Forever Evil #1 Review
‘Issue One: Nightfall’
Writer: Geoff Johns
Penciller: David Finch
Inker: Richard Friend
Colourist: Sonia Oback
Letterer: Rob Leigh
Cover Art: David Finch, Richard Friend & Sonia Oback
A review by Jake Morris.
Ever since DC Comics relaunched their line, there has been a number of events effecting multiple books, but up until the recently concluded Trinity War, there has not been an event that has changed the balance of the New 52. Forever Evil looks to alter that stance in a unique way through a rise in villainy across the board and a decline in heroism in this normally ‘heroic’ universe.
The carefully crafted nature of Forever Evil’s predecessor is clear to see and Geoff Johns attempts to continue the excitement while also maintaining the switch in status quo that began to take shape at the end of Justice League #23.
The Crime Syndicate, comprising of Ultra man, Superwoman, Owlman and the rest of the evil doppelgangers of Earth-3 have begun their take over of the main Earth. By means of destroying the prisons and asylums in which super villains were being held captive, they struck out with the intent of forming an army of evil in which to control the world.
In actuality, the Crime Syndicate’s plan is fairly straightforward but it is the conviction that hits home and really drives the idea into menacing fruition. All of the Syndicate’s members, barring Owlman, are given panel time to allow readers a chance to see their personalities but it is Johnny Quick who perhaps stands out the most.
As mentioned, Owlman doesn’t do a whole lot apart from an earlier confrontation but his dialogue is minimal and happens to be spoke about indirectly more than he speaks himself. Maybe that is normal seeing as he is Batman’s counterpart but I do look forward to seeing his approach in future issues.
Many villains are accounted for in this issue and for the majority, it is mainly cameos here and there but nothing feels shoehorned in as John’s weaves a delicate web of character motivation. Most evident in presence is both Batman’s rogue gallery and The Rogues (from the pages of The Flash). Their bigger involvement can be attributed to being named as major players in not just Forever Evil but the mini-series that the two factions will feature. Nevertheless, the two groups have unique voices and it is already noticeable how they might react to this change in balance since the Crime Syndicate’s rise to prominence.
Seeing as the series is called ‘Forever Evil’ it is to be expected that not much heroism will be present, from superheroes anyway, but one hero’s inclusion was probably the biggest jaw-dropping moment as a secret identity is revealed. The ripple effect of this reveal is one that should be watched over the next few months as it looks to have long-lasting effects on several other characters. Furthermore, Lex Luthor returns and anchors the issue at the start with his usual blackmail and threats but narrates an interesting story that has connotations to the overall story. His involvement holds the story in place as he let’s out a scream come the end of the issue which echoes reader’s sentiments.
Most interesting where Lex’s involvement is concerned is how the issue starts out with an act of evil by him but as the issue ends with an act of evil by the hands of Ultraman, the hypocrisy surrounding Lex’s concern is most certainly an aspect that carries weight upon the conclusion of part one.
Where is Superman and the Justice League? Are they truly dead (not likely) but the gap between Trinity War and Forever Evil was a clever move by Geoff Johns but one that will surely be revealed in due course.
The only weakness of the issue lies in the art that at times felt off and characterised certain villains in odd ways, such as Lex who didn’t look like the usual bold businessman that he is. That said, David Finch has a lot on his plate in this issue and navigates full page spreads masterfully.
The future of this new event for DC is full of promise. It is fresh and alters a balance that has been prevalent in the New 52 for a long time, ever since the reboot. The interest lies in the character development of the villains in this story and that is one perfect way to craft a story, and hopefully continues to shine through. Who said we needed heroes in order for a story to be fun?
4/5
Jake is a contributing writer for Drunk On Comics. You can follow him on Twitter at @JakeUtd.