Any book that opens with a page full of Krypto is a winner as far as I'm concerned. James Robinson, Eddy Barrows and Allan Goldman wrap up the Blackest Night: Superman tie-in series with a bang, offering fans plenty of undead action, heat vision blasting Krypto sweetness, and Ma Kent badassery. More importantly, this last issue of the three issues mini-series raises a lot of questions about just what the Black Lanterns are and how they can be stopped. Robinson does a superb job of fitting all of these elements together and showcasing a large cast of characters effectively, without ever feeling like their appearances are wasted.
Issue #3 picks up where the last one left of, with Superboy under the influence of the Black Lantern Psycho Pirate battling Superman, who is also dealing with Black Lantern Kal-L. Supergirl has come face to face with her Black Lantern father, while Krypto and Martha Kent are trying to ward off Black Lantern Lois Lane of Earth-2. If it sounds like a lot to process, it can be; but Robinson paces the issue expertly, never tying the reader down in one place too long but also avoiding the feeling that the book is being presented by a teen with ADD. Amongst the action - which makes up a bulk of the issue - the writer is able to present, in each different scenario, a new element that will surely lead to a means to defeat the Black Lanterns at some point down the line.
On New Krypton, we are introduced to a device that will shield the Lanterns from getting into, or getting out of, New Krypton. Through Martha and Krypto, Robinson re-emphasizes the importance of their rings, and perhaps most importantly, we are left with the implications of importance that come from Psycho Pirate's medusa mask. The effect is unclear, but it is very obvious that these are the first steps to uncovering what makes the Black Lanterns tick.
