***Contains Spoilers***
DC’s The Final Night was a pleasant surprise. Many of the crossover events lack depth and don’t really move anything forward, but The Final Night is instrumental in closing out Hal’s Parallax story. The sun-eater, while not the most formidable villain, still does its job of creating a sense of urgency and tension throughout the story, and it was fascinating to see how Superman reacted without his powers and how he still managed to rise to the challenge and save the day.
One of the highlights of the book for me was the central role played by Kyle Rayner. As a longtime fan of the Green Lantern series, it was thrilling to see Rayner taking on the mantle of responsibility, both in terms of his duties as a Green Lantern and in recruiting Hal Jordan back into the fold. Rayner’s character development throughout the story was one of the more substantial points of the book, and I found myself rooting for him every step of the way.
The Final Night is also a redemption story for Hal Jordan, who had spent the past few years vilified as Parallax in the DC universe. I appreciated the opportunity to see Hal confront his past mistakes and work towards making amends. However, I also appreciated that the book didn’t shy away from exploring the complexities of Hal’s character and the potential consequences of his actions. In particular, I liked the scene where Batman calls Hal out on his presumptuousness about being forgiven, and the way in which Hal’s redemption was handled felt realistic and well-earned.
One of the book’s most emotional moments was Hal’s funeral, which was a touching tribute to his character and a poignant reminder of the sacrifices that heroes often have to make. It was a moment that genuinely showcased the camaraderie and brotherhood among the heroes of the DC universe and was a fitting end to Hal’s story.
The Final Night is a solid DC crossover event and is a must-read for fans of Hal Jordan and the wider Green Lantern universe. It offers an exciting blend of action, drama, and emotional depth that will keep you engaged from start to finish. If you’re a longtime fan, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression and is a testament to the power of the human spirit in the face of adversity. I give it 3-stars.
Feature Image Final Night cover by Stuart Immonen and Jose Marzan Jr.