Brightest Day #0 Preview

[theanswer]

 Posted at the Source, here.



A rather depressing start...

Anyway, Boston approaches his tombstone with a sledgehammer and destroys it. After reflecting upon how he has no idea how to start his new life and how he has no one to turn to because during his first life he was a bastard... he notices the poor dead baby bird.



And suddenly his new role may have become a bit more clearer.

Comments

[darkblade]

Liveman? They are actually running with Liveman?

[domino_blue]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggM1dFHag6I

[majingojira]

WIN!

[kenn_el]

Undead Man.

[theanswer]

Undead implies he is neither living or dead.

[darkblade]

You're thinking Schrodinger's Catman.

[thokstar]

Go go underlying Judeo-Christian mythology.

[xammax]

Thats been clear for a long time in the DCU.

[punishermax]

Come one, it's pretty clearly the basis for a lot of the stuff in Marvel AND DC

[psychopathicus_rex]

Much more DC than Marvel, though. For one thing, the DCU has been shown to have both the Judeo-Christian version of heaven and a monotheistic God, whereas Marvel is pretty much dominated by polytheistic pantheons.

[jlbarnett]

The Fantastic FOur has met God. He looks like Jack Kirby.

[psychopathicus_rex]

OK, didn't know that. Still, A: that's more of a fourth wall-breaking in-joke than an actual religious reference, and B: it can hardly compare to a universe where at least one of the more powerful heroes is blatantly and directly powered by God, and there was an actual angel in the JLA who swore in Christ's name. The MU is practically a happy polytheistic playground compared to the DCU - if it weren't for the presence of characters like Wonder Woman who REQUIRE active polytheistic pantheons, the whole place would have gone to the dogs long ago.

[geoffsebesta]

Yeah, but if I open a comic and I see God and angels it's a pretty good bet I'm reading Vertigo.

[zordboy]

And? The predominant religion in the country of publication would be Judeo-Christianity. I think you're gonna find that fiction published in any country around the world will reflect the values of the culture it came out of.

I don't understand this criticism.

[thokstar]

My comment wasn't meant to be criticism, as much as an observation. Yes, the Judeo-Christian views are common in DC stories, but this is somewhat more explicit, despite using a character that's traditional been more connected to a pseudo-Hindu mythology via Rama Kushna and Nanda Parbat.

[snugglebitch]

Judeo-Christianity

Is that like "Jews for Jesus" or something?

[snugglebitch]

It's Christian mythology. I don't really know why people keep slapping "Judeo" to the front of it; despite a lineage of thought, they're very different religions with different mythologies.

[thokstar]

In this context, I am including Judeo to note that Johns is giving equal time to the Old Testament part of the mythology as the New Testament. The rainbow corps and the use of Dove mirrors the tale of Noah's arc and Gehenna's death in Brightest Night was a nod to fate of Lot's wife, to give several examples. Obviously, the above seen is more in line with the Christian part of Judeo-Christian mythology.

(Yes, Johns isn't doing much in the way of Talmudic references. He also hasn't spent much time referencing the epistles either.)

[jaybee3]

I'd wager we're going to see a bunch of other heroes/villains resurrected during Brightest Day - that's probably why Johns killed off Tempest and Damage in BN - so he has characters to bring back in BD. And at the end of BD, "Liveman" will probably return to being Deadman again.

[theanswer]

I don't know about Boston returning to Deadman. Seems to me they would prefer Ralph and Sue take over that niche while they explore new territory with Boston.

[jaybee3]

Or it could be that Ralph and Sue will be the last resurrections to occur - having DC make the complete turn from the dark and grim era that started with Identity Crisis to a real Brightest Day for heroes.

And it's not like any writer (outside of Chuck Dixon who doesn't work there right now) ever even used the Dibny "ghost detectives" anyway.

[auggie18]

I would love that so much. And Sue could have her baby, because there are never subtle rebirth metaphors.

[icon_uk]

I approve of this message and wish to subscribe to your newsletter.

[leikomgwtfbbq]

I wish to subscribe as well.

[kagome654]

I still love the name 'Boston Brand.' It's one of my favourites.

Also, yay for no longer dead baby bird!

[weezus]

i know, after all the deaths in comics, that one actually made me sad for a second!

[long_silence]

It was really graphic. I was horrified for a second.

[zordboy]

But it's okay, the ring restored him.

I know, I was really horrified too.

[kusonaga]

It is brilliant, isn't it? I'm also a fan of his brother, Cleveland Brand.

[aaron_bourque]

What about his brother, Cleveland Brand?

[tacobob]

Yeah, he could always start a beer company. Boston Brand Brand Beer. :3

And how he has a cute lil' birdie sidekick. I wonder when he's going to get his own set of tights?

[hybrid2]

LIAN!!

[darkblade]

Your optimism amuses me.

[majingojira]

As does your very appropriate icon.

[nezchan]

What's this about icons?

[darkknightjrk]

Same here--I think I was in the same boat as Shinji after reading CFJ.

[darkblade]

I do get a lot of mileage out of Shinji. He is the easiest way to express depression, confusion, annoyance and several other emotions all rolled into one icon.

[endis_ni]

You too, huh?

[aeolos_sakya]

Love your icon. It couldn't be more accurated.

[nezchan]

Hey Boston, I got someone for you to say "live" to...

[endis_ni]

Damn right! It'll work, and hey, Boston will have the unfailing support and appreciation of the entire Arrow clan.

I sense a win forming, it's going to be great!

[nezchan]

Maybe we can arrange a phone-in vote. =D

[darkblade]

Lian is the Anti-Jason Todd?

[nezchan]

Yup. We can vote to have Bendis brainwiped.

Crowbars are just too much work.

[aeolos_sakya]

My thoughts exactly :(

[milleniumrex]

Seriously, if that DOESN'T happen, I'm going to chalk it up to the entire DCU going spontaneously stupid.

[iluvpurplegoats]

Ok, I gave a little cheer when he revived the bird :)

[amaniwolf]

Word!

[halloweenjack]

Have you heard the word?

[sherkahn]

but it came back WITH NO SOUL!!!!

[khamelea]

Sometimes, dead is better.

[shadowpsykie]

isnt that ummm the schitck of the guy we cant mention?

[phosfate]

Joss Whedon? Stephen King? Bela Lugosi?

[shadowpsykie]

ummm how are THEY people we at scans daily cant mention?

[phosfate]

They have all murdered former s_d mods.

[kingrockwell]

Former? I'm the one Bela Lugosi got!
now i've got this awful craving for blood

[phosfate]

>.>

*fingers pocket garlic*

[silverzeo]

So they still have those rings?

[theanswer]

Only Boston has one.

[q99]

Wait, I thought death was permanent now? That lasted for all of 5 seconds :)

[jlbarnett]

maybe that was just them bullshiting us.

I bet the White Lantern has like a 100% charge and when it runs down they won't be able to restore any more people.

[q99]

That'd be somewhat interesting.

Hm, I wonder how you'd recharge something like that.

[jlbarnett]

Either slowly as people are born or maybe all the Lantern's could create the White Light of Creation. Without a massive universe shattering problem it would be hard to believe they'd work together.

[thormonger]

That would explain why everyone wants the white lantern. Lots of still-dead people to bring back to life, and only a limited opportunity to do so.

[thebigapricot]

So dead is dead unless Boston Brand touches you? I hope he goes and digs up Ralph and Sue and Lian. And tells Booster to go get Ted's body.

[q99]

"Michael, I need to borrow Ted's body. Do you have it?"

"What? No! What have you heard?!"

[3goodtimes]

lololol

[sherkahn]

So dead is dead unless Boston Brand touches you?

In this group that sounds not so innocent. S_D, you have corrupted me.
:)

[thebigapricot]

Poor Boston, now he'll be known as a crazy necrophiliac.

[nezchan]

"Have you ever tasted love like this?
cool and smooth have you ever been accepted unconditionaly?
have you ever loved someone who didn't hurt you, didn't harm you?

There's no pain and there's no pressure
no humiliation
there's no fear and there's no shame
there's no pulse now is it so strange?"

[icon_uk]

Geez... I never thought I'd read a song that made the Masochism Tango mainstream and middle of the road!!

[nezchan]

To be fair, the song ("Dead Girls" by Voltaire) does paint the narrator as a bit of a sicko you're supposed to be disgusted with.

That said, it's an oddly hilarious little tune. But what do I know, I used to like songs about rubber dolls (I found three or four really good ones, too).

[tacobob]

I wonder if Ralph's bod (Or bits of his bones) are still floating around in Fate's tower...

[kenn_el]

...and gives Barbara Gordon a foot massage.

[catey]

Wow, it's "pushing daisies" all over again. I'm pretty sure that such a gift must come with a price. I mean it's not like he's going to go on a "living" spree without facing any consequence, is he? Imagine how many heroes/dead family members *cough* Lian *cough* could be revived... And how many villains will want to get their hands on that ring...

[sherkahn]

Almost better than that "Get Out of Hell Free" card from Secret Six.

[thebigapricot]

Love the Pushing Daisies angle. And I, without reservation, recommend Ollie as the victim that dies to bring back Lian. I wonder if Boston touches Roy's arm he can bring that back too?

[big_daddy_d]

If DC doesn't go with this idea, they are stupid. So I say 100% yes. Either use "Liveman" or whoever the hell gets their hands on that White Lantern, do something here DC!

[irrelevant]

*eyebrows go up* So this is the power of the white lantern? Interesting.

[mullon]

It can't last. Lantern power never lasts.

[theanswer]

If it were anyone else, maybe.

But Deadman isn't Superman, he could remain the White Lantern for a long time.

[icon_uk]

Perhaps he recharges it by bathing it in the blood of innocents... sort of an externalised Elizabeth Bathory thing! :)

[darkblade]

Yeah but then he could just touch the innocents to bring them back and be all "Sorry, my bad."

[darklorelei]

I'd bet dollars to doughnuts that's the plot Macguffin for this.

[pyrotwilight]

I'm still wondering if those who were resurrected (save for Deadman) came back with souls.

Particularly since according to Nekron he was the one who sent the souls back to the land of the living.

[zordboy]

Yeah, as the designated supervillain, I'm not sure we should be taking Nekron's stuff *too* seriously. He seemed to talk an awful lot, is all.

[ladyinred52]

Brand's new powers could be interesting. And I can definitely see a power struggle physical or emotional. After all, how will they decide when it is actually time for people to pass? Everyone must die, even if we don't want them to. How will they be able to decide when is 'too soon' and if it really was their time? Or can everyone be brought back? What are the ramifications of people who had been brought back? Will it change destiny? For example, if Thomas and Martha Wayne had been been resurrected, there would be no Batman, and Gotham and Earth would be fucked. I'm waiting to see the catch for this...

[auggie18]

That baby bird is screwed, unless Boston starts raising it. If he puts it back up in the nest,Mama bird is going to boot it out again.

[icon_uk]

Provided Mama was ever aware it was dead.... she's not there in the first scene...

[theanswer]

I think they were referring to some species tendency to be able to tell some other animal has touched the baby through smell and then reject it.

[auggie18]

Yep, that's what I was going for.

[goblinthebamf]

I was actually told by a wildlife rehabber the other day that it's very rare for a mother of any species to reject their babies and that it's mainly just that many baby birds were actually already kicked out of the nest.

[v_various]

that is a myth

http://www.snopes.com/critters/wild/babybird.asp

[auggie18]

A myth in a world where Santa Claus is real and there are at least two different sets of Gods running around. Just saying, wouldn't be surprised if it was true on DC earth.

[v_various]

Wait, what? What kind of argument is that?! See, Santa and Gods are interesting characters and plot points; old wives tales about birds dying if you touch them? Not so much.

No, I really don't think the author wrote that story with the idea that Boston saves a baby bird, only to have it die later because the birds in the DC universe not only magically have a great sense of smell, but reject babies if they smell like people; for no reason. Okay then.

[auggie18]

An argument put forth by someone who is fairly ambivalent about something that will end up being a fairly minor detail in a much larger story? Seriously, I wasn't trying to make a legitimate point. I was just riffing.


Although it would be a cool idea, if old wives tales were true in the DC Universe. If the Gods are powered by belief, then why not folklore? (If the Gods are. Think so, not sure.) The Silver Age would make a lot more sense...

[victory_or_death]

There was a Star Trek episode like that...

Who Mourns for Adonais?

<----Geek *facepalm*

[long_silence]

Maybe he could keep it and train it to be his sidekick?

[sir_razorback]

I wonder if it's a robin?

[phosfate]

"I can be like Johnny Appleseed!" Boston cried. "Only with baby birds!"

Next summer: the DCU is attacked by thousands of unkillable zombie songbirds...AVIAN CRISIS! BE THERE!

[arbre_rieur]

I wonder if what they're going to do is limit the ring so that it needs two weeks to recharge after one use or something? Then, by putting the series in real time, they can have him revive one person every issue until the last issue, in which the ring gets lost or destroyed.

[theanswer]

Maybe Boston can't control who he resurrects.

[nezchan]

Presumably there are some limitations, or Boston'd be just running around rezzing heroes all over the place.

[auggie18]

Maybe he can only bring back dead things he can hold in one hand.

[jaybee3]

I think 26 resurrections of random characters who really shouldn't be dead/have story possibilities (Ralph, Sue, Lilith Clay, Tempest, Damage, Blockbuster etc.) alternating between heroes and villains would make for a fun book.

[arbre_rieur]

It just sounds like the type of writing Geoff Johns would do, especially now that he's Chief Creative Officer (or whatever) and possibly has more of an eye towards sales and hype. What better way to target the event-hungry readers that (sadly) make up the bulk of superhero fans than a series where someone comes back from the dead every single issue?

[deepspaceartist]

Perhaps he can only ressurect freshly dead things, like the baby bird was.

[darkblade]

Or maybe they are reanimated as is.

Your body was embalmed? Yeah you better have some blood donors on stand by.

Died missing limbs? Too damn bad.

Died long enough ago that your body has started to decay? You're going to wish you stayed dead.

[busterella]

I hope this means more folks are coming back. GET DIGGING, BOSTON.

[sinisterlink]

It's funny with getting used to all the heart ripping and so on that was going on in Blackest Night that the panel of the baby bird dying still made me flinch. But then I was distracted by what a hottie Boston is without his mask on and forgot about the bird. I'm fickle.

Anyways, interesting power that Live/Deadman has gotten, there. Better go get some shovels, Boston. We got some more people that need to be ressurrected.

[sweettart1823]

I love Boston, he's always been one of my favorites. I was afraid when they brought him back that was the end of that so this makes me happy.

Hopefully he can go and resurrect everyone else now.

[benicio127]

C'mon Lian!

[sweettart1823]

*crosses fingers although it probably isn't going to happen. Hoping anyway*

I'm sure if word gets out about this new power he's going to have a lot of people pestering him. Writing notes, calling him, he'll wish he was a ghost again... Aw

[benicio127]

Right? He's probably going to think: "At least when I was dead, I could invade peoples' bodies to get them to shut-up."

[nevermore999]

I'm glad I don't have to make an angry blog post about that baby bird! :p

[jlbarnett]

the conflict in this will probably be a villain trying to kidnap him to resurrect a bunch of villains.

[leikomgwtfbbq]

I'd really really really love it if Boston were a White Lantern from now on, if he can't just go back to being regular old Deadman.

[jelly_ace]

So all the White Lanters have this power?

[theanswer]

There is only one, so yeah.

[jelly_ace]

Oh, so Boston's the only White Lantern? How about the other resurrected heroes?

[theanswer]

He's the only one who still had a ring after they were all resurrected.

[bruinsfan]

Man, that power is going to make going out to eat awkward...

[zordboy]

BWAHAHAHAHA!!!

Well, there's a reason to become a vegetarian. Hah!

[darkblade]

Actually no. The vegetables grown back into the full plant when he touches them.

He just can't win.

[zordboy]

Well, yeah, but if the choice is steak or salad ... at least he won't have to wrestle a lettuce or tomato tree to the ground before chomping into it.

[victory_or_death]

Wow. That is not where MY mind went to. *smirk*