After a near three month hiatus, Geoff Johns, Gary Frank, And Brad Anderson make their return once more. At long last, the truth behind Doctor Manhattan’s meddling with the DC Universe come into light in shocking detail. As fans continue to wait for the final two issues with much anticipation, this groundbreaking chapter will be the talk of the community for months to come as the clock ticks one step closer to midnight.

After the shocking display of power over the heroes of the DCU, Manhattan takes a stroll through time and displays precisely what he’s been up to behind the scenes of DC Rebirth. In complete meta fashion, every retcon and line-wide Crisis comes under the lens as Manhattan learns the truth behind this newly dubbed Metaverse. As time passes over, secrets and tamperings come into the light as readers are witness to the destruction of fan favorites like Justice League of America and The Legion of Superheroes. Such as with Infinite Crisis, Superman is at the heart of this Metaverse, and the ultimate showdown between the Man of Steel and the man of science come face to face.

Gary Frank continues to pour himself into every single page. The nine-panel grid may take time but what readers get in return are nothing less than absolutely spectacular works of art. The sheer level of figure work Frank displays is entirely on another level, breathing life and emotion into each and every character. The emotion he can deliver totally elevates this already groundbreaking material. Once again, Brad Anderson continues to paint Frank’s pencils in gorgeous gloss with his master class color works.

Surprising no one, Geoff Johns continues to drive home this modern masterpiece with his love and attention to detail for the DC Universe at large. Leaving no stone unturned, Johns weaves in every retcon and restart thrown at this universe by editors and creatives and turns it into a plot point and storytelling outlet for this event with Manhattan cleverly used as the catalyst. Johns can turn these many changes as readers are taken along on a trip through Superman’s many origins.

From the first issue of Action Comics to Post Crisis Man of Steel, down to Johns and Frank’s own Secret Origin and through the New 52, this issue is able to take on the publisher’s continuity changes of Superman and the DCU in such a meaningful and inspired manner. The exploration of the universe through meta-commentary attached to the creative changes through the years is another brilliance of Johns. By far his most inspired work to date with this series, bailing an absolute must read with this brand new chapter.

Grade: A+