Marvel has had its share of comic book heroes who have had some huge story arcs. One of those heroes which come to mind is the Hulk. It’s a shame we haven’t gotten to see him in more solo movies as the many story arcs he has enjoyed have given fans much to salivate over the possibilities.

One of his most interesting arcs was Planet Hulk. A story where we saw the inner struggle between Bruce Banner and the Hulk while he tries to stay alive. It’s a story which enjoyed a wink and a nod in Thor Ragnarok.  In the fourth issue of Day Of Judgment, our heroes fight to get control of the Spectre, much like Bruce fought to get control of the Hulk.

We find Wonder Woman’s team fighting The Spectre, Etrigan and his minions, while they lay waste to the city. Dr. Fate and the Justice Society Of America, reverse a tragedy that would have spelled death for one of our heroes ., as Hal Jordan, wields the power of not only his ring but the collective power of the Green Lantern Corps, making him a formidable opponent to Asmodel. Meanwhile, Shazam takes the Spear of Destiny from Starfire, and ultimately counterbalancing Asmodel. By the issue’s end, Asmodel’s hold of the Spectre is neutered, leaving one brave soul to inhabit the vessel, as Batman and Hal, are stopped by Superman from assuming the mantle.

Overall, an issue that evens the playing field for the good guys. The story by Geoff Johns is insightful and exciting. The art by the creative team is exceptional. Altogether, an installment which will leave the reader on the edge of their seat.

Story: Geoff Johns
Art: Comicraft, Matthew Dow Smith, James Sinclair, and Steve Mitchell
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

I have always heard the metaphor “There’s only one way to eat an elephant? One bite at a time.” This sentiment shows no matter how big the problem, you must deal with a problem step by step regardless. Some people panic when they see a problem coming at them. Then there are those who settle in focus and attack the problem head on.

The events of Avengers: Infinity War showed that despite your best efforts, sometimes failure is inevitable. It’s not this consequence that should consume those involved, but how does one move through it and past it. Those protagonists fought Thanos on multiple fronts, ensuring his eventual defeat. In the third issue of Day Of Judgment, our heroes are still fighting on three fronts, despite the gloom in front of them

We find some the Spectre evil spirit creating Hell On earth, an act which is met by Batman and The Sentinels of Magic, as they battle his forces in Hell. While Captain Marvel fights the Undead in out space. We also find Wonder Woman leading a contingent of the Justice League in Purgatory, as they search for the Spear Of Destiny. By the issue’s end, we start to find out what Etrigan’s motive for aiding Spectre and one of our heroes fall in the most devastating way possible.

Overall, an issue that shows how high the stakes are for our heroes. The story by Geoff Johns is perceptive and action-packed. The art by the creative team is outstanding. Altogether, an installment which shows glimpses of Johns’  then burgeoning masterful storytelling abilities.

Story: Geoff Johns
Art: Comicraft, Mathew Dow Smith, James Sinclair, and Steve Mitchell
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

Turnover can be rough for all those involved. Those dealing with the fallout have to adjust to the change in workload and manpower. Then there are those, who are the change agents, where they are dealing with change on two fronts. They’re the ones causing things to change. They have to deal with the grief they cause and the people they leave behind. Then there’s the unknown they deal with. This new circumstance which changes their lives completely. It’s never easy either way and it’s more difficult for everyone involved.

What happens when the people you most rely on are simply not there anymore or have moved from your inner circle? In the second issue of Day Of Judgment, our heroes are fighting on three fronts, and one hero chooses not step up this time.

We find some being inhabiting the Spectre battling the Sentinels Of Magic, finding a moment of weakness to temporarily defeat this demon. Meanwhile, Batman and Wonder Woman gather a contingent of the Justice League, where Zatanna, Firestorm, The Atom, and Faust head to an alternate dimension to reignite the fires in Hell since it has become frozen with Spectre’s exit. Alan Scott, Supergirl, and Wonder Woman head to Heaven to convince them to join the fight. By issue’s end, an unlikely hero decides to step up, making an uneasy alliance for all.

Overall, an issue that explores how vast the story is, making for an exciting climax. The story by Geoff Johns is intuitive and action-packed. The art by the creative team is remarkable. Altogether, an issue in this evolving story which gives fans the quality of storytelling which we have known Johns to provide.

Story: Geoff Johns
Art: Comicraft, Mathew Dow Smith, James Sinclair, and Steve Mitchell
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

When it comes to enigmatic characters, by far, DC has the competition beat. Never has a stable of characters been so storied. When it comes to the darkness of human nature, that DC’s characters show that part well. Take for instance, the recently released Joker, which gives viewers a more realistic vision of how such a person gets pushed to the brink. Readers have seen the character’s more twisted ploys including the much-celebrated, and controversial, Killing Joke.

It was within this movie; we got a much more realized and off-putting narrative to this legendary antagonist. The story, itself spoke to the societal ills of today but also how a revolution on certain levels can give rise. One of my other favorite characters is the Spectre, whose own story is both macabre and part detective noir. In one of Geoff Johns’ best outings, Day Of Judgment, we find this hero in the crosshairs of a major force rising through the DCU.

We’re taken to Hell, where an angel is being tortured for a plot to take over Heaven, which prompts Etrigan to offer Spectre’s physical embodiment since Corrigan recently vacated it. As he uses the demon, Asmodel, to rein in the power of Spectre and raise all the demons in Hell to carry out carnage on Earth. This catches the attention of certain superheroes, first, Zatanna, then Enchantress, and a few key figures in the JLA including Batman and Wonder Woman. As The JLA faces Spectre and Etrigan, we find an unfair fight, leaving each member defeated especially the might trio of Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman. By the issue’s end, when all hope looks lost, this is exactly when Zatanna ad the rest of the heroes known as The Sentinels of Magic spring into action.

Overall, a stunning debut issue into what was the world’s introduction to Justice League Dark, which is more than a fitting introduction. The story by Johns is layered, complex and intellectual. The art by the creative team is spectacular. Altogether, an outstanding origin story to one of the best teams in the DC Universe.

Story: Geoff Johns
Art: Steve Mitchell, Comicraft, James Sinclair, and Matthew Dow Smith
Story: 10 Art: 9.6 Overall: 9.7 Recommendation: Buy