Forever Evil #3

By Geoff Johns & David Finch

The latest issue in this nightmarish (in a good way) mini-series is back with a vengeance. Several divergent storylines finally come together. Batman and Catwoman are trying to save Victor Stone’s (Cyborg) life. Meanwhile, Lex Luthor and Bizarro start formulating a plan to overthrow the Crime Syndicate and other villains battle members of the Syndicate. When the dust settles an alliance is formed…

Johns continues to raise the bar in Forever Evil. He uses the experience he has gained working on several books over the years to great effect by writing for several villains, including Lex Luthor; Black Manta and the Rogues, well. He has a clear understanding of the motivations and codes of these fascinating characters, which makes this book such a fantastic read. Having Captain Cold resist and combat Deathstorm and Power Ring was definitely a highlight. Also, seeing Batman’s reaction to Nightwing’s public unveiling was so emotionally powerful. What is astounding is that artist David Finch only had to draw a panel of a close-up of Bruce’s eyes and Geoff having to write one word to convey so much.

Finch follows Johns in terms of constantly pushing his talents in this story. One talent that becomes very apparent in this particular issue is that he knows how to give characters justice on the page. When characters are first shown, David depicts them in an almost classical pose; it’s beautiful. The one that comes to mind is when Black Manta rises from the ocean. Finch has a record in this series with ending it with a fantastic full-page shot…He doesn’t disappoint. Picturing several unlikely allies in great postures is a treat. Each of the full-page shots he has done would be an amazing poster that I would frame and hang on my wall.

Johns and Finch are just brilliant on Forever Evil. As one reads the issues, it just feels like they were made to work on this and it is such a rush. If you aren’t reading this mini-series, then you are doing yourself a great disservice.