Green Lantern #16 Review

The biggest shock for me with this issue was that starting next issue there is going to be a new story arc. I was not at all under the impression that this "Rise of the Third Army" crossover event had been concluded; thats because it hasnt been. There has simply been no conclusion to it whatsoever. So surely that makes this issue a very bad one then I hear you ask? Nope, not at all; which is all down to the fact that the story of Simon Baz is just amazing.

This issue mainly focuses on what is next for Baz. There is a recap of recent events, which I have to say was done in a very clever way. But before he can leave Earth, Baz wants to do just one more thing before he goes. What comes next is a really emotional scene that took up most of this issue. The emotion really jumps out of this issue and grabs you. There is pure desperation to be felt, and I for one was hoping for a positive outcome. I realise I am being a little vague on details here, but I really think it needs to be read to get a true sense of the scene, as well as a deeper understanding of exactly what Simon Baz is all about.
The last page of the book showed us what to expect next from this series. It looks like things are really going to be heating up, and I really can not wait to see what happens.

It cant be said enough how impressive Baz has been as a GL. I remember when Sinestro and Hal were "killed" and I was very worried that this was a terrible move to make. I had faith that Baz would be a decent enough replacement and that things would not get too boring, but I never expected the last few issues to be quite as impressive as they have been. This is pretty much a perfect jumping on issue due to the recap that I mentioned earlier. If you have avoided this title due to the current lack of Hal Jordan, then I think this issue may just change your mind.

Rating: 8 / 10

Animal Man #15 Review

What a fascinating arc this is turning out to be. When Rotworld first started I was not too happy due to having not read any of Swamp Thing in the New 52, so not being too familiar with one of the main characters involved. However, I have come to realize that that makes no difference at all. I still do not read any Swamp Thing and I am really enjoying this story arc from one perspective.

This issue had lots in it. We first saw a big battle against the Gorillas led by Grodd. I really enjoyed Frankenstein's appearance during all of this. I have read none of Lemire's work on the character, but really loved his role in this issue. He seems like a great character, and a great choice to involve in this arc.
My favorite part of the book had to be the chilling dream that Buddy had about his family. Seeing Cliff in the state he was in was chilling to say the least. It is these horror aspects of the series that make it so different to any old Animal Man books, and also so successful. One full page spread during a flashback involving Little Wing also showed off the horror aspects nicely.
There were also some nice character moments during the groups travel to Metropolis after they had defeated the gorilla army. They really feel like a tight knit group who are all trying to achieve the same goal.
What was the most shocking part of this issue was what they found when they finally reached Metropolis. They went there expecting to find Superman held captive, but they ended up finding another member of the Justice League. The shock was helped seeing as the reveal was shown as a last page full spread. It was a true holy hell moment.

I am very excited for the next issue, and I really cant get enough of the current team dynamic. I do not think that this will last long however, but I am having fun just going along on this journey with Buddy Baker and the rest of the gang. It still has that Stephen King feel to this current arc, and I can see some more twists and turns occurring that would make the master of suspense proud to have as his own.


Rating: 9 / 10

Green Lantern #14 Review

I am going to go on record saying this as I really believe it to be true: "Green Lantern is one of the most consistent books out there today". There I said it.

I cant comment on the other Lantern books, but in this series I think Rise of the Third Army has been awesome thus far. The pace is perfect. Every issue you can feel something building, getting closer and closer to breaking point. It feels great.
What is really great about this comic is once again Baz is leading the way, and successfully pulling it off too. His confrontation with the Justice League showed just how normal and likeable he really is. His conversation with his sister also went a long way in doing that too. He is still getting used to the ring, but it is cool to see how he is progressing along with that. As Flash points out; he is learning fast. This is shown by the way he eventually got away from the Justice League. Inventive and very smart indeed.
Speaking of the Flash, his line about Guy Gardner made me laugh out loud. I love the Justice League version of him, but that is a story for another book.
I also really enjoyed the conversation between the Guardians and the First Lantern. The fact that even he believes that what they are doing is wrong just goes to show how deluded the Guardians are. It also highlighted that we should not forget about the First Lantern just yet. I have a feeling he has more of a part to play in this than first thought.
 The Black Hand' brief appearance was also awesome, acting as a way to give a quick recap on current events for readers who may have missed an issue or two.

I have mentioned this before but I will mention it again; the pencils and colours in this book are exceptional. I would go as far as saying that the art in this book is my favourite out of all the current DC titles. I think that is really saying something. There was no two page spread in this particular issue, but when one is included it is always mind blowing.

We may have only had one panel showing the Third Army in this entire issue, but the danger they pose flows throughout the book very nicely. I am looking forward to see Baz continue on his personal mission in the next issue, as well as what lies ahead for Hal and Sinestro due to what was teased on the very last page. Of course we cant forget the Rise of the Third Army. Yeah, I am pretty much hyped for everything about the next issue. It can not come quickly enough.

Rating: 9 / 10


Note: It is funny writing reviews for comics. I read this comic and thought " yeah I will give this a 8, maybe an 8.5". However, when I collected my thoughts on this issue and put them down on the computer screen in front of me, it became clear to me just how much fun I had with this book. This is what saw the score rise. I have found this with a few books that I have reviewed. It is not a bad thing at all, in fact I think it is great. I am getting a sense of how much I am enjoying reading some of these books when I have to really think about what I have just read.
So thanks guys for checking this blog out. You are making me realise why I love comics so much.  :)

Green Lantern #13 Review

Me and GL #13 ( If you hadn't guessed )

OK, this is going to be a really quick review to the current time in the UK, and the fact I have a really busy day tomorrow. I should just go to bed but I need to let my thoughts out on just how awesome this issue was!

Last month in Green Lantern #0, we saw how Simon Baz became a Green Lantern. He then escaped interrogation after being arrested for stealing a truck. which unfortunately for him had a bomb in it which made him look like a terrorist. OK, brief recap done, onto this issue!

This issue follows on directly from last month as we see Simon Baz come to grips with the ring, and the power that comes with it. What is really interesting in this issue is that we get to see how his sister is affected by his actions. Her place of work seems to be doing their best to get rid of her after being led to believe that Simon is a terrorist, and was committing a crime against the country. You also really get a sense of the inner turmoil that she must be going through as she attempts to convince her family that there must just be a big misunderstanding and that is why Simon has been arrested. However, the art shows that it looks like she is struggling to convince herself. The book finishes with Simon attempting to meet up with his sister in a secret place after earlier arranging it with her, however he gets stopped by the Justice League...

I am really looking forward to seeing just where Geoff Johns is taking this story. He has done a great job in making you feel as though you already know Simon, even though he has only appeared in two issues. As much as I love Dan Slott  he needs to be shown that THIS is how you introduce a new major character ( unlike how Alpha was played out in ASM ). I am hoping for some sort of mini fight between Simon and the Justice League, or some epic team up, which would enable him to get used to using his ring. I am also looking forward to seeing the continuation of the effects this is having on his family. His sister should at least become a reoccuring character in this arc. Agent Fed is also a character of interest, and seeing him hot on Simon's trail will also be entertaining to say the least.

All in all, Johns has produced another really solid issue of Green Lantern. It has to be remembered that Hal Jordan and Sinestro were no where to be seen in this issue, which makes this feat even more impressive. I really do think that this could possibly be my favourite DC title ( behind Batman ) which is being produced right now. The colours have also been fantastic throughout the whole series, and that does not change in this book either. There is no question that this is also a very pretty book to look at. It is just a great issue from a creative team that you can just tell love being on this book.

Rating: 8.5 / 10