Comic Vine Review

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Forever Evil #1 - Nightfall

4

This is the beginning but is it really the beginning of the end for the New 52. The villains have taken over and it will not be good for the heroes. Not at all.

The Good

If you're a major comic book publisher and you have a big crossover event, you have to go all out these days. You have to start big and go over the top. That's what FOREVER EVIL sets out to do. This is a good and a bad thing. After the events of Trinity War, we saw the Crime Syndicate appear in the New 52. This issue apparently picks up an undisclosed amount of time afterwards. There is something fun about jumping forward and seeing how things 'catch up' but it does also keep you guessing.

Geoff Johns starts off FOREVER EVIL with none other than Lex Luthor. Having enjoyed his take on Lex in the past, it's a nice way to start off an event focusing on the villains. But is Lex ready for this event?

It can be seen that Johns and DC is not afraid to take some risks. They are indeed shaking up the New 52 Universe. There will be casualties. Too often in the past, we've seen promises for big changes or repercussions only to have the stories fizzle out a bit. This isn't a slow build up. This isn't just the first issue where you have to wait for things to get set up in order for a big bang. Things do explode here.

David Finch does his thing here wonderfully. He's all over the place, in a good way. Seeing his detail is always nice. There's some good transitions between panels and the different perspectives within each scene. And who better to draw practically every single villain in the DC universe in one single scene?

The Bad

There's almost too much too soon. Yes, we are in the third year of the New 52. There was always the impression that we were getting a bit of a slow build in establishing this comics universe. We had the dreaded five year time period and have been getting to know or being re-introduced to characters. Now, the face of the DCU is being changed and devastated in some ways. We're seeing some big changes, especially with one character in particular. This one character is being affected in a big way. Their status quo is going to change big time. In comics, things can always get reverted some how. This just seems too much for a long established character.

There's also the question of when does this take place? The jump from last month's JUSTICE LEAGUE is one thing. But now we're told the Justice League is dead? When did this happen? When will we find out 'how' and when? Will the events of this series directly tie into the regular titles? In November we have Zero Year month for some titles. Does that mean we'll have titles in the 'future,' present and past?

Minor thing but would Amanda Waller really be in a prison cell in order to talk to Black Manta? Yes she can take care of herself but it seemed a little odd. Maybe it's just me. And did Nightwing really swing all the way from Chicago to Gotham, carrying Zsasz in order to deliver him to Arkham?

The Verdict

If you're looking for a big comic book event that is actually going to have things happen, this is one you'll want to check out. Geoff Johns has set out to shake things up and he does full force. If you thought the DCU was safe since we're only three years into the New 52, think again. With one character in particular, we see Johns is not afraid to tear down their status quo. There will be repercussions. We'll have to wait and see how it plays out from here. The story is set in the near future so there may be some slight confusion, especially in how this will relate to the regular series, all of which are taking a sort of break this month with the Villains Month issues. David Finch masterfully captures all the characters required to appear here. There is plenty of action and destruction. Geoff Johns and David Finch mean serious business here. You won't want to miss this.

61 Comments

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tikhunt

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Sounds good may have to pick it up.

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saoakden

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I have been saying this when I comment on reviews that I'm looking forward to this because it's something I'm looking forward to. I want to see where this goes.

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Squalleon

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Edited By Squalleon

The slogan for Forever Evil should be "Where the uncertainty happens" :-P
I actually enjoy Dc's events even though i won't follow Forever Evil i will see how it plays out and maybe buy it in trade.

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MrMazz

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saying stuff in latin always makes it sound cooler.

hopefuly this event gives some good character depth or something and not just plot plot plot with no movement of character. I'm liking the lex stuff (don't read any of the Superman books)

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cobra88king8

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I look forward to when the Joker shows up and ruins the Crime Syndacate's plans

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HollowPrince65

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I actually kind of enjoyed this. I'm sure the tie ins will further explain things (No way I'm buying every one -.-) but it has some potential and as for the poor soul who is about to have his world changed....dude that sucks. Can DC cool it with the 20,000 events? Once in a while is fine but I feel like DC is really stacking events here.

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Black_Arrow

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This reminds my of civil war except with villians

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Friskynesss

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"We're seeing some big changes, especially with one character in particular. This one character is being affected in a big way."

I was looking for this one. I thought it had passed and then it hit me like a brick! It feels like that Civil War reveal way back when.

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the_stegman

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Edited By the_stegman  Moderator

Can't wait for this!

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UltimateSMfan

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Edited By UltimateSMfan

The ending of this issue was insane!! I'm liking the mystery element actually, eager to see how everything unfolds. The ruthlessness of the crime syndicate was pretty awesome.

only thing that bothered me with the whole time gap between JL 23 and this was where the hell did black Adam come from?

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braynehurricane

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Some of the complaints here seem a little strange. In 'The Bad' section, you list: "But now we're told the Justice League is dead? When did this happen? When will we find out 'how' and when?" These are undoubtedly questions that will be answered, most likely within this event. So the fact that these questions aren't addressed up front doesn't necessarily seem like something to worry about. I think it adds a great layer of mystery/suspense.

Otherwise, good review! I'm giving this one a 5/5. I was enamored. This is honestly the level of quality I was hoping for/expecting out of Trinity War. Finch's art was really bad in some spots though...

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Shinjiro15

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Edited By Shinjiro15

ok, so after trinity and fe does anyone esle think these two things -

1) Obviously the JL is not dead, but could they be transported to e3 or to that limbo space that the CSA was in?

2) I've wondering about the pages of Flashpoint where pandora says all three universes have to be merged in order to save the world from "thier arrival" - I always thought this was an out for DC if New52 didnt work, but could it be in ref to CSA? If it is, then why doenst Pandora, during trinity, know that?

flashpoint

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Outside_85

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Edited By Outside_85

Some of the complaints here seem a little strange. In 'The Bad' section, you list: "But now we're told the Justice League is dead? When did this happen? When will we find out 'how' and when?" These are undoubtedly questions that will be answered, most likely within this event. So the fact that these questions aren't addressed up front doesn't necessarily seem like something to worry about. I think it adds a great layer of mystery/suspense.

Well it doesn't really since we already have Madam Xanadu's vision to know they are on Earth-3, and I agree with Tony, how they got there should have been shown in either the last TW issue or this one. Also, because the CSA just showed up and declared victory in the middle of 20 or so mostly able-bodied superheroes and the Trinity of Sin, it just feels like we skipped a chapter.

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zachkastner

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THIS is how you start an event after a fall of heroes! Poor Age of Ultron had a strong idea but the execution really didn't payoff at all. Johns and Finch's art team are working full throttle here and I can't wait to see where we go.

Don't disappoint me Forever Evil, so far you are a 5/5 in my book.

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34g3f3ert3t43

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First off: Thanks for answering my questions on TISMCPOS, G-Man! I just heard it this week and was super psyched!

Next: Does anyone think they may possibly kill off Dick Grayson in this universe and maybe replace him with Earth-3 Grayson??? Insane thought, but this issue was INSANE... in a good way. Superman inhaling kryptonite as his source of strength??? I had NO idea...

P.S. - Where the heck did Black Adam come from... Or is that "Black Shazam"?

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cobra88king8

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@n1colaspr1me: I'm pretty sure it's Black Shazam after the way TW ended

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MadeinBangladesh

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super excited to read this

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DonFelipe

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Do I need to have any prior knowledge (Trinity, Leagues, ToS: Pandora, ToS: PS) to understand Forever Evil?

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Lamenoire

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@cobra88king8: Someone said in an interview that it would be explained in the Vilain Month issue featuring Black Adam (I don't remember who it was... sorry)

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Mucklefluga

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Is Johns trying to say that taking drugs makes you the "strongest"?? O:

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Mucklefluga

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Do I need to have any prior knowledge (Trinity, Leagues, ToS: Pandora, ToS: PS) to understand Forever Evil?

Just dive in it's fine. All you need to know really is that the Crime Syndicate from Earth 3 are here, and the JLs have disappeared.

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Theorder14

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Edited By Theorder14

First off: Thanks for answering my questions on TISMCPOS, G-Man! I just heard it this week and was super psyched!

Next: Does anyone think they may possibly kill off Dick Grayson in this universe and maybe replace him with Earth-3 Grayson??? Insane thought, but this issue was INSANE... in a good way. Superman inhaling kryptonite as his source of strength??? I had NO idea...

P.S. - Where the heck did Black Adam come from... Or is that "Black Shazam"?

It's already confirmed that Dick will live but apparentely he will suffer a fate worser than death.

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Trevel8182

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TED KORD HELL YEAH!!!

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sasquatch888

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Edited By sasquatch888

damn this issue was amazing .....this makes infinity feel so boring in comparison .... instant gratification ,,,classic villains ....great art ,,,,a shocking secret identity reveal ..this is what an event is supposed to feel like ....take note marvel .... DC IS KILLING IT WITH THIS .....HOTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT ..I know marvel editors are reading forever evil ...sweating because they know infinity is trash compared to this lol

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Hawkguy

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This was wicked. I loved everything about it, its so sinister and dark all around, exactly what a villain centric event needs.

Loved finch's work. It can be a bit off in places but his pencils and atmosphere really work with this title. Cant wait for Arkham Wars and the next chapter in Forever Evil!

Aeternus Malum!

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JMLG

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DC's Dark Reign!?

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Booster_Bronze

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Edited By Booster_Bronze

Enjoyed the HECK out of this issue. Great setup and I love seeing the villains get the spotlight for once (although I think having Villains Month be in October would have been more fitting with Halloween and all, but I digress). Also, am I correct in assuming that the Legion of Doom never existed in the N52 or hasn't existed yet? I'm gonna wager a guess right now that the Legion will form after the end of Forever Evil.

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syoungkeezy

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@cobra88king8: lol he wont get the chance ultraman will fry him as soon as, this crime syndicate dont play

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syoungkeezy

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im loving the CS intro there just tearing it up, ultraman seems way to intelligent, thats not a bad thing but from that panel where he tells grid to find all the kryptonite and tell no one else, you can see that his the version of superman that batman would fear, plus if he does find all the kryptonite on earth and use how will that affect the continuity, will firestorm be the only one who has access to kryptonite after this arc

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comicbookfan93

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@booster_bronze: you've got a good theory there and god I hope you're right

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manwithoutshame

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5/5: and that thing that happened with Monocle! Laughed my ass off!

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maxpower123

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Edited By maxpower123

That issue was freaking awesome!

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Dark_Vengeance_

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Edited By Dark_Vengeance_

And the winner for the "WTF is going on award" goes to....... this issue or the one with Batman shooting people in the face.

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noj

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@hollowprince65: This is DC's first real event since Flashpoint I hardly think theyre overdoing it. Contrary to what some believe crossovers do not equal events. Things like Trinity War, Night of Owls, and Throne of Atlantis are all awesome and epic in scope but they arent true events they are just big crossovers.

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timelord

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Edited By timelord

If your going to be a robbin your going to have a bad time in the New 52

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Zadoulo

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Edited By Zadoulo

Sounds awesome, picking it up right now. Do you guys think I need to read Trinity War to be able to read this?

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deactivated-5c6600594117e

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@zadoulo said:

Sounds awesome, picking it up right now. Do you guys think I need to read Trinity War to be able to read this?

I wouldn't waste your time on Trinity War.

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Rixec

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Ted Kord's father appeared in Forever Evil, a major event! Cannon fodder? I don't think so. There's gotta be plans for the second Beetle in the future. Hey... deceased father, need for vengeance, an unknown Batman...

OMG! TED KORD IS THE BATMAN ON THE COVER OF FOREVER EVIL #2! LOL :P

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Rixec

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@zadoulo said:

Sounds awesome, picking it up right now. Do you guys think I need to read Trinity War to be able to read this?

You probably don't have to; it's written so you're in the villains' POV and are all fresh on what's happening; still, Trinity War was an awesome crossover!

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Zadoulo

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SwampPing

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Read this in a shop today, it was pretty good didn't like that nightwings identity was revealed but other than that it was pretty cool.

Someone should post that awesome spread with all the villains gathered 'round the CS

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Vaccine

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Edited By Vaccine

It was a really good introduction to the arc.

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ILLO_29

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Great issue, after the magnificence of Trintity war I can't wait to see where this ones goes.

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UltimateSMfan

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Edited By UltimateSMfan

@mucklefluga: well yes but he says it does that on an Evil earth so it's kind of a positive message.

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Mezmero

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This review is accurate. I agree with the stuff in the bad section but still thought it was an awesome issue. If I had some minor gripes it was that some characters on the cover don't even show up in the actual book. Hate it when that happens. Also I could have used more Lex Luthor than what I got but the bit of him I did get was fantastic. Guess I'll need to pick up his one shot even if it depicts past events. Can't wait for more of this book.

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DonFelipe

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@mucklefluga said:

@donfelipe said:

Do I need to have any prior knowledge (Trinity, Leagues, ToS: Pandora, ToS: PS) to understand Forever Evil?

Just dive in it's fine. All you need to know really is that the Crime Syndicate from Earth 3 are here, and the JLs have disappeared.

Evil doppelgängers in the house league!

Sounds intriguing to me. I will give it a try then. Thanks.

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jointron33

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Is Ted Kord alive?

If this series continues with this level of quality, it's gonna be epic!

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k4tzm4n

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k4tzm4n  Moderator

I really liked this, but Finch's art definitely seemed rushed in some of the earlier scenes (with faces, at least). Then again, I'm sure that wonderful two-pager took up more than a fair share of time. Also, yeah, having Grayson randomly travel from Chicago to Gotham just to drop off Zsaszz is quite odd. Those minor complaints aside, I really dug this.

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Jenkale

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ted kord's father is troduced so hopefully soon ted himself will be arriving especially after the events in this issue

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