Comic Reviews by Walt

Sins of the Star Sapphire: Love on the Air (part one)

Story and Words: Peter J. Tomasi
Penciller: Patrick Gleason
Inkers: Drew Geraci & Rebecca Buchman
Color: Randy Mayor & Gabe Eltaeb
Letterer: Steve Wands
Editors: Adam Schlagman & Eddie Berganza
Cover: Gleason & Nei Rufino

This issue introduces us to a couple of lovers in space, who love each other very much, and their lives are wrecked when Mongul–still alive, but horribly injured after his encounter with some Green Lanterns and the Black Mercies. Their encounter gives way to the introduction of a member of a new Lantern Corps. At the same time, Kyle and others are securing children of various Lanterns, making sure families of the Corps. are safe and not allowed to be threatened (after so many parents were recently murdered). Finally, Guy and Ice have some discussion as to their relationship and where they are and where they’re going.

The story of the issue works pretty well. I’m not all that interested in the Star Sapphire stuff myself–I’m more interested in remnants of the Sinestro Corps. and/or any hints to be had toward Black Lanterns. Still, the story progresses things in a believable fashion–we know these other Lantern Corps. are coming into existence; it’s also well within reason that after parents were threatened, GLs would check on children/family in general. Similarly, it’s totally believeable seeing Guy and Ice hash out their relationship issues. Even with the power(s) they both have and their lot in life, it’s cool to see them at least trying to make a go of things, and dealing with the pressures each is under.

Visually, I’m not the biggest fan of the art. It works–characters are clear and distinct, there’s no issue following what’s going on, and all that. Something about the style just doesn’t suit me, though, and it’s all the more noticeable since this issue shipped alongside Green Lantern #35, whose art by Ivan Reis is some of my favorite GL art to date.

Overall, another solid issue of the series. Nothing bad to it, but nothing particularly blew me away, either. As we head into the tail end of 2008, with 2009 on the horizon with the promised Blackest Night, this title’s got a lot to measure up to as I’m nearly a year after it was announced still chomping at the bit for a story that’s probably at least a good seven to eight months away.

This is the first issue of a new arc, so as good a point as any to jump in; worth the pickup for fans of the GL Corps and their ongoing adventures in general. For more casual fans, I’d suggest waiting for a collected volume to get the whole arc at once if it interests you.

Story: 7/10
Art: 6/10
Whole: 6.5/10

Filed under: Comic Reviews 2008, DC, Green Lantern Corps | Tagged: Comic Reviews 2008, Green Lantern, Green Lantern Corps |