Final Crisis #1

May 30, 2008

Quick Rating: Very Good
Title: DOA: The God of War!

As the New Gods begin their evolution, a hero falls.

Writer: Grant Morrison
Art: J.G. Jones
Colors: Alex Sinclair
Letters: Rob Leigh
Editor: Eddie Berganza
Cover Art: J.G. Jones
Publisher: DC Comics

The culmination of four years of storylines begins here. With the “last” New God, Orion, falling to Earth, the Justice League assembles quickly, and the Green Lantern Corps even quicker. The Monitors, meanwhile, prosecute one of their own, and Libra’s attempts to restore the Society of Super-Villains exacts a terrible price on the heroes of the world.

Although this first issue is pretty slowly paced, there’s still an enormous amount of story in here. We’ve already seen the deaths of the New Gods, and here, we begin to see their inevitable rebirth. The forms these characters are taking are intriguing, as is the newfound reverence they seem to be commanding. The involvement of the Alpha Lanterns is interesting as well, and helps to demonstrate the true scale of what’s happening. As for the much-ballyhooed murder that takes place in this issue, Morrison’s handling of the situation was very unique, and actually makes for a very different take. Some people were upset that there was no monster “death” scene, but really, how many ways are there to do it that we haven’t already seen? Libra, meanwhile, is still something of a cipher. There’s not quite enough here yet to be invested in the character as more than a stock mastermind villain, but there’s definitely the promise of a secret that will elevate him past that simple point.

This title is being touted as the last chapter of two different trilogies: a cosmic one (begun in Crisis on Infinite Earths and followed through to Infinite Crisis) and a thematic one (begun in Identity Crisis and also flowing through Infinite Crisis). Reading this book, it’s easy to see how it fits in with either tapestry. There are clear implications for the Multiverse here, for a story that will impact all 52 Earths. I’m confident that this story won’t be yet another restructuring of the Multiverse, but it does feel like it will be a redefinition of the concept. Furthermore, by launching the book with a murder mystery, a “crime against one of our own,” the tale has the flavor of Identity Crisis, but applied to a cosmic scale. It’s easy to see the flow-through that began in that book four years ago (that long already?) that took the DCU to this point.

J.G. Jones and colorist Alex Sinclair do fine work here, and I expected nothing less. The Alpha Lanterns two-page spread (actually, all of the Green Lantern stuff) is really good, with colors and energy that just pops off the page. The redesigns for the New Gods work well, and I just love his interpretation of Dan Turpin (one of my favorite old-school Superman supporting characters who hasn’t seen action in far too long).

Although this book didn’t start with a bang, the slow burn we feel here is simmering, into something cool.

Rating: 8/10

Green Lantern Corps (2006) #50

August 5, 2010

Title: Revolt of the Alpha-Lanterns Part 3

Writer: Tony Bedard
Penciler: Ardian Syaf
Inker: Vicente Cifuentes
Colorist: Randy Mayor & Carrie Strachan
Letterer: Steve Wands
Cover: Ardian Syaf
Editor: Adam Schlagman
Publisher: DC Comics

The Alpha Lanterns, as it turns out, have been taken over by the Cyborg Superman and his Manhunters. Unable to die, the Cyborg has begun plans for war with the lanterns. This issue, Ganthet and Soranik Natu are tied up in battles of their own, leaving the rescue mission for John Stewart in the capable ring of Kyle Rayner. This issue has some fantastic moments, with John facing the Cyborg in the depths of his own subconscious (and conveniently giving the reader a recap of the Cyborg’s origin in the process). The fight scenes are really strong as well, with Ganthet getting a chance to cut loose as only a Guardian can do, and Kyle showing off just how effective in battle he can be.

I guess it’s the anniversary issue mindset, but I do find it a little odd that this isn’t the end of the storyline. We’re sort of accustomed to see stories either beginning or ending when an issue number is a multiple of 25, but instead, this is a strong third chapter, but still ends on an epic cliffhanger. The artwork of Ardian Syaf and the rest of the team certainly helps out. Syaf does a fantastic job with lots of aliens, robots, and other assorted sci-fi and superhero concepts. A book like this one really does require an artist who can handle the science fiction elements, but still have the ability to blend it into the DC Universe proper.

Since taking over this title, Tony Bedard and Ardian Syaf haven’t really reinvented the wheel. It was a solid superhero science fiction yarn before, and it still is. The cast has shifted a little, but Green Lantern Corps remains one of DC’s underappreciated gems.

Rating: 9/10