REVIEW: ‘Dark Crisis’ Issue #3

Dark Crisis #3 is published by DC Comics, written by Joshua Williamson, pencils by Daniel Sampere, inks by Sampere, Daniel Henriques, and Danny Miki, colours by Alejandro Sánchez, and letters by Tom Napolitano. As the Titans reel from the attack on the Tower, Black Adam’s Justice League hits a snag and the Green Lanterns take the fight to Pariah. 

This issue is the part of the event that splits it across the universe. Williamson has started to include numerous teams and corners of Earth and beyond. But the structure is brilliant, allowing long scenes with each group that demonstrate the danger that everyone is facing. After the death of the Justice League, that feeling that none of the heroes are safe becomes all the more prevalent. There is a deep, palpable heaviness throughout the issue, beginning with Nightwing and Garfield in the hospital. The world is running out of heroes, and those still active are being hunted by Deathstroke. This plot thread is exploded into something very dark and different, and there is a notion that things can only get darker. Then there is the Green Lanterns on the other side of the universe, pushing the plot forwards. The slow but ominous spread of this darkness is so enticing. Both the new groups that enter the fray by the end of the issue will change the event entirely. 

The characters in this issue are beautifully written. Many of them are tired and broken. As The leaders of this post-JLA world are struggling to make themselves known. Nightwing is wallowing in guilt, Superman and Robin are squabbling and Black Adam does not have the same viewpoint as his new teammates. He might be one of the most fascinating aspects of this cast. He is one of the experienced figures, and yet he is clearly still broken and traumatized. Every major character is given their time to speak and be of use, making the book seem full. Their interactions with each other show just how fractured the community is, increasing the unease.

The art is incredible as Sampere and the inkers keep blowing my mind. Every character is gorgeously brought to life. Almost every scene is filled with figures still alive, and the sadness in all of them is haunting. The details are sensational as the ramifications of battle are displayed. There are many character reveals that are epic as Sampere creates special splash pages worthy of posters. The battle at the end has some weird and wonderful imagery on a huge scale.

The colours are also stunning. The tones are dark and melancholic when they need to be, but these panels are still lovely. The bright lighting makes an interesting contrast and allows some of the fantastic shades to seep through. The blending of colours appears naturalistic and makes the realism of the world more impressive. At the end of the comic, the book is close to black and white. Pairing this up with the juxtaposing brightness of the Green Lantern Corps makes both more extreme. The lettering is brilliant at denoting volume, changing in size constantly.

Dark Crisis #3 is beautifully atmospheric. As the heroes are delivered punch after punch, Williamson is truly embracing the all-encompassing scale of an event comic. With the usual figureheads out of the picture, this is a beautiful portrayal of those left trying to pick up the pieces. The insecurity and nervousness is heartbreaking. And it is being brought to life by an incredible art team.

Dark Crisis #3 is available where comics are sold.