However this blog is not here to praise Johns' run or the past GL universe run, it is to look ahead, after all a end signifies the opportunity for a new beginning. Green Lantern under the guidance of Johns and Tomasi, has grown into a wonderful fictional universe, which has had 4 books, and now 5 with the new Larfleeze hitting shelves. With all books undergoing new creative changes, this is a very interesting time, to see how the Green Lantern universe will carry on without its legendary creators. Personally I did not fully dive into the universe and my knowledge of the Johns run, (or the other books) is limited, thus I believe I can offer a interesting perspective on the shape of the new universe, as a relative new reader. I read each book and had this to offer in insight.
* Note All the issues in this post will be discussed in detail so SPOILERS, you've been warned
BOOK # 1
Green Lantern # 21:
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| The book following in some BIG footsteps |
New Creative Team: Rob Vendetti and Billy Tan
Story: Hal Jordan has been promoted by the New Guardians to be the leader of the Corps and this leads to a very interesting direction with the poster boy for irresponsible having to take on responsibility. Additionally Carol essentially breaks up with Hal, saying that her ring is powered by love, and she does not want to risk not loving Hal anymore. Oa is under attack by Larfreeze, and the Central Power battery is under attack by a new threat known as Relic. Reinforcements come in the face of very underwhelming new recruits.
Art: This is my first introduction to Billy Tan, and I must say I am impressed, though I preferred Dough Mahnke's style overall ( a true great), I believe Tan is a elite artist and brings allot to the table. His facial work is the part of the art which I find a tad lacking, however overall I believe Tan makes Oa and all the intergalactic feel of the story really pop. Conversely Tan was able to get much out of the subtle Carol/Hal sequences. This book is in good hands on art.
Overall Impression: WOW, did this issue deliver on all fronts. Obviously being the main title in the Green Lantern section of the universe, and filling the shoes of Geoff Johns gives this book the biggest burden. However I'd say Vendetti at least hit a stand up double, if not quite hit a homerurn in his first crack at the Green Lantern book. I like his style, of showing the battle at the beginning, by going non linear, it allowed a nice mixing of the pace. the Action was appropriate, yet the dialogue, and plot was stellar. Vendeitti has a clear voice in this issue, and it is different from Johns, yet still has quality.
What I love is the book is back to Hal 100 percent in the New 52 for the first time. The buddy cop thing with Sinestro was great, and Baz was a great character to meet, but now we get Hal with more on his plate then ever. I also like how we get a seemingly contradictory push to the book of Oa in the epilogue of GL #20, with Carol and Hal breaking up. I like this because it creates more avenues for the plot to grow, and also sets up some more inner team tension (which I will touch on later in GL New Guardians #21)
The book had many interconnected threads with the other books, with Kyle and the guardians having discussions, Larfreeze's attack in the same month of his new book, Relic seeming to be a villain that will cross all books in some way, and an appearance by John. I like being interconnected, yet I know it is a negative for some who just want to enjoy a more stand alone story. (Though I think the books will be enjoyable by themselves)
I love the direction of the new recruits, because it seems they may not be quite worthy. Initially Kyle did not fit the typical bill of a GL, so there are some parallels. It is logical that with so many deaths from the Wrath of the First Lantern, that the rings will latch onto a lower standard of wearers. This plot point I believe will be a key part of the books direction in Hal's leadership role.
If I had to score Green Lantern 21, I would give it a 8.5/10 and a excellent start to the new era. I would recommend it to anyone interesting in exploring the universe. It is a great jumping on point, it shall be very intriguing to see where they go from here.
BOOK # 2:
Green Lantern Corps # 21:
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| Will the new team give a bigger spotlight to John Stewart? |
Story: The story has 3 components, it deals John Stewart primarily trying to save a planet known as Kosh from intergalactic terrorists. He is joined by Fatality/Yra, and this leads to a lot relationship talk, which offers a nice part to the story. the second component is new recruits to the GL Corps, a warrior, a elderly man, a mute and a mother, we catch a glimpse into their lives and will learn more along the way. The third is Salaaks resignation of protocol officer,and the overall universal impression of the Corps following the first Lantern events, which has sullied their reputation. The book has interconnection with the GL proper titile, in the form of the Larfleeze attack and Salaak's resignations, along with the general Corps turmoil, and the new recruit angle.
Art: I believe the art is a strong point of this book, I LOVE the style. It gives it an almost animated feel, which plays nicely with the story, and the color choices and designs pop really nicely with the many unique and interesting creatures and intergalactic feel o the whole book. The art is the strongest point of this book.
Overall Impression: I am not a regular GL Corps reader, in fact this is my first issue outside # 1, and I was very intrigued going in. I understood the team wanted to focus more on John Stewart (naturally with Guy becoming a Red Lantern this works), growing up with the Justice League and Justice League Unlimited cartoons of the DCAU, John Stewart was my Green Lantern. This is a prevailing opinion of many, which is why I believe he has maintained as a strong fan favorite. This direction was a selling point on the issue.
In execution this issue acts very much as a set up issue, we set up the alien threat in the "Durlans", we set up the Corps unrest, we set up the Fatality relationship discussion and we set up the new Corp members, but I feel this issue lacked the proper oomph in story depth or events. The action with John battling the aliens on Kosh was well drawn and I always love the differences between the Earth lanterns fighting styles illustrated (John the precise architecht), however this issue made m wanting more. However I feel the seeds have been planted for a potentially great story, and we just have to see if we get a tree out of this.
If I had to score the issue I would give it a 6.5/10, however keeping in mind I believe it has provided the potential set up for a great overall arc. The potential is there, we need the execution now, and John Stewart deserves it! Also the art is great, do not sleep on that.
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| The DCAU made John Stewart a sentimental favorite to many. |
BOOK # 3:
Green Lantern New Guardians # 21:
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| Kyle as the White Lantern embarking on missions with the Guardians |
New Creative Team: Justin Jordan and Brad walker
Story: Kyle Rayner is asked to assist the Guardians in becoming more in tuned with the universe, to help guide them in rebuilding their image. Kyle initially declines, but Hal talks Kyle into it. Kyle has a discussion with Carol while packing his apartment which leads into the discussion of Carol and Hal's breakup ( faint possible romantic overtones are present as a possible story branch). Kyle then assists the Guardians in examining a cosmic anomaly, it is there Kyle battles Exeter the guard of the anomaly, the power ring Kyle uses awakens the anomaly who is reveled to be Relic (who again seems to be crossing into most of the books)
Art: I have yet to see Brad Walkers work before reading this issue, but man am I pumped for the rest of the story. I believe Walker did a excellent job and really gave the characters a very human feel. I enjoyed every panel, from the scenes at Oa to Kyle's apartment. Walker seems to be a great artists, and a great fit for the book, and I can not wait to read the next issue solely on the strength of the art!. Also he drew a mean space shark!
Overall Impression: This is my first Justin Jordan issue, and I was very curious to read his work, as I heard he did a good job on the now cancelled Deathstroke. This issue had a lot of interconnected threads (which I believe all books will in some capacity, but read fine as a stand alone. Kyle's role gives new meaning to the title New Guardians, as I view his job as the ultimate PR man, cleaning up the Guardians tarnished image...of course while kicking ass at the same time. I am curious to see if this book is the one where Relic will begin his prominence or the proper title. I am not a fan of the potential of a Kyle, Carol romance....but that may be me looking too much into the scene.
This really is my first exposure to Kyle, and I believe this book delivers on making me care abou tthe character. With the great art I would recommend it too anyone interested, though the story is a bit slow. However I give this issue a 7.8/10 based on the art and the overall good execution. I also trust Justin Jordan.
BOOK # 4:
Red Lanterns # 21:
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| Guy giving Red Lanterns a more "human touch" |
Story: We see the the Red Lanterns and Atrocitus kill a Guardian informant, while planning a strategy to recruit more Red Lanterns to replace their thinning numbers post First Lantern. Meanwhile Hal needs a new Lantern on the inside and turns to Guy in order to don a Red ring again to help out the Corps. Guy mulls this over and decided to do it. Guy offers Atrocitus his help, Atrocitus sees threw the ploy and attacks Guy, Guy rages back (seeing his inner monologue), we learn that perhaps Guy does not really like being in the Corps and feels second best, and he beats Atrocitus into submission and takes his Red ring and becomes a Red Lantern.
Art: The art style by Vitti was interesting, but I think a downside to the book. I did not like the facial work on the characters, and I felt that Guy looked almost too fat or meaty in this issue. The characters were a bit too bold. It was not great work, but it does redeem itself in the violent scenes which there are plenty of. The gruesome nature of the rage full Atrocitus and Guy were done well and is a good trait to have in this book. However overall the art was not a strong suit. (By the way to clarify, anytime I judge someones art, I am talking about in the relation to the others in the medium as a whole, Vitti is obviously a very talented artist overall)
Overall Impression: This is my new introduction to Guy Gardner, and I must say I am imprssed with the amount of character Soule gives to Guy. A undercover cop story is always fun, and with the intergalactic scale this can be downright awesome. Guy Gardner is the perfect mix of honest, hard working, brash, on the age, genuine and hungry to prove himself. The perfect lead for a undercover story.
Another point is though we see Hal, this book seems to be less involved in the going on's of the other books, which in my opinion is a strength as it stands alone the best and dedicates the most to the story.
With rela inner turmoil with Guy, the awesome concepts of the Red Lanterns, and the fact we are not sure if Guy is relaly playing a role or is TRULY giving into the rage, makes this perhaps the most intriguing book of the new Green Lantern Era. The art is a negative however I give Red Lanterns # 21 a solid 8.7/10 and can not wait for more!
BOOK # 5:
Larfleeze
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| Larfleeze has a book he will NEVER have to share! |
Story: The Larfleeze ORIGIN tale! Told by the not so honest words of Larfleeze himself! (well the pictures give a more accurate detail). Essentially this story is Larfleeze reminiscing to his slave butler (and last possession), as they are on the very edge of the universe. They discover Larfleeze no long needs his battery to recharge his Orange ring (probably due to the fact his is the sole ring bearer, or so we think)
Art: The art is very bright and colorful, and the book has a very un feel to it, along with the art. Kollins brings the flare to this issue, and provides a solid job. I would not rank the art in the upper echelon of comic book artitsts, but it certaintley is closer to the median. It does not disappoint.
Overall Impression: The debut issue of Larfleeze's solo book was one that certainly brings a different flavor. If the other books are chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, and orange sherbert....this is like one wacky rainbow skittles, Oreo hybrid flavor of ice cream. It is not serious and is just loads of fun. The butler is funny exposition and witty banter, and the Laord the Hunter and his loyal mutt offer.
No interconnected points with the other books. To some this may feel off from the universe as whole, however it really in essence is showcasing the different corners of this expansive GL universe. The humour and light tone is not only unique to the Green Lantern universe but seemingly DC as well.
While a good story, its almost too "out there" for the reader to feel too invested in the direction of Larfleeze, what this story needs to work on for future issues is building Larfleeze's characters and making readers more invested in it. I would give this story a 7.4, with the following issues pivitol to the success of this series!
Overall Conclusions: Johns and Tomasi did a great job of building a expansive universe in GL, and now is the first time the reigns are being explored in new ways. The first month of the new era was solid, and acted as a excellent jumping on point for new readers to the universe as w hole (which I consider myself. The great thing is the variety of books allows for people to get a variety of choices... if you wanna follow the characters (Hal, John, Kyle, Guy or Larfleeze, you have your book. If you want the theme, you have the standard Green Lantern theme in the proper title, the team aspect in Corps, the missionary/exploration in New Guardians, the undercover cop in Red Lanterns and the wacky in Larfleeze.
The books work together, but also work well as stand alone stories, and people should not be intimidated by that aspect. Each book layed the foundation and now it is time to build on this great universe and move on from the previous success of Johns and Tomasi (and Bedard and Milligan , in their smaller runs). This is the start which makes me believe this universe's foundation is in good hands.
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| The New Era is in Session |
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