The Black Hammer Universe And DC Universe collide for the final chapter of this crossover epic. Jeff Lemire and Michael Walsh bring the series to a close, for now, and take both respective teams home in time to save the Multiverse at large. A perfect series for anyone looking to join the Black Hammer Universe, albeit not essential reading to the overall universe as a whole, the series provides a light-hearted take on the blossoming universe.
With Colonel Weird and Green Lantern disrupting the timeline to save The Flash, the trio, in turn, learns the truth behind their captivity within this strange small town. At the hands of Mr. Mxyzptlk, the three heroes must come to a bargain to save the DC Multiverse. While Cyborg and the Trinity continue to face down against the forces guarding Madame Dragonfly’s home, the rest of the Justice League and Black Hammer heroes come to a final bargain with the fifth-dimensional imp. The series wraps up oddly quick as the heroes celebrate over dinner at the farm, while Colonel Weird deals with a potential sequel problem and closing out this mini-series.
Michael Walsh produces a cartoonist style befitting of the series and remaining true to both respective universes. The loose inking adds a charm to the series allowing it to stand apart from the ongoing series proper. Though what truly shines brightest is his absolutely beautiful colorwork. From the surrealistic para-zone to the raining Metropolis and back for a fun and bright, happy ending, Walsh elevates his art with perfect color works to match his fun style envious style.
Jeff Lemire continues to deliver a non-canon take on his own beloved universe, albeit a fun mini-series nonetheless. While every other title within the Black Hammer banner has had some form of significance on the universe as a whole, this series provides nothing of significant importance outside of farming for new readers. The biggest take from this series is showing what it might look like with Lemire helming the Justice League ongoing series proper.
Like many crossovers before it, the connective tissue is just not there, while the characters seem more like caricatures of their former selves. Without a doubt, the series manages to set up for a potential sequel in the works right after a very rushed and remotely unfulfilling ending to this chapter. Lemire and Walsh driver a fun great looking comic for new readers to the universe but leave a bit more to be desired from previous readers outside of small fan service moments.
Grade: B-
