What a body count! The Spectre isn’t playing around in issue #1 of the five-part Final Crisis spin-off, ‘Revelations’. The somber, gothic character evoked by the name of that particular biblical book is an indication of the tone of this comic. Largely narrated by Crispus Allen, this is a rumination on death, vengence, despair, justice and balance. Curious that, about balance. Crispus pines for justice, a virtue associated with rational thought, over revenge, outgrowth as it is of the passions of the heart. He construes justice with balance, but nevertheless attempts the assassination of its would-be avatar, Libra.

This conflict with Libra is the high-point of the book, and is where it shows the greatest similarity with the Final Crisis main book. As for the rest, the pages tend to drag a bit, as not much else happens apart from Crispus’s dour meditations and some gymnastic ass-kicking courtesy of The Question.

The real stand-out element of ‘Revelations’ #1 is its excellent, vibrant, and detailed artwork. Particular credit goes to the inking crew, uncommonly consisting of three artists: Jonathan Glapion, Jeff de los Santos, Walden Wong.

Here’s hoping that with some exposition out of the way this book’s writing will begin to match its energetic art in the subsequent issues.