The pooled talents of Johns and Reis made a fantastic issue, and much like issue 2 of Batman and Robin, reminded me of why I love comics. Comics form has a way of being able to encapsulate the tension within the pages and control the pace. It did so here and prominently showcased Geoff John's skill in writing from the character, while weaving the reader through the intricate panels (perfectly layed out by Ivan Reis) of horror, shock, suspense and tragedy. Already rich in the history of the DCU and being able to place the pieces on the chessboard, Johns pieces the puzzle in such a way that he takes the pieces on the chess board the twists them around. It's agonizing. Reis really pumped his game up and drove home the despair w/ Jason, Gen and Ray Palmer. I haven't seen pained faces drawn like that since Rag Morales did Identity Crisis. The plot also moved on to a point that things are starting to piece themselves together, giving the reader an understanding of the mechanics behind what is going on in the story. Here's the kicker (and I speak for myself about this)... I didn't care. I didn't care about the mechanics or the history or the whys behind the Black Lanterns. Now don't get me wrong. I love the idea of the emotional spectrum. It's an idea that's so elementary and so provocative, it provides meat to the bone of the story. It also interestingly enough is very similar to many eastern medicinal studies of the subtle body. Revelations aside, this was truly made to drive the point home that your greatest stalwart has demons. It isn't a huminizing thing that is often refered to as the "Marvel" way of doing things. It's just good storytelling with compelling characters that grieve as we do.