I’m hoping things will pick up in issue #2. With the death of Martian Manhunter in #2 we should have some serious fallout this week.

Also in #2 are the Japanese Superheroes we saw unveiled in the Final Crisis Sketchbook - the Super Young Team and their languid leader, Most Excellent Superbat! PLUS - What are the next dastardly deeds perpetrated by the mysterious Libra and his new crew? What’s under the poisoned city of Blüdhaven? Who could murder a God? Can Batman face the fallen of Apokolips? All this and a spectacular return from the dead…

Grant Morrison and J.G. Jones’ multiverse-spanning epic continues with bombshell after bombshell in FINAL CRISIS #2 — “Ticket to Blüdhaven”!

I hope I don’t require the authors notes to make sense of this issue.

The preview interests me tho. I love the Alpha Lantern’s less than flattering characterization of the Justice League as a “local crimefighting club” - she makes it sound like the Scooby Gang. I also wonder about any substance that is not only unidentifiable by a Power Ring, but also seems to interfere with its operation. Hmmm.

via Newsarama

Newsarama has a GREAT interview with Final Crisis writer Grant Morrison. He discusses the New Gods interference in human history and evolution in the DCU, why Turpin, Countdown continuity, Dr. Lights comeuppance, what he meant by “Twilight of the Gods,” where AND when Darkseid went when he “fell,” the concept of Gods in general, what Anthro’s drawing and who the guy with the mohawk is - Nix Uotan the exiled Monitor - doh - should have figured that one. But it still doesn’t add up - OK if the Monitors have the ability to exile one of their own to a mortal existence, but who got Nix and apartment, furniture and a TV? He woke up as if he’s late for work. If they have THAT control over reality they should be able to take care of reality -hoppers with a file transfer. Also its looking definite that the DCU is definitely down one Martian.

Via Newsarama | read the full interview!

One of these things just doesn’t belong,
Can you tell which thing is not like the others
By the time I finish my song?

I’ve said numerous times, I REALLY wanted to love Final Crisis #1. But I just did not. I’m sick of companies killing off major characters JUST to make a manufactured event seem important. OK, it was new and shocking when the silver age Flash, Barry Allen and the original Supergirl both died valiantly in the Crisis on Infinite Earths. It was even ALMOST reminiscent and still heart-breaking when Superboy (Conner Kent) bravely gave his life while restoring the Multiverse during the Infinite Crisis.

But this? This was just a mob-style hit against one of the most powerful (albeit often ignored and forgotten) forces in the DCU. It was a slap in the face. I don’t WANT to read about the day evil won. Evil wins every day all around me. Comics are the one place it doesn’t. I’ll keep reading, but the good guys best begin to get their act together by #4.

To simply drag out a “pyro-tranqilized” Martian Manhunter and then whack him does not do justice to a character as powerful as J’onn J’onzz.

This is a character as powerful (arguably more than) as Superman. His only weakness has been fire. But not only have multiple authors and story arcs have established this as a psychological weakness instead of a physical one, it is also a psychological weakness he has overcome multiple times - most notably with the semi sadistic help of a flame-wielding villainess named Scorch.

Martian Manhunter told Superman that his aversion to fire had changed and he was now invulnerable to flames unless they are “flames of passion” or of some other “psychic significance.” I hate when writers don’t do their homework. Is it too much trouble for hem to read a wiki page before killing off a major character?

OK enough on the less than stellar snuff scene, here are some more questions/problems the story gave me.

1. For what does Libra NEED the Human Flame? Why would he go to the trouble of capturing and killing Martian Manhunter (bringing the SURE ire of the JLA) just to recruit an overweight guy who controls fire. Did he do it JUST to convince Luthor that he can kill Superman?

2. What in the holy hell was Turpin thinking going in to an club run by an unknown criminal figure without backup or even calling in? I’m guessing Question is hot on his heals and perhaps she and Batwoman will kick the crap out of the apokolyptian stepford children. Or he may be waif-food.

3. Considering the JLA already found out that Libra is running around in last issue of the Justice League of America, they should already be on alert. having Superman declare Justice League Condition Amber had no weight. I want to know what Batman’s is contingency plan for evil gods running amok on Earth. The man plans for everything, and he’s met Darkseid and his cronies before, so he should at least have a plan involving the theology powered heroes calling upon their pantheons for assistance.

4. Corruption among the Monitors… I read 52 and Countdown and I still have a hard time telling the monitors apart. Who is this Wanderer? And where did the Monitor talking to him get a cell phone? Roaming charges must be a bitch in the Multiversal Orrey

5. Who is the guy with the mohawk/ponytail combo and why is he looking at his hands with such surprise? He is looking at them as if they were covered in blood or if he was surprised to have hands. He can’t be Human Flame (no mustache) and I don’t see an interstellar being like Libra having such a dated hairstyle.

Also read Highlights of the WW PHILLY: DCU: CRISIS NOW! PANEL from Newsarama

FINAL CRISIS #1
Written by Grant Morrison
Art and covers by J.G. Jones

Witness the historic start of the final chapter in the Crisis trilogy that could only spring from the mind of Grant Morrison — Final Crisis, featuring stunning art by J.G. Jones (52 Covers)! Worlds will live and heroes will die in this epic tale spanning the beginning and end of the DC Universe!
The entire Multiverse is threatened as the mysterious Libra assembles an army of the DCU’s most terrifying super villains. But what is the ultimate plan, and who will live to find out?

Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers by J.G. Jones that will ship in approximately 50/50 ratio. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.
On sale May 28 • 1 of 7 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US

via ComicsContinuum and Newsarama

Comic Book Resources has interviewed Grant Morrison about Final Crisis. Read the full article at CBR

Covers Final Crisis issues #1, 2 and 3

He also reveals a bit about the mysterious “Libra” rumored to be a heavy hitter in the series…

read the quote and see 2 covers featuring Libra after the jump

(more…)

Had to post this once I saw it - Pretty Pretty! Excellent use of George Perez’s skills.

The George Perez Legion of Super Heroes Mini - “Legion of 3 Worlds” will apparently merge the oft revamped Legion continuity into one manageable storyline. I for one cannot wait.