Dark Nights: Metal has generally been one of those comics that bites off more than it can chew, which is hardly the worst quality to have. But even with the Dark Days preludes and the various tie-ins, the main series cries out for another couple issues in which to really breathe and savor all its big developments. The good news is that the story has reached the point where the setup phase is done and the ball can start rolling downhill. Metal #5 offers a thrilling ride that really makes the most of this crossover’s heavy metal trappings.
This issue sees the Justice League scattered across the multiverse as each faction plays its part in halting Earth’s descent into the Dark Multiverse and the rise of Barbatos’ armies. The opening page does a terrific job of setting the tone, striving to be equal parts over-the-top and foreboding. And fro there, Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo spin a nonstop tale of heroes fighting against impossible odds and keeping the fire of hope burning.