DCeased #3 // Review

Tom Taylor and artists Trevor Hairsine and Stefan Gaudiano continue to deliver the sheer shock and spectacle with this elseworld horror story. Working together and creating the perfect vehicle to house true weight and anticipation as Tom Taylor absolutely tortures both the heroes and readers alike as he kills off one fan favorite after another. With the series reaching its halfway point, all hope seems to be lost for these characters as the world around them slowly swirls into decay.

Following the jaw-dropping cliffhanger from the previous issue, this chapter provides some closure to prior established scenes as the heroes must count their losses. With the likes of Batman and Aquaman among many others out of the picture, Superman stands as the one genuine hope against this Fourth World nightmare. While the heroes come face to face with their worst nightmares, Harley Quinn has to run the gauntlet between the Joker and the Birds of Prey if she hopes to make it back to Ivy in one piece.

Trevor Hairsine and Stefan Gaudiano continue to blend into one flavor through the chapter as the tension and shock overpower any sort of noticeable shift in pencil styles. With their horror sensibilities coming into the forefront, the duo works exceptionally well together to bring this monstrosity to Anti-life while colorist Rain Beredo continues to layer their pencils in exquisite horror throughout this chapter and series as a whole. The sense of constant dread of death lying at every corner is never lost once thought the series as hero and villain fall to Darkseid’s will.

Tom Taylor is the master when it comes to putting the heroes through absolute comic book hell while making it an entertaining and exciting title for any reader. No one is safe from the wrath of Tom Taylor. Defying expectations at every turn, Taylor was made to tell these twisted elseworld stories. With moments like Black Canary becoming the new Green Lantern of Earth, it’s obvious just how much fun this man is having.

While reaching the halfway point, the key element has been conveniently absent from the title. The Taylor and company will have to explain what happened to the Fourth World after Darkseid unleashed this new iteration of the Anti-Life Equation. With answers set to come in future solicitations, this Universe spanning take with be sure to leave no stone unturned as the decay continues to rot from within.

Grade: A