Dark Nights: Death Metal: The Last Stories of the DC Universe #1

8.7Critic Rating
7.5User Rating

The last battle against the Batman Who Laughs is at hand…the final fight for everything in the universe. And while the night is usually darkest just before the dawn, what would be the last thing you’d do if you weren’t sure the dawn would ever arrive? Join our heroes in their waning hours as we show their journeys through what could be their final moments…heroes that have fought a million times before, but are keenly aware this could be their endgame. These are the stolen moments detailing the last stories of the DC Universe.

  • 10
    Kabooooom - Matt Morrison Dec 8, 2020

    Even if you haven't been buying the Dark Nights: Death Metal saga up until now, it's well worth picking up this issue to see this all-star team of creators at work. There's not a dud comic in the bunch and these would all be fitting final stories for these heroes, even if I thought there were a chance these really would be their last stories. Once more into the breach! Read Full Review

  • 10
    Dark Knight News - Steve J Ray Dec 8, 2020

    This could be my favorite single issue of 2020. Read Full Review

  • 10
    DC Comics News - Carl Bryan Dec 9, 2020

    Perhaps I am anxious to see how all of this culminates. The recognition that Batman is already dead resonates strongly in how Bruce will come back (or if he does). This event has spilled over into Tom Taylor's DCeased universe (as well as it should since this is a battle for the Multiverses). If you have been a fan of the Dark Metal since its inception years ago, you can see why this "love letter" if you will from Scott Snyder means so much at this time. Kudos to the "calm before the storm" as we are all anxious to see the implications. Read Full Review

  • 9.6
    The Super Powered Fancast - Deron Generally Dec 8, 2020

    Mark Waid delivers a powerful story for the man of steel. A story filled with heart and hope that reminds the reader of what kind of hero Superman is. Francis Manapul delivers equally powerful art that is bright and filled with energy. Read Full Review

  • 9.6
    Supergirl Comic Box Commentary - Anj Dec 15, 2020

    The whole thing is a wonderful love letter to Superman who has to carry the burden of looking after everyone while caring for himself. He inspires. Read Full Review

  • 9.6
    Forces Of Geek - Lenny Schwartz Dec 17, 2020

    The last story of the book is fantastic as well. It is written by Mark Waid and drawn by Francis Manapul and it features Superman in a really great last story. It is perfect and this whole issue. This is probably the best of the spin off book from Death Metal and it is truly well done. Read Full Review

  • 9.5
    GWW - Nick Friar Dec 9, 2020

    If you want to know how DC's greatest heroes spend their final moments before the biggest battles of their lives, Dark Nights: Death Metal The Last Stories of the DC Universe #1 is mandatory reading. Read Full Review

  • 9.5
    Lyles Movie Files - Jeffrey Lyles Dec 8, 2020

    Other features include the standout Mark Waid/Francis Manapul story where Superman makes the most of his last night; Green Lantern reconnects with an old ally in a story from Jeff Lemire and Rafael Albuquerque and Green Arrow and Black Canary take the spotlight in the story from Gail Simone and Meghan Hetrick. Read Full Review

  • 9.3
    Major Spoilers - Matthew Peterson Dec 9, 2020

    Normally, I'd grouse about paying nine dollars, but this book is worth every cent. Read Full Review

  • 9.1
    Comic Watch - Matt Meyer Dec 8, 2020

    Dark Knights: Death Metal - The Last Stories of the DC Universe#1 pulls off a pretty impressive hat trick of compelling story, art, and characterization to give beloved heroes (and villains!) one last night before war. Jam comics like this aren't supposed to work this well, but the assorted creators involved clearly put their all into it. Definitely worth the price of admission. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Geek Dad - Ray Goldfield Dec 8, 2020

    Overall, a mostly brilliant anthology that delivers the quiet moments and emotional punch that are often missing from big events. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    But Why Tho? - CJ Dec 8, 2020

    Dark Nights: Death Metal-Last Stories of the DC Universe #1 contains several heartfelt tales, as DC's heroes face the end. Even if you aren't followingDeath Metal, I urge you to take a look at this book as it features several meditations on heroism and most importantly family. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    Comic Book Revolution - Kevin Lainez Dec 9, 2020

    Dark Nights: Death Metal The Last Stories Of The DC Universe gives fans all the moments from iconic characters they can hope for. All the creators who worked on this one-shot took great care in creating stories that built on the histories of every character we see. The closure for everyone provides a strong set-up for the final battle that we will see play out in the final issues of Dark Nights: Death Metal. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comics: The Gathering - Carlos R. Dec 8, 2020

    This issue collected some excellent stories from some of DC's best talent, "Last Knights" alone was worth the price of the book. Read Full Review

  • 6.5
    Batman-News - Casper Rudolph Dec 9, 2020

    This is all about fan service and relies on readers already being familiar with the characters. That isn't a bad thing in and of itself, but it does mean that this book just isn't going to be for everyone. Both the writing and the art is very hit or miss throughout. I can't really recommend this book to anyone that isn't already invested in Death Metal, but even then I think this will only be appealing to those who want to spend some time hanging out with these characters, forsaking a coherent plot for a while. Oh, and Heroes in Crisis is referenced by having Wally meeting the Titans"I hope you can handle that. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    ComicBook.com - Tanner Dedmon Dec 9, 2020

    I don't think anyone will understand their favorite hero any better than before after these end-of-days moments, but they're appropriate send-offs before a grave mission. Read Full Review

  • 5.5
    Weird Science - Jim Werner Dec 8, 2020

    This is another wonky Death Metal tie-in that doesn't feel necessary to anyone but completionists. Seeing what heroes are are up to on their last night before fighting the Batman Who Laughs might sound good on paper (it doesn't), but besides the art and a couple of stories, this is a bust. I want to get to the main Death Metal issues instead of taking these unnecessary detours. Read Full Review

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