Black Adam #6 of 6

"Black Adam" ends with a bit of a whimper. I have enjoyed writer Peter J. Tomasi's miniseries as his Black Adam is a driven yet conflicted character. My only complaint is that the ending is a bit rushed. We've got competing parties tracking Black Adam as he attempts to revive Isis and then nothing much comes of it. I do like the setup for Black Adam discovering his magic word and, no, it isn't "sorry".

Doug Mahnke's art is very dynamic and expressive. It is the true highlight of this issue. From the opening shot of Black Adam flying to the look on both Black Adam and the kid's face when he finally figures out the magic word, Mahnke is on point. I'd like to see more from this excellent artist.


This issue begs for more Black Adam adventures. I'd buy a monthly if Tomasi and Mahnke were onboard.

Black Adam #5 of 6

"Black Adam" continues to impress me. Peter J. Tomasi captures both the world spanning scale and the personal tone of this tale. I like his take on Black Adam as it is very consistent to what was portrayed in "52". While this issue slows down on the action a bit in exchange for character building, you can feel the tension build throughout. Artist Douglas Mahnke does an excellent jog of capturing both the power of Black Adam and the strength of Teth Adam. Rob Leigh's coloring is also outstanding.

While this issue gave the reader a chance to catch their breath, the next issue looks to be an explosive conclusion to an excellent miniseries.

Black Adam #1, #2, #3, #4 of 6

I have been remiss in not reviewing the "Black Adam" miniseries. Being both a "52" and "Countdown" crossover title, I didn't hold much hope for this title, but I got it anyway because of Black Adam's handling in the pages of "52" and "World War III". I didn't care for "World War III" very much, but I did want to see where a powerless Teth Adam would go from there. If you don't remember, Captain Marvel changed Black Adam's power word and sent him on his way. I picked up issue #1 just to see what DC had planned for this character.

Writer Peter J. Tomasi instantly grab my attention with his characterization of a beaten - both physically and mentally - Teth Adam. I also enjoy when Teth is just saying random words of the top of his head as he tries to figure out his new magic word. Tomasi has also brought a lot of supporting players into the mix along with connections to the JSA, JLA, and the magic realm. The art by penciller Dough Mahnke, inker Chrstian Alamy, and colorist Nathan Eyring is pitch perfect. Mahnke captures the power of Teth Adam and his anguish as he searches to restore his power and lost love, Isis. Eyring's coloring really brings the art together along with Alamy's tight inking.

If you haven't picked up this title, get to your local comics shop or go online and get issues #1-4. This title is the cream of the crop of "52" and "Countdown" miniseries.