Geo-Force back front and center and Outsiders currently kicking ass, bringing Terra back as a Black Lantern could offer up some meaty story. With Geo-Force, both in Outsiders and last year's phenomenal DCU: Last Will & Testament, still feeling guilt about the death of his sister, as well as learning the truth of her mental decline from Deathstroke, I can't think of a better way to mess with his stability than by putting a Black Power Ring on Terra's finger.
Yay or Nay? Nay! Brand's whole gimmick is being dead. Technically, he's not a zombie, but still. This is too painfully obvious to be of any interesting use in Blackest Night. Skip this one.
Tara Markov
Another brutally tragic female in the DCU, Tara Markov, the original Terra, sister of Geo-Force, was used as a pawn in the war against the Teen Titans by uber-badass Deathstroke. She went certifiably crazy, betraying both sides until ultimately, she killed herself attempting to destroy Deathstroke. She was remembered honorably by the rest of the Titans, and her betrayal was never publicized.
Yay or Nay? Yay. With Geo-Force back front and center and Outsiders currently kicking ass, bringing Terra back as a Black Lantern could offer up some meaty story. With Geo-Force, both in Outsiders and last year's phenomenal DCU: Last Will & Testament, still feeling guilt about the death of his sister, as well as learning the truth of her mental decline from Deathstroke, I can't think of a better way to mess with his stability than by putting a Black Power Ring on Terra's finger.
Wesley Dodds
Wesley Dodds, the Golden Age Sandman and lifetime member of the Justice Society of America, commited suicide heroically about ten years ago in order to protect Dr. Fate. And well, that's pretty much been it. He has some appearances via flashback in Sandman Mystery Theatre: Sleep of Reason, but aside from that, Dodds has been relatively undistiurbed since his death.
Yay or Nay? Nay. The simple question is, why? I can't think of one good reason why Wesley Dodds would make a suitable Black Lantern, aside from that his zombie design would probably wind up looking pretty cool.
Jenny-Lynn Hayden
Yet another dead girlfriend of Kyle Rayner's, Jenny-Lynn Hayden, usually called Jade, was the daughter of Golden Age Green Lantern Alan Scott. While her powers resembled those of the Green Lantern Corps, her power was magical, rather than provided by the Green Power Rings - similar to her father's. Killed during the time period of Infinite Crisis, she died trying to stop Alexander Luthor, Jr. from creating a new multiverse. Upon her death, her powers merged with Kyle.
Yay or Nay? Yay. Though she is not a Green Lantern like we have come to know them, her connection to Kyle and his status as a driving force of the Green Lantern Corps is too engaging to deny. I'm hoping to see her dead and walking in no time flat.
Jonathan Kent
Yay or Nay? Yay. Though she is not a Green Lantern like we have come to know them, her connection to Kyle and his status as a driving force of the Green Lantern Corps is too engaging to deny. I'm hoping to see her dead and walking in no time flat.
Jonathan Kent
Who doesn't know who Jonathan Kent is? Though he's died numerous times in the comics and other media, Superman's Earth dad is one of the most long standing characters in the medium. Most recently, Geoff Johns killed him in Action Comics, where he suffered a fatal heart attack prior to the restoration of the bottle city Kandor and the events of New Krypton.
Yay or Nay? Nay. Do you really need to ask? Jonathan Kent is not coming back as a Black Lantern. Period.
Yay or Nay? Nay. Do you really need to ask? Jonathan Kent is not coming back as a Black Lantern. Period.
Bruce Wayne
In the closing moments of the Final Crisis, Batman defeated Darkseid, but not without losing his own life - or so it would seem. Hit by the Omega Sanction, Superman later carried out The Dark Knight's charred body from the wreckage of battle.
Yay or Nay? Nay! Though most of the DCU may not know it, Bruce Wayne is far from dead. Last we say, he's traversing through the before-times with Anthro. Though there was a body, Dan Didio himself has hinted that the body readers saw most probably was not Bruce's. And thus the question becomes: if there is a Black Lantern Batman, just whose reanimated carcus is it?
Yay or Nay? Nay! Though most of the DCU may not know it, Bruce Wayne is far from dead. Last we say, he's traversing through the before-times with Anthro. Though there was a body, Dan Didio himself has hinted that the body readers saw most probably was not Bruce's. And thus the question becomes: if there is a Black Lantern Batman, just whose reanimated carcus is it?
