The Guardians' deception is revealed - they were not the first living things in the universe. Before they existed came The Entity, the very essence of life itself. The Guardians hid the Entity on Earth, and that is why Nekron has focused his attentions there. In order to destroy all life in the universe, he intends to kill the Entity.

Even bonded with the Entity, Sinestro can't think in terms of life. He attempts to use it's power to engage Nekron in battle. While he triumphs easily, Death itself can't be conquered by killing it. By possessing Guy Gardner, Deadman explains that the only reason Nekron can exist in the universe physically is because he has tethered himself to Black Hand. With his death, Nekron was able to enter the world. In order to banish him again, William Hand must live again.

Bonding with the Entity, Hal Jordan calls a White Lantern Corps into existence. Those heroes that Black Hand laid claim to, all that have died and returned, find themselves wearing White Rings capable of bestowing life. William Hand is resurrected, destroying Nekron's tether and freeing the Anti-Monitor. Before the white energy dissipates, a group of heroes and villains are resurrected. With that last act, the Blackest Night ends with the dawning of the Brightest Day.