Green Lantern #44

There are lots of reasons to like this issue.

It's the next chapter in the Blackest Night mega-story, which is shaping up to be a good one.

It features the (undead) return of J'onn J'onzz, the Martian Manhunter, a longtime favorite (although he's not exactly his usual self here).

The story by Geoff Johns continues to shine, and the art by Doug Mahnke is outstanding, with several breathtaking pages, including an awe-inspiring double-page spread.

There are some great touches, including an interesting visual that (I presume) represents the fact that both Green Lantern and the Flash have been touched by death years ago.

But the thing about the comic that gets the biggest reaction out of me is just the team-up between Hal (GL) Jordan and Barry (Flash) Allen. In the '50s and '60s DC wasn't much on team-ups outside of the comics designed for it (like World's Finest and Brave and Bold), but one of the rare exceptions was found in Silver Age issues of those two heroes, and those stories were always among my favorites.

The two characters complemented each other well, and it was a thrill to see those early crossovers. The two have appeared together since Barry's return, but this is the first real super-hero, knock-down, building-smashing team-up - and I love it!

This is (by my count) the second issue in the Blackest Night series, and so far, they're two for two. Bring on the next chapter!

Grade: A-