Covering the Last Days of Animal Man mini-series…

Buddy next appears in the six-issue Last Days of Animal Man mini-series set in the year 2024.  He also appears as a Black Lantern throughout the ‘Blackest Night’ crossover, and is later corrupted by Eclipso and fights the Justice League in several Justice League of America issues.

Appearances that I consider to be fairly minor are indented.  The below titles were published by DC Comics unless otherwise noted.

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Last Days of Animal Man #1
“Part One: Deny”, July 2009
Gerry Conway [w], Chris Batista [p], Brian Bolland [c]
About 15 years in the future, and at the inauguration of a flood levee in San Diego, the assembled crowd are attacked by Bloodrage, who gains strength by sapping energy from the blood of other humans. Animal Man fights and eventually defeats Bloodrage, but temporary loses his powers part way through the battle. When Buddy arrives home, Ellen is concerned about him and the couple argue. While Buddy is working as a stunt coordinator, Bloodrage breaks out of his prison cell and Buddy decides to help fight the villain. However, Buddy soon loses his powers again and is knocked off a tall building.

Last Days of Animal Man #2
“Part Two: Rage”, August 2009
Gerry Conway [w], Chris Batista [p], Brian Bolland [c]
Buddy is rescued by the current Green Lantern of Earth – a blue whale – who also defeats Bloodrage by starving him of oxygen. Watching these events remotely is the villain Prismatik, the estranged daughter of Mirror Master Evan McCulloch, who became a scientist and eventually found her way into the Mirror Dimension to kill her father. Elsewhere, Buddy talks with the Lantern, who confirms that Buddy is rapidly losing his connection to the Morphogenetic Field. After the Lantern leaves, Buddy is attacked by Prismatik. Buddy finds that he can still use his powers when in close proximity to animals, so draws her to the zoo where he absorbs the power of a gorilla. He continues to viciously beat Prismatik until the Justice League arrive.

Action Comics (1938) #879
“Captain Atom, Chapter One” (pp. 21-30), September 2009
James Robinson, Greg Rucka [w], Cafu [p]
In medieval times, Captain Atom attacks a fortified castle and is referred to by the defending army as the “Arrow of the Forlorn”. He suddenly sees a vision of himself addressing Justice League Europe in their headquarters. Captain Atom falls to the ground, with a swordsman taking the opportunity to attack.
Buddy appears in one panel with Justice League Europe.

Last Days of Animal Man #3
“Part Three: Bargain”, September 2009
Gerry Conway [w], Chris Batista [p], Brian Bolland [c]
Buddy is checked over by the Justice League (now referred to as the League of Titans) who confirm that he will likely lose his powers (but not his life) in a few days because the alternations made to his genetic structure are coming undone. Buddy suggests that the League may be able to repair his genes using the DNA of his children, and he returns home. He again fights with Ellen, who had not heard from Buddy and was worried about him. He then visits Maxine and Cliff to obtain DNA samples, and realises that he has negatively influenced his children by focusing on his superheroics and being an absent father and husband. Buddy returns to the League with his children’s DNA but Red Tornado informs Buddy that his plan will not work. Buddy is consoled by Starfire and the pair kiss. Meanwhile, Prismatik is recovering in a high security hospital after her beating and manages to escape using reflective surfaces. She then breaks Bloodrage out of his cell in order to team up with him.

Last Days of Animal Man #4
“Part Four: Despair”, October 2009
Gerry Conway [w], Chris Batista [p], Brian Bolland [c]
After kissing at Unity Island, the current League headquarters in New York, Buddy and Starfire immediately regret their actions. They are then attacked by Bloodrage and Prismatik, who is able to defeat Starfire by reflecting her star energy back at her. Buddy is being severely beaten but has visions about failing his family and is inspired to fight back, using the power of a seal to knock out Prismatik. Using the League’s teleporter, Buddy transports himself and the unconscious Starfire to his home where his family has assembled. Still in the League headquarters, Prismatik decides to summon the rest of the League to her position.

Last Days of Animal Man #5
“Part Five: Accept”, November 2009
Gerry Conway [w], Chris Batista [p], Brian Bolland [c]
The Bakers care for Starfire while Buddy accepts that he has all but lost his superpowers and expresses his gratitude to his family, who he realises are more important to him than being a hero. Meanwhile, the League of Titans have been imprisoned in crystals by Prismatik and Bloodrage who demand a ransom for their release. Buddy considers a way he can help the League, visiting a laboratory on his way to confronting the villains. When he arrives at the League headquarters, Buddy is captured and brought to Times Square to be executed.

Last Days of Animal Man #6
“Part Six: Live”, December 2009
Gerry Conway [w], Chris Batista [p], Brian Bolland [c]
While being beaten by Bloodrage, Buddy converses with the yellow aliens about his origin. Buddy awakens in a hospital to learn that his plan has worked: he obtained the characteristics of the bubonic plague from the lab and then infected the villains, causing them to collapse and freeing the League from their crystal prisons. In hospital, Buddy attempts to heal the weakened villains, but cannot because his powers are permanently gone. Later, Buddy is enjoying working as a stunt coordinator again. Ellen and Buddy are visited by the Green Lantern, who offers Buddy a place in the League of Titans in a support role in their headquarters. Buddy initially refuses, but is convinced by his family to accept the role.

Green Arrow and Black Canary (2007) #26
“Five Stages: Part 2 – Anger” (pp. 11-30), January 2010
Andrew Kreisberg [w], Renato Guedes, Jose Wilson Magalhaes [p]
Green Arrow locates Dinah, only to find another version of himself is living with her. Dinah and Speedy (Mia Dearden) fight Oliver while he tries to convince Dinah that he is her real husband. She eventually believes him and they chase the doppelgänger. Dinah confronts the copy and accuses him of being Hannibal Bates (Everyman) but Bates appears to be confused about his own identity. Bates hides, only to be injected with a drug by an unseen figure. Later, Oliver and Dinah catch up, while two mysterious figures on a boat discuss the next stage of their plan.
Animal Man is shown in one panel with other heroes when Everyman is remembering his past as a false Green Arrow.

‘Blackest Night’ crossover event A Black Lantern battery has formed on the planet Ryut around the body of the Anti-Monitor. The first Black Lantern to emerge is the deceased villain Black Hand, who commences the battle against the light (representing life and emotion) and soon summons Nekron. Blackest Night (2009) #5 January 2010 Geoff Johns [w], Ivan Reis [p] Representatives of the seven Lantern Corps travel to Ryut to locate the Black Lantern battery, but discover that it has moved. The Flash (Barry Allen) confronts Nekron and the Black Hand near the battery at Coast City, and soon the new Flash (Wally West) joins him, closely followed by other heroes. There is a battle, during which the resurrected Jean Loring pulls Atom (Ray Palmer) and Mera into the ring of Black Lantern Damage. The heroes discover that Dove emits a bright light that harms the Black Lanterns; Donna Troy has been bitten and is infected; while three speedsters attempt to free several Guardians imprisoned by the battery. The Lanterns arrive and begin concentrating their light on the battery but Nekron continues to grow stronger. Nekron then resurrects Bruce Wayne, who spews forth more black rings that find their way to superheroes who have previously died and been resurrected. These heroes are transformed into further Black Lanterns. The rings continue to seek Hal Jordan and Barry Allen. Buddy Baker is one of the heroes who arrives at the battle and who is converted by the Black Lantern rings because he had died and been resurrected in the past. Buddy was killed by Dudley in Animal Man #51 (Sept. 1992), and most recently died in 52 #36 (Mar. 2008). Green Lantern (2005) #49 “Tales of the Black Lantern Corps: The Birth of Nekron” (pp. 17-22), February 2010 Geoff Johns [w], Jerry Ordway [p] Atom, Mera, and Black Lantern Jean Loring are inside Damage’s ring. Loring explains the origin of the universe and the eventual creation of a guardian who would defend the darkness against the light: Nekron. Loring explains that Nekron saved and helped to resurrect many heroes over the years so he could later use them in this battle against the light. Nearby, still within the ring, Deadman observes the trio. Buddy is depicted as one of the resurrected heroes now possessed by Nekron. Blackest Night (2009) #6 February 2010 Geoff Johns [w], Ivan Reis [p] The Black Lantern rings pursue Barry Allen and Hal Jordan but they escape by travelling two seconds in the future. Deadman briefly possesses Jean Loring and warns Atom and Mera that more Black Lanterns are coming to Earth. Atom and Mera break free of Loring and escape the ring to join the battle. The leaders of the Lantern Corps realise they must gather Lantern allies from across the universe to help destroy the Black Lantern battery. The guardian Ganthet explains that, in times of great need, some Lantern rings can generate a duplicate and deputise another individual for 24 hours. Ganthet becomes a Green Lantern, while the rings of other Corps seek additional hosts. The rings find Barry Allen (wielder of blue light, representing hope), Lex Luthor (orange light / avarice), Scarecrow (yellow light / fear), Ray Palmer (indigo light / compassion), and Mera (red light / rage). Though Wonder Woman is a Black Lantern, she is able to reject her black ring in exchange for a violet ring, representing love. Buddy appears in a few panels as a Black Lantern. Adventure Comics (2009) #7 “What Did Black Lantern Superboy Do?”, April 2010 Tony Bedard [w], Travis Moore [p] Conner Kent recalls his creation as part of Project Cadmus, before leaving the project and joining the Titans. He discovered that he had been created using Lex Luthor’s DNA and Luthor later gained control over his mind. Conner eventually died in a battle against Superboy-Prime (during Infinite Crisis) but was placed in a Kryptonian Healing Chamber at the fortress of Solitude and resurrected by the Legion of Super-Heroes in the future, before finally returning to the past. In the present, Conner is possessed by Nekron and fights his own girlfriend Cassie Sansmark (Wonder Girl). Because he has developed a resistance to mind-control, Conner fights to take control over his body. He manages to call Krypto and also writes the word ‘Fortress’ in the ground with his heat vision. Taking the hint, Cassie and Krypto travel to the Fortress of Solitude, pursued by Conner. Once at the Fortress, Krypto finds the Conner Kent of the past in the form of a corpse inside the Kryptonian Healing Chamber, awaiting resurrection. The Black Lantern ring feels a pull towards the dead Conner as the future Conner continues to resist the ring. When the ring is between bodies, Conner encases it in ice, and Cassie throws the ring into space. The heroes return the dead Conner to the Healing Chamber so it can be resurrected in the future. Buddy appears in the foreground as the Black Lanterns and the heroes fight. Blackest Night (2009) #8 May 2010 Geoff Johns [w], Ivan Reis [p] Sinestro has bonded with the Entity to become a White Lantern and he destroys Nekron, but Nekron rises again. Meanwhile, Lex is overcome by the Orange light and uncontrollably covets all of the rings, but is knocked unconscious by Larfreeze. Many Lanterns from across the universe arrive to join the fight. Deadman briefly possesses Guy Gardner to inform Hal that they need to bring the Black Hand back to life in order to sever Nekron’s connection to the physical realm. Nekron separates Sinestro from the Entity, but Hal then takes control and all of the resurrected heroes controlled by Nekron are transformed into White Lanterns. Using the white light, the Black Hand is resurrected into a living being again, while the Anti-Monitor is also resurrected and breaks free of the Black Lantern battery, destroying it in the process. Nekron is then destroyed by a number of white rings, which find their way to undead heroes and villains and bring them to life. Barry Allen wonders why Ralph and Sue Dibny are not resurrected. As promised, Sayd agrees to become Larfreeze’s personal guardian, while the Indigo tribe leave the planet with the captured Black Hand. Later, Barry Allen and Hal Jordan converse near Bruce Wayne’s grave and agree that Bruce is not really dead. Elsewhere, police investigate a White Lantern battery in a crater. Buddy appears in a couple of panels as both a Black Lantern and then a White Lantern. As in Blackest Night #5, these are small appearances but depict a major transformation for the character. Untold Tales of Blackest Night (2010) #1 “Sea of Fear” (pp. 1-3, 44-46); “The Evolution of Species” (pp. 8-19); “A Losing Battle” (pp. 20-29), December 2010 Peter J. Tomasi, Adam Schlagman, J.T. Krul [w], Patrick Gleason, Jason Fabok, Ed Benes [p], Tyler Kirkham, Matt Banning, Nei Ruffino [c] Sea of Fear: Lyssa Drak was protector of the Book of Parallax and trainer of Sinestro Corps, but now she is trapped within the book’s pages and is tormented by Black Lanterns. She is eventually pulled from the book by a cloaked figure who explains that she will be needed as the keeper of a new book. The Evolution of Species: Buddy is preparing for a barbecue with his family when they notice that many animals are fleeing the area. Suddenly, the Bakers are confronted by a stampede of undead, extinct animals. Buddy begins to fight them off but is about to be overcome when he sees a vision of Nekron and the animals disappear. Later, Buddy has joined the battle against the undead Black Lanterns when he becomes possessed (which is also depicted in Blackest Night #5). Buddy turns upon Starfire and she struggles to hold him off until he suddenly becomes a White Lantern (see also Blackest Night #8). The Entity tells Buddy that he was able to fight back from death in the past because of his strong connection to his family, and explains that his abilities will need to evolve in the future. Buddy returns home and vows to take control of his life. A Losing Battle: Donna Troy has been bitten by her undead son Robbie but she keeps battling against the Black Lanterns. The Titans come to her aid as she begins to lose control, and they refuse to kill her. Dove tries to heal her with white light but she is fully converted into a Black Lantern when Bruce Wayne is resurrected. Cassie (Wonder Girl) is confronted by her close friends, now as possessed Black Lanterns, but she vows to continue to fight. Buddy only appears in a couple of panels as a Black Lantern in both ‘Sea of Fear’ and ‘A Losing Battle’, but is the main protagonist of ‘The Evolution of Species’.

Cry for Justice (2009) #5
“Cry For Justice: The Lie”, January 2010
James Robinson [w], Mauro Cascioli, Scott Clark [p]
Summary coming soon.

Justice League of America (2006) #41
“Team History”, March 2010
James Robinson [w], Mark Bagley [p]
After Prometheus was allowed to go free after severing the arm of Roy Harper, and after surviving the Blackest Night, Vixen decides to leave the Justice League. When at a hospital to re-bury her son Robert Long, Donna Troy learns of a hostage situation in the children’s ward. After defeating the villains, she is approached by Wonder Woman. Donna wants to retire from being a hero but Wonder Woman has a proposal. Afterwards, Donna begins to gather heroes for a new Justice League, approaching Starfire, Cyborg, and Batman and Robin (who are investigating the emergence of a new group of villains). These heroes join what remains of the old League: Doctor Light, and a damaged Red Tornado. Later, Doctor Light and Guardian approach Mon-El to join, while Hal Jordan and Batman approach Green Arrow. In 1777, Tomahawk and his crew pursue a group of redcoats only to find that the redcoats have been rendered unconscious. Tomahawk’s group find a futuristic device nearby, and Tomahawk experiences visions when he gets too close to it. Miss Liberty arrives and suggests they take the object to Benjamin Franklin. In the present day, Darwin Jones comes across the object in the Smithsonian museum and, when he inspects it, a metahuman emerges.
Buddy is shown on the first page as a Black Lantern in a flashback. This was published between Blackest Night #6 and #7 but the story is set after the Black Lantern threat has passed and is not an official part of that event.

Cry for Justice (2009) #7
“Justice”, April 2010
James Robinson [w], Mauro Cascioli, Scott Clark, Ibraim Roberson [p], Mauro Cascioli [c]
Summary coming soon.
Buddy appears in a couple of panels, helping in Star City.

Justice Society of America (2007) #43
“Emerald City: A Dark Things Epilogue”, November 2010
James Robinson [w], Jesus Merino [p]
Summary coming soon.
Buddy appears in one panel as a vampire.

Starman / Congorilla (2011) #1
“Now & Then”, March 2011
James Robinson [w], Brett Booth [p]
Summary coming soon.

Justice League of America (2006) #53
“Omega, Part 4: Finale”, March 2011
James Robinson [w], Mark Bagley [p]
Summary coming soon.
Buddy appears in one panel.

Justice League of America (2006) #56
“Eclipso Rising, Part Three: The Battle For Emerald City”, June 2011
James Robinson [w], Brett Booth [p]
Summary coming soon.
Buddy appears in a couple of panels.

Justice League of America (2006) #57
“Eclipso Rising, Part Four: Wrath & Vengeance”, July 2011
James Robinson [w], Brett Booth [p]
Summary coming soon.
Buddy appears in a couple of panels attacking the Spectre and corrupted by Eclipso.

Justice League of America (2006) #58
“Eclipso Rising, Part Five: The Destined And The Dying”, August 2011
James Robinson [w], Daniel Sampere, Miguel Sepulveda [p]
Summary coming soon.
Buddy appears in one panel, being kicked by Jesse Quick.

Justice League of America (2006) #59
“Eclipso Rising, Part Six”, September 2011
James Robinson [w], Daniel Sampere [p]
Summary coming soon.
Buddy appears in one panel, being punched by Jesse Quick.

Flashpoint: Legion of Doom (2011) #2
“Fired Up!”, September 2011
Adam Glass [w], Rodney Buchemi [p], Miguel Sepulveda, Jose Villarrubia [c]
Summary coming soon.
This story is set in an alternate ‘Flashpoint’ timeline.

Flashpoint (2011) #5
“Flashpoint, Part Five of Five”, October 2011
Geoff Johns [w], Andy Kubert [p]
In the ‘Flashpoint’ crossover, Barry Allen (Flash) awakens in a reality in which his mother is still alive but a war between the Amazons and Atlanteans threatens to destroy the world.  In issue #5, the Reverse-Flash explains that Barry caused history to change when he travelled back in time to prevent his mother’s death. There is a large battle during which Reverse-Flash and Batman (Thomas Wayne) are killed. After saying goodbye to his mother, Flash travels back in time and prevents himself from saving his mother. A mysterious figure (Pandora) explains that he must unite three timelines (the DC, Vertigo, and Wildstorm Universes). Flash awakens and tells Batman (now Bruce again) what happened and gives him a letter from his father Thomas.
Animal Man appears when some of the Vertigo Universe characters get incorporated into the ‘New 52’ DC Universe.

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[w] denotes writer, [p] denotes penciller, but I have included both penciller and inker if both are credited equally as artists. [c] denotes cover artist when it is a main series or Animal Man appears on the cover.