Blackest Night Reading Order

[Blue Lantern Superman Kyle's Nude Model Find all posts View Profile Close Blue Lantern Superman]

Hi, new to the forums. I have been working on a reading order for Blackest Night. Any fixes/feedback would be appreciated.

(note: I try to keep issues in the mini's together unless there is good reason to seperate them)

Spoilers follow.

Blackest Night – Reading Order

Blackest Night - Tales of the Corps #1-3
- Past stories of many of the players in Blackest Night.
Titans #15 (Blackest Night Prelude)
- Tempest receives a warning from Slizzath that the ‘dead will soon rise.’
Solomon Grundy #7 (Blackest Night Prelude)
Most people put this with Superman/Batman #66-67, however this issue is set much before those issues. This is because the Phantom Stranger is busy with the Black Lantern Spectre very early on in the event (as will be shown) and Alan Scott is involved in separate matters throughout the event. In other words, there is no point in the event in which the Stranger and Alan would be together at Slaughter Swamp. The page in which Solomon Grundy becomes a Black Lantern should be considered as a kind of preview of his rise in Superman/Batman #66.
Green Lantern #43 (Blackest Night Prologue)
- Black Hand becomes the ‘entity’ of the Black Lantern Corps.
Blackest Night #0
Blackest Night #1
- Power Levels 0.02%
Green Lantern Corps #39
- Overlaps with Blackest Night #1, however it shows them leaving Earth after the Memorial Day seen in Blackest Night #1.
Green Lantern #44
- Power Levels 1.20%
Blackest Night #2
- Power Levels 3.43%
- The Phantom Stranger encounters the newly created Black Lantern Spectre.
Blackest Night – Superman #1
- Power Levels 3.82%
Green Lantern #45
- Power Levels 45.43%
Green Lantern Corps #40
- Power Levels 46.31%
Blackest Night – Batman #1
Blackest Night – Batman #2
- Power Levels 47.01%
Blackest Night – Batman #3
Blackest Night #3
- Power Levels 56.59%
Adventure Comics #4
- Power Levels 57%
Adventure Comics #5
Suicide Squad #67
- Power Levels 57.01%
Blackest Night – Titans #1
Blackest Night – Titans #2
- Power Levels 57.03%
Green Lantern #46
- Power Levels 75.25%
Green Lantern Corps #41
- Power Levels 85.26%
Blackest Night – Superman #2
Blackest Night – Superman #3
- Power Levels 93.01%
Green Lantern #47
-Must happen before Blackest Night #4, as the next issue has Hal receiving the message of the power levels reaching 100% as it happens.
Blackest Night – Titans #3
-overlaps with Blackest Night #4, at the end of the book, Bart gets Barry’s message.
Blackest Night #4
-Barry avoids Black Lanterns, gets the message out.
-Bart responds to message saying that the Titans are ready.
-Power Levels 100%
Blackest Night - The Flash #1
- Shows Barry getting the word out.
Blackest Night - Wonder Woman #1
- Shows Barry giving his second message to Diana – get to Coast City.
Green Lantern #48
- Hal receives a message of the power levels reaching 100% as it happens.
Green Lantern Corps #42
- Power Levels 100% exceeded.

Note: the following issues are relatively co-current with Flash’s message that he delivered in BN#4.

Secret Six #17
- Quite far into the issue (perhaps indicating some overlap with BN#4), Faraday gets the Flash’s message via an intercept on the JLA coms – this story is continued from Suicide Squad #67.
Secret Six #18
Doom Patrol #4
- A transcript of Barry’s message is displayed on a computer screen at the start of the issue.
Doom Patrol #5
Booster Gold #26
- Rip plays a video message of Barry’s message.
Booster Gold #27
R.E.B.E.L.S. #10
- Adam mentions that he got Barry’s message before they left New Rann.
R.E.B.E.L.S. #11
Starman #81
- Starman rips out a few hearts; no power level increase thus is must be post-BN#4.
-The conversations between the guards of the museum suggest that BN has not become widespread knowledge at this time.
Teen Titans #77
Teen Titans #78
- Titans #78 shows Jericho having a vision of the activities of Black Lanterns (such as Tara) relating to Teen Titans members. The events depicted include the BN – Titans issues (which end overlapping with BN#4).
Outsiders #24
-Tara arrives after leaving the fight in BN – Titans #3 (again, which overlaps with BN#4) so it is post BN#4.
-Tara mentions places that the dead are rising from and includes Opal City (hence the placing of Starman #81).
(As an aside, the Titan’s issues and the Outsiders issues can be linked thematically, as Tara and Deathstroke were part of an essential Titans storyline known as the ‘Judas Contract).’
Outsiders #25
JLA #39
- The JLA arrive at a seemingly deserted Hall of Justice.
- Must be set after BN#4 as in BN#4 Dr Light and others are seen in the Hall of Justice.
- Those two points considered, these issues must be a little bit of time after BN#4, so it makes sense to put these here as the issues in between these ones and BN#4 are relatively co-current with the events of BN#4 (as shown).
JLA #40
Superman/Batman #66
- Solomon Grundy Rises.
-The lights go out in Gotham.
- Man-Bat is in it – so it must be after the Outsiders issues, as Man-Bat appears in Outsiders #23.
-The men hunting Man-Bat receive reports of’ Paranormal activity in the area’ (note: the following issues will show a progression in the awareness that the world has about the Black Lanterns – even though the news should have travelled fast, the non-increase in power levels after hearts are removed in a number of these issues indicate they take place post-BN#4).
Superman/Batman #67
- A panel shows Bizzaro looking at TV screens; the Hall of Justice is depicted with people pointing at it (presumably after they heard of the commotion in JLA #39-40).
Catwoman #83
- References the blackout in Superman/Batman #66
The Power of SHAZAM! #48
- BN #3 has Black Lantern Osiris on the screens of the JLA Headquarters removing a heart; however this issue shows that for the duration of his existence as a Black Lantern, Osiris doesn’t remove any hearts (thus this can be seen as a kind of precursor to this issue like Solomon Grundy #7).
- Black Lantern Sobek removes a couple of hearts with no power level increase – this issue must be post BN#4.
- Billy and Mary Batson are shown finding out on the internet that the Black Lanterns are everywhere – BN has gone viral.
The Question #37
- Professor Rodor talks of a Black Lantern ring as being a device that resurrects the dead which recalls an email received by Niles in Doom Patrol #4 from Cadmus which describes the ring as an animating force (It also suggests more detailed knowledge of the Black Lanterns becoming more widespread).
-Renee asks Shiva whether she has seen the news about the Black Lanterns (suggesting that it has been on for quite a while now).
- Shiva later says she wants to test herself against the undead – BN is well underway.
(Note: BN#3 shows a vision of Vic Sage’s grave as empty, some may suggest that means that this issue takes place prior to BN#3; however it could depict the fact that Vic has risen and has yet to strike which makes it more effective for this issue to be post-BN#3).
Weird Western Tales #71
- BN is well known.
- Hearts are removed without power level increase (must be post BN#4).
- A Black Lantern ring that tried to resurrect Don Hall in BN#2 is delivered to Illumination suggesting that this is quite late in Blackest Night.
Phantom Stranger #42
- Blue Devil talks about how the stranger sent Zatanna off to get the JLA (referencing the events of JLA #39-40).
- Black Lantern Spectre leaves the fray to find Hal Jordan.
- Deadman deals with Black Lantern Boston Brand that rose in BN-Batman #1.
- Deadman remarks that he has learnt that the white light doesn’t have ‘a snowballs chance of stopping Nekron’ – foreshadowing the events of the next issue on this list.
-Deadman leaves to help Hal and the others.
Blackest Night #5
- Shows a Black Lantern ring resurrecting Damage.
- Mera and the Atom are taken into Black Lantern Damage’s ring.
- Hal and Co try using the white light against the Black Lantern Battery (Hal – ‘is it just me or is this not doing a damn thing?’).
Blackest Night – JSA #1
- Shows Black Lantern Damage and the JSA’s reaction to his resurrection.
- Mr Terrific gathers the items necessary for his light bomb.
Green Lantern Corps #43
- Good enough place to put it – the ‘coupling’ of GLC issues to GL issues begins here as the events of BN get to their final stages.
Green Lantern #49
- Second part of the issue shows Mera and the Atom still in the ‘Dark Matter network’ of the Black Lantern rings, Deadman also becomes present.
Blackest Night #6
- Mera and Atom escapes the network through the ring of Black Lantern Wonder Woman.
Black Lantern Green Arrow #30
- Overlaps with BN#6 – Flash is shown getting Hal to safety.
- Black Lantern Superboy is seen in the issue.
Adventure Comics #7
- Overlaps with BN#6 and BN - Green Arrow #30.
- Superboy frees himself of the Black Lantern ring.
- Black Lantern Wonder Woman is seen.
Blackest Night – Wonder Woman #2
- Overlaps with the previous three issues.
- Black Lantern Wonder Woman fights with Mera.
- W.W eventually becomes a Star Sapphire.
Blackest Night – Wonder Woman #3
- Continues immediately from the last issue.
- Barry is shown as a Blue Lantern.
Blackest Night – The Flash #2
- Blue Lantern Flash meets up with Wally West.
Blackest Night – The Flash #3
- Barry frees Black Lantern Bart Allen.
- Barry, Wally and Bart head to help Hal, Black Lantern Spectre is seen above the city.
Blackest Night – JSA #2
- Some time has gone past since the end of the first issue of the mini, as Dr Midnite mentions that the numbers of the JSA injured are rising and Mr Terrific has built the bomb (which is getting charged by a number of heroes).
Green Lantern Corps #44
Green Lantern #50
- Hal and team meet Black Lantern Spectre.
The Atom and Hawkman #46
- Black Lantern Spectre is seen fighting Lanterns.
- Indigo gets a message off to the Indigo Corps on various worlds.
Green Lantern Corps #45
- Indigo’s message is received; the Green Lantern Corps leaves to help.
Green Lantern #51
- The Spectre is freed.
- Nekron marshals the Black Lanterns of those who had previously been resurrected (Superboy is not among them, referencing the fact that he was freed in Adventure Comics #7).
Blackest Night #7
- The Green Lantern Corps arrive in Earth orbit.
Blackest Night – JSA #3
- The bomb is finally charged and set off destroying all the Black Lanterns in New York.
- Dr Midnite mentions using another bomb (‘that leaves the main battle front in Coast City.’), Mr Terrific replies that it was unique and that the fight there is up to the Green Lantern Corps (foreshadowing the next issue of this list).
Green Lantern Corps #46
- The Corps try to destroy Black Lantern Anti-Monitor but it gets sucked back into the Black Lantern Battery.
- The Black Lantern Planet Xanshi is shown in numerous panels.
Green Lantern #52
- The Black Lantern Planet Xanshi is destroyed.
Blackest Night #8
- The JSA finally join the fight at the main battlefront after being absent since BN#5 (which supports my staggering of the BN - JSA issues).
Green Lantern Corps #47
- BN Epilogue
Blackest Night - Director's Cut
- Additional info on BN

BN Condensed

Blackest Night - Tales of the Corps #1-3
Titans #15 (Blackest Night Prelude)
Solomon Grundy #7 (Blackest Night Prelude)
Green Lantern #43 (Blackest Night Prologue)
Blackest Night #0
Blackest Night #1
Green Lantern Corps #39
Green Lantern #44
Blackest Night #2
Blackest Night – Superman #1
Green Lantern #45
Green Lantern Corps #40
Blackest Night – Batman #1-3
Blackest Night #3
Adventure Comics #4
Adventure Comics #5
Suicide Squad #67
Blackest Night – Titans #1-2
Green Lantern #46
Green Lantern Corps #41
Blackest Night – Superman #2-3
Green Lantern #47
Blackest Night – Titans #3
Blackest Night #4
Blackest Night - The Flash #1
Blackest Night - Wonder Woman #1
Green Lantern #48
Green Lantern Corps #42
Secret Six #17-18
Doom Patrol #4-5
Booster Gold #26-27
R.E.B.E.L.S. #10-11
Starman #81
Teen Titans #77-78
Outsiders #24-25
JLA #39-40
Superman/Batman #66-67
Catwoman #83
The Power of SHAZAM! #48
The Question #37
Weird Western Tales #71
Phantom Stranger #42
Blackest Night #5
Blackest Night – JSA #1
Green Lantern Corps #43
Green Lantern #49
Blackest Night #6
Black Lantern Green Arrow #30
Adventure Comics #7
Blackest Night – Wonder Woman #2-3
Blackest Night – The Flash #2-3
Blackest Night – JSA #2
Green Lantern Corps #44
Green Lantern #50
The Atom and Hawkman #46
Green Lantern Corps #45
Green Lantern #51
Blackest Night #7
Blackest Night – JSA #3
Green Lantern Corps #46
Green Lantern #52
Blackest Night #8
Green Lantern Corps #47
Blackest Night - Director's Cut

[Corwin Star Sapphire's Love Slave Find all posts View Profile Close Corwin]

Don't forget Green Lantern Corps 47, even though it says Brightest Day it is the epilogue for Blackest Night and also the Blackest Night Director’s Cut for great supplemental material.

Andrew has a list up here...

And I've also got a list up on comic binding.com as well as my break down for a 3 volume bind where I place what I think are the essential issues in two volumes and the extra stuff in a third.

[Mycroft unable to translate Find all posts View Profile Close Mycroft]

thats a lot of work

[JAredLantern The 8th Soldier of Victory Find all posts View Profile Close JAredLantern]

Don't forget Green Lantern Corps 47, even though it says Brightest Day it is the epilogue for Blackest Night and also the Blackest Night Director’s Cut for great supplemental material.

Andrew has a list up here...

And I've also got a list up on comic binding.com as well as my break down for a 3 volume bind where I place what I think are the essential issues in two volumes and the extra stuff in a third.

There are a couple discrepancies between the two, but they are pretty similar. I'd have to say following the charge levels, and filling in the blanks like andrew(and everyone who helped) did is still the most appropriate.

[Corwin Star Sapphire's Love Slave Find all posts View Profile Close Corwin]

For sure. Any questions on the placement of anything?

[Blue Lantern Superman Kyle's Nude Model Find all posts View Profile Close Blue Lantern Superman]

thanks for the feedback guys. The supplemental material is a good idea. Any fixes on the list? I'm trying to make it as accurate as possible and any help/comments from you guys would be great.

Also, what is meant by 'filling in the blanks?'

[JAredLantern The 8th Soldier of Victory Find all posts View Profile Close JAredLantern]

thanks for the feedback guys. The supplemental material is a good idea. Any fixes on the list? I'm trying to make it as accurate as possible and any help/comments from you guys would be great.

Also, what is meant by 'filling in the blanks?'

Filling in the blanks around the obvious energy levels. Especially the one-shots and whatnot that aren't specific to the %'s.

[Blue Lantern Superman Kyle's Nude Model Find all posts View Profile Close Blue Lantern Superman]

Thanks for the reply, sorry, still don't follow you

I took a look at Andrew's list (which is pretty good) but I think my placement of the one-shots is solid. A number of the placements of one-shots in Andrew's list involve issues [that have the removal of hearts (e.g Starman) without a power-level increase] being placed before BN#4 which can't be correct.

Still would appreciate any fixes, i'm trying to make this definative

[JAredLantern The 8th Soldier of Victory Find all posts View Profile Close JAredLantern]

yeah, im not saying your placement of the side archs isn't correct. I think some of them can be put in different places without doing any harm to the continuity.

[Andrew NDB Shot Caller Find all posts View Profile Close Andrew NDB]

Very nice work... but I'm still going with mine.

[Blue Lantern Superman Kyle's Nude Model Find all posts View Profile Close Blue Lantern Superman]

Thanks man

I'm gonna attempt a reading order for Brightest Day next.

[Andrew NDB Shot Caller Find all posts View Profile Close Andrew NDB]

I'm gonna attempt a reading order for Brightest Day next.

Do that, and I'll salute you.

I've considered trying... but it's very difficult, since it's not even one story. It's more of a banner than anything else, at least when factoring in everything other than the core maxi-series itself. I mean, even the "worst," least-relevant-to-Blackest-Night BN-tie-ins at least had general Black Lantern action that could be figured into things here and there... but look at something like Birds of Prey #4 -- you literally have to struggle to even come up with a plausible way of rationalizing it's place under the "Brightest Day" banner let alone the story being told in the maxi-series... and there's no White Lantern action to speak of.

[Blue Lantern Superman Kyle's Nude Model Find all posts View Profile Close Blue Lantern Superman]

Yeah, its pretty loosely connected. I have a preliminary sort of ordering for the very early part of Brightest Day:

Spoilers

GLC 47
- BN Epilogue

BDAY 00
- Maxwell Lord mindwipe
- Guy and Hal visit MManhunter
- Star City Forest appears
- Amon Leaves Khandaq
- Sinestro Locates White Lantern Battery

JLGL 01
- Overlaps with BDAY 00 - Mindwipe

JLGL 02
- Carries on straight after JLGL 01
- Features Guy, Batman, Superman.

GL 53
- Hal says its been 'less than 24 hours since their truce at the clean up for blackest night
- Flash helps St Walker with grave stones
- Hal goes after White Battery
- Guy Meets with Atrocious and Ganthet (who has not yet converted to being a Green Lantern)

GLC 48
- Overlaps with GL 53
- Guy has meeting
- Ganthet becomes Green Lantern

BDAY 01
- Hal and team get to white battery, try to remove the 'sword in the stone'
- Firestorm meets Atom

GL 54
- Overlaps with BDAY 01 (Sword in the stone analogy)
- Soddam Yat freed from sun

GL 55
- Lobo fights Atrocious

GLEW 01
- Sodam yat is discovered by Daxamite Children
- Atrocious is back at Ysmault

BDAY 02
- Deadman meets Anti-monitor

BDAY 03
- Deadman creates white net construct
- White Lantern Battery is still there (lightning strikes, takes down plane)

GLC 49
- shortly after BDAY 03 (Qwardians find Deadman's net construct)

[Guest Close Green CFL Lantern]

Thanks for posting the reading lists. I'm picking up the HCs and things like this will come in handy.

Which titles, though, contain the main story? I'm guessing the main BN mini, GL, and GLC. Right now I have the BN and the GL: BN trades. How lost would I be without the GLC:BN trade? Would I be fine or would I be better off to get the GLC:BN?

[Corwin Star Sapphire's Love Slave Find all posts View Profile Close Corwin]

You won't be lost without GLC: BN but it plays into BN in the 9th inning.