The Blog of OA: Salaak

Showing posts with label Salaak. Show all posts

5/28/12

Animated Series Episode 13 Review - "Homecoming"

5/28/2012

For weeks now Green Lantern: The Animated Series has built to a crescendo and this week fans got to experience what we all hoped for - a finale filled with epic moments that illustrate what we love most about the Green Lantern mythology. Like all the episodes before it, not a moment was wasted on screen during the thirteenth episode, "Homecoming", and in fact there was more to the story than the creators could fit in according a tweet by the episode's director, Sam Liu, who said that there were some great moments that had to be eliminated prior to the episode reaching the animation stage. It's hard to imagine this episode being much better because the finished product is near perfect.

Clips for Animated Series Episode "Homecoming"

5/25/2012

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The Cartoon Network has provided clips from the May 26th episode of Green Lantern: The Animated Series, "Homecoming". This is the final episode for this first "mini-season" of thirteen and features the debut of a blue wearing Saint Walker.

Here's the synopsis of the episode:

Atrocitus wreaks vengeance on Oa, as the Red Lantern armada crosses into Green Lantern space – with only Kilowog to stop them. It’s up to Hal to take the shortcut back to Earth by teleporting across the universe from the Star Sapphires’ homeworld of Zamora and stop Atrocitus and Zilius Zox from killing the Guardians.

Green Lantern: The Animated Series airs on the Cartoon Network Saturday mornings at 10am and is available for digital download from Amazon on Demand, iTunes, PSN and the Zune Marketplace on the Xbox 360.

Green Lantern Corps #8 Review

4/25/2012

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After last month's pause in the action and the emotional story of Kirrt's family in issue seven, the eighth issue of Green Lantern Corps launches into the "Alpha War" as John Stewart begins to face the consequences of his actions during the Keeper battle. Writer Peter Tomasi takes this first issue of his next arc to lay the foundation for a story that is likely to be filled with all the drama and action we've come to expect from him.

Podcast of Oa Episode 15

2/02/2012

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Hosts Bill Giancoli and Myron Rumsey have a special interview with Green Lantern Salaak in their latest Green Lantern Spotlight segment and there’s more discussion about the First Lantern and seeds planted about the character in past issues of Green Lantern and Emerald Warriors.

The fifth issues of Green Lantern Corps and New Guardians are discussed and listeners respond to the call for comments about the Red Lanterns. There’s more news about the launch date of the Green Lantern animated series as well as the loss of one of the show’s cast as well as information about other Green Lantern websites and podcasts.

The Podcast of Oa is the official podcast of the Blog of Oa and a proud member of the Comics Podcast Network. Share your comments and questions by calling the show’s voicemail line at 406-PODOFOA (406-763-6362) and Skype users can leave a voicemail on the show's account, blogofoa. Send your emails to greenlantern@stny.rr.com. You can also find the Blog and Podcast of Oa on Facebook and Google+.

Green Lantern and other related characters are the copyrighted property of DC Comics Inc. and are used without permission. The Blog of Oa and the Podcast of Oa are fan productions and do not claim any ownership over the Green Lantern or any other copyrighted properties.

Show Links
Heroes Your Mom Threw Out Digital Comics Portal
Comicbloc
The Green Lantern Corps Website / Forum
Lanterncast
Raging Bullets

Show Notes
00:00:00 Intro
00:01:56 The First Lantern
00:13:18 GL Corp #5
00:28:00 Salaak Interview
00:34:43 New Guardians #5
00:44:58 Listener Feedback
01:03:59 News and Outro

Green Lantern Corps #5 Review

1/22/2012

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It's the calm before the storm in this week's issue of the Green Lantern Corps and as both side prepare for war the mystery of the relationship between the Keepers and Guardians is exposed. Guy assembles his strike force while John and the rest of the captive Green Lanterns are submitted to all matters of torture in an attempt to pry the information the Keepers need to breech Oan airspace.

The Story -

Where's a Snake Plissken reference when you need one?

Guy Gardner inerrupts Kilowog's training to get information about the toughest members the Corps has to offer (outside of himself, of course), but little does the human know that four of the roughest members have a secret hangout underneath Warriors and have been making liberal use of the bar's stock. After discovering the hangout of the "Mean Machine" Guy recruits the four members unwinding there: Lee, Bronchuk, Aldo and Flint.

Gardner's team, the four members of the Mean Machine, Hannu, Sheriff, Isamot Kol and Brik, are briefed by the Martian Manhunter, who shares the history of the Keepers. Urak was a world with a unique structure that allowed the Guardians to tune the power rings and batteries in such a way that a portal would allow Green Lanterns to store their batteries on the planet's surface to be summoned when needed. This was a measure that answered the problem caused by the need for a recharge at inopportune times for Green Lanterns; a situation that led to more than a few deaths.

However Urak was inhabited by a species who was barely surviving on the sparse resources that the planet provided, so the Guardians struck a deal with the Urakians wherein they would be provided for in exchange for tending to the power batteries. The batteries in turn provided energy that fed the planet and allowed it to thrive while also infusing the force of will into the Urakians' DNA. Then, for some unknown reason, the Guardians removed the batteries from Urak without notice, leaving the Urakians to fend for themselves on a rapidly dying world, leading them to respond by stealing the resources of others and now plotting to regain their connection to the power of will by taking the Central Power Battery.

With that the Martian Manhunter disappears and the team begins to think that the Keepers might be able to be overcome with fear, prompting Guy to think of using one of the Sinestro Corps members as a fear bomb. They'll also need some guns, so after stowing their living fear bomb on an Interceptor the team sets out to get some weaponry.

Meanwhile the leader of the Keepers is torturing John Stewart and his fellow imprisoned Green Lanterns on Urak. The mission of the Keepers is a very personal one for them having lost so much and survived the harsh existence that they have faced since the Guardians reneged on their agreement. Promising to remove the ring finger from every Green Lantern and plant them in the Emerald Plains all the Keepers need to execute their strategy is a way to break through the forcefield surrounding Oa, but the resolve of John and his team continues to be a barrier that cannot be broken.

The scene between John and his captors is a highlight of this issue

The Green, the Bad, and the Ugly!

In deep space the Interceptor and her crew inserts themselves into a cosmic arms deal and achieve their goal of stealing the weapons they need to take the war to the Keepers and free their fellow Green Lanterns. With that the issue comes to a close, promising an action filled conclusion to the first story arc in next month's sixth issue.

The Writing -

This issue has some great high points and the reader can't help but see the connections between the Man Machine and the casts of action films over the years. So since we're going there, here's the Good, the Bad and the Ugly about this issue from a writing perspective.

The Good - The whole sequence between the leader of the Keepers and John's team is superb. After witnessing the well told story of the Keepers it's very easy to understand and empathize with their plight despite the severity of their response to being stripped of the existence they had as a result of their good faith agreement with the Guardians. The leader of the Urakians in particular is a character I hope survives the melee to follow next month. Likewise I really enjoyed the dialogue between Guy and Salaak about taking extreme measures to fix another Guardian mess, a recurring problem that hints that there is so much more going on behind the scenes that we don't know yet with regard to the Guardians and their actions both past and present.

The Bad - While I think the references to old action movies is kind of a neat idea I'll admit that I found it distracting due to the heavy handedness of the characterizations, names and likenesses of the Mean Machine. Lee, Flint, Bronchuk and Aldo are such obvious amalgams of people like Lee Marvin, Clint Eastwood, Charles Bronson and Arnold Schwarzenegger with perhaps some Lee Van Cleef, Chuck Norris and Brad Pitt's character Aldo from Inglorious Bastards thrown in for good measure. It's not clever like Geneva spelled backwards in the "Treaty of Av-eneg" in issue four or Isamot being Tomais backwards and it just comes off as lazy writing to me. We know not everyone is going to survive, gee what characters might that be? And don't get me started on the Fat Man and Little Boy......

The Ugly - Last month the Martian Manhunter stated he'd be wiping Gardner's mind when their encounter was over and in this issue you get the impression that he he did just that when he leaves the team behind and Guy's conversation falters, but later on Gardner references J'onzz in his dialogue with Salaak - a bad case of not following your own continuity. Do Green Lanterns really need to resort to guns other than to complete the action movie shtick?

The Art -

Like the writing the art has some ups and downs this issue. I love the character design work Fernando Pasarin put in on the leader of the Keepers and the work on him really drives home the intensity of the Tomasi's dialogue. Likewise the whole sequence where we learn the story behind the Keepers is very engaging and the panel design work is very creative.

On the downside I have a problem seeing the Mean Machine look like they walked off the set of a war movie and slapped a Green Lantern logo on their clothes. These are not men who would be a part of a galactic peace force in my mind and the terminator like appearance of Aldo just pushed the cheese factor over the edge for me. Likewise the weapons resemble Earth weapons waaaayyyy too much for my tastes.

What Do I Think?

Issue five had a great potential to be a great build-up for the conclusion of the first story arc for the Green Lantern Corps title, but it falls short with the heavy handed way that it compares this story to war and action films of American cinema rather than letting the reader do that themselves. What I'm sure was planned to be a great penultimate chapter in an outstanding story instead reads like a bit of a lazy effort depending on how much leeway the reader is willing to give the creative team. Three out of five lanterns.

Green Lantern Corps #4 Review

12/29/2011

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The first skirmish between the Keepers and the Green Lantern Corps is over, but the war itself has just begun. Issue four of Green Lantern Corps speaks to the nature of war and the effect on those who survive while both sides deal with their captive prisoners. Writer Peter Tomasi also begins to reveal the history between the Guardians and the newest threat to the Corps.

The Story -

When we last left our squad of lanterns on Xabas in issue three they were surrounded by the agents of the Keepers. Faced with a dire situation John Stewart dares their captors to re-engage in battle, but with their rings nearly drained of energy they pose no threat. Vandor manage to gain the upper hand for a moment but is stymied when he learns that he cannot use the Keepers' energy blades against their owners.

John attempts to surrender, but the Keepers drive home the point that their conflict is beyond the conventions of war by driving an energy sword through one of the ring slingers' heads as another casualty of war. Vandor cannot contain his fury over the senseless murder, but John asserts his leadership and reminds him that they are better off saving a confrontation for a better time.

The true face of the enemy revealed.

On Oa Guy Gardner interrogates the Keeper prisoner who his being prevented from willing himself to death so that Guy and Salaak can try to find out more about their mysterious new enemies. Removing the mask Guy reveals the nearly transparent emerald skeletal form beneath, but Salaak is unable to identify the species in the enormous catalog of information at his disposal. Guy tries to intimidate his captive, but nothing he does i able to reveal an information about their new enemies.

Elsewhere on Oa three of the Green Lanterns who joined John earlier are all dealing with survivor's guilt in different ways. Hannu takes his frustrations about leaving his comrades behind on Xabas out on the terrain. Other members of John's original team face similar challenges with Isamot Kol plagued by nightmares that force him to relive the events that led to the loss of his limbs, finding Sheriff Mardin unable to sleep as well. While Hannu continues to pummel the rocks Isamot and Sheriff find consolation in the training chambers.

"The Green Mile"

Having teleported to the Keepers' planet we see a clue to the past relationship between them and the Green Lantern Corps. As they walk through the Emerald Plains we see familiar shapes in the ground that look like impressions made from power batteries. We don't know where the Green Lanterns are being taken, but it's likely that wherever they are going they will be learning a bit more about the Corps than the Guardians want them to know.

Guy has reached a stalemate with his captive on Oa, but the Martian Manhunter arrives to pry the beings minds open. By the conversation between the two it's easy to say that the Martian's history is one of those more affected by the Flashpoint relaunch as we see that Guy not only has no recollection of the Manhunter, but he has no admiration of the Corps, blaming them for not coming to Mars' aid in its darkest hour. While he reveals some information to the Green Lantern, it's made clear that once the Manhunter's investigation for Stormwatch is complete and he has discovered the Keepers' goal, the Martian plans on wiping Guy's recollection of what transpires from his mind.

The mental probe by the Martian reveals that the Keepers once took care of the Green Lanterns' power batteries when there were stored in a "pocket universe". The Keepers were responsible for taken care the batteries, but at some point the Guardians instructed the Corps to cease using that method to store them. As usual the Guardians provided no explanation to their Green Lanterns but it is safe to assume that whatever caused the change in policy didn't sit well with the Keepers. The issue ends with the revelation that the Keepers plan is to capture the Central Power Battery on Oa for their own.

More secrets of the Corps exposed

The Writing -
The action in this issue slows down considerably and it needs to with the frenetic pace that the book has been on. This time Tomasi takes the use of the much needed pause to establish more of the plot and he uses this opportunity to reveal what we need to know about the Keepers and further develop the cast all the while keeping the tension wrapped tight.

The notion that the the Keepers maintained the power batteries for the Green Lantern's is a great revelation; I'd always wondered what happened when a battery was put there. It's no shock that the Guardians didn't reveal the knowledge of the Keepers to the Corps as well as making sure no record of them exists, but what makes this really fascinating is not knowing why the Keepers did it and why the Guardians stopped using them. With only two issues left in the first arc I trust that Tomasi will reveal at least some of the details.

I really liked how time was spent showing that the events on Xabas affected those who were there. The ways in which Hannu, Isamot and Sheriff dealt with their guilt and frustration were revealing and added to their character. I also found the appearance of the Martian Manhunter interesting since I haven't been reading Stormwatch and didn't know how his role in the new DC Universe might have changed from the pre-Flashpoint continuity. The cameo did what was needed in getting us more information and reminding us that each book is a part of a larger universe without seeming forced in any way.

The Art -
Three distinct images in this issue stood out in my mind in particular when I think back on what I read. One was seeing the death of the Green Lantern on Xabas, a construct sword thrust through his skull. The second the reveal of the skeletal appearance of the Keepers and then the image of captive Green Lanterns as they enter the Emerald Plains and see the impressions of the power batteries on the ground. All three of those images really stuck with me long after I put the book down and that's a testament to the great work that Fernando Pasarin did with this issue.

What Do I Think?
Both Green Lantern Corps and New Guardians keep fighting for the number two spot in my Green Lantern food chain and this issue, while perhaps light on the action, was a great read in terms of plot and character development. In the overall story the change of pace was needed so the story could breathe a little bit before the pace picks up again. Five out of five lanterns.

Green Lantern: New Guardians #3 Review

11/27/2011

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When we last saw Kyle Rayner the power rings from the rest of the emotional spectrum had jumped onto his fingers and transformed the former Torchbearer into something that perhaps Krona was looking for all along, a being capable of harnessing all the emotions in the spectrum at one time. Issue three picks up the action right where issue two left off, and things aren't going to get better any time sooner for Kyle when all Oa breaks loose.

The Story -

The strain takes its toll on Kyle

The Guardians stand before Kyle Rayner as dumbstruck as Guardians can be, with Ganthet being the only Guardian not surprised by Kyle's ability to wear all seven power rings. Rayner lays into the Guardians despite Salaak's protests but it's only moments before wearing all the rings goes haywire and Kyle begins to shut down from the strain.

In the space above Oa Saint Walker is unaware of what's transpiring below him and as the rest of the New Guardians appear he is overpowered by the greater numbers as he tries to explain that the Green Lantern did not steal the rings. Perhaps tainted by the presence of Bleez they don't here the reason in the Blue Lantern's voice and they defy the Guardians' edict and enter Oan airspace in search of Kyle Rayner.

Kyle Rayner collapses and all the power rings are destroyed as a result of their energies combining - except for the Orange Lantern ring and Kyle's original Green Lantern ring. Ganthet reveals that Krona himself had managed to command all seven of the emotions at once for a moment and then attempts to remove Kyle's ring, but finds he cannot. Salaak has had enough of the disorder and goes after Kyle, knocking him unconscious before being sent to guard the entrance to the citadel.

Beware the orange, ALWAYS BEWARE THE ORANGE!

Ganthet notes that something has changed in Kyle, perhaps as a result of wearing the rings, that prohibits the removal of his Green Lantern ring. Just as the ring of avarice is removed it transforms into Glomulus, revealing that it was never really a ring at all. The Orange Lantern wakes Kyle for help while the Guardians ponder dissecting the construct. The Guardians realize that while Glomulus is no average construct he is incapable of devising a plan to pretend to be a power ring and begin to suspect that Larfleeze might be behind everything.

Just then the rest of the New Guardians burst into the citadel and chaos ensues. Saint Walker discovers the changes in Ganthet first hand when his reunion with his Guardian is met with attack from his former master. The attacks don't seem to phase the Guardians of Oa and they remind everyone that they no longer feel anything, underscoring the recent changes that they've somehow imposed on themselves. Before long the Guardians have incapacitated everyone and proclaim that the fallen New Guardians are now the property of the Oans.

The Guardians claim they feel nothing, but do they really?

The plot's mastermind!?

The issue ends as Larfleeze enters the citadel claiming that they actually all belong to him, arriving on the head of a rather worse for wear looking Sayd. The next issue promises the revelation of the secret of the stolen rings and Kyle Rayner's last act as a member of the Green Lantern Corps.

The Writing -

Tony Bedard has delivered a great issue this month, with the plot moving along to a great surprise ending while putting enough elements in to reinforce the shared universe feeling. While there's not many character moments here, that's not really needed at this point in the story and all we need to know about the characters are played out in their actions.

While we kind of knew that Larfleeze would be playing a role in this story, it was a great to see how he arrived on the scene, promising to keep the action level high when issue four rolls around. What has me really interested in where things go is the appearance of Sayd and what has happened to her, and how her appearance might have an impact on Ganthet. We know that Larfleeze mentioned that he sent her on a mission WAY back in 2010's Green Lantern #56 and we haven't seen her since and connecting the pieces seems to point to her being the one to help Larfleeze put this plan into motion - not that we really know what he's after at this point.

There's not much here to dislike, although I do feel like we could have arrived at this point in the story at the end of issue two if the script were a little tighter. If I weren't enjoying the ride as much as I am I might take issue with this, but because I find myself really looking forward to this series it's not really an issue for me.

The Art -
This issue the art work is shared between the always awesome Tyler Kirkham and Harvey Tolibao. I've been impressed for the most part with the quality of the artwork although I took the book to task last month over the inconsistency of showing Kyle's eyes through his mask. I have had some nagging concerns about the rather schizophrenic appearance of the Guardians who one moment show a great deal of emotion and then next are expressionless, but I can't tell yet if that's intentional. Is it an intentional reflection what's going on inside the Guardians or is is a lack of faithful continuity to how they've changed themselves since the War of the Green Lanterns? Since we don't know I'm not passing judgement.

What Do I Think?
There's a trend to end a lot of comics these days with a surprise or shock ending, and Green Lantern: New Guardians continues that trend. Sprinkled with more information about the early days of the Guardians and the their exploration of the emotional spectrum, Saint Walker's hopeful reunion with Ganthet going awry, and the arrival of Larfleeze, this third issue has a lot to like. Four out of five lanterns.

Green Lantern Corps #3 Review

11/20/2011

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The Green Lantern Corps, bent but not broken from their battle with their new foes, face off against overwhelming odds in the third issue of Pete Tomasi's post relaunch title. The pulse pounding action starts on the first panel, grabs you by the throat and doesn't let go until you put the book down.

The Story -

Porter makes his case

The team of Green Lanterns on the planet Xabas are severely outnumbered, outgunned and completely surrounded by the warriors of the Keepers and as the small band of emerald brothers try to hold out against the overwhelming odds Guy Gardner reaches out to Salaak to send reinforcements. While he has trouble believing Gardner's assessment of their foes, Salaak realizes that if Gardner is asking for help it must the most dire of situations.

Salaak gathers a battalion of unassigned Lanterns and prepares to send on the three hour trek from Oa to the front-line. However one of them, Porter, proposes using his innate ability to teleport to cut the travel time down and improve their chances at doing more than picking up the pieces left behind in the battle. Despite Salaak's protests he agrees and in moments Porter has the rest of his teammates off the surface of Oa.

It appears that they may not arrive in time as John Stewart and the rest of his squad are on their last legs, except for Isamot Kol who lost his limbs last issue but is doing a fine job using his power ring on his serpentine tongue. The warriors that team captured in issue two are also close to getting free with the Green Lanterns having all they can manage to ward off the oncoming waves of attackers let alone keep the constructs binding their captives intact. However the prisoners have another strategy in mind to protect the Corps from learning more about them and they begin to actually will themselves to death.

John tries to learn the weakness of the enemy

That doesn't set well with John Stewart, who manages to knock one of them out in all the mayhem so that he will be alive to be interrogated further. A scan of the unconscious warrior proves that they are also harnessing the power of will but the realization may be coming too late as the numbers of enemies bring Guy Gardner to the conclusion that they are making their last stand.

Fortunately for them Porter's gamble worked and they arrive in the nick of time to literally lay the hammer down on the warriors. The tide of battle turned, the Green Lanterns make quick work of the fight and begin to help the planet's inhabitants. The effort to get the Corps to Xabas has taken a toll on Porter, who is bleeding from the eyes from the strain it took on him. But knowing that a second wave of attackers is only moments away from starting the battle anew, he prepare to teleport everyone back to Oa.

The next wave comes, stronger than the first and as the battle begins to rage again Porter makes his move and in a blink of an eye the Lanterns and their captive are whisked back to Oa. The second effort proves to be too much for Porter, who collapses and dies in Guys arms. Despite Porter's dying efforts he was unable to get all the Green Lanterns off Xabas and the issue closes with the image of John Stewart, Vandor and a handful of Green Lanterns surrounded by the hostile warriors with Guy Gardner promising to bring a universe of hurt in issue four.

The Writing -

Porter's sacrifice

Pete Tomasi has this issue full of rings to the wall action and the pacing reflects that with this issue moving so fast that by the time I reached the end I was wondering if there were pages missing. There's little time for meaningful dialogue or character development and in reviewing this as a single issue I'd call it out for a lack of balance, but taken in the context of the larger story being told this issue represents that part of the action movie where all hell breaks loose making this issue exactly what it needs to be.

While this issue is very action heavy, there is also a bit of plot development as the cast finds out more about the enemy and we learn just how strong their will is. Tying this to the narrative going on in the main Green Lantern title and the revelation about the Guardian's new mission in the third issue, one has to wonder where the Keepers may fit into this whole "Third Army" business.

If there is a weakness in this issue it's found in the contrivance of the character of Porter, a never before seen character who just so happens to have the one ability to come in handy in the situation facing the protagonists. I'm not downplaying the sacrifice the character was willing to make, but the whole nature of creating a character with a special ability only to have them make the ultimate sacrifice doing the one thing only he can do is lazy writing to me and I think too much of the Tomasi's work to give it a pass because he is better than that.

Likewise we have a score of characters never seen before and I wonder if the "not everyone makes it out alive" teaser that was made about this first arc just means that some of these characters were just conceived to be the Ensign Smith red shirt that beams down to the planet in Star Trek only to die in the teaser at the hands of this week's bad guy. If this new threat is to have any meaningful lasting power there needs to be some weight behind it that shows this is serious business. I'm not calling for the head of either of the two leads, but someone with some history needs to take a dirt nap if we're going to take the Keepers as real threats.

The Art -

Fernando Pasarin is out for this issue, with Geraldo Borges stepping up to the plate on pencils. Borges work isn't outstanding nor is it the worst I've seen, but somewhere comfortably in the middle. His work shows his lack of familiarity with some of the established characters, not quite getting John and Guy's facial expression quite right. But when he's allowed to create something all his own there's a great deal of creativity there. I rather like some of his unique Corps members that he comes up with as part of the team leading the charge on Oa and it reminds me of one of reasons I love the Green Lantern mythology.

What Do I Think?

Issue three of Green Lantern Corps is all out war from cover to cover, only pausing to advance the plot of the story for a few panel before jumping back into the action. If you're not already reading this title this is not the issue to start with unless you really want to jump right into the action without knowing what's really going on. Despite average artwork and a plot contrivance this issue provides a lot of adrenaline rushing action and deserves four out of five lanterns.

Podcast of Oa Episode 10 - Green Lantern Animated Series Premiere

11/17/2011

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Green Lantern: The Animated Series debuted on November 11th and co-hosts William Giancoli and Myron Rumsey discuss the pros and cons of the new show. The third issue of Red Lanterns is a topic of discussion as is Green Lantern #3 and its jaw dropping moments. We discuss recent listener emails and comments from the Blog of Oa Facebook group.

Contact the show via the contact me form on the Blog of Oa website, or by email to greenlantern@stny.rr.com. Skype users can leave a voicemail on the show's account, blogofa. You can also find us on Facebook and Google+.

The Podcast of Oa is the official podcast of the The Blog of Oa. www.blogofoa.com

Show Notes
0:00:00 Intro
0:02:51 Red Lanterns #3
0:24:00 Green Lantern #3
0:59:59 Green Lantern The Animated Series Premiere
1:16:45 Emails and Outro

Green Lantern: New Guardians #2 Review

11/01/2011

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Green Lantern: New Guardians rounds out the month of October's Green Lantern family releases, putting Kyle Rayner right in the thick of things as members of the other emotional spectrum corps descend on him for stealing rings from their members, in some cases an act that led to deaths. Problem in, Kyle didn't take them - they chose him and he really doesn't want them any more than the fight that's about to start as the second issue begins.

The Story -

Kyle is standing toe to toe with Arkillo, Munk, Bleez and Fatality in the middle of a crowded Times Square in New York City, and they are all ready to pounce on the Green Lantern despite his protests that he didn't take their rings, still swirling about the human. As Bleez attacks Kyle makes every effort to keep the throngs of civilians safe and attempts to move the confrontation far from the crowds, but Arkillo steps in and takes it beneath the city streets. The Sinestro Corps ring lashes back at Arkillo as he tries to reclaim his ring and the confrontation comes to a boil as the rest of the lanterns go after each other while trying to reach Kyle.

Fatality loves Bleez

Fatality wins out and encases the Green Lantern in violet crystal, but Kyles ring supercharges and frees him with the arrival of Saint Walker, perhaps the most rational New Guardian who helps shepherd Kyle away from the battle and towards Oa and hopefully answers to the actions of the rings. Notably absent from the confrontation is Larfleeze, whom Saint Walker presumes is dead since it would take something of that magnitude to prevent him from trying to reclaim his most precious possession. With Kyle gone the remaining spectrum lanterns agree to put aside their differences for as long as it takes to get their rings back and exact revenge on the rings' thief and they, too, leave Earth in pursuit of the Green and Blue Lanterns.

Saint Walker honors the Guardian edict that he cannot enter Oan airspace and leaves Kyle Rayner to face the Guardians alone, rings in tow. Salaak begins to deny Kyle's access to Ganthet, illustrating how the climate on Oa has changed since the War of the Green Lanterns, but the Guardians emerge from their chamber as perturbed as Guardians can be by Kyle's new jewelry. As Kyle tries to explain things and seeks counsel from Ganthet he realizes that the Guardian who we all hold dear has been changed and no longer shares a unique spirit. The issue ends with the Guardians attempting to seize the rings, which fly onto their unwilling bearer and transform Kyle Rayner into the most unique lantern we've seen to date.

The Writing -

The script for this issue is very tight, with lots of action comprising the bulk of the issue with doses of dangling plot threads that will pay off with succeeding issues. And while we don't know exactly what's become of Ganthet, there's obviously something afoot with the Guardians between Ganthet's stoic nature and the emotionally charged reactions by the rest of the Guardians to Kyle's arrival. The importance of Larfleeze's absence is not downplayed at all so I presume that writer Tony Bedard will be making that something that carries some weight in the months to come as this story continues to unfurl.

The mystery of the Guardians' actions continues

I particularly liked how Bedard has captured each one of the voices of the New Guardians succinctly, making sure that each of them has their own beats and panel time to ensure that they all get the right amount of attention. And amidst all the chaos lies Kyle Rayner at the core, caught up in a situation where he cannot control his own fate. With the events that close this issue I'm sure that's about to change.

The Art -

This issue Tyler Kirkham is joined on pencils by Harvey Tobilao and the two of them do a great job conveying the level of action in this issue. The art team also does a great job to show the changes to the Guardians artistically with Ganthet looking emotionless while the rest his fellow Oans seeming to appear emotionally charged. Kirkham's image on the last page is strikingly unique in appearance while weaving in elements from the various Corps at the same time.

If I do have one complaint, though, it's in some inconsistencies that are among my pet peeves on any Green Lantern book. Either you can see the eyes through someone's mask or not and I really dislike it when it waffles back and forth. I realize that someone's eyes can be a crucial element to showing expression, but for me personally I find it a distraction if the changes from page to page like this.

What Do I Think?

Despite that artistic issue, I loved issue two of New Guardians. Kyle is pulled into a situation that is larger than he is and for right now he's a passenger on this crazy train. Next issue is going to be great as presumably he will be thrown into conflict with not only the Guardians, but the rest of the New Guardians who are only minutes away from touching down on Oa. This issue has a lot to offer between the action and intrigue and I for one can't wait for the third issue to arrive. Four out of five lanterns.

Green Lantern Corps #1

9/21/2011

3 comments

This week marks the debut of the third Green Lantern title this month, Green Lantern Corps. Returning to the GLC title is the creative team of Peter Tomasi and Fernando Pasarin. Tomasi has always done a great job with expanding the Green Lantern universe by creating new threats and really painting on the canvas of Green Lantern's mythology in broad strokes, really establishing for readers that there is whole universe out there than can be explored. With that in mind the first issue of the new run of the GLC books continues with the universe building trend while still grounding the two Earth Green Lanterns starring in the book as they try to fit back in on a world unaware of the all the things going on in the universe around them.

The Story -

Another GL pays the price

At the sector house in Sector 3599 the two Green Lanterns of the sector are locking up a recently apprehended baddie when the they are attacked by an unseen assailant. In a gory display of violence all three beings are are sliced in two, but not before we a glimpse of the attacker's gauntlet, which looks a lot like Libra's, not that it's likely to be him peering out from behind the glowing green eyes of his mask. The murderer mysteriously rambles that "Where there is a force of will...there is a force of destiny" as the scene shifts to Earth.

Guy Gardner is sitting in, of all places, a planetarium, and he appears to have a lot on his mind as he comments on the seeming insignificance of Earth in the grand scheme of the universe. Reminded that he's late for an interview we are transported along with Guy to a high school and, surrounded by people who recognize him as one of Earth's Green Lanterns, he becomes the subject of an endless barrage of questions. Unlike the past, Guy isn't enjoying the attention and seems bored with the banality that surrounds him, like someone who has clearly outgrown the novelty of stardom.

Guy's inability to integrate with "normal" society is underscored by his interview, where the impact of being a Green Lantern results in him being questioned about the safety and insurance issues as well as the ability to balance a high school coaching career that would take a backseat anytime his duties got in the way. It's then that the female interviewer drives the point home that the world doesn't need Guy Gardner the football coach, it needs the Green Lantern more than ever before.

Meanwhile John Stewart is likewise having a hard time fitting back in, with his notoriety as a ring bearer makes him publicity fodder. But John can't rectify the local politics with his code of ethics in the construction of a housing complex. John becomes frustrated with the lack of vision and after trying to make others see the bigger picture he flies off in disgust with the small mindedness around him.

Far across the universe on the planet Nerro in Sector 3599 a been of energy cuts through the water world's inhabitants, creating a whirlpool that begins pulling all life under the surface towards it. Before they know it there is a burst and all life is pulled towards the sky.

Guy and John sit together in Earth orbit, riding a satellite as the two men compare notes about the decision they made to go public with their roles as Green Lanterns and how that has made blending in an impossibility. It's a great moment for these two men in a cosmic version of "you can't go home again" having seen the greater universe and realizing they've been so changed by their experiences that they can no longer find common ground with the common man. The affect of always being on call is very similar to what Hal is going through in Green Lantern and what many people who have these types of lives deal with and that's the inability to detach from the job and not able to function until the next mission comes along like a drug addict waiting for his next fix.

The weight of the universe sits heavy on the two Earth Green Lanterns' shoulders

The two Earth men head to Oa where they meet up with Salaak, requesting that the two be assigned other duties and leave Sector 2814 to Hal and Kyle. Salaak remind them, and us, that Hal is not a Green Lantern anymore and doesn't mention Kyle as John notices the screen that Salaak was looking at. Beside the two corpsmen who perished in the sector house, a patrol sent there to confirm the deaths responded to a distress call from Nerro and have gone missing. Salaak just so happened to be putting together another team to check to investigate, providing Guy and John with the opportunity they needed to get their minds off their situation at home.

One war over, another begun

A team of Lanterns, including Isamot Kol, Brik and Hannu, leave Oa and arrive at Nerros only to discover the the water world is nothing more than a barren rock. Landing on what would have been the ocean floor the team finds a scene of genocide complete with the skewered remains of the patrol on the final panel.

The Writing -

It's clear that Pete Tomasi has the voices for all the characters down pat, and we continue to see Guy Gardner and John Stewart evolve. I was kind of shocked on my first read through to see that he didn't try once to pick up the female interviewer! This isn't the same old Guy Gardner of old and there is a lot going on underneath the ginger haircut. Clearly both Gardner and John are men who are now fish out of water in their own ocean, strangers in a familiar land. And Tomasi clearly channeled Denny O'Neil in his scene between John and the construction crew, displaying some of that anger at the "man" who can't see beyond his pocketbook to do the right thing.

The villain in this issue is intriguing with just enough shown to whet our appetite. Despite the similar appearance to Libra's gauntlet, this must be some new cosmic threat that will likely be revealed in issue two. While I'm not sure if this issue is new reader friendly or not, I don't think it would be too hard for someone with a very rudimentary knowledge of Green Lantern lore to jump in with both feet. What makes it a good entry point is that Tomasi knows how to blend the science fiction elements with a crime drama which makes the story accessible to anyone who's ever watched a crime show. The first chapter in this new volume of the Green Lantern Corps title starts and ends with a bang.

The Art -

If this issue has a bang it's Fernando Pasarin's art that supplies the sound. Everything looks gorgeous this issue and the art drives home the brutal nature of the violence, the introspection by Guy and John, and the cosmic wonder of Oa and deep space. The color work is also spectacular and despite some of the gruesome imagery it all looks beautiful.

What Do I Think?

The Green Lantern Corps comes out of the starting gate immediately establishing itself as a contender for the best title in the family. From Guy and John's inability to transition to life back on Earth to the murder mystery and the appearance of a new threat to the universe this issue has it all. I consider it an equal with the main Green Lantern title and ahead of the debut issue of Red Lanterns. Four out of five lanterns.