Forever Evil #2 Review
‘Issue Two: Rats’
Published by DC Comics
Writer: Geoff Johns
Penciller: David Finch
Inker: Richard Friend
Colourist: Sonia Oback
Letterer: Carlos M. Mangual
Cover Art: David Finch, Richard Friend & Sonia Oback
A review by Jake Morris.
Fresh from their invasion of the main Earth, the Crime Syndicate continue to be the major players in this months issue of Forever Evil. The revelations come thick and fast, hints towards future reveals and disparity for not just the JLA but also other heroes spread themselves out among this next chapter in DC’s newest event.
The end of villain’s month means that the monthly titles are back to their usual scheduling but regardless of that, Geoff Johns carries over more villainous activity with the story of a world without heroes and a world where the villains are in charge. Issue two blends heroics and villainy more so than the previous issue which is a welcome sight, with Lex Luthor now stepping up as the unlikely hero in Superman’s absence. Johns writes a great Lex, he is one of calculated measures, which is how Lex should be, but there is much more under the surface and Geoff Johns displays that effectively without showing us too much.
The Crime Syndicate are also prevalent in the issue as should be expected but now that introductions are out of the way, we are given a more thorough look into the dynamics of their group. They are a far different team than the Justice League. Yes, they are evil but it is how each character plays off each other that separates them from their ‘good’ counterparts. Owlman and Ultraman have a friendship that appears to be made up of beneficiaries as opposed to genuine care for one another, which also burrows into how Superwoman fits in with it all. The in your face hints that Johns grants us definitely show cracks in the Syndicate’s facade and will not be surprising if they end up causing a big upset later on down the line.
There are still certain members who lack development but in all honesty, the likes of Deathstorm and Grid do not exactly seem to be brimming with depth. Power Ring is an interesting one with a sense of insecurity that could provide a fascinating angle later on. Johnny Quick continues to entertain as he truly is a hyper definition of The Flash. Johns’ love for the Scarlett Speedster is anything but unknown and it is nice to see him show the true threat that an evil Flash could deliver.
There are a vast amount of moments in this issue that it really does not let up. Page after page was reveal followed by shock followed by revelation. It’s a thrilling read and it leaves one wondering just how much more exciting this event can get… The Justice League and Justice League of America have not even shown up yet. The big two teams notwithstanding, we do get some Teen Titans involvement which heralded some excitable action in a battle between the Titans, Atomica and Johnny Quick. The battle doesn’t necessarily end well for the younger heroes but what was most notable is how Geoff Johns tethers the story to previous events in other books. Red Robin’s concern for Nightwing is a pleasant addition when looking back to the Bat family fallout in the recent ‘Death of the Family’.
One issue with this battle is Johnny Quick’s discovery of Kid Flash’s journey to the present from the future. He comes about this within one meeting yet Flash or any other hero hasn’t discovered this, as far as I know. The outcome of this is some great artwork but it does feel like it is just another moment to keep the adrenaline up. Atomica started off as an intriguing character when joining the Justice League but since becoming a turncoat, she has lost a bit of that charm. Not in the turn from good to evil aspect, but she has turned into more of a sidekick for Johnny Quick. Her dialogue leaves much to be desired and at times, feel unnatural. She may as well have nothing to say as opposed to forced in dialogue.
That art appears to be improved from the last issue but problems do still arise. The characterisation of Lex is the only complaint to be found in reality, and that carries over in both issues. It isn’t a deal breaker but it is a shame that someone who is a main point of view ends up looking a little out of place. There also appears to be some inconsistencies in the continuity of panels… In one panel Ultraman leaves the headquarters, but the next panel shows him stood behind Owlman. Furthermore, the ending with Batman shows his face, despite blanketed in shadows, still wearing a complete cowl but a couple of panels later his cowl appears to be half torn off. These are not major problems but something I found strange considering only one penciller to be working on the book.
The colouring from Sonia Oback is a standout for the issue however, as the lighting in specific panels create an atmosphere fitting with the setting. Panels such as shady corridors, dimly lit rooms and the use of Superboy’s heat vision look gorgeous and add depth to an already detailed environment.
Forever Evil continues to be an absolute joy to read, even in the face of death and destruction. The return of the Justice League is sure to be a worthwhile moment in future issues but for now, I cannot get enough of the Crime Syndicate. If the event brings forth more entertainment like this, then it would be hard to argue that DC has had a better event in any other book since the relaunch.
Writing: 4.5
Art: 4
Overall: 4
Jake is a contributing writer for Drunk On Comics. You can follow him on Twitter at @JakeUtd.