Tags
Black Adam, Black Adam #6, Black Adam #6 review, Christopher Priest, Comic Book Reviews, Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths, DC Comics, Eddy Barrows, NCBD
Black Adam #6 Review
Review by Paul Bowler
A titanic clash is on the cards in DC Comics Black Adam #6 as the Dark Knight squares off against the Thunder of Atom himself! Batman has had enough of Black Adam, and the feeling is clearly mutual. Having backed an uprising in Black Adam’s politically unstable nation of Khandaq, Wayne’s fiscal and moral support is something that Theo Adam refuses to tolerate any longer and he races to confront Batman – determined to let him and the Justice League know exactly what he thinks of this meddling in the affairs of his homeland.
Set just before the events of Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths, writer Christopher Priest sets the stage for this titanic face-off in Black Adam #6 by going full on with a Dawn of Justice Snyderverse style narrative as the backdrop of this no-holds barred battle between a raging Black Adam and a surprisingly ultra violent Batman. However, the exposition heavy build up is weighty mix of backstory and moral ambiguity for both characters as the motivations for their actions clash even harder than their fists do with each others jaws! It’s a tad heavy-handed, but it does highlight striking parallels of the childhood traumas which the Thunder of Atom and the Dark Knight share that have ironically also shaped their destinies.
The pencils in this issue by Eddy Barrows are really something else, vivid clarity seems to be lavished on every scene, and the use of cinematic page layouts further heighten the tension. Barrows’s work mirrors Priest’s subtext that Black Adam and Batman are dark reflections of each other, and the use of dynamic POV shots and split panels heightens this effect to the max while inker Eber Ferreira brings the issue alive with dark atmosphere and striking detail. The colors by Matt Herms enhance the moody tone even further with dramatic hues and earthy shades.
Christopher Priest’s razor sharp writing makes this issues central conflict, physical and psychological, into a stark examination of the moral duality this adventure holds. Batman and Black Adam are polar opposites, yet alike in so many ways, and this is a really standout moment for both characters. Black Adam is a dubious anti-hero at best, but the Dark Knight’s actions are equally questionable here, and the resolution sets up intriguing possibilities for the next half of this twelve part limited series.
Publisher DC Comics
Writer Christopher Priest / Pencils Eddy Barrows / Inks Eber Ferreira
Colors Matt Herms / Lettering Schubert & Sharpe
Cover Irvin Rodriguez
About The Author
Hi, I’m Paul Bowler, blogger and reviewer of films, TV shows, and comic books. I’m a Sci-Fi geek, a big fan of Doctor Who, Star Trek, movies, Sci-Fi, Horror, Comic Books, and all things PS4.You can follow me on Twitter @paul_bowler,or at my website, Sci-Fi Jubilee, and on YouTube and Facebook
Sci-Fi Jubilee 
If you had asked me, I wouldn’t have even drawn many parallels between both but I’m definitely intrigued that Priest uses those few similarities to build up this issue. I hope the series ends right. I’ll definitely love to give this a go once collected. Great review, Paul.
It is really striking how Priest has brought their similarities to the fore with this issue. I’ve been really enjoying this Black Adam comic series, its taken the character in a fresh direction, and I would certainly recommend it.
Naturally, in the lead up to the film, I’d considered reading some ‘Black Adam’ comics. He’s a character I wasn’t very familiar with, always on my periphery but never one I really explored. Knowing Christopher Priest was going to be writing this series, it came SO CLOSE to making my pull list but I had too many competing titles and I couldn’t figure out which to cut :/. Such is the lifelong struggle for the comic fan. Your post makes me think I made the wrong call! If nothing else, I may need to check this out once it’s released in the trade collection…
I was pretty much the same in the run up to the film as well. Black Adam is one of those fringe characters I’ve never followed that closely, but I really like how Priest is taking the character in new and unexpected directions with this series. I hear you, there are just so many comics now that it’s impossible to follow everything. I’m glad I decided to add this series to my list though and I’d highly recommend it when you get a chance to catch it.