Dark Nights: Death Metal #3 is an interesting issue. With its “rock” aesthetic, the issue is one that’s more about hope. It’s the moment in the story where the heroes rally and their plan is laid out for the reader. It also, much like the previous issue, isn’t quite sure what it wants to be. There’s a lot of silliness in the issue that feels like it clashes with the “death metal” title. But, is it really “death metal” in attitude? As we learn in this issue, and as expected, nope, the title has a different meaning than pitched.

Written by Scott Snyder with art by Greg Capullo, Dark Nights: Death Metal #3 has our gang of heroes rushing to Apokolips to free Superman and turn the tide of battle. As we learn, there’s much more than Superman being focused on when it comes to the plan in this issue. And that’s a good thing keeping the event from another “Trinity” focused event where Batman is the center of things. Instead, Wonder Woman has taken center stage and in her rallying speech, we can see why as she represents the hope that the heroes need.

But, the issue has a weird tonal issue. It wants to be “death metal” in its visuals but then gives us the silliness that is a giant robot, a time travel gun, yet more colors of Kryptonite, and a certain scene. It all ties into things from the past so fits. There’s nothing new, it’s a lot of winks, nods, and celebrations of what has come before. But, there’s a goofiness about it all that betrays the “hard” rock and roll style Capullo and Snyder pitched in the lead up. Spikes on a shoulder pad doesn’t create “death metal.” There’s also some big questions as to the why as far as The Batman Who Laughs’ actions. There’s some wide open aspects where you question his genius and cunning. For a ruthless Batman who has killed who knows how many, he’s left a lot of opposition alive.

Capullo’s art continues to be interesting. Much like the story, there’s a mix of attempting to deliver a serious metal look and the jokes within. Visually the comic feels like the “Rebirth” DC Universe breaking through the doom and gloom of the past. It also makes me think that this series and its previous chapter would have been the bridge from the New 52 to Rebirth that was needed. The dark seriousness transforming to the hope. In some ways visually, the comic feels like that might be the point, especially weighing in on Wonder Woman’s speech. This may be that final chapter to really transition from what was to what is. Capullo is joined by Jonathan Glapion on inks, FCO Plascencia on colors, and Tom Napolitano on lettering. As has been, everyone does a solid job and there are a certain excitement and energy about it all.

I’m still not sold on Dark Nights: Death Metal #3 and the series as a whole. I get a feeling I can see the meta at work but won’t know until the series wraps up. It really does feel like a final chapter in the New 52 aspect of the DC Universe putting the final nails in that chapter. But, there’s still issues to go and a lot of directions the series can take. While the individual issues have had a sense of entertainment, this may be a series to truly judge as a whole instead of its individual parts.

Story: Scott Snyder Art: Greg Capullo
Ink: Jonathan Glapion Color: FCO Plascencia Letterer: Tom Napolitano
Story: 7.5 Art: 7.95 Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Read

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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