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Dark Nights Saga #2.4
Dark Nights: Death Metal - War of the Multiverses
As Earth has been taken over by the Dark Multiverse, the Justice League fights to survive! Stand with our heroes as they prepare for what may well be...the final fight of their lives.
In 2017 writer Scott Snyder and artist Greg Capullo took the bold and bombastic sensibilities that made their Batman run a fan-favorite and broadened their scope to include other icons from the DC Universe. The result: Dark Nights: Metal--one of the most popular and consequential DC stories in recent memory.
What do the world's mightiest heroes feel right before combat?
As the Dark Multiverse envelops the Earth, unveil how the heroes prepare for battle in what could be the last fight for their existence...if the Justice League knows anything, it's that heroes never go down without a fight!
Collects Dark Nights: Death Metal The Last 52: War of the Multiverse #1, Dark Nights: Death Metal The Last Stories of the DCU #1.
In 2017 writer Scott Snyder and artist Greg Capullo took the bold and bombastic sensibilities that made their Batman run a fan-favorite and broadened their scope to include other icons from the DC Universe. The result: Dark Nights: Metal--one of the most popular and consequential DC stories in recent memory.
What do the world's mightiest heroes feel right before combat?
As the Dark Multiverse envelops the Earth, unveil how the heroes prepare for battle in what could be the last fight for their existence...if the Justice League knows anything, it's that heroes never go down without a fight!
Collects Dark Nights: Death Metal The Last 52: War of the Multiverse #1, Dark Nights: Death Metal The Last Stories of the DCU #1.
176 pages, Paperback
First published May 18, 2021
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193 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
May 10, 2021
This collects two big thick square bound off shoots by a ton of creators. In The Last Stories of the DCU, the heroes have one last night before they go into final battle against the Darkest Knight and his hordes. It's fantastic. It's the calm before the storm of War of the Multiverse. All of the Earth-1 characters, have to fight twisted versions of themselves, even characters like the Penguin fight for our last hope while the Darkest Knight and Wonder Woman duke it out on a celestial level in the background.
April 12, 2026
Started reading this series out of order but gonna fix that. 🔥🔥🔥
October 28, 2021
N.B.: Rating 3.5 ★ rounded down.
Dark Nights: Death Metal: War of the Multiverses is an anthology of two over-sized collection of short stories or vignettes that are tie-in stories apart of the greater Death Metal event, published by DC Comics. This trade paperback collects: Dark Nights: Death Metal The Last 52: War of the Multiverse and Dark Nights: Death Metal The Last Stories of the DCU.
Dark Nights: Death Metal The Last 52: War of the Multiverse (★★★☆☆) collects nine stories with various heroes and one villain fighting their dark counterparts – for the most part. The stories stars: Wonder Woman (Fight!), Superman (First & Last Men), Batman (The Batmen Who Laugh), Ryan Choi as the Atom (Unstable Atoms), Lois Lane (No More Superheroes), Raven (Falling Through the Cracks), Oswald Cobblepot as The Penguin (Apicius), John Constantine (Armageddon Blues), and Alec Holland as the Swamp Thing (Reign of the Swamp King).
For the most part, these short stories are mediocre at best with wooden dialogue and repetitive storylines, as it is essentially a book of battle stories, which literally doesn't go anywhere with stakes that are not that high. The only outlier of the collection is the John Constantine story, which is a lot of fun and a breath of fresh air in a collection that takes itself too seriously.
It is penned by Joshua Williamson and Scott Snyder (Fight!), Magdalene Visaggio (First & Last Men), James Tynion IV (The Batmen Who Laugh), Kyle Higgins (Unstable Atoms), Regine Sawyer (No More Superheroes), Che Grayson (Falling Through the Cracks), Marguerite Bennett (Apicius), Matthew Rosenberg (Armageddon Blues), and Justin Jordan (Reign of the Swamp King) and penciled by Dexter Soy and Scott Koblish (Fight!), Paul Pelletier (First & Last Men), Alex Maleev (The Batmen Who Laugh), Scott Kolins (Unstable Atoms), Alitha Martinez (No More Superheroes), Pop Mhan (Falling Through the Cracks), Inaki Miranda (Apicius), Rob Guillory (Armageddon Blues), and Mike Henderson (Reign of the Swamp King).
Dark Nights: Death Metal The Last Stories of the DCU (★★★★☆) collects seven stories with various leads and centers on family and teams that are like families. The stories centers on: The Titans (Together), Green Lantern Hal Jordan (Last Knights), Wonder Woman (The Question), Green Arrow and Black Canary (Dust of a Distant Storm), Aquaman (Whale Fall), The Bat-Family (We Fight for Love), and Superman (Man of Tomorrow).
For the most part, these short stories are written and constructed somewhat well as the narrative ideas behind the stories are decent, but the execution isn’t always up to par. With family as the core theme, it becomes somewhat repetitive, while the stories are different; the message of the importance of family, which needs protection, is the same. Furthermore, it is worth noting that this issue almost entirely relies on fan service – which isn’t a bad thing, but it is rather transparent.
It is penned by Joshua Williamson, James Tynion IV, and Scott Snyder (Together), Jeff Lemire (Last Knights), Mariko Tamaki (The Question), Gail Simone (Dust of a Distant Storm), Christopher Sebela (Whale Fall), Cecil Castellucci (We Fight for Love), and Mark Waid (Man of Tomorrow) and penciled by Travis Moore (Together), Rafael Albuquerque (Last Knights), Daniel Sampere (The Question), Meghan Hetrick (Dust of a Distant Storm), Chris Mooneyham (Whale Fall), Mirka Andolfo (We Fight for Love), and Francis Manapul (Man of Tomorrow).
Overall, these sixteen short stories, was penned moderately well at best with few distinction and with the central themes of facing their dark counterparts (Dark Nights: Death Metal The Last 52: War of the Multiverse) and family (Dark Nights: Death Metal The Last Stories of the DCU), which made for a repetitive tone. As for the pencilers, there are far too many to comment or to form a cohesive flow as their styles are drastic from one another. They have rather distinct styles – some more pleasing to the eye than others. However, the artistic flow is mitigated somewhat by having one penciler or a team of pencilers doing one story, which made a clear distinction of a new story.
All in all, Dark Nights: Death Metal: War of the Multiverses is a nice and serviceable collection of one-shot stories to the greater Death Metal event.
Dark Nights: Death Metal: War of the Multiverses is an anthology of two over-sized collection of short stories or vignettes that are tie-in stories apart of the greater Death Metal event, published by DC Comics. This trade paperback collects: Dark Nights: Death Metal The Last 52: War of the Multiverse and Dark Nights: Death Metal The Last Stories of the DCU.
Dark Nights: Death Metal The Last 52: War of the Multiverse (★★★☆☆) collects nine stories with various heroes and one villain fighting their dark counterparts – for the most part. The stories stars: Wonder Woman (Fight!), Superman (First & Last Men), Batman (The Batmen Who Laugh), Ryan Choi as the Atom (Unstable Atoms), Lois Lane (No More Superheroes), Raven (Falling Through the Cracks), Oswald Cobblepot as The Penguin (Apicius), John Constantine (Armageddon Blues), and Alec Holland as the Swamp Thing (Reign of the Swamp King).
For the most part, these short stories are mediocre at best with wooden dialogue and repetitive storylines, as it is essentially a book of battle stories, which literally doesn't go anywhere with stakes that are not that high. The only outlier of the collection is the John Constantine story, which is a lot of fun and a breath of fresh air in a collection that takes itself too seriously.
It is penned by Joshua Williamson and Scott Snyder (Fight!), Magdalene Visaggio (First & Last Men), James Tynion IV (The Batmen Who Laugh), Kyle Higgins (Unstable Atoms), Regine Sawyer (No More Superheroes), Che Grayson (Falling Through the Cracks), Marguerite Bennett (Apicius), Matthew Rosenberg (Armageddon Blues), and Justin Jordan (Reign of the Swamp King) and penciled by Dexter Soy and Scott Koblish (Fight!), Paul Pelletier (First & Last Men), Alex Maleev (The Batmen Who Laugh), Scott Kolins (Unstable Atoms), Alitha Martinez (No More Superheroes), Pop Mhan (Falling Through the Cracks), Inaki Miranda (Apicius), Rob Guillory (Armageddon Blues), and Mike Henderson (Reign of the Swamp King).
Dark Nights: Death Metal The Last Stories of the DCU (★★★★☆) collects seven stories with various leads and centers on family and teams that are like families. The stories centers on: The Titans (Together), Green Lantern Hal Jordan (Last Knights), Wonder Woman (The Question), Green Arrow and Black Canary (Dust of a Distant Storm), Aquaman (Whale Fall), The Bat-Family (We Fight for Love), and Superman (Man of Tomorrow).
For the most part, these short stories are written and constructed somewhat well as the narrative ideas behind the stories are decent, but the execution isn’t always up to par. With family as the core theme, it becomes somewhat repetitive, while the stories are different; the message of the importance of family, which needs protection, is the same. Furthermore, it is worth noting that this issue almost entirely relies on fan service – which isn’t a bad thing, but it is rather transparent.
It is penned by Joshua Williamson, James Tynion IV, and Scott Snyder (Together), Jeff Lemire (Last Knights), Mariko Tamaki (The Question), Gail Simone (Dust of a Distant Storm), Christopher Sebela (Whale Fall), Cecil Castellucci (We Fight for Love), and Mark Waid (Man of Tomorrow) and penciled by Travis Moore (Together), Rafael Albuquerque (Last Knights), Daniel Sampere (The Question), Meghan Hetrick (Dust of a Distant Storm), Chris Mooneyham (Whale Fall), Mirka Andolfo (We Fight for Love), and Francis Manapul (Man of Tomorrow).
Overall, these sixteen short stories, was penned moderately well at best with few distinction and with the central themes of facing their dark counterparts (Dark Nights: Death Metal The Last 52: War of the Multiverse) and family (Dark Nights: Death Metal The Last Stories of the DCU), which made for a repetitive tone. As for the pencilers, there are far too many to comment or to form a cohesive flow as their styles are drastic from one another. They have rather distinct styles – some more pleasing to the eye than others. However, the artistic flow is mitigated somewhat by having one penciler or a team of pencilers doing one story, which made a clear distinction of a new story.
All in all, Dark Nights: Death Metal: War of the Multiverses is a nice and serviceable collection of one-shot stories to the greater Death Metal event.
January 15, 2021
The way the tie-ins for Death Metal are collected is weird, as some of the ones that are pretty integral to the event (Trinity Crisis and Multiverse's End, for example) are lumped in with a bunch of one-off issues that are ancillary at best. And since this is the only collection that groups together tie-ins I read in full (The Last Stories of the DCU and War of the Multiverse), I'll log it here.
If you're going to pick and choose what tie-ins to read alongside the main event, you could do worse than these. Both stories are a series of short stories from different writers and artists that expand the scope of the Death Metal. For the most part, these stories are more compelling than the main event, as they provide the characters some much-needed breathing space to feel like people instead of action figures. If you're going to commit to the event, these tie-ins (alongside Trinity Crisis and Multiverse's End) are the cream of the crop.
Sure, it's a mixed bag, and not all the stories stick the landing. But at worst, they're brief distractions, and at best, they're emotionally gratifying explorations of mythic heroes that take advantage of the convergence of multiverses that the main event creates. Seeing Lois Lane face an evil, superpowered version of herself is awesome. Giving characters like Nightwing, Batgirl, Green Arrow, and Black Canary a moment of self-reflection and romance is like a breath of crisp, fresh air. Hell, there's a story here where the Penguin turns into a giant fucking bird and slices up extra-evil versions of himself. It's simple stuff, but it's fun stuff, which is more than the main event delivers.
Honestly, if you're interested in the Death Metal but don't want to deal with the usual bevy of nonsense associated with comic events, you could probably read this collection on its own and walk away with your curiosity appropriately satiated.
If you're going to pick and choose what tie-ins to read alongside the main event, you could do worse than these. Both stories are a series of short stories from different writers and artists that expand the scope of the Death Metal. For the most part, these stories are more compelling than the main event, as they provide the characters some much-needed breathing space to feel like people instead of action figures. If you're going to commit to the event, these tie-ins (alongside Trinity Crisis and Multiverse's End) are the cream of the crop.
Sure, it's a mixed bag, and not all the stories stick the landing. But at worst, they're brief distractions, and at best, they're emotionally gratifying explorations of mythic heroes that take advantage of the convergence of multiverses that the main event creates. Seeing Lois Lane face an evil, superpowered version of herself is awesome. Giving characters like Nightwing, Batgirl, Green Arrow, and Black Canary a moment of self-reflection and romance is like a breath of crisp, fresh air. Hell, there's a story here where the Penguin turns into a giant fucking bird and slices up extra-evil versions of himself. It's simple stuff, but it's fun stuff, which is more than the main event delivers.
Honestly, if you're interested in the Death Metal but don't want to deal with the usual bevy of nonsense associated with comic events, you could probably read this collection on its own and walk away with your curiosity appropriately satiated.
January 25, 2021
Collects Dark Nights: Death Metal The Last 52: War of the Multiverse #1, Dark Nights: Death Metal The Last Stories of the DCU #1
Only two large single issues make up this collection, and I read them both invidually when they were first released in magazine form. Here are my reviews for these two titles:
Dark Nights: Death Metal The Last Stories of the DCU:
I've read all of the "Death Metal" tie-in issues, and very few are required reading. Some are bad, and you could skip them. Others are good, but not really necessary. I would say that this issue is really good, but not extremely necessary. It does really leave me with the feeling that DC is going to do some sort of reboot after "Death Metal," though.
Dark Nights: Death Metal The Last 52: War of the Multiverse:
This was a compilation book with a bunch of stories that take place during the final battle between Wonder Woman and the Darkest Knight. Some of the stories were good, and some were skippable, but I mostly liked this book. The Batman story was my favorite, and I also liked the Superman Family story.
Final rating = 3.5 stars
Only two large single issues make up this collection, and I read them both invidually when they were first released in magazine form. Here are my reviews for these two titles:
Dark Nights: Death Metal The Last Stories of the DCU:
I've read all of the "Death Metal" tie-in issues, and very few are required reading. Some are bad, and you could skip them. Others are good, but not really necessary. I would say that this issue is really good, but not extremely necessary. It does really leave me with the feeling that DC is going to do some sort of reboot after "Death Metal," though.
Dark Nights: Death Metal The Last 52: War of the Multiverse:
This was a compilation book with a bunch of stories that take place during the final battle between Wonder Woman and the Darkest Knight. Some of the stories were good, and some were skippable, but I mostly liked this book. The Batman story was my favorite, and I also liked the Superman Family story.
Final rating = 3.5 stars
May 14, 2021
And lo, the Dark Nights: Death Metal tie-in books came. Some were essential. Some were...not. But all were entertaining in their own right.
This final collection shoves together the two oversized one-shots, Last Stories Of The DC Universe and War Of The Multiverses. They're a little depressing at times - Last Stories is literally set the night before the final battle - but there's a surprising amount of high quality stories in this collection. Anthologies usually have a weak point somewhere, but I'd be hard pressed to find one here.
My favourite was probably the Travis Moore illustrated Titans story, or the Nightwing/Batgirl story, but again, there's not very much that I didn't enjoy here.
In terms of essential reading, neither issues here are tied to the Death Metal plot in any inextricable way, but they're well worth checking out for some great character work on the edge of Armageddon.
This final collection shoves together the two oversized one-shots, Last Stories Of The DC Universe and War Of The Multiverses. They're a little depressing at times - Last Stories is literally set the night before the final battle - but there's a surprising amount of high quality stories in this collection. Anthologies usually have a weak point somewhere, but I'd be hard pressed to find one here.
My favourite was probably the Travis Moore illustrated Titans story, or the Nightwing/Batgirl story, but again, there's not very much that I didn't enjoy here.
In terms of essential reading, neither issues here are tied to the Death Metal plot in any inextricable way, but they're well worth checking out for some great character work on the edge of Armageddon.
May 11, 2023
wow amazing just amazing gosh so many plot twists in this book I love it
July 11, 2022
Reading some 'Death Metal', eh?
What a convoluted crossover. There's so many 'one shots' that are part of the story, but not part of the main narrative. They help flesh out some of the character moments, but they can DEFINITELY be skipped if you just want to read the main story arc.
These two anthology issues give a peek behind the curtain as to just what heroes are thinking with the omniverse teetering on the edge of collapse. Some spend the eve of battle with family and loved ones, others look deep within themselves to be at peace before this little armageddon. Others come face to face with their darker, twisted selves. Lois Lane and Penguin's dark counterparts are particularly well thought out.
We also get some levity. Matthew Rosenberg (writer on 'Taskforce Z') teams up with 'Chew' artist, Rob Guillory for a Constantine piece. Constantine meets his Dark Multiverse counterpart and they skip off to have a pint before the End of Days.
Bonus: Black Ring Batman? So determined, even death can't keep him down.
Bonus Bonus: Wally West gets welcomed back into the Titans extended family (boy is it BIG)
What a convoluted crossover. There's so many 'one shots' that are part of the story, but not part of the main narrative. They help flesh out some of the character moments, but they can DEFINITELY be skipped if you just want to read the main story arc.
These two anthology issues give a peek behind the curtain as to just what heroes are thinking with the omniverse teetering on the edge of collapse. Some spend the eve of battle with family and loved ones, others look deep within themselves to be at peace before this little armageddon. Others come face to face with their darker, twisted selves. Lois Lane and Penguin's dark counterparts are particularly well thought out.
We also get some levity. Matthew Rosenberg (writer on 'Taskforce Z') teams up with 'Chew' artist, Rob Guillory for a Constantine piece. Constantine meets his Dark Multiverse counterpart and they skip off to have a pint before the End of Days.
Bonus: Black Ring Batman? So determined, even death can't keep him down.
Bonus Bonus: Wally West gets welcomed back into the Titans extended family (boy is it BIG)
July 30, 2021
Dark Nights: Death Metal: War of the Multiverses collects Death Metal: Last Stories of the DC Universe 1 and Death Metal: The Last 52: War of the Multiverses 1 written by Scott Snyder, James Tynion IV, Joshua Williamson, Mark Waid and others with art Francis Manapul, Rafeal Albuquerque, Rob Guillory, Mark Morales, and others.
This volume of Death Metal collects tales the night before the huge battle to save Multiverse and stories set during the battle.
I really enjoyed Last stories of the DC Universe which focused on what could be some of these characters last night alive. It was so good to see these character let their guards down even if only for the night. I though War of the Multiverses was only okay as it mainly just what is going on in the background during the last issue of Death Metal.
This volume of Death Metal collects tales the night before the huge battle to save Multiverse and stories set during the battle.
I really enjoyed Last stories of the DC Universe which focused on what could be some of these characters last night alive. It was so good to see these character let their guards down even if only for the night. I though War of the Multiverses was only okay as it mainly just what is going on in the background during the last issue of Death Metal.
March 29, 2025
My last and most favorite book in the Death Metal event, with stories focused on the eve of the final showdown with the Batman who laughs, some delve into the baggage each hero is bringing with them to the battle, some offer stolen moments to reconcile lost friendships and love, but all are burdened with the inevitable sense of gloom, that this is the last night ever, the end of all things, the one battle that all the heroes have been preparing all their lives for, the one that they won't be able to win.
Exceptional art and story line compared to the preceding books. A coherent, and streamlined mosaic presented by different teams
And this concludes the Metal/ Death Metal run for me, leaving me thrilled about where to go from here.
MiM
Exceptional art and story line compared to the preceding books. A coherent, and streamlined mosaic presented by different teams
And this concludes the Metal/ Death Metal run for me, leaving me thrilled about where to go from here.
MiM
July 17, 2021
Overall the second most important companion book for Death Metal.
The opening issue "Together" portrays the calm before the final battle, as every past and present member of the Titans gathers together. However the interlude issues are a bit terrible and completely unnecessary. The biggest atrocity being the Bat-Family issue "We Fight for Love" by Cecil Castellucci. Just a straight bad comic book writing.
And finally "The Last 52" issue contains stories of individual battles that take place before Part Seven. However only a handful were necessary and a majority of them did not completely fit with the continuity set in Death Metal.
The opening issue "Together" portrays the calm before the final battle, as every past and present member of the Titans gathers together. However the interlude issues are a bit terrible and completely unnecessary. The biggest atrocity being the Bat-Family issue "We Fight for Love" by Cecil Castellucci. Just a straight bad comic book writing.
And finally "The Last 52" issue contains stories of individual battles that take place before Part Seven. However only a handful were necessary and a majority of them did not completely fit with the continuity set in Death Metal.
August 20, 2021
I was not a huge fan of Death Metal and predictably I'm not a huge fan of these spin-off stories. War of the Multiverses essentially relates: 1. How all the DC characters spent the night before the big battle, and 2. What happened to some of the minor characters during the big battle.
It'd be fine and interesting if you were a hardcore Death Metal fan, but for me it was a lot of pretty artwork surrounded by high-falutin' narration that went nowhere. John Constantine's story was the only stand-out.
It'd be fine and interesting if you were a hardcore Death Metal fan, but for me it was a lot of pretty artwork surrounded by high-falutin' narration that went nowhere. John Constantine's story was the only stand-out.
July 12, 2021
*I read all of the Dark Nights: Death Metal titles at the same time, attempting to read them as close to publication order as possible. As such, it was one whole story for me, rather than individual books. Full review in the main "Dark Nights: Death Metal" book.*
October 7, 2021
It’s always a strong stir of emotions when beloved characters know they are potentially arriving at an end.
A majority of this story is just that. Parts where characters fighting their dark opposition and that part is key to why the fights are as purposeful as they are.
A majority of this story is just that. Parts where characters fighting their dark opposition and that part is key to why the fights are as purposeful as they are.
August 28, 2021
really loved this collection.
December 5, 2021
Many short one-shot stories set within the Death Metal final battle. I have no idea where these stories were originally printed, but they are so short that it hardly seems worth bothering with. There are some fine character moments that could have been good, if they weren't so rushed and forced. The Death Metal stuff wasn't great to begin with, and these little stories don't do much to enhance the experience.
One thing that annoys me about this book is the very title of it. Despite being about Multiverses, it mostly just follows the characters of the main continuity. There's more Multiverse characters in the main Death Metal books than this one!
Aside from requiring you to read the main Death Metal books, there's also a lot of continuity from earlier stories you would need to understand what's going on. The main books often give some hints or flashbacks to information you need to know to understand what's going on. Here, there's none of that.
*spoilers*
This causes me, a casual DC reader, some head scratching. The first story is about the Teen Titans. I don't know anything about them, so immediately I don't know what's going on or who everyone standing around is. Then Wally West shows up, someone that I *do* recognise, and they hate him... for some reason. So even in the first story, I'm lost and there's no clues about what it is he did to piss everyone off.
The second is a Green Lantern story, which really drives home just how quick these stories are. Hal Jordan just gives Sinestro a green ring when he asks for one. Then they fly off together. It's just a few pages and a moment that should probably have had a lot of weight to it, but just ends up being 'okay, done'. Most of the stories really feel like this. Just 'idea. Done'.
There are even a few stories that are completely forgettable - such as one for Wonder Woman, one for Aquaman. There's one for The Atom which sets up the interesting premise of 'what's the point of science with all this magic' and then... it's over, with no resolution to that question at all. Even worse is a Lois Lane story where she meets an evil version of herself (sadly, not the fantastic evil Lois from Tales of the Dark Multiverse) who then throws her towards the ground with the aim of making her scream so Superman would save her and... it ends there. Lois falling, refusing to call out. Zero resolution.
The two best stories are one for Constantine and one for Penguin, though neither are great in truth. The artwork for Constantine's, by Rob Guillory, is like a cartoon, but the story itself is good, if predictable. Penguin's story starts well, our main continuity villain fending off even worse versions of himself. And then he turns into a literal giant bird... no explanation or anything. He just turns into a monster bird and kills them? Whhhhhy?
Superman probably gets the best stories. One small one where he uses time travel to keep repeating the same hour, with many versions of himself then, rushing around to fix things and inspire people. It's a very Superman story, and exactly the kind of thing I would want from it. Another one features several evil versions of himself that are all very interesting. Only one of them did I recognise from the main Death Metal book, and the whole sequence is over far too quick. I could have happily read a whole book on just this sequence with more development and depth, but instead it's there and gone in a few pages.
The only truly great one is for Green Arrow and Black Canary. It's a sweet one about their relationship and an alternate universe daughter of theirs shows up at the end. There's a lot of character between them, a bitter-sweet ending to the scene and it's perfectly enjoyable and didn't feel at all rushed or just thrown together. Perhaps unsurprisingly then, it was written by Gail Simone.
In the end, there's a slew of stories in here, but even those that are alright, none of them are really worth buying this whole book unless you're seeking that complete collection for Death Metal. Only the Green Arrow/Black Canary story felt like any real effort was put into it as a concise tale.
One thing that annoys me about this book is the very title of it. Despite being about Multiverses, it mostly just follows the characters of the main continuity. There's more Multiverse characters in the main Death Metal books than this one!
Aside from requiring you to read the main Death Metal books, there's also a lot of continuity from earlier stories you would need to understand what's going on. The main books often give some hints or flashbacks to information you need to know to understand what's going on. Here, there's none of that.
*spoilers*
This causes me, a casual DC reader, some head scratching. The first story is about the Teen Titans. I don't know anything about them, so immediately I don't know what's going on or who everyone standing around is. Then Wally West shows up, someone that I *do* recognise, and they hate him... for some reason. So even in the first story, I'm lost and there's no clues about what it is he did to piss everyone off.
The second is a Green Lantern story, which really drives home just how quick these stories are. Hal Jordan just gives Sinestro a green ring when he asks for one. Then they fly off together. It's just a few pages and a moment that should probably have had a lot of weight to it, but just ends up being 'okay, done'. Most of the stories really feel like this. Just 'idea. Done'.
There are even a few stories that are completely forgettable - such as one for Wonder Woman, one for Aquaman. There's one for The Atom which sets up the interesting premise of 'what's the point of science with all this magic' and then... it's over, with no resolution to that question at all. Even worse is a Lois Lane story where she meets an evil version of herself (sadly, not the fantastic evil Lois from Tales of the Dark Multiverse) who then throws her towards the ground with the aim of making her scream so Superman would save her and... it ends there. Lois falling, refusing to call out. Zero resolution.
The two best stories are one for Constantine and one for Penguin, though neither are great in truth. The artwork for Constantine's, by Rob Guillory, is like a cartoon, but the story itself is good, if predictable. Penguin's story starts well, our main continuity villain fending off even worse versions of himself. And then he turns into a literal giant bird... no explanation or anything. He just turns into a monster bird and kills them? Whhhhhy?
Superman probably gets the best stories. One small one where he uses time travel to keep repeating the same hour, with many versions of himself then, rushing around to fix things and inspire people. It's a very Superman story, and exactly the kind of thing I would want from it. Another one features several evil versions of himself that are all very interesting. Only one of them did I recognise from the main Death Metal book, and the whole sequence is over far too quick. I could have happily read a whole book on just this sequence with more development and depth, but instead it's there and gone in a few pages.
The only truly great one is for Green Arrow and Black Canary. It's a sweet one about their relationship and an alternate universe daughter of theirs shows up at the end. There's a lot of character between them, a bitter-sweet ending to the scene and it's perfectly enjoyable and didn't feel at all rushed or just thrown together. Perhaps unsurprisingly then, it was written by Gail Simone.
In the end, there's a slew of stories in here, but even those that are alright, none of them are really worth buying this whole book unless you're seeking that complete collection for Death Metal. Only the Green Arrow/Black Canary story felt like any real effort was put into it as a concise tale.
August 9, 2021
And then there were the tie-ins... Similar to Dark Nights: Metal, the Dark Nights: Death Metal main storyline spins off a multitude of side stories, emotional context stories, internal and personal insight into the characters going into this final battle of the main DC Universe. Like all anthologies, some are skippable. Almost all are inconsequential. However, most are sincerely emotionally gratifying. The main storyline of Dark Nights: Death Metal went by so quickly and no one really got to take in the moments let alone get to see anything but the Trinity in action. So while the stories are above average, because they're tied to the crazy Death Metal story, I have to round down on a 3.5-star rating.
While these series of stories definitely add needed depth and emotional stakes to the actual final battle between our Wonder Woman and our heroes versus the One Who Laughs and his twisted villains, I think that you could almost read it as a standalone anthology series with only vague knowledge of the Death Metal storyline. The stories hold up on their own well.
Again, not a great jumping-on point for new readers. However, you can kind of get a "hiding in a crisis" vibe with these stories, similar to the way Marvel's Loki TV series talks about "hiding in apocalyptic events". For these stories and for these DC characters, you can tell that just about anything goes because it's the end of the Multiverse--and this particular set of stories are better for it.
While these series of stories definitely add needed depth and emotional stakes to the actual final battle between our Wonder Woman and our heroes versus the One Who Laughs and his twisted villains, I think that you could almost read it as a standalone anthology series with only vague knowledge of the Death Metal storyline. The stories hold up on their own well.
Again, not a great jumping-on point for new readers. However, you can kind of get a "hiding in a crisis" vibe with these stories, similar to the way Marvel's Loki TV series talks about "hiding in apocalyptic events". For these stories and for these DC characters, you can tell that just about anything goes because it's the end of the Multiverse--and this particular set of stories are better for it.
June 25, 2021
This is the only tie-in to this event that I read, knowing that I wasn't that much interested in the main event and didn't want to waste any additional time. This TPB has two issues: the first should be read after issue #5 of Death Metal, and the second should be read after issue #6.
The first I enjoyed quite a bit. It takes place right before the "big fight" and it contains multiple short stories focusing on a couple of characters as they contemplate their life right before an inevitable death. For the most part, they all excel at imparting a feeling of dread, each person knowing they are about to die, yet still offers up hope as they reminisce or find that inner strength to keep going. It's really well done and has a lot of emotion and depth after reading the fairly shallow main series.
The second issue takes place during the "big fight". Again, it breaks off into smaller stories to focus on one or more characters. While the tone is significantly different, it does offer some time to either give background on a character or contrast them with their dark doppelgängers. It isn't as poignant as the first issue, but has some strong moments.
It's a worthy tie-in, and a breath of fresh-air from the rather stale event.
The first I enjoyed quite a bit. It takes place right before the "big fight" and it contains multiple short stories focusing on a couple of characters as they contemplate their life right before an inevitable death. For the most part, they all excel at imparting a feeling of dread, each person knowing they are about to die, yet still offers up hope as they reminisce or find that inner strength to keep going. It's really well done and has a lot of emotion and depth after reading the fairly shallow main series.
The second issue takes place during the "big fight". Again, it breaks off into smaller stories to focus on one or more characters. While the tone is significantly different, it does offer some time to either give background on a character or contrast them with their dark doppelgängers. It isn't as poignant as the first issue, but has some strong moments.
It's a worthy tie-in, and a breath of fresh-air from the rather stale event.
June 19, 2021
Collects two extra large extra issues made up of shorter stories. Last Stories of the DCU is set right before the final climactic battle of the main book, and it's mostly really good. These are mostly quiet, reflective moments, and they'll be most effective to people who have an emotional attachment to the characters featured. None of these stories fell flat to me, and the Superman story in particular was great, emotionally effective and getting right to the heart of who Superman is. War of the Multiverse is set during that final battle, basically a bunch of smaller characters getting the spotlight during the battle for a few moments. This isn't quite as good overall as Last Stories, but it's still a largely solid collection. Even the Penguin story was surprisingly good. Absolutely nothing here is required reading, but I'd say it's certainly recommended if you have a fondness for more than a few DC characters.
January 21, 2025
This book is half taking a breather the night before the war, and half war stories, so therefore this book is two big helpings of MEAT for us, the readers
Last Stories of the DC Universe was a 5🌟 banger, my favorite story was Hal & Sinestro in Last Knights by Jeff Lemire. The Titans story was great, the Green Arrow and Black Canary story Dust of a Distant Storm by Gail Simone was CHEESE, and, really cute. Aquaman starring in Whale Fall by Christopher Sebela actually made the Aquaman Story from Death Metal Guidebook better in hindsight.
I’d say this book was one of my favorite moments in the Death Metal story.
Last 52 War of the Multiverse: 4⭐️
Highlights for me:
The Batmen Who Laugh by James Tynion IV, a nice modern homage to Killing Joke dare I say
Superman and various Kryptonians in First & Last Men by Magdalene Visaggio
Reign of the Swamp King by Justin Jordan
-Side note, I found The Penguin story Apicius by Marguerite Bennett to be so confusing and open ended but whateverrrr
Last Stories of the DC Universe was a 5🌟 banger, my favorite story was Hal & Sinestro in Last Knights by Jeff Lemire. The Titans story was great, the Green Arrow and Black Canary story Dust of a Distant Storm by Gail Simone was CHEESE, and, really cute. Aquaman starring in Whale Fall by Christopher Sebela actually made the Aquaman Story from Death Metal Guidebook better in hindsight.
I’d say this book was one of my favorite moments in the Death Metal story.
Last 52 War of the Multiverse: 4⭐️
Highlights for me:
The Batmen Who Laugh by James Tynion IV, a nice modern homage to Killing Joke dare I say
Superman and various Kryptonians in First & Last Men by Magdalene Visaggio
Reign of the Swamp King by Justin Jordan
-Side note, I found The Penguin story Apicius by Marguerite Bennett to be so confusing and open ended but whateverrrr
January 28, 2024
Did you know that there were people living in the Batman who laughs reshaped Earth? Me neither, because they don't bother showing you anything that can give some meaning to this. It's all big scale, bigger scale, even bigger scale! Until nothing means anything!!
Well, here we have a bunch of authors and artists taking their time to tell some other stories. It's not weird that Mark Waid had to come so give some kind of context to the mess. Anyway, a compendium of stories from before the final battle (or the last of the final battles, this even is one final battle after the other) and during the battle. Some better, some worse, but I really enjoyed the break to actually tell some stories with characters in them, instead of just having the plot moving forward mindlessly.
Well, here we have a bunch of authors and artists taking their time to tell some other stories. It's not weird that Mark Waid had to come so give some kind of context to the mess. Anyway, a compendium of stories from before the final battle (or the last of the final battles, this even is one final battle after the other) and during the battle. Some better, some worse, but I really enjoyed the break to actually tell some stories with characters in them, instead of just having the plot moving forward mindlessly.
August 5, 2021
While The Last Stories of the DC Universe is a good addition to the Death Metal reading list, with beautiful homages to the Bat family and the Teen Titans, great art and good writing, the other tie-in issue compiled here is a mixed bag with only a few stories worth reading. The Last 52 War of the Multiverse is a tie-in released by the end of the whole Death Metal event and it reads as a tired collection of background stories that don't add much to the main event. The Peguin story is a trip though and I must point that out, fun and sinister read, the Constantine story is also cool, but that's it.
Last Stories is a must read, Last 52 War not so much.
Last Stories is a must read, Last 52 War not so much.
March 21, 2022
Tie-ins to the Dark Nights: Death Metal event. Mostly comprised of short stories, with a varied array of writers and artists, some are, as expected, better than others.
Essentially these stories take place right before and simultaneously as the final battle between Wonder Woman and The Darkest Knight. The fist half has some emotional moments between the heroes as they prepare for battle, and the second part depicts aseries of battles between several heroes and their dark counterparts, the constantine story being my favorite.
Overall, not an essential rerad, and only for completists and hardcore fans of the Death Metal event.
Essentially these stories take place right before and simultaneously as the final battle between Wonder Woman and The Darkest Knight. The fist half has some emotional moments between the heroes as they prepare for battle, and the second part depicts aseries of battles between several heroes and their dark counterparts, the constantine story being my favorite.
Overall, not an essential rerad, and only for completists and hardcore fans of the Death Metal event.
May 27, 2021
I've enjoyed the entire series of Death Metal trades.
This may have been my least favorite of the bunch but I still really enjoyed all the snapshot short stories in this volume.
We follow the Teen Teen Titans, Penguin, Swamp Thing, a great double cross Constantine story, the Justice League and much more.
Death Metal and it's transition to Infinite Frontier was an awesome event and I'm looking forward to the collected Future State stories coming in mid June and more of Frontier!
It's good to be a DC fan right now!
This may have been my least favorite of the bunch but I still really enjoyed all the snapshot short stories in this volume.
We follow the Teen Teen Titans, Penguin, Swamp Thing, a great double cross Constantine story, the Justice League and much more.
Death Metal and it's transition to Infinite Frontier was an awesome event and I'm looking forward to the collected Future State stories coming in mid June and more of Frontier!
It's good to be a DC fan right now!
December 13, 2022
4.5/5 A lot of fun. I’m not a huge Wonder Woman person normally. I’ve read stories I like with her but she’s not a huge draw for me. Here though, when’s awesome. Favorite character in a story full of characters I like. It’s dumb and nonsensical at times, but it knows what kind of story it is telling and I was ready for the ride (again). I do like the Batman Who Laughs, but Perpetua was underwhelming in this. Just underutilized and a little disappointing. But that’s my only real complaint.
1 review for all four trades since I just read it as one long story.
1 review for all four trades since I just read it as one long story.
February 15, 2025
I'm not exactly sure why this collection of 6 to 8 page vignettes was written and published. I must be missing something as it is billed "The last DC universe stories". Oh, I get it is filler "backstory" fluff to the Dark Nights: Death Metal series that I would be reading because this isn't compelling in any way. Some of the vignettes are OK, most are about characters I've never heard of. So it clearly wasn't written for my benefit or for drawing new fans in. If you are a fan of the Dark Nights series, this is definitely written for you and you will probably enjoy it.
February 2, 2024
Absolutely insane and just great writing and art
To make these little stories just pop on the few pages or panels in some they have to make these just amazing heartfelt, scary,funny everything into these characters we know so well in we find them in situations their not usually in, Batman fighting for love, Superman being able to actually be everywhere he needed for once, just amazing the difference in writing and art and it all blends so well together
To make these little stories just pop on the few pages or panels in some they have to make these just amazing heartfelt, scary,funny everything into these characters we know so well in we find them in situations their not usually in, Batman fighting for love, Superman being able to actually be everywhere he needed for once, just amazing the difference in writing and art and it all blends so well together
July 14, 2021
This tie-in to the main title is very cool as multiple versions of heroes and villains fight each other to prepare for the war against The Darkest Knight (formerly known as The Batman Who Laughs). Some stories were fun, many we not. Ultimately, it is a sidebar to "Death Metal" and does not need to be read to understand the main story.
Recommend, but with reservations.
Recommend, but with reservations.
April 30, 2022
Collected stories from the Dark Knights: Death Metal series.
Although I know of the result and end of that run, I probably should've read that first before delving into these side stories in order to give myself proper context.
May re-read this again after I've read the main storyline of Dark Knights:Death Metal.
Although I know of the result and end of that run, I probably should've read that first before delving into these side stories in order to give myself proper context.
May re-read this again after I've read the main storyline of Dark Knights:Death Metal.
May 14, 2024
This was a volume of short stories mostly set near the end of Dark Nights: Death Metal. Some of the stories were better than others, but overall this was a good way to tell a lot of stories featuring different characters without having the stories drag by being too long. I liked the fast pace of this one.
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