Green Lantern Corps (2006 Series) #54

December 14, 2010

Title: The Weaponer Part Two

Writer: Tony Bedard
Pencils: Tyler Kirkham
Inks: Batt
Colorist: Nei Ruffino
Letterer: Steve Wands
Cover: Patrick Gleason
Editor: Adam Schlagman
Publisher: DC Comics

The Weaponer has captured Kyle Rayner’s girlfriend, Soranik Natu, and issued an ultimatum to Kyle: bring him her father, Sinestro, or Soranik will die. Kyle has come to Earth to face off against Sinestro and bring him to Qward, by force if necessary, to save her life.

Sinestro really is a right bastard, isn’t he? His own daughter’s life is on the line, but he can’t lower himself to work with Kyle. (Sinestro is still smarting over the beating Kyle gave him back in Green Lantern: Rebirth.) Over in the parent title, Sinestro has been dancing over a fine line between being a full-on villain and being something of an antihero. This issue is definitely heavy on the villain side. Whether he turns up again before this storyline sees its conclusion will say a lot about who the writers want Sinestro to be.

We also delve more into the Weaponer himself this issue, learning a bit more about his history through his interactions with Soranik. He actually feels like a bit of a sympathetic character here – not so much that you’ll start rooting for him, but enough that you can sort of feel where he’s coming from. That extra layer makes for a more entertaining villain over all. Perhaps the best bit of this issue, though, is the set-up for next month. We’ve got the extended cast of this title assembled and ready to charge, which is what you’re waiting for when the time has come for a big ol’ smackdown.

Tyler Kirkham is up and down for me on the artwork. I find I prefer his work on the more alien characters, like Hannu and Boodikka, than I do on the human or humanoid characters like Kyle and Soranik. When he does a character that’s human, he goes overboard with the tiny lines and details, like he’s imitating a 90s style (which I was honestly never a fan of in the first place). Hannu, on the other hand, looks much more natural and impressive than the rest of the cast.

A really good story is buoying up so-so art and keeping this book on my recommended reading list.

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