GREEN LANTERN #21 (DC COMICS)

The Green Lantern Corps has their work cut out for them. Sorrow has stolen The Book Of Oa. Kyle Rayner, Conner Kent and Odyssey lead an investigate at the Source Wall. Knowing there’s a power source to fuel a new power battery, the trio take steps to stop it falling into wrong hands. Upon their escape, Starbreaker and Sorrow have arrived. Will they be able to handle this latest challenge?

GREEN LANTERN #21 by Jeremy Adams, Jack Herbert, Romulo Fajardo Jr. and Dave Sharpe continues its’ “Fractured Spectrum” era with an all new chapter.

Let’s take a closer look at what happens now.

GREEN LANTERN #21 by Jeremy Adams, Jack Herbert, Romulo Fajardo Jr. and Dave Sharpe (DC COMICS)

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Adams juggles a few storylines throughout this chapter. The Starbreaker saga wastes no time in jumping into action. Kyle and Connor keep their “Odd Couple” dialogue steady during this. Even with Hal’s interjection here, pacing never slows down for long. The writing quickly shifts into its next portion. Readers watch as the result circles back to a building point of interest.

Carol Danvers time as Star Sapphire has now elevated her into the JLU ranks. Adams brings up the emotions of finding ones identity during her time. It results in a moment of couples conversation. The time gives a more lighter tone before another surprising return joins. Readers will be surprised to see the long time Jordan rogue reappear in this fashion. It navigates the story into a new path. The issue walks a fine line of couples and superhero conflict. Once the latter wins out, the issue wraps with a larger moment on the horizon. Many moving parts indeed.

Herbert and Fajardo Jr. give Starbreaker a solid action start. It’s upended by Hal Jordan’s debut in this fight. The near half page image teases a larger throwdown coming. Readers watch as the emotional toll is taken on Odyessy. Her state is easily shown as broken due to Sorrow. Once things get back to Earth, the art takes a more grounded approach.

Mind-Bender’s attack serves up a strong start. Using half back panels, it gives the villain a larger presence. Carol and Hal play well off each other as their drama rises. Once the old foe takes the spotlight, Readers will have a reaction. It is a perfect time to interject that character as more transitions start the closing act. All roads lead to a shocking final page. It is one that mixes surprise with a touch of horror. If Hal Jordan thought Strabreaker was enough, someone just reminded him that his problems just started.

OVERALL GRADE: 8.2

The search for power takes a dark turn with an old foe re-emerging. Adams plays many hands with the writing. Herbert, Fajardo Jr. and Sharpe play into the high stakes with their art. Readers new and old will have something for them within these pages.

Let me know in the comments below your thoughts on Green Lantern #21. Thanks for reading!

AQUAMAN #3 (DC COMICS)

Arthur Curry’s kingdom is missing! While fighting a monster on the surface, Atlantis has disappeared. A portal is the only thing left. It has an ominous shape that is all too familiar. Could Darkseid have a hand in this? It does not matter to Aquaman as he goes through the gateway.

On the other side, the King of the Seven Seas now finds himself challenged like never before. Will he rise to the occasion or drown under the weight?

AQUAMAN #3 by Jeremy Adams, John Timms, Rex Lokus and Dave Sharpe continues the search for Atlantis.

Let’s take a closer look at where events land now.

AQUAMAN #3 by Jeremy Adams, John Timms, Rex Lokus and Dave Sharpe (DC COMICS)

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Adams continues to push Curry out of his comfort zone. The beginning of the chapter speaks of his childhood. A father and son moment plants a seed of heroism into the future King. Readers watch as the new landscape provides a mythical feel. Seeing the underwater hero dealing with the infusion of magic proves quite the unlikely discovery.

Breaking down the complexity of water is a solid twist. Making it more than just an element adds another player to the saga. It also elevates Aquaman as a stronger piece to this puzzle. The writing throws in a few more surprises with the reveals. One cameo plays off another DC series happening right now. Seeing synergy in this level is a true treat for readers. The ending ties everything back full circle. It leaves readers with a sense of curiosity as the travels of Arthur Curry takes a big detour.

Timms and Lokus kick things off with a throwback full page image. The lighthouse pops off the page. Seeing father and son have a chat carries a great deal of emotion. It’s quickly dashed to the present time. The incredible tow page splash is simple but effective. Readers watch as this journey to Atlantis takes quite a magical turn.

The showcase of power in the DCU crafts many easter eggs. It also establishes how impactful Aquaman plays a part into a larger scale of power. Sharpe’s lettering makes a simple weapon construction into a reflection of Curry’s thoughts. It gives weigh to a striking half page image of Aquaman attacked. As the story sails towards its’ end, a final full page image makes an immediate impression. Readers walk away heading into the unknown and there’s no place they would rather be.

OVERALL GRADE: 9.1

A question of power surges Aquaman into uncharted waters. Adams continues to inject new elements that challenge Curry to his core. Timms and Lokus bring the new world to life with phenomenal imagery. This story never stops diving deeper into new storytelling.

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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 #20 (DC COMICS)

With a renewed focus, the Green Lantern Corps are back in action. The Book of Oa was stolen. Hal Jordan and company are in hot pursuit. Kyle Rayner has his own mission at hand. His path has led him to the Source Wall. Can Hope survive The Sorrow?

GREEN LANTERN #20 by Jeremy Adams, Jack Herbert, Romulo Fajardo Jr. and Dave Sharpe continues the new “Fractured Spectrum Saga” with a new chapter.

Let’s take a closer look and see where things play out.

GREEN LANTERN #20 by Jeremy Adams, Jack Herbert, Romulo Fajardo Jr. and Dave Sharpe (DC COMICS)

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Adams delves into two very different stories for this chapter. The first brings the tragic soul of Erastus to the forefront. An overwhelming sense of failure fills the mood. Seeing the slow build into the rageful being makes his encounter all the more sympathetic. The battle with Jordan plays out as any traditional fight would go. Its’ outcome will hit readers with a solid conclusion. This is a big contrast in comparison to Rayner’s mission.

From the beginning, the danger is downplayed by Rayner’s humor. An homage to a Hollywood character says all that’s needed to the readers. The pairing of Superboy to this provides more fun moments. Contrasting personalities make for the best moments. The outcome gives another healthy shot of excitement before it’s final page. Once here, events turn towards a more serious approach. A true threat has arrived which may be too much to handle. The writing provides a steady close to readers to ponder over.

Herbert establishes the failing sense of Erastus right from the jump. The facial reactions (even the subtle ones) build towards his eventual breaking point. A half page image introduces readers to the final version of Erastus. Jordan’s reactions elevate his foe. The big confrontation doesn’t disappoint. There’s plenty of vintage GL action involved here. Once the smoke clears, a somber tone floods the panels. Jordan’s body language perfectly compliments the tragic showdown at hand.

Rayner’s journey starts off with a full page glimpse of The Source Wall. As the heroes decent onto the wall, a fun visual is added into the mix. Seeing Rayner pull off a certain adventurer will put a smile on readers’ faces. This energy carries through each panel in play. Another great full page image sends the heroes into the close. Herbert and Fajardo Jr. construct one last full page image to depart with. It does its job of leaving readers wanting more as events start taking shape.

OVERALL GRADE: 8.4

The tale of two Lanterns comes into focus for this “Fractured Spectrum” chapter. Adams’ writing navigates between the very different takes with ease. Herbert, Fajardo Jr. and Sharpe craft impressive images as the Hunt for Sorrow rages on. This one shouldn’t escape readers’ sight on NCBD.

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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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