Review – Green Lantern Dark #5: Castle of the Bat
Ray: This continues to be one of the most intriguing new Elseworlds in a while, not just for its characters and worldbuilding but for its stunning art style. 'Something Is Killing the Children' artist Werther Dell'Edera is very comfortable with working with cosmic horrors, so it's not a surprise that he manages to bring some truly terrifying creatures to life. This issue begins with a depiction of an ancient worm from beyond time and space that's coming for Earth – and it feels like something out of Lovecraftian myth in the best way. This is all the doing of the Witch Queen Demona, the main villain of the series – who is in thrall to the beast and is trying to feed him enough human energy to welcome him to Earth. And she's not just your standard mad sorcerer – she's the heir to Morgana Le Fay, as well as the daughter of one of the most unlikely heroes still hanging around the Tangent Universe. The world eater. Via DC Comics.
That would be the Batwraith (not Batman anymore, interestingly), a cursed knight who betrayed Camelot and is now inhabiting a suit of armor. He's one of many characters who shares their dark story this issue, as the survivors led by Green Lantern make their way towards Demona's twisted and predatory town. An odd little found family has formed out of this group, and even Green Lantern herself is starting to warm up. This is the first time we see how the original Green Lantern wound up passing on her power and her curse to the new heroine – and what it does to the person. There's a very optimistic message at the end about how all burdens need to be carried, but not all need to be carried alone. With one issue left, I believe, this is setting up a compelling final showdown, and one where the world feels genuinely filled with haunted horrors around every corner.
To find reviews of all the DC issues, visit DC This Week.
GeekDad received this comic for review purposes. Liked it? Take a second to support GeekDad and GeekMom on Patreon!
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