Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo have been the Batmans’ writing and drawing dynamic duo for almost 6 full years, and have come back (after a small hiatus/ universe changing event) to (re)shape the DC universe again.
Dark Days: Metal #1 is the first in the major story arc issues to come out for this event and it does not disappoint when it comes to set up and mysteries galore. Although two previous comics have been released (Dark Days: The Forge, Dark Days: The Casting) they’re not necessarily needed to grasp the ambitious plot that will unfold during the next 6 to 7 months.
Scott Snyder is a master at the literary long con, in a manner of speaking (see Batman: Year 0). From his character driven narrative in American Vampire to his seminal Batman run, he weaves a mystery effortlessly. This is not to say that he does this alone, as Greg Capullo’s art is nuanced as much as it is stylised. Without his interesting framing and attention to detail, when needed, they create something that demands to be read.
As for this issue in particular, the art is top notch for the most part albeit perhaps rushed in some areas. This may only be a result of Greg Capullo stretching himself thin with many prequels and one-shots that seem to accompany major event such as this. The writing gives the impression that Scott Snyder is in full force and has been given complete freedom to do as he sees fit with the DC universe. Giving him free reign could lead the way for greatness, but as its been seen before with previous large scale events and fantastic writers; pure control over an entire universe has proved to be a weighty task.
That being said, if any artistic combo can do it, it’s these guys. I have faith in this series and ill be following Batman, Scott and Greg down this dark path to its very end.