Overview:
Published in 2013, DC’s “Forever Evil” event, crafted by writer Geoff Johns and artist David Finch, delves into a world where the Justice League has vanished, leaving a power vacuum filled by the mysterious Crime Syndicate. This dark mirror of the Justice League brings chaos and uncertainty, forcing even villains to question their roles. The event kicked off alongside “Villians Month”, where a third of the DC titles published multiple villain-focused issues.
Critical and fan reception for “Forever Evil” was generally positive, with praise for its gripping narrative and Finch’s dynamic artwork. The event’s exploration of the darker aspects of the DC Universe added depth, though some found the sheer scale a bit overwhelming.
The storyline involves major players like Lex Luthor stepping into an unexpected role as an unlikely hero. Familiar faces such as Batman, Catwoman, and Nightwing find themselves battling against formidable odds. The Rogues, a group of Flash villains, also play a significant part in this unfolding drama.
“Forever Evil” leaves a lasting impact on the DC Universe, reshaping relationships and power dynamics. It’s a tale that challenges the conventional notions of heroism and villainy, leaving a lingering sense of uncertainty in its wake.
Background Reading:
- Trinity War
Best Way To Read:
Main Story
- Forever Evil
- Collects: Forever Evil #1-7
Tie-Ins
- Forever Evil: A.R.G.U.S.
- Collects: Forever Evil: A.R.G.U.S. #1–6
- Forever Evil: Arkham War
- Collects: Forever Evil: Arkham War #1–6, Batman Vol. 2 #23.4, Forever Evil Aftermath: Batman Vs. Bane #1
- Forever Evil: Rogues Rebellion
- Collects: Forever Evil: Rogues Rebellion #1–6, The Flash Vol. 4 #23.1
- Forever Evil: Blight
- Collects: Justice League Dark #24–29, Constantine #9–12, Trinity of Sin: Pandora #6–9, Trinity of Sin: Phantom Stranger (vol. 4) #14–17
- Justice League Volume 5: Forever Heroes
- Collects Justice League Vol. 2 #24–29
- Justice League of America Volume 2: Survivors of Evil
- Collects: Justice League of America Vol. 3 #8–14
- Suicide Squad Volume 5: Walled In
- Collects: Suicide Squad Vol. 4 #24–30, Suicide Squad: Amanda Waller #1
Villians Month
- DC Comics The New 52 Villains Omnibus
- Collects: Action Comics Vol. 2 #23.1–23.4, Aquaman Vol. 7 #23.1–23.2, Batman Vol. 2 #23.1–23.4, Batman and Robin Vol. 2 #23.1–23.4, Batman/Superman #3.1, Batman: The Dark Knight Vol. 2 #23.1–23.4, Detective Comics Vol. 2 #23.1–23.4, Earth 2 #15.1–15.2, The Flash Vol. 4 #23.1–23.3, Green Arrow Vol. 6 #23.1, Green Lantern Vol. 5 #23.1–23.4, Justice League Vol. 2 #23.1–23.4, Justice League Dark #23.1–23.2, Justice League of America Vol. 3 #7.1–7.4, Superman Vol. 3 #23.1–23.4, Swamp Thing Vol. 5 #23.1, Teen Titans Vol. 4 #23.1–23.2, Wonder Woman Vol. 4 #23.1–23.2
For crossover and significant events, I typically only read the main story the first time I encounter it. Trying to read all of the tie-ins with the story tends to make them increasingly convoluted and are not crucial to the main narrative. However, I think they are important to read, as many series-shifting plotlines can happen.
For the tie-in issues, I only read them as they come up in the reading guide that I am working through. This can become problematic because the tie-in issues are not always included in collected editions of the event. So you may need to hunt for them.
Reading Order:
Forever Evil
In the core “Forever Evil” storyline, written by Geoff Johns and featuring art by David Finch, the Justice League mysteriously disappears, leaving Earth vulnerable. A nefarious group known as the Crime Syndicate, evil counterparts from a parallel Earth, takes advantage of the void left by the heroes, unleashing chaos. The narrative centers on the unlikely alliance between Earth’s villains, led by Lex Luthor, as they confront the malevolent Crime Syndicate and struggle to save their world.
| Title | Importance | Collected |
|---|---|---|
| Forever Evil #1 | Main Story Essential | Forever Evil |
| Trinity of Sin: Pandora #4 | Tie-in TBD | Not Collected |
| Trinity of Sin: Pandora #5 | Tie-in TBD | Not Collected |
| Trinity of Sin: The Phantom Stranger vol. 4 #12 | Tie-in TBD | Not Collected |
| Trinity of Sin: The Phantom Stranger vol. 4 #13 | Tie-in TBD | Not Collected |
| Forever Evil #2 | Main Story Essential | Forever Evil |
| Suicide Squad vol. 4 #24 | Tie-in TBD | Suicide Squad Volume 5: Walled In |
| Suicide Squad vol. 4 #25 | Tie-in TBD | Suicide Squad Volume 5: Walled In |
| Suicide Squad vol. 4 #26 | Tie-in TBD | Suicide Squad Volume 5: Walled In |
| Forever Evil: Rogues Rebellion #1 | Tie-in TBD | Forever Evil: Rogues Rebellion |
| Justice League vol. 2 #24 | Justice League Important | Justice League Volume 5: Forever Heroes |
| Justice League of America vol. 3 #8 | Justice League of America Important | Justice League of America Volume 2: Survivors of Evil |
| Justice League of America vol. 3 #9 | Justice League of America Important | Justice League of America Volume 2: Survivors of Evil |
| Forever Evil: A.R.G.U.S #1 | Tie-in TBD | Forever Evil: A.R.G.U.S. |
| Forever Evil: A.R.G.U.S #2 | Tie-in TBD | Forever Evil: A.R.G.U.S. |
| Justice League of America vol. 3 #10 | Justice League of America Important | Justice League of America Volume 2: Survivors of Evil |
| Suicide Squad vol. 4 #27 | Tie-in TBD | Suicide Squad Volume 5: Walled In |
| Suicide Squad vol. 4 #28 | Tie-in TBD | Suicide Squad Volume 5: Walled In |
| Suicide Squad vol. 4 #29 | Tie-in TBD | Suicide Squad Volume 5: Walled In |
| Forever Evil #3 | Main Story Essential | Forever Evil |
| Forever Evil: Rogues Rebellion #2 | Tie-in TBD | Forever Evil: Rogues Rebellion |
| Forever Evil: Rogues Rebellion #3 | Tie-in TBD | Forever Evil: Rogues Rebellion |
| Forever Evil: Rogues Rebellion #4 | Tie-in TBD | Forever Evil: Rogues Rebellion |
| Justice League vol. 2 #25 | Justice League Important | Justice League Volume 5: Forever Heroes |
| Justice League of America vol. 3 #11 | Justice League of America Important | Justice League of America Volume 2: Survivors of Evil |
| Forever Evil: Arkham War #1 | Tie-in TBD | Forever Evil: Arkham War |
| Forever Evil #4 | Main Story Essential | Forever Evil |
| Justice League vol. 2 #26 | Justice League Important | Justice League Volume 5: Forever Heroes |
| Justice League vol. 2 #27 | Justice League Important | Justice League Volume 5: Forever Heroes |
| Justice League vol. 2 #28 | Justice League Important | Justice League Volume 5: Forever Heroes |
| Justice League of America vol. 3 #12 | Justice League of America Important | Justice League of America Volume 2: Survivors of Evil |
| Forever Evil: Rogues Rebellion #5 | Tie-in TBD | Forever Evil: Rogues Rebellion |
| Forever Evil: Rogues Rebellion #6 | Tie-in TBD | Forever Evil: Rogues Rebellion |
| Forever Evil: A.R.G.U.S. #3 | Tie-in TBD | Forever Evil: A.R.G.U.S. |
| Forever Evil: A.R.G.U.S. #4 | Tie-in TBD | Forever Evil: A.R.G.U.S. |
| Forever Evil #5 | Main Story Essential | Forever Evil |
| Forever Evil: Arkham War #2 | Tie-in TBD | Forever Evil: Arkham War |
| Forever Evil: Arkham War #3 | Tie-in TBD | Forever Evil: Arkham War |
| Forever Evil: Arkham War #4 | Tie-in TBD | Forever Evil: Arkham War |
| Forever Evil: Arkham War #5 | Tie-in TBD | Forever Evil: Arkham War |
| Forever Evil: A.R.G.U.S. #5 | Tie-in TBD | Forever Evil: A.R.G.U.S. |
| Forever Evil #6 | Main Story Essential | Forever Evil |
| Justice League of America vol. 3 #13 | Justice League of America Important | Justice League of America Volume 2: Survivors of Evil |
| Forever Evil: A.R.G.U.S. #6 | Tie-in TBD | Forever Evil: A.R.G.U.S. |
| Forever Evil: Arkham War #6 | Tie-in TBD | Forever Evil: Arkham War |
| Justice League vol. 2 #29 | Justice League Important | Justice League Volume 5: Forever Heroes |
| Forever Evil #7 | Main Story Essential | Forever Evil |
| Justice League of America vol. 3 #14 | Justice League of America Important | Justice League of America Volume 2: Survivors of Evil |
| Justice League vol. 2 #30 | Justice League Important | Not Collected |
| Suicide Squad vol. 4 #30 | Tie-in TBD | Suicide Squad Volume 5: Walled In |
| Forever Evil Aftermath: Batman vs Bane #1 | Tie-in TBD | Forever Evil: Arkham War |
| Nightwing vol. 3 #30 | Nightwing Tie-in Important | Not Collected |
Forever Evil Blight
“Forever Evil: Blight” is a spinoff from the larger “Forever Evil” event, serving as a crossover storyline that runs through various supernatural titles in the DC Universe. It pits the mystical side of the DCU against the demonic threat of Blight, creating a dark and magical struggle that challenges the boundaries between heroes and villains in the supernatural realm. Written by J.M. DeMatteis and Ray Fawkes, this storyline weaves a complex narrative, exploring the consequences of the Forever Evil event on the mystical forces of the DC Universe.
| Title | Importance | Collected |
|---|---|---|
| Justice League Dark #24 | Justice League Dark Essential | Forever Evil: Blight |
| Justice League Dark #25 | Justice League Dark Essential | Forever Evil: Blight |
| Trinity of Sin: Phantom Stranger vol.4 #14 | Justice League Dark Essential | Forever Evil: Blight |
| Constantine #9 | Justice League Dark Essential | Forever Evil: Blight |
| Trinity of Sin: Pandora #6 | Justice League Dark Essential | Forever Evil: Blight |
| Justice League Dark #26 | Justice League Dark Essential | Forever Evil: Blight |
| Trinity of Sin: Phantom Stranger vol.4 #15 | Justice League Dark Essential | Forever Evil: Blight |
| Constantine #10 | Justice League Dark Essential | Forever Evil: Blight |
| Trinity of Sin: Pandora #7 | Justice League Dark Essential | Forever Evil: Blight |
| Justice League Dark #27 | Justice League Dark Essential | Forever Evil: Blight |
| Trinity of Sin: Phantom Stranger vol.4 #16 | Justice League Dark Essential | Forever Evil: Blight |
| Constantine #11 | Justice League Dark Essential | Forever Evil: Blight |
| Trinity of Sin: Pandora #8 | Justice League Dark Essential | Forever Evil: Blight |
| Justice League Dark #28 | Justice League Dark Essential | Forever Evil: Blight |
| Trinity of Sin: Phantom Stranger vol.4 #17 | Justice League Dark Essential | Forever Evil: Blight |
| Constantine #12 | Justice League Dark Essential | Forever Evil: Blight |
| Trinity of Sin: Pandora #9 | Justice League Dark Essential | Forever Evil: Blight |
| Justice League Dark #29 | Justice League Dark Essential | Forever Evil: Blight |
Villian’s Month
“Villains Month” in 2013 was a bold move by DC Comics, temporarily replacing regular superhero titles with special issues centered on iconic villains. Each book explored the dark origins and motivations of well-known antagonists, providing readers with a unique glimpse into the minds of characters often overshadowed by their heroic counterparts. While not tying into Forever Evil directly and divisive among fans, “Villains Month” added depth to the DC Universe, sparking conversations about the complexity of villainous characters.
| Title | Importance | Collected |
|---|---|---|
| Action Comics #23.1 | Cyborg Superman | DC Comics The New 52 Villains Omnibus |
| Action Comics #23.2 | Zod | DC Comics The New 52 Villains Omnibus |
| Action Comics #23.3 | Lex Luthor | DC Comics The New 52 Villains Omnibus |
| Action Comics #23.4 | Metallo | DC Comics The New 52 Villains Omnibus |
| Aquaman vol. 7 #23.1 | Black Manta | DC Comics The New 52 Villains Omnibus |
| Aquaman vol. 7 #23.2 | Ocean Master | DC Comics The New 52 Villains Omnibus |
| Batman vol.2 #23.1 | Joker | DC Comics The New 52 Villains Omnibus |
| Batman vol.2 #23.2 | Riddler | DC Comics The New 52 Villains Omnibus |
| Batman vol.2 #23.3 | Penguin | DC Comics The New 52 Villains Omnibus |
| Batman vol.2 #23.4 | Bain | DC Comics The New 52 Villains Omnibus Forever Evil: Arkham War |
| Batman and Robin vol. 2 #23.1 | Two-Face | DC Comics The New 52 Villains Omnibus |
| Batman and Robin vol. 2 #23.2 | Court of Owls | DC Comics The New 52 Villains Omnibus |
| Batman and Robin vol. 2 #23.3 | Ra’s al Ghul and the League of Assassins | DC Comics The New 52 Villains Omnibus |
| Batman and Robin vol. 2 #23.4 | Killer Croc | DC Comics The New 52 Villains Omnibus |
| Batman: The Dark Knight vol. 2 #23.1 | The Ventriloquist | DC Comics The New 52 Villains Omnibus |
| Batman: The Dark Knight vol. 2 #23.2 | Mr. Freeze | DC Comics The New 52 Villains Omnibus |
| Batman: The Dark Knight vol. 2 #23.3 | Clayface | DC Comics The New 52 Villains Omnibus |
| Batman: The Dark Knight vol. 2 #23.4 | Joker’s Daughter | DC Comics The New 52 Villains Omnibus |
| Batman/Superman #3.1 | Doomsday | DC Comics The New 52 Villains Omnibus |
| Detective Comics vol. 2 #23.1 | Poison Ivy | DC Comics The New 52 Villains Omnibus |
| Detective Comics vol. 2 #23.2 | Harley Quinn | DC Comics The New 52 Villains Omnibus |
| Detective Comics vol. 2 #23.3 | Scarecrow | DC Comics The New 52 Villains Omnibus |
| Detective Comics vol. 2 #23.4 | Man-Bat | DC Comics The New 52 Villains Omnibus |
| Earth 2 #15.1 | DeSaad | DC Comics The New 52 Villains Omnibus |
| Earth 2 #15.2 | Solomon Grundy | DC Comics The New 52 Villains Omnibus |
| Green Arrow vol. 6 #23.1 | Count Vertigo | DC Comics The New 52 Villains Omnibus |
| Green Lantern vol. 5 #23.1 | Relic | DC Comics The New 52 Villains Omnibus |
| Green Lantern vol. 5 #23.2 | Mongul | DC Comics The New 52 Villains Omnibus |
| Green Lantern vol. 5 #23.3 | Black Hand | DC Comics The New 52 Villains Omnibus |
| Green Lantern vol. 5 #23.4 | Sinestro | DC Comics The New 52 Villains Omnibus |
| The Flash vol. 4 #23.1 | Grodd | DC Comics The New 52 Villains Omnibus Forever Evil: Rogues Rebellion |
| The Flash vol. 4 #23.2 | Reverse-Flash | DC Comics The New 52 Villains Omnibus |
| The Flash vol. 4 #23.3 | The Rogues | DC Comics The New 52 Villains Omnibus |
| Justice League of America vol. 3 #7.1 | Deadshot | DC Comics The New 52 Villains Omnibus |
| Justice League of America vol. 3 #7.2 | Killer Frost | DC Comics The New 52 Villains Omnibus |
| Justice League of America vol. 3 #7.3 | Shadow Thief | DC Comics The New 52 Villains Omnibus |
| Justice League of America vol. 3 #7.4 | Black Adam | DC Comics The New 52 Villains Omnibus |
| Justice League Dark #23.1 | Creeper | DC Comics The New 52 Villains Omnibus |
| Justice League Dark #23.2 | Eclipso | DC Comics The New 52 Villains Omnibus |
| Justice League vol. 2 #23.1 | Darkseid | DC Comics The New 52 Villains Omnibus |
| Justice League vol. 2 #23.1 | Lobo | DC Comics The New 52 Villains Omnibus |
| Justice League vol. 2 #23.1 | Dial E | DC Comics The New 52 Villains Omnibus |
| Justice League vol. 2 #23.1 | Secret Society | DC Comics The New 52 Villains Omnibus |
| Superman vol. 3 #23.1 | Bizarro | DC Comics The New 52 Villains Omnibus |
| Superman vol. 3 #23.2 | Brainiac | DC Comics The New 52 Villains Omnibus |
| Superman vol. 3 #23.3 | H’El | DC Comics The New 52 Villains Omnibus |
| Superman vol. 3 #23.4 | Parasite | DC Comics The New 52 Villains Omnibus |
| Swamp Thing vol 4 #23.1 | Arcane | DC Comics The New 52 Villains Omnibus |
| Teen Titans vol. 4 #23.1 | Trigon | DC Comics The New 52 Villains Omnibus |
| Teen Titans vol. 4 #23.2 | Deathstroke | DC Comics The New 52 Villains Omnibus |
| Wonder Woman vol. 4 #23.1 | Cheetah | DC Comics The New 52 Villains Omnibus |
| Wonder Woman vol. 4 #23.2 | First Born | DC Comics The New 52 Villains Omnibus |
Publications Impact
- Series Spun out of the Event
- Justice League United
- Series Ended in the Event
- Justice League of America vol. 3
- Nightwing vol. 3
- Suicide Squad vol. 4
- Teen Titans vol 4
References:
Feature Image Forever Evil #1 Cover Art by Richard Friend, David Finch, and Sonia Oback
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