JUSTICE LEAGUE UNLIMITED #5 (DC COMICS)

Inferno has made quite the impression on the DCU. The Amazon Rainforest was nearly lost. Swamp Thing was an afterthought with their devastating attack. The Justice League managed to find a way to win. Unfortunately for them, it appears their luck is on borrowed time.

JUSTICE LEAGUE UNLIMITED #5 by Mark Waid, Dan Mora, Tamra Bonvillain, and Dave Sharpe (DC COMICS) pushes the League to find unlikely help for this next round.

Let’s take a closer look at what unfolds now!

JUSTICE LEAGUE UNLIMITED #5 by Mark Waid, Dan Mora, Tamra Bonvillain, and Dave Sharpe (DC COMICS)

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Rarely have we ever seen the League so much on their heels. Waid keeps putting the ensemble into high-stakes adventures. This one centers around a G-20 Summit. When dignitaries disappear, it sets off a countdown to war. The writing keeps the monstrous sense of danger throughout the issue. Seeing bit Mr. Terrific and Superman have doubt speaks very loudly.

Readers watch as the action picks up tenfold. Inferno’s blitz works to perfection. It is a full scale onslaught that never lets up. One unlikely hero cracks the code of events. Waid plucks this hero front and center to reflect the readers watching. The result is purely diabolical. The moment works to perfection, setting up the closing act. Just as things escalate even higher, a dramatic reveal kickstarts an even larger one. The last page raises many questions as reader embark on something very special in their midst.

Mora and Bonvillain bring the action with an incredible near full page splash. The way round panels are used gives an off worldly feel to the event. Seeing the frustration of Mr. Terrific and Superman gives much concern to the dire state. There’s a possible Inferno lead that Mora’s art pops right off the page. It’s a subtle one but not holding back on its’ impact.

The other dimension fight never slows down. It is everything fans want in such a book. An unlikely hero breaks the secret of events with a loud half page image. It rolls into a full page statement. Readers watch as this shoves events into the closing portion. A major reveal is given a full page splash worthy of the praise. It is quickly lost by the closing page. A half page panel raises many thoughts as a curveball has been delivered. It can’t be said enough: Dan Mora is making a claim for best all-time JL artist with this run.

OVERALL GRADE: 9.1

Who is Inferno appears to be answered in a thrilling chapter. Waid’s writing architects the surprise unveiling through intense action. Mora and Bonvillain keeps up the frantic pace with sensational arc. After the last page hits, the wait for next chapter doubles.

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GREEN LANTERN CORPS #2 (DC COMICS)

There’s no rest for DC’s Emerald fighting force. After dealing with Thaaros, the Green Lantern Corps are back! Sorrow has attacked and the Book of Oa is gone. John Stewart leads a group into action. This time around, a familiar face joins the mission. Will Hawkwoman be the deciding factor as the Lanterns return to Thanagar?

GREEN LANTERN CORPS #2 by Jeremy Adams, Morgan Hampton, Fernando Pasarin, Oclair Albert, Arif Prianto, and Dave Sharpe heads right into the heart of the matter!

Let’s take a closer look at where things play out now!

GREEN LANTERN CORPS #2 by Jeremy Adams, Morgan Hampton, Fernando Pasarin, Oclair Albert, Arif Prianto, and Dave Sharpe (DC COMICS)

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

This is vintage Lanterns storytelling. The writing injects a reunion of former flames as old enemies resurface. Hawkwoman causes Stewart to act off game. Knowing their past, the tension is easy to see. It adds more into the reveal of Thanagar’s state. With a dash into a minor sub-plot, events steer back into an old enemy’s path.

Atrocitus returns in Lantern lore loudly. Seeing his rage pour on the page is a welcomed sight. It leads the story into a few directions. Kilowog and Razer are caught in the crossfire. Readers are going to be more locked in with Shiera and Stewart. Their feelings are almost as hard to kill as they are. The showdown with Atrocitus lives up to billing. It’s an intense melee that needs to be ran back soon. Once the ending kicks into gear, all parties are thrown a big curve before departing. The remains of Hawkworld leave many questions as their true meanings will keep readers guessing until next time.

Pasarin and the art team don’t delay in showing the Civil Corps fallout. A full page image emerges leaving the audience in awe. This provides a small break between Hawkwoman and Stewart’s brewing reactions. It all becomes short lived as the main antagonist here debuts in style.

With a full visual of his ship, Atrocitus and company arrive. The art gives him a new look as moves begun to start in shadows. Readers get another dose of drama between Hawkwoman and Stewart. Panels focus on thier awkward facial motions hiding from Dex-Starr. It becomes the calm before an unpredictable storm. Pacing picks up with big action. Readers will not be disappointed here. The closing page is a full image that comes with many questions. It’s a space odyssey that shows no signs on slowing down soon.

OVERALL GRADE: 8.9

Familiar friends and foes take over the sophomore chapter of the GLC return. Solid writing plays off big emotion. Pasarin and the art team flood the pages with a great balance of drama and danger. This story is swinging big out of the gate. Fans won’t what to miss what’s cooking here.

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GREEN LANTERN CORPS #1 (DC COMICS)

In the wake of the DC “All In” movement, an intergalactic force is back! John Stewart. Kyle Rayner. Guy Gardner. Jessica Cruz. The GREEN LANTERN CORPS has returned. Standing in their direct way is The Sorrow. With time slipping out of their hands, the Lanterns have much on their plates. How do they fare in their latest incarnation?

GREEN LANTERN CORPS #1 by Jeremy Adams, Morgan Hampton, Fernando Pasarin, Oclair Albert, Arif Prianto, and Dave Sharpe ushers in a new era in the Emerald Police of the Universe.

Let’s take a closer look at how events play out here.

GREEN LANTERN CORPS #1 by Jeremy Adams, Morgan Hampton, Fernando Pasarin, Oclair Albert, Arif Prianto, and Dave Sharpe (DC COMICS)

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Adams and Hampton welcome readers into this new phase with a very solid debut. The initial pages show John Stewart and company in action. Readers watch as they handle Kanjar Ro’s trafficking ring. It also highlights moments with Stewart and Sojourner Mullein. Their banter unlocks a concern for Stewart readers will want to watch. The writing also gives Cruz and Simon Bas a segment to settle into Corps business. With an ensemble cast, spotlight pages are tough but manageable. This becomes even more challenging with the latest addition to the Corps.

It is a very familiar face that commands time in the story. Readers watch as they make an immediate impact. This carries into their first mission. A rampaging creature draws the Corps into their path. What follows lends itself to how this wildcard affect the mission. The end result proves to throw another shock into the mix. With the amount of personalities in play, the writing hits their key points. Just as events seem to settle, the writing team throws another surprise into the equation. It is one that is sure to have fans talking (along with the issue) on New Comic Book Day.

Pasarin and the art team capture the electrifying atmosphere of the GLC new era. The encounter of Ro is displayed with many heroic tones. It is capped off with a great action image. The full page splash announces to all that the GLC are back! Once events swing back to Oa, the focus turns to reactions. The art displays the various talks before shocking everyone of who’s new.

A full page splash throws everything in flux. The art team locks in the uncertainty of this character. Readers can’t help but watch as this character impacts stopping a monster. Pasarin’s art is very detailed how each character reacts to the new dynamic. The result is one fans will enjoy. Each panel brings out the best of the conflicting personalities. The art also grants a very strong final image. The full page image brings back another familiar face. There is much to enjoy with the art flooding the pages here.

OVERALL GRADE: 9.3

The next phase in DC’s space task force pulls off a major addition into their ranks. Adams and Hampton weave multiple returns in with the writing. Pasarin and the art team delve into the action as the Corps searches for its’ new strength. Judging by who crashes the party, readers should brace for what’s on the horizon!

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GREEN LANTERN #19 (DC COMICS)

The Book of Oa stolen. It is now in the possession of Sorrow. With its’ content in evil hands, danger grows. Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps are back in action. Opposing them is a growing number of "fractal" lanterns. There’s no rest for the weary as duty calls the emerald heroes.

GREEN LANTERN #19 by Jeremy Adams, Fernando Pasarin, Oclair Albert, Jason Paz, Romulo Fajardo Jr. and Dave Sharpe launches the newly reformed Corps into “the Fractured Spectrum” saga!

Let’s take a closer look at where things stand now!

GREEN LANTERN #19 by Jeremy Adams, Fernando Pasarin, Oclair Albert, Jason Paz, Romulo Fajardo Jr. and Dave Sharpe (DC COMICS) - Cover: Ariel Colón

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Adams dives into the new beginnings for Hal Jordan and company. The opening of this issue delves into Carol Ferris’ life as a JLU member. Seeing Ferris hold her own amongst the DCU’s heavies provides a fun set-up before Jordan crashes the party. With the two getting some quiet time, The writing blends their hero worlds with their relationship. It’s a solid break before events shift towards another familiar face.

Kyle Rayner’s mission with Odyssey leads to another addition to the cast. Readers will be amped up to see who’s added into the book rescue mission. Pacing devotes a lengthy period to get this all established. Once settled, the story briefly spotlights Sorrow’s alliance. There is a larger picture painted in the closing act. The case lead provides more surprises. None might be larger than the final page. It leaves many questions as the latest saga finally starts taking shape.

This issue has three artists on taking the image reigns. The Justice League conflict opens with a full page action splash. It shows the readers how the team is working. As the threat starts growing stronger, Hal Jordan crashes the conflict. The full page intro changes the mood. Ferris’ reaction beams with excitement. This is a stark difference than Batman’s brooding. Jordan and Ferris never let the audience escape their bond as events are playing out.

Rayner experiences more of the same with Odyssey. The full page shot grants the time traveler access to the issue. Odyssey isn’t the only one with a full page welcome. A recruited heavy hitter is gifted the same favor. Readers watch as the contrasting personalities light up the panels. As events steer back toward the mission, the art team changes the look for the closing act. The pages carry a dark tone until the final reveal. A closing full page splash is at the end of a haunting lead-in. It will have readers guessing what’s next as the story takes shape.

OVERALL GRADE: 8.2

The “Fractured Spectrum” starts its’ saga with a great jumping point. Adams’ writing sets the stage as the Lanterns brace for the chase. The art team construct the ever-evolving tale with a mix of heroics and personal reactions. There’s much room to grow from what is sure to be a classic Lantern tale in the making.

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GREEN LANTERN: FRACTURED SPECTRUM #1 (DC COMICS)

A new era in the Green Lantern mythos begins now. After the Thaaros saga concluded, Oa has risen once more. The home of the Green Lantern Corps signifies a fresh start for the galaxy’s lawful heroes. It also brings new dangers front and center.

A mysterious figure is looking for the Book of Oa. Can Hal Jordan and company stop the Sorrow before it’s too late?

GREEN LANTERN: FRACTURED SPECTRUM #1 by Jeremy Adams, V. Ken Marion, Romulo Fajardo Jr., and Dave Sharpe kicks off a brand new story arc in style.

Let’s take a deeper dive into the latest space odyssey.

GREEN LANTERN: FRACTURED SPECTRUM #1 by Jeremy Adams, V. Ken Marion, Romulo Fajardo Jr., and Dave Sharpe (DC Comics) Cover: Fernando Blanco

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Adams gives readers a straight forward build coming out of a huge event. Considering all the Corps have been through with Thaaros, the mood is promising. Sorrow’s opening segment contrasts that completely. It heightens what’s forthcoming. Seeing Hal Jordan smiling and enjoying his time sets a fun pace heading into the chapter.

Seeing the corps working together is another solid moment. Kilowog’s return is already a fan-favorite event. The foreshadowing of more gives a quick diversion before the celebrations begin. Adams really gives the Lanterns a sense of repurpose. This ultimately gets disrupted by a certain party crasher. At the stage, pacing picks. up. The conflict is short lived but leaves its’ mark. Its’ fallout unveils a new thread into the Lantern mythos. This becomes a rallying point setting the course for the next big event. All in all, the writing is very solid for this lead in.

Marion and Fajardo Jr. give The Sorrow a full page splash to kick this book off. The interactions with the librarian waste no time setting an uneasy mood. It is a big contrast to Jordan in space. Each panel shows how he “found his smile again”. This leads into a great page of the Lanterns reuniting for Oa’s battery. Jessica Cruz holding court shows promise of what’s to come until Sorrow hits the scene.

Opening with a full page brawl with Guy Gardner, the latest threat makes a big impact with readers. The only downside is the conflict is brief. This leads into a striking page featuring Gardner confessing to a secret. It catapults events into the closing image. Readers will be excited to see the last panel. The image sets the tone for what lies ahead for the reunited squad.

FINAL POINT: 8.5

The next phase of the Green Lantern legacy starts on a strong note. Adams’ writing delivers on constructing the drama with memorable moments. Marion, Fajardo Jr. and Sharpe present a united front bracing for a dark challenge ahead. Readers should expect big things from this latest arc.

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