Review: Green Lantern #3

Yes, there's only one this week that has been circulating in full review mode.  That's a good thing.  I need a little break. Guess what?

It's New Comic Book Wednesday!

Green Lantern #3

You know a book, an issue, is amaze-balls when you get to the last page and you say, out loud, WHAT THE F*@k?!?  This is that issue.

So last week I complained about the plot of Stormwatch and how, after three issues, it had only spanned a short snapshot of time.  It bugged me.  But the same is true about this storyline.  Perhaps it's the writing, the lack of characters to focus on or the clarity in the threat and action that makes this so much more appealing.  Amazing what clarity can do to a story.

I am a bit puzzled by the fact that Carol (and the world) know the identities of Hal and the other GLs.  While it's not shocking coming from previous storylines, it doesn't mesh with the JL story arc.  Maybe I'm just missing the connection, or maybe there is none.  I have to catch up.

Hal's "Do anything to get your life back" attitude is a pretty universal one, and I like the challenge he's faced with.  He's forced to help someone bad, to do something good, hoping that he'll get back his reason for being in the end.

There's also this human side of Sinestro that Johns plays with.  We forget that even the most evil people have homes and families and lives, and they aren't evil to everyone.

GINORMOUS SPOILER ALERT: I'm not sure why Hal trusts Sinestro, and I'm not sure what Geoff Johns did in three issues to make me trust him too, but he did.  I don't think I'm enough like Hal, like Sinestro states "Because even if you're incapable of it, you always try to do the right thing." Yah.  That's not me.  But something inside of me, something about his need to fulfill his promise, to protect the people of Korugar, and his drive to annihilate those who are destroying his world, that something makes me do exactly what Hal did.  Trust Sinestro.

Good God, why do we trust Sinestro? Charisma? It certainly isn't his pedophile looks. I can FEEL Hal's pain in the last panel as he curses Sinestro.  But I think I'm sensing a little from Sinestro too. Darn you, DC.  Hurry up with Issue #4!

Decision: Without a doubt, I will keep this.  Of course, as a GL fan, I'd probably never give it up, but this is one I can preach about. HOLY MOSES!

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Watch out for some mini-digis coming soon!

Next week:  Green Lantern Corps #3 and Justice League #3

All images copyright DC Comics and used under guidelines of Fair Use

SS Saturday: Inked

One of my favorite "stuff" sites, Superherostuff.com is promoting a tattoo week on their FB site, so this week, I thought I'd contribute because it's...

Star Sapphire Saturday!

I've known for a long time that I wanted SS as a permanent, daily reminder, but I could never find the right art.  Finally, pushing 40, I decided to go for it last Spring.  I tracked down an artist through many recommendations and sat through many a session, but am happy with the results. Yes, I made some concessions based on my love for the female body and my other obsession with pinups, but hey, it's MY arm, right? (Sorry for the black box, but this is a family friendly site).

Now, Carol follows me everywhere in all her glory, reminding me every day that...

Love conquers all with violet light!

Reviews: Red Lantern #3 and Stormwatch #3

So I've been following along with this relaunch like a diligent, loyal little DC soldier, and sometimes it has been VERY painful.  There were books that I abandoned right away (I, Vampire or Legion of Super-Heroes) for various reasons, but I've been loyal to most. I decided, however, that the magic #3 would be my cut-off.  Any series that hasn't impressed me enough in three issues (half a TPB story arc) doesn't deserve my time or money.  There's so much more out there, especially in some impressive indie titles I've discovered.  Maybe I'll revisit them when they become cheap digital downloads.

So this is the start of the Issue #3 run.  "May the odds be ever in your favor!"

It's New Comic Book Wednesday!

Carrie.. is so very.

Red Lantern #3


I continue to be impressed by this title as it explores the complexities of rage, vengeance and manipulation.  Atrocitus calls on babbling Red Lantern Bleez to control and unite his ever-rebelling corps of lanterns.  Perhaps he feels he can control her best, perhaps because her pain has made her utterly mad, but whatever his reason, he made his choice.

I like the creation story of Bleez and her "evolution" into re-sentience. For this to happen, she has to drown in the Blood Ocean of Ysmault, a death which, strangely, calms her mind but resurfaces all of her painful memories.  While the intention is to bring back a fuel to direct her rage, it's drawback is the clarity it brings to her mind. In the end, it's her agenda, not his, that she pursues, even if it is in submissive silence.

I just stepped out
of the salon.

Also intriguing is the story of her people and the birth of her rage.  Bleez is of the Havanian race (a blue-skinned, bird people) and she is a woman of divine beauty, purity and a flippant and ignorant cruelty. While suitors pursue her, she turns down all of their advances in the kindest way she knows how. "I'd rather be buried alive and be eaten by slugs than spend one night with you." Naturally, her suitors take offense and bait a Sinestro Corps member Ranx into chasing her.  However, when he's rejected, he doesn't tuck tail and flee.  He tortures Bleez, strips her wings to the bone and slaughters her family. Finding out her former suitors are to blame, she seeks vengeance.

Such behavior makes you think about revenge on a human level and how we treat those who have wronged us.  What happens when justice is not served? Even when it is, is the "eye for an eye" mentality a justified one?  The death penalty?  In a parallel Earth (Sector 2814) story, the reader is reminded of the two brothers, struggling to cope with the death/murder of their grandfather. One understands that revenge is not the answer while the other is hell bent on his own brand of retribution.  I can see where this one is going.

One MILLION dollars..

At the end, Atrocitus ponders (in a delightfully Dr. Evil way) if he made the right decision choosing Bleez as his second or if, even in her state of mental babble, she manipulated him into giving back her intellect so that she can bend the corps to her own will.  While he strokes the kitty, she sits, deified, while the rest of the Reds gather round, complacent.

I'm still torn about the Carrie-esque cover.  It sometimes makes me laugh trying to decide what decisions drive the cover art.  Issue #2 was very propaganda reminiscent while #2 looks more like a sci-fi/horror Maxim cover.

Decision: Keep.  This is probably one of the best books I've read in a while. 

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Stormwatch #3

I had real hope for this title, especially with the promise of some strong, gay protagonists.  I want to like them, really I do.  But just because they're gay, doesn't make them compatible to me.  Or maybe they are and I just don't vibe with the crowd they hang around. Either way, I still support this title, but I'm not going to waste my time and money to follow it.

We're STILL in the midst of the same conflict introduced in Issue #1: some non-descript entity trying to take over some non-descript town in the middle of Nowhere, Colorado (literally) being fought by a team with some very non-descript powers.  Remember, this is the team that tries to hide from even the other superheroes. Very invisible.

I just have a hard time with superpowers like "talking to cities" and "sensing media" as weapons to fight the "scourge of the earth."  When the moon turns into a giant, all knowing eyeball creature (not OMAC), and an octopus-Goldblum-flyesque thing is destroying an entire town, I can't see what these "pansy powers" can do.  Hell, the only character with any real muscle (the gay one might I add), is sent into space for batting practice with some meteors.  It's a good thing the "scourge" absorbed all the other team members. Maybe now something will get done.  Wait!  The "media-whisperer" still lives. Aw, shucks.

The art is a little iffy, but again, I can't tell if the art is bad because the creatures are vague or the other way around.  But with the erratic story and the dark, poor illustrations, I get a little nauseous.  And then I saw something that made me lose it.  The "city talker," wearing culottes, had feet like Superboy.  That's it.  I'm done.

Decision: Toss.  I'll catch up with it later when digi-issues go cheap. Maybe it will get better.  Or if they break off and have a Midnighter title again, it will be worth picking up.

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Watch out for mini-digi reviews soon!

Next week:  Green Lantern #3

All images copyright DC Comics and used under guidelines of Fair Use

SS Saturday - New Guardians this week

Although this could be stretched into two weeks, I'm feeling generous today, because it's...

Star Sapphire Saturday!

There are two SS components from this week's GL: New Guardians that I wanted to bring up today.

Fatality - While she's not my favorite SS, Fatality really holds her own, especially in this new series.  When fighting with lanterns of all other colors, she kicks the most ass.  She completely exercises her crystallizing matrix power to neutralize other lanterns, both red and green in this issue.  I love this strategy. In doing so, she dodges the attack of the Indigo Lantern. 

The other thing I love is how she explains her name and behavior to the Indigo Lantern who questions her "qualifications" in the violet corps.  Her response, "There's nothing crueler than a Love spurned."  So true.

Kyle - I've always thought about the male Star Sapphire, and even this week a gent on a FB group I follow (yes, A.D.S.) mentioned the same thing.  It's like he was reading the writers' minds.  This week, donning a ring of every color, Kyle Rayner becomes some "Super Lantern," but of course, what do I notice most?  The SS part of his uniform. With Halloween and all, this may be quite the inspiration.  Given all of the Justice League members I saw last night, I may work on something like this next year.

So for the year to come, I'll keep this costume idea in mind and remember, 

Love conquers all with violet light!

Reviews: Green Lantern: New Guardians #2 and Teen Titans #2

Really.  I'm catching up.  I've still got that long list of mini-digis to get to though. Regardless,...

It's New Comic Book Wednesday!

Green Lantern New Guardians #2

Kyle is cornered by a lantern of every color as rings from their corps groups have left (killed) their owners and "chosen" Kyle.  SPOILER ALERT:  Because he can't defeat them on his own, the one Lantern who understands it wasn't Kyle's doing, Saint Walker, helps him ditch the rest and head to Oa.  Thinking he'll find answers and support there, Kyle encounters only a brainwashed Ganthet and a vicious circle of Guardians.

This storyline is going very slowly, just like the introduction of Justice League.  And like that series, I'm tied to this one because of my history with Green Lantern and the Corps (and Star Sapphire).  Still, I like the concept and am very interested in seeing where it goes.

I was intrigued by the Guardians in this issue.  The brainwashing of Ganthet was bizarre for sure and seemed a little uncharacteristic for the Guardians (although following their "off-limits ban" of Oa to any lantern other than Green was most likely the first sign).  While they maintain they merely removed Ganthet's emotion which was impairing his logical judgment, they made him less like Spock and more like the Terminator. They way the Guardians came at Kyle like crazed pit bulls was pretty comical. I think I've seen this little guy in the basement of American Horror Story house.

And Red Lantern vomit is very entertaining.  Next time someone asks me what I'd want if I had a superpower, I think I might respond with something like, "The ability to harness my rage in order to fly and create matter from it's energy.  Oh, yah. And to have high-velocity, acidic projectile vomit."  Mmm.


What I'm trying to figure out is what happens to Kyle when the rings assault him.  Sure, his outfit is KILLER (I might actually consider this for Halloween next year), but what kind of power does he wield?  He can handle it, no doubt. I mean, for chrissakes, he was Ion (ok maybe not in this relaunch).  Or maybe this is their version of Ion FOR the relaunch.  Time will tell.

Lastly, what's with the Orange lantern on the cover?  By their own admission, there is only one orange lantern, Larfleeze.  Since his ring has chosen Kyle, Larfleeze must be dead.  So what's this Humpty Dumpty looking Avarice entity? Was it merely to have the entire spectrum represented?

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Teen Titans #2

Robin and Wonder Girl continue to evade NOWHERE while trying to keep super human teens safe.  They learn about a "new" teen superhuman, "Skitter" who is one crazy giant bug.  I hate bugs. This is not a character who appeals to me.

I'm not sure I'm interested in this.  I want to be, but they are taking their time recruiting and building the TT team.  I'm starting to see a pattern with this relaunch: slow, slow, slow, BAM!  I've decided I'm giving all these arcs three issues to impress me until I cut them off.  They better start hustling or they may lose me.  I was so much more intrigued by the Kid Flash/ Solstice side-story here than I was by the main plot.  Hopefully things start to pick up once the entire team is assembled.

I have to admit I am enjoying the humor and comic jabs they interject in many of the books.  While investigating a meta-human sighting, Tim Drake goes out to the mall in his Green Lantern shirt.  I guess even comic books are not against pointing out the marketing value of comic books.  Since it's halloween, the mall is littered with "extras" parading around in and trying on costumes of superheroes.  Here a Batgirl, there a Superman.. Look out above! It's a Scarecrow!

One think I will say, the art here is MUCH better than in Superboy.  You'd think they'd share pencillers or at least find two of the same caliber for books with so much crossover.  I'm not complaining though, because this artwork is so much better and I like this series better.  If I'm going to let one of the two go, it will definitely be Superboy. I can get enough of my fix here.  Too bad this team can't draw both series.

Next time will tell. By issues #3, I'll be making my cuts.  I'm hoping introducing Solstice and Bunker, and getting the team going, will keep me on this book.  Like I said, I WANT to like it.

Even though I hate bugs.

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Watch out for this week's mini-digis: Oh, I give up!  You'll see them when you see them. :)

Next week:  Red Lantern #3, Stormwatch #3

All images copyright DC Comics and used under guidelines of Fair Use

SS: DOOM!

I'm glad Star Sapphire is being featured more lately, even if it is in roles that may not be right for her.  Regardless, she's getting better known, and once again it's...

Star Sapphire Saturday!

So the trailer for the new Justice League: DOOM was previewed at CCNY last week and our favorite violet starlet is featured as GL's nemesis. This takes me back to those days as a kids watching the Challenge of the Superfriends. I always loved the episodes that dealt with the Legion of Doom.

Now, Going just from the trailer, I'm a little confused why the chose SS as GL's counterpart.  Don't get me wrong, I'm very excited to see her, especially sporting the slightly risque, modified, Ivan Reis-designed Blackest Night outfit. However, Sapphire's fight has always been motivated by, driven by, fueled by love.  I hardly see a monetary carrot being the appropriate bait for her to want to destroy GL and the rest of the Justice League.  This fight is more about hatred.  Maybe they should have called in Atrocitous instead.

Despite that, I'm glad she's getting out there into more mainstream venues.  Maybe someday she'll get a book or a movie of her own (yes, I keep saying that). Until next week...

Love conquers all with violet light!

Reviews: JL#2 and GLC#2

As we get closer to the holidays, my comic reading keeps piling up.  In my week off, I'll try to catch up on some much needed reviews.

It's New Comic Book Wednesday!

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Justice League #2

 When we last left this series, we were in the middle of the cover art scene.  Superman was kicking the pants of the Bats.  Remember, Superheroes don't know each other at this point, and they certainly aren't a team.  They are feared by civilians and operating in the shadows of their own little superhero closets, trying to discover the origin of these crazy aliens and the mysterious little boxes they leave behind.

SPOILER ALERT:  This issue introduces two new characters to the mix (OK, three if you count a reference  to a bad guy).  GL calls in good old friend Barry West (yes, Flash for those of you not in the know) to come aid in the struggle against Supes. It becomes clear that superhumans are feared since Flash is being investigated by Central City PD.  In another part of Metropolis, a team of scientists led by Dr. Stone are analyzing another of the "little boxes" trying to discover their purpose.  In a simultaneous event, both boxes become inter-dimensional portals transporting alien armies with the battle-cry "For Darkseid!" causing, in one location, the horrific disfiguration of teenager Victor Stone (way to set up the Cyborg).

Johns' story line is pretty simplistic.  Trying to reinvent/reintroduce the most well known team on the planet (OK, the DC Planet) can't be easy, so keeping the storyline simple helps aid that process, provides some character development and lets the noob reader find the character they like best.  I understand this process, but for the tried and true devoted fan, it's a bit sssssllllllooooooowwwww. Especially for $3.99.  Really?  You draw the line at $2.99 for everything but this title and you make it so basal?  You're lucky the story and artwork are so good, otherwise I might be offended.

Nice glutes, Supes

The artwork by Jim Lee continues to impress.  He captures the tension of the action as clearly as that in the muscles in the bodies he sculpts, and he can draw scenes effectively from so many different perspectives.  While the S.T.A.R. Labs scene is so "Hallmark after-school special," it's still great to see the lab from above and the attack from below.  As a reader, I don't think I ever question where I am, but I also get the feeling that I can be anywhere and everywhere.

He's also executed the costume design quite nicely.  While the re-design has lost Superman's red undies and yellow trim, Lee certainly gives us multiple chances to see those "buns of steel." And who can resist those baby blues?  Take note, Mahnke, this is how faces should be drawn.  Maybe Lee can sit down with you for a lesson or two.

Will he, won't he. Barry
can't resist Hal's call.

I've always wondered about the Flash/Lantern relationship. I know that it's quite the bromance, but I can't help feeling there's some underlying homo-eroticism there.  Or Hal is taking advantage of the man-crush Barry has on him. Or I'm wishful thinking.  Regardless, in this issue, Barry has every excuse in the book NOT to help Hal, but comes running anyway.  When he learns the fight is over, like a good mo, he starts cleaning up. Party's over! WTF is up with that?

In spite of it all, this is MY TEAM.  While quite remedial, I feel like I'm living it from the beginning, almost as if I'm becoming part of the team as it slowly forms.  Next month, the teaser promises we meet Wonder Woman, so I'm excited to get the testosterone-infused estrogen in the mix.  See you in November.

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Green Lantern Corps #2

As a follow-up to the pretty graphically violent first issue, GLC #2 follows suit with another action-packed, graphic issue.  This mysterious enemy that is decimating worlds is doing so in an effort to rebuild their own.  Led by what we can assume is some sort of rogue Green Lantern, this army seems to be collecting necessary elements from other worlds (oceans, vegetation, etc.) to rebuild their own dying planet, and killing Green Lanterns along the way as the lanterns fight forces that seem impervious to their lantern energy.

Like the Red Lantern series, this arc seems to carry a pretty strong message (both political and environmental).  At one point, the "unknown, cloaked, green-eyed, lantern holding villain" makes reference to "You don't know what you have until it's gone" as he's replenishing his world's oceans, stolen from another.  As I watch, it makes me think about the resources we are using up all too quickly on this planet.  It also makes me afraid of the attitude I know will come, that attitude of "Let's take what we need from others, no matter the cost."  I'm not fooled that the leaders of this world are any less violent, selfish or greedy as this un-named villain.

Cat got your tongue, Issy? You're a
lizard.  Won't your limbs grow back?

The art in this issue is some pretty graphic stuff.  I've never quite seen so much blood, guts and dismemberment. SPOILER ALERT: Toward the end of the issue, Isamot, realizing their rings are powerless against these foes, sacrifices himself to close the portal. He lives, and returns, but bloody, limbless and holding onto his ring only with his tongue.  Now that's fighting with everything you've got.  When he comes back, you can see the severed bone and bleeding organs hanging from his body.  It's pretty gruesome.

Now that's what I call,
"Giving him the finger."

One thing that really makes me wonder, I'm not quite sure where they are going with, is this whole "finger" thing.  I can understand the need to cut the finger off to get the ring, but this villain isn't after rings.  I know some serial killers take mementos of their kills, but I can't imagine, this is what is going on here, although the villain refers to it as an act that will reverberate throughout the corps.  Hmmm.

There's enough mystery and intrigue in this story arc, especially with this unknown villain, the genocide and the slaughter of lanterns that will keep me occupied.  I can't wait until November.

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Watch out for this week's mini-digis: I think I've lost track there are so many.  Let's add Red Hood #2, Superboy #2, WonderWoman #2, Batgirl #2, Nightwing #2...

Next week:  Green Lantern: New Guardians #2, Teen Titans #2

All images copyright DC Comics and used under guidelines of Fair Use