DC Comics reviews 6/18/24 – Nightwing #115, Titans #12

Green Lantern War Journal #10

Philip Kennedy Johnson and Montos are crafting DC’s best kept secret. That’s unfortunate as it’s a title that warrants far more praise and accolades.

John Stewart is dealing with a nightmarish situation he’s only partially aware of as he tangles with Olgrum’s poisoned shadow. It’s weaved a reality that keeps John off guard temporarily until his indomitable will shines through. Shepherd is battling a contingent of Lanterns in order to come to John’s aide. Against overwhelming odds his chances aren’t great until relief comes in the form of a very welcome character.

Back on Earth, Star Shroud continues its efforts to torment John’s mother. Good thing John left her in the care of Steel and Natasha. As well as a construct based on his dead younger sister.

Johnson’s script escalates the sense of horror with Olgrum and the Star Shroud as well as the fascist state of the lanterns currently playing out. It’s made for a credible question if John and his allies can overcome all of these challenges intact. Montos takes his artwork to another level with the high creep factor of Star Shroud. The numerous action sequences feel important and Montos creatively comes up with interesting constructs during the battles.

Colorist Adriano Lucas has a plethora of lanterns and constructs to keep up with, but the colors are very clean and sharp. Letterer Dave Sharpe does some fun work with sound effects including stretching them across three panels.

War Journal remains an impressive read. It’s long past the point it’d be an easy to follow read for newcomers, but this is absolutely a title worth grabbing the first volume to experience one of DC’s best reads of 2024.

Rating: 9 out of 10