Carl's Reviews > Blackest Night: Rise of the Black Lanterns

This will serve as my review for all of the "Blackest Night" graphic novels as a collection.

I feel that someone needs to do a list of in what order to read all of this. Because . . . it's a lot. And when you read the individual stories from the various points of view, there are chapters missing that are filled in by reading a different story. Only when you've read the entire collection can you see how all the pieces fit together, and that wasn't super fun for me. But it's still a fun read. I almost decided to call these "comic books" but there was enough depth and commentary on the human condition that I think they qualify as "graphic novels." The idea that there are these 7 emotions present in basically all sentient life across the universe I find interesting, as well as the idea that combining the emotions all together is, in the end, the healthiest way to exist.

Of note were three individual stories that I found myself moved by:

1. The story of Saint Walker becoming the first blue lantern moved me quite a bit. The "religion" he espouses is a little cliche, but I was glad to see it represented. He may be a fictional character, but that attitude of "all will be well" is one that I still aspire to.

2. The story of Wonder Girl having to kill the Black Lantern versions of her dead husband and dead infant son was heartbreaking.

3. The story of Wonder Woman and the guardians at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington was pitch perfect. Those two soldiers, wearing dress uniforms and with no real weaponry, absolutely would stand up and continue to guard the Tomb against all of the risen Black Lanterns from the rest of Arlington National Cemetery and yes, would be pure will.

Enjoyed the series. Might enjoy a re-read now that I have all the parts (and I did go back to re-read some of it, and yes it made more sense with all the puzzle pieces). 4 stars overall.