Skip to content

FOREVER EVIL

Written By:

Ed Fortune
forever_evil

BOOK REVIEW: FOREVER EVIL / AUTHOR: GEOFF JOHNS / ARTIST: DAVID FINCH / PUBLISHER: DC / RELEASE DATE: SEPTEMBER 16TH

Forever Evil is the latest DC ‘event book’ by Geoff Johns. Comic book events are storylines that affect the entire range; in theory the events of Forever Evil will trickle down into every DC book that is unlucky enough to be part of the most recent in-universe reboot, DC52.

It introduces a new version of The Crime Syndicate, the villainous, alternate universe version of the Justice League. Their arrival in the new DC52 universe was meant to be one of the big surprises of the recent JLA storyline. Sadly because this was a fairly obvious twist (which long-time fans had seen before) and it actually made the whole thing a bit of a disappointment, the book continues both the storyline and the disappointment.

The core idea is sound; evil versions of the Justice League arrive, all with subtly different names and backstories, and they proceed to wreak havoc on mankind. Thanks to the events of the previous storyline, the actual Justice League is out of action and it’s up to Lex Luthor to assemble a team of villains and rescue the Earth from this tyranny of evil. Despite the potential twists and turns here, nothing is new. Fans of Geoff Johns will recognise the sprawling plot lines and sketchy characterisation; on some level it feels like the writer knows that the audience knows much of the story already and Johns is taking the role of DJ rather than writer. This is a remix, rather than anything original.

David Finch’s art is unremarkable, which reflects the plot perfectly. As with much of the DC52 range, the artist is seemingly kept on a tight leash, producing good quality work. The action scenes are well conveyed, the storytelling is competent and well done, but there is no distinctive spark here, no stand out panel. It does the job (and does it well) but no more than you’d expect from a major comic book title. Yet again, DC have delivered a book for the ageing fanbase, rather than something that new readers might enjoy.

Ed Fortune

You May Also Like...

Short SANTA’S LITTLE HELPER Halfway to Funding

We couldn’t resist the tagline of ‘You’ve heard of Elf on the Shelf, now prepare for Santa’s Little Helper’ and had to check out the Kickstarter for a new short
Read More

First-Look Images and Sizzle Reel for Disturbing Shocker CARA

You can now get your first look at the upcoming disturbing kitchen sink horror film CARA, directed by Hayden Hewitt (Lips) and starring Ellie O’Hara, Johnny Vivash, Laurence R. Harvey,
Read More
chinese remake of anaconda drops trailer

ANACONDA Trailer Grants First Look At Remake Of 1997 Horror Flick

Three sequels and a spinoff-crossover film wasn’t enough for the 1997 creature feature Anaconda, which not only has a new movie in development, but is getting a Chinese remake! From
Read More
black widow star scarlett johansson in talks to lead new universal jurassic world film

Scarlett Johansson In Talks To Join JURASSIC WORLD Film

Another MCU star appears to be taking up the reins for Universal’s new Jurassic World movie: two-time Oscar nominee Scarlett Johansson is reportedly in talks to lead the franchise that
Read More

Exclusive Reveal! Titan Comics to Deliver Prehistoric Hysterics in First 2 DUMB DINOS Collection

Titan Comics have exclusively revealed to STARBURST that they’re gearing up to publish the first-ever collection of the hilarious cult digital comic strip 2 Dumb Dinos, and we’re not the
Read More

New Dates For Lovecraftian Key of Dreams

Key of Dreams has announced new spaces for its titular immersive luxury horror event. The critically acclaimed company is known for its overnight experiences that dunk you into a strange
Read More