Some thoughts about Death Metal: The Last 52 #1

How can the Multiverse fight back?

Both heroes and villains are fighting for their own existence in a battle against their darkest selves in which they might not be any hope at all.

Another big tie-in with multiple stories is here and while The Last Stories of the DCU was a pleasent surprise, this one doesn't have the same luck for the most part.

We open with a story written by Joshua Williamson and Scott Snyder about the set-up for the final battle between Wonder Woman and The One who Laughs and thankfully is once again, more a Williamson's story than Snyder's which is pretty obvious because of the appearance of Wally West and how his path to redemption continues, Diana also gets her own appropriate development of course. Dexter Soy's artwork is wonderful and precise as always.

Then the lame material starts with James Tynion IV writing about The Batman who Laughs (of course) and is yet another predictable fanboy-driven tale that is barely worth mentioning. Alex Maleev's art is nice though.

Magdalene Visaggio handles a story about Superman and the power of hope he represents and is rather predictable in its execution with some odd elements like Clark trying to reason with one of dark Supermen, not all of them, just one which doesn't make a lot of sense. Paul Pelletier's pencils are solid as always though.

Ryan Choi, The Atom, gets the spotlight written by Kyle Higgins and character-wise feels pretty appropriate dealing with the usual insecurities that this incarnation usually has and overcoming them, short but satisfying. Scott Kolins' art seems rather rushed but is clear enough.

Regine Sawyer writes a story where Lois Lane needs to stop being a damsel in distress and fight against a superpowered version of herself on her own which is decently executed and shows how desperate the situation can be. Alitha Martinez' art is pretty detailed.

Che Grayson handles a tale about Raven and the Teen Titans facing even more dark versions of themselves, is not groundbreaking but gets the character fine I guess. Pop Mhan's style is energetic.

The Penguin of all people gets the spotlight written by Marguerite Bennett and shows how an actual villain gets to handle this kill or be killed situation which is satisfying overall. Inaki Miranda's colorful work is a bit out of place but still nice to look at.

Constantine gets probably one of the best segments by Matthew Rossenberg which is an even better executed version of the previous story in which John shows how smart and cold he can be. Rob Guillory's art is pretty cartoony but fits the weird tone of the tale.

Finally Justin Jordan creates a fight between the Swamp Things in which the history and characterization of the hero is nicely depicted and it was cool to see Brimstone being brought back for a cameo. Mike Henderson's pencils are pretty appropriate for the bizarre confrontation.

Some high points here and there but overall, this was just a fine special. Not sure if worth the money for all of the tales.