Why Should I read... Green Lantern Rebirth

Every kid has heard a grandparent, or parent, or just an old person tell them how much better things were way back when. Maybe that's true sometimes. I personally have no frame of reference. I never just got an orange for Christmas. I've never walked to school over 20 miles barefoot in the snow. I never mixed fruit with sawdust and claimed it was a meal. Hard to imagine how that might have been better than how things are now. Green Lantern Rebirth gives me the same feeling.

Again, I have no basis of comparison. My reading habits have often steered me away from the more mainstream titles, so my first Green Lantern experience was this book. I had three attempts at reading it and therefore three experiences reading it.

The first time around, I sat down to read what I thought would be a classic superhero comic book. You know the kind of thing; heroic stances in Lycra, vanquished villains and witty one liners. I was expecting a reboot and a return to those days of yore. What I found was a number of multidimensional characters struggling to come to terms with what had gone before. A vast and emotional landscape was laid out very quickly, not only for the central Hal Jordan, but for those connected to him, from close friends and family, to those only connected by the common ground of the Green Lantern Corps. It was so complex and subtle, so different from what I had expected, I was forced to set it down and revisit it at a later date.

I did a little research to prepare myself. I tapped up Wikipedia to understand (albeit in abridged form) what had lead to this point. Rebirth is very much not a reboot of Green Lantern. It is a point in the timeline of the Green Lantern universe where the characters react and reflect on the events of such massive magnitude that time is required to process. It is a time when a line is drawn under what has gone before, and as the reader you observe the line being drawn and most importantly what it takes to draw it.

The second time I tried to read Rebirth, I discovered that the story was about that line, not what the line was being drawn under. It's always nice to know, as insatiable as curiosity is, but it's not necessary. My second attempt at reading the stopping point was the characters. Not only had I not read Green Lantern before, but despite years as a comic nerd, I was a relative novice to the wider DC universe. I was drawn away to check out the lesser characters; the various Lanterns of note, the villains, the 'normal' people of prominence and so on. While Rebirth is a great entry point in to the Lantern universe, there is a lot of history prior to it and it deserves to be respected. So I read up, and returned fully prepared to sit and read the book in its entirety, and I did.

The book reads like a hole in a fence. You look one way and you get a good look at the past. You look straight ahead, you can see what's happening, flashes of change, of motion. You look another way and you get a good idea of what's coming. But you can't see it all at once, no matter how hard you press your face against the fence panel. Given this book contains so much, is a lynchpin between stories, characters and their emotions, it's just about the perfect way to write it.

That's not to say it is a very accessible book. You need to be prepared for the intricacies of the interactions between the characters (knowing who they are certainly helps). There's a certain level of effort required to deal with some of the more fantastical or ethereal elements of the book. They are rewarding when you become familiar with them, but to the uninitiated they could be daunting.

Rebirth is very compelling once you are underway. It draws you in to its various elements as an angler might a fish, gently teasing and tugging as it switches pace and direction. Whilst I loved that aspect, I wouldn't place it in the hands of a novice comic book reader, but to someone familiar with the medium, it is as satisfying as any book I've read.

Green Lantern Rebirth is ultimately a gateway in to the Green Lantern, one that I strongly suggest you step through. Just don't trip over the Ryan Reynolds on the way in.

Chris Boyle is prepping the one man cave to rule them all.

New Beginnings - Green Lantern #11

This week we have not so much a new beginning of a title but the re-emergence of a significant character in the Green Lantern universe – the Black Hand as the Corpsman of the Black Lanterns.

For those who aren’t fans or followers of the Green Lanterns, or other Corps from the emotional spectrum, over the last three years we have had two significant events in their histories. Brightest Day and its precursor Blackest Night, in which William Hand was driven to extremes. In a moment of despairing sacrifice he was transformed into the first Black Lantern.

The finale of Blackest Night saw the mysterious Indigo Tribe shackle Hand under their light as he was inducted into the membership. Would this be the end of him?

Geoff Johns is the long standing writer for the GL title, known for his forethought and planning several years in advance. It has not come as any surprise that the most recent Secret of the Indigo Tribe arc that the presence of William Hand was prominent, leading to his decision to once again embrace death rather than rejoin the ranks of the Tribe.

This issue is a clever little piece of work. Whereas it is obviously designed to be a jump-on point for what is going to be the next arc, it also keeps the momentum - and to a degree the animosity - running between Sinestro and Hal. Admittedly it does occasionally feel that a couple of shortcuts have been taken, such as explaining how Hal’s ring is now “fixed”, but ultimately it is the reforging of the Green Lantern's odd couple now that Sinestro is free of his bonds. There are plenty of references to previous actions and moments that have occurred in the GL universe, both pre and post-reboot, which give it a more grounded feeling and add weight to the up and coming arc.

All the while we are also following the Black Hand and his new twisted regime. There is obviously a lighter version of his previous role in the Corps as he seems to be wither unable or uninterested in raising superheroes. Now he has a very specific family orientation towards his goals. What is more noticeable is that the portrayal of him has been amplified and there is a far greater level of psycho here, making him a darker adversary in the making.

As I mentioned before Johns’ planning and use of information is great in these moments, as the reader can find plot anchors to attach to and work from. The best example of this is Sinestro’s acquisition of the Book of the Black from Lyssa Drak. It worked well in the past and now is the cornerstone of the story, moving forward as it provides not only the hideous premonition laced with so many intriguing images for the upcoming Rise of the Third Army, but also lands our protagonists in a cliffhanger situation.

Johns has once again linked with Doug Manke and the old adage “If it isn’t broke don’t fix it” certainly rings true. The artwork is strong and holds the reader incredibly well throughout, even with the changing pace and feelings behind the differing stories. What I liked most, and mentioned a little earlier, is the artwork in the prophecy spread. In typical DC fashion we are given a lot of information which may or may not hold true. There’s surely to be some red herrings as well as important pieces in there too which I am really looking forward to.

As an issue this is one that fans will want to read for all the reasons I’ve given above and so many more. It works as an introduction, a continuation and a development all at once so will appeal to so many audiences. In the GL mythology it is also another page that is opening and giving more information. Followers will love it and non readers looking for something new wouldn’t go wrong with taking a look!

Matt Puddy is loving the beautiful weather!

The Watcher - Animated Double Feature: Ultimate Spider-Man and Green Lantern The Animated Series

I’m a big kid! Just like those old Saturday mornings I woke early, ready to watch some cartoons!

First up, episodes one & two (Great Power and Great Responsibility) of the new Ultimate Spider-Man series for Disney XD. Right from the start we get comic nods (Romita’s cake shop!), JJ screaming about how the Spider-Man is a menace and Spidey himself swinging between skyscrapers while going on about how being a hero isn’t easy. Flashback to my childhood and the Nineties animated Spider-Man series - the characters all feel right, the theme is rocking and the animation is slick but still has a classic look.

We join the story as Peter has been Spider-Man for about a year - he’s still a little rough around the edges but has fought a selection of not-so super villains already. He is approached by Nick Fury, Director of S.H.I.E.L.D who offers to assist him with training to help become "the Ultimate Spider-Man". The series does tend to pull a lot from Marvel's Ultimate line of comics, what with S.H.I.E.L.D’s involvement right from the start and Aunt May being a lot younger and cooler than her past incarnations.

Even when pulling from previous versions the show still manages to feel unique, Spider-Man quips and thwips left and right as he should. Cut-away moments designed to look like they’re from a school notepad (with a kind of Japanese chibi-style to them) and Spidey breaking the fourth wall to make the odd off-hand joke are great fun.

These first episodes made me laugh out loud several times, especially the cameo of Stan “The Man” Lee as the schools janitor! Also adding their vocal talents are the brilliant J.K Simmons once again reprising his role as J. Jonah Jameson and Clark Gregg as the Avengers fan favourite - Agent Coulson.

There have been a few Spider-Man animated series over the years but I can honestly say that I look forward to watching the rest of this one.

Next up... Green Lantern: The Animated Series, Beware My Power Parts one & two.

My first impression of the GL animated series is it's bright and massively CGI. In a way it reminds me of Reboot (the first completely CGI animated series), but obviously better looking! The main focus of this series seem to be Hal’s adventures as he battles the vicious Red Lanterns and their leader Atrocitus.

We begin with the death of a Green Lantern in the far reaches of space. Back on Earth, Hal Jordan is up to his usual tricks of mucking up test runs and destroying very expensive prototype aircrafts in the process. But he saves lives while doing it, so it doesn’t matter! Hal is then called to the planet Oa to stand in front of the Guardians and answer for some previous unseen misconduct. During this he hears of the Lanterns which are dying across the far reaches of frontier space. With this he decides to go against the Guardians orders and steal a prototype spaceship, this allows him to reach frontier space faster than using his power ring so he can try to save the Lanterns who are being hunted.

The character design of Jordan is very similar to the previous DC animations, Superman and Batman - his upper body is huge in comparison to his arms and legs and his jaw is so square that Chuck Norris would be jealous! I do feel that the CGI animation works nicely for the Lantern universe, the bold colours of red and green battling throughout the darkness of space.

The Red Lanterns plan to destroy the Guardians and the Green Lanterns because they blame them for the destruction of Atrocitus’ home planet. A new Red Lantern by the name of Razer is trying to kill one of the frontier Green Lanterns called Shyir Rev when Hal and Kilowog turn up. They battle heavily, but ultimately manage to escape, seeking refuge on Rev’s home planet.

Razer along with Atrocitus track them down and threaten to blow up Shyir Rev’s planet if the Green Lanterns do not give themselves up. Things escalate, and I don’t want to give it all away but things reach a explosive climax. The series will continue with Hal and Kilowog hunting for further Red Lanterns, all with a prisoner in tow. I feel this series is Green Lanterns as they should be - in space, boldly fighting against bigger and unknown alien threats.

Stefan Harkins is currently watching Avengers Assemble without you...

News on the DC New 52 titles shipping next week!

Ouch, just seen my invoice for next week's delivery. Some fairly severe allocations for the order increases we placed for some of the New DC 52 titles shipping next week. All the current customer reservations are fine, but if you want any of the following and you haven't already ordered it I advise you come in Wednesday morning!

Batman #1 (VARIANT COVER ONLY FOR THE SHELVES!!! Standard cover is sold out to pre-orders. Please note this variant will cost £9.)

Birds Of Prey #1

Blue Beetle #1

Captain Atom #1

Catwoman #1

DC Universe Presents #1

Green Lantern Corps #1

Justice League #1 (3rd Printing) (Diamond aren't sending us any of my order for the 2nd Printing - very disappointing, their response: "Allocations will occur.")

Legion Of Super-Heroes #1

Nightwing #1

Red Hood And The Outlaws #1

Supergirl #1

Wonder Woman #1

NO FURTHER RESERVATIONS WILL BE TAKEN FOR THE TITLES ABOVE.

If you want something that you haven't already ordered, you'll have to get down ASAP. First come first served I'm afraid!

We are now sold out of Action Comics #1, Animal Man #1, Batman & Robin #1, Batwing #1, Deahtstroke #1, Detective Comics #1, Green Arrow #1, Green Lantern #1, Grifter #1, Justice League #1 (1st Printing), Justice League International #1, O.M.A.C.#1 and Superboy #1! Some second printings have been ordered - reservations can be made for second printings will stocks last so please get in touch.

52 New Beginnings - Green Lantern/Superman/Young Justice

Green Lantern

reviewed by Matt Puddy

So what happens when you give a man branded as a traitor a weapon of mass destruction against his will. Ironically, also making him a traitor to his own followers too.

Geoff Johns has taken the helm for this “new” beginning which continues on from the events of The War of the Green Lanterns. Picking up from the Aftermath issues - Hal has been cast out and Sinestro is once again a member of the Green Lanterns - this could all look a little topsy turvy to new readers.

What I’ve really liked about this is that it hasn’t tried to immediately jump into something big. Or to try and face off against some overwhelming enemy, but what it has done is take time to look at what is going on and the emotion that is being felt. On one hand you have someone who has lost everything with no real chance at redemption but fighting for it and on the other someone who has had everything forced upon them and fighting against it. The balancing of it all works so well too.

Mahnke’s artwork divides me though. There are some great frames full of detail where time has been carefully taken with the constructs created by Sinestro’s ring, but when it comes to faces the details starts to wane. I can see that this is deliberate but I have seen better examples of his work.

The story progresses well and provides very strong emotional hooks for the reader. You feel the plight and need behind all of the characters so it works well. I really want to see where this goes, especially after seeing the last pages but then again as a fan who wouldn’t?

A new beginning worth following and also a good place to work both forward from to see where it goes but also backwards to see where it is from too.

Legion Lost

reviewed by Robert Barton-Ancliffe

Being largely unfamiliar with the Legion of Super-Heroes should be no deterrent to picking up this book. Fabien Nicieza and Pete Woods reinvent an existing status quo with style, using the classic "lost in time" premise as a team of seven from the eponymous Legion follow a villain back to the present day to prevent the release of a deadly virus that has ravaged their future. I had a lot of fun with this debut issue, as villain and team are introduced with a sense of immediacy and flair that capture the interest in fine style.

Introducing a team book must be a daunting task as several distinct personalities and power sets must vie for attention with other major considerations as establishing story and pace. Nicieza has ensured that each member of the team has a chance to shine, using intense action to both allow the team to show off their powers and also to establish the interesting and dysfunctional interpersonal dynamics within the team.

This does mean that the introduction can be a little wordy in places, but the exposition never feels spoon fed and the script is wisely backs off where necessary to give Pete Wood’s fabulous artwork sufficient breathing space. In fact, as much as I love the script, it is Wood’s artwork that is the true hook of this debut issue as the pencils are detailed and dynamic, lending a breathless quality to the action scenes, while demonstrating a real care over the different personalities of the team.

I'm very happy to say that Legion Lost hits the ground running and sets up an intriguing story. I’ll be interested to see how the Legion fare in a new, more hostile DCU, and can honestly say that if you are looking to pick up a team book from the new 52, then this would be an excellent place to start.

Red Lanterns

reviewed by Matt Puddy

Now I have been waiting for months for this title to come out. As a fan of the Green Lantern titles and also having followed both Blackest Night and Brightest Day, I have been introduced to the whole spectrum of Lantern Corps. It was only a matter of time before one of the other Corps gained their own title.

This is a completely new title penned by Peter Milligan and also an interesting new step as it attempts expand on not just the main character but the entire cast found within the Red Lanterns including the loveable Dex-Starr.

The story so far isn’t really developing around a normal ideal of good and bad which also makes it different. Throughout Green Lantern lore, the Red Lanterns - fuelled by their rage - are seen as a destructive and volatile force. This would normally make them associated with an “evil” stereotype and therefore shouldn’t be the sympathised with, however the issue develops by delving into the personality of Atrocitus.

It’s really well written and opens up giving the reader the back story that many will have missed. Once perspective has been gained it starts to tease with images and ideas that will no doubt later come into play. A very good foundation being laid in front of you.

Ed Benes has provided the artwork which is strong and detailed but only really in the foreground. Backgrounds aren’t really attended to but this gives it a clean and open feel to it. There’s a whole lot of red, but then again that was expected.

My initial excitement and expectation of the title has been rewarded and not let me down in the slightest. I fully appreciate that this is a completely new beginning and needs to have time to build and grow and that excited me even more. I am really looking forward to where this goes.

Superboy

reviewed by Robert Barton-Ancliffe

The character of Superboy has been reinvented more than almost any other superhero in DC’s oeuvre and once again the creators have used this opportunity to go back to the drawing board. As the title of "Superboy" is not immediately associated with any one person however - a la Superman and Clark Kent - writer Scott Lobdell has missed a great opportunity to bring us a completely fresh take on the Boy of Steel. What we get however is a character very similar to the most recent incarnation in a rather plodding origin story which is all too similar to Scott Snyder and Lowell Francis’s Flashpoint spin-off ‘Project Superman’.

In an issue largely devoid of action, we are instead guided by the observations of Superboy himself as he undergoes a series of tests to assess his powers at the underground lair of the (clearly evil) organisation N.O.W.H.E.R.E. While this approach does throw up intriguing points such as the identity of Superboy’s human DNA donor and the secrets yielded by his Krytonian physiology, there is very little sense of the personality behind the hero. The artwork too is functional, but largely devoid of a distinct personality, as R.B. Silva’s pencils are nicely proportioned and detailed, but fail to provide any sense of immediacy or movement in those rare opportunities afforded by the script.

While there are one or two intriguing hints of the sinister intentions behind the creation of Superboy, these are too few to hook the reader in a debut issue that is largely devoid of pace, personality or excitement. The final revelation may pay off in the upcoming Teen Titans, but this may also have telegraphed a key source of dramatic tension in that series.

Unfortunately, I cannot recommend Superboy with the conviction with which I advocated last week’s Action Comics. Fans of the character might find enough of interest in this reinvention, but there is nothing on show here that sets Superboy apart from the crowd.

The Watcher - Summer retrospective

Today is the final day of Summer and with an exciting month ahead for comics with the launch of DC’s ‘New 52’, movies are going to take a back seat for a little while. But before the detox begins, lets pause for a moment to look back this year’s comic book films. It certainly has certainly been one hell of a ride filled with magic, mystery and retro style galore.

Kicking it all off in fine style was Kenneth Brannagh’s ‘Thor‘. The first of two Avenger’s movies from Marvel Studios this Summer, Thor had me grinning from ear to ear, having reawakened a long AWOL childlike sense of fun within me. Here was a comic book film that embraced the colour and the magic of the source material whilst still proving to be dramatic and weighty. Kenneth Brannagh, a long time favourite of mine proved to be an excellent choice, one who set the bar very high, with stunning effects, winning performances and honest humour. It has recently been announced that Brannagh will not be returning for Thor 2, but hopefully this means he can finally get on with making series three of Wallander.

‘Green Lantern’ faced a similar challenge to ‘Thor‘, introducing a less well known character to audiences, helping the studio to build a new franchise etc, but it felt like there needed to be a stronger hand at the creative rudder. I personally had great fun and find myself a little puzzled by the backlash. One advantage may have been that I went in with little knowledge of the comics and therefore no expectations. I even thought the CGI worked! One niggle would be the ‘multiple bad guy’ syndrome that did resulted in an overall lack of focus.

‘X-Men: First Class’ sounded like a terrible idea on paper - a prequel that was also a reboot? Superhero film in an already crowded marketplace? Forget about it. But it worked and probably gave us the Superhero film of the Summer. Classy, dark and yet colourful and schlocky? You bet your mutant loving ass! With Matthew Vaughan and Bryan singer back on board the future looks very, very exciting. This film also gave us an undeniable new star in Michael Fassbender, who attacked the role of Magneto with such conviction that you might even have left the theatre asking ‘Ian McWho?’

Finishing Marvel Studio’s final one-two punch in the lead up to next year’s ‘Avengers’ was ‘Captain America: The First Avenger’, a rather ironic title considering his relative tardiness in reaching the screen. I’ve heard a lot of praise for this film, and by and large I agree. The performances are top notch, the effects superb, and the story makes sense, but on the whole I wasn’t so much overwhelmed with excitement as simply "whelmed". I’m going to go out on a limb here and say that I’ll always prefer Chris Evans as Johnny Storm in the Fantastic Four movies. He wasn’t terrible as such, but the character of Steve Rogers is a little too virtuous for my liking, but that’s just me - I like my heroes nice and flawed.

Of course, we also had 'Cowboys And Aliens', directed by Jon Favreau (Iron Man) who is boldly striking out on his own here without the comfort of Marvel Studios and it’s a move that has largely paid off. A long time coming, and with a genius concept this was a breath of fresh air after all of the superheroics. It is however a shame that original leading man Robert Downy Jr. bailed - his presence might have upped the humour content slightly and Daniel Craig - while a superb actor - isn’t quite the same.

So that’s it - Summer’s over and like a kid in a sweetshop, we’ve gorged ourselves silly. But cheer up - now we get to watch proper films like ‘Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy’ and feel all clever, or maybe go for a run or read some actual comics! But I do find myself already contemplating next year - with Marvel Studios and DC bringing out the big guns with ‘Avengers’ and ‘The Dark Knight Rises’, 2012 is shaping up to be on hell of a year already.

Robert Barton-Ancliffe is also looking ahead to the 'Man Of Steel' in 2013

The Mane Event - Green Lantern Movie Prequels: Abin Sur, Kilowog & Tomar-Re

This week in conjunction with the release of the long awaited movie, Green Lantern, I have three tie-in comics to review. These are the individual one-shots for Tomar-Re, Abin Sur and Kilowog.

Each of these have been written and drawn by different teams, which gives them individuality and also their own unique touches. Each brings out the essence of each of these substantial figures which parallels their ability to overcome fear and show great will.

Outside of the well-known four human Lanterns, these have to be some of the most well known Corps members, with only (and remember that these are set early in the GL saga) characters such as Sinestro (out in July and written by Geoff Johns) being more recognisable from within the ranks.

Tomar-Re is written by Marc Guggenheim (of The Flash when Bart died and the GL movie) and he doesn’t go lightly either in this issue. Tomar is a scientist at heart after all and this analytical mentality is clearly conveyed in his approach and the story. Putting him in positions where his heart and head are in conflict over the situation. It also gives more insight into his race and how they react physically, which I didn’t know, so really opens him out. For a Corps lead by emotionless guardians, he certainly wears his emotions on his sleeve.

This is all conveyed further by Cliff Richards’s artwork. On the whole it feels quite heavy and dark but this also fits the story as emotionally speaking it is the same. It’s not the most detailed work but it makes a statement and keeps things focused on the main characters and story.

The combination of the two work well to portray Tomar well.

Secondly we have Abin Sur. Interestingly enough it is written by Michael Green, who co-wrote the GL movie with Greg Berlanti and Guggenheim, but aside from that he has mainly been in TV. There have been some DC storylines, but predominately for Batman. The story focuses heavily on the first experience of Abin Sur with an unremarkable planet known as Earth. Although the story is quite straight forward, its implication is much more. It gives the reader, if prior to watching the film, much more of a grounding for when they see this alien and when he meets Hal.

Drawn by a combination of Patrick Gleason and Tony Shasteen the artwork is clean and well defined, a style I like, with plenty of background and technical detail. It follows more in the design of the film which is also not too far from the original comics. On occasion it does look a little forced, but on the whole it looks good. One thing I loved was the fire though, the explosions really jump out when they occur and they look great!

Finally we have my favourite – Kilowog. If ever there was a member of the Corp that wore his pride of who and what he belonged to then here he is. Peter Tomasi has written this incredibly well; not only do you get to feel this - and I do mean feel - but you also get to see how even with his unfeasibly hard exterior, Kilowog takes every metaphorical bump hard and personally. His focus and passion is the Corps and making sure it continues, which is demonstrated by the fact the story revolves more around his recruits. This is still typical of Kilowog and his comic book storylines (outside of Emerald Warriors) which means that the continuity is kept for fans but new readers will get to know it well.

Carlos Ferreira was not a surprising choice for the artist either but on this occasion I’m not completely fond of all of his characterisations. Kilowog for one has changed over the years and on this occasion his muscular neck-less depiction, although apt, isn’t my favourite. Free reign has been given with the recruits and taken well seeing as we are given some new races to muse the backgrounds of as well. It’s not as detailed as Gleason’s work either but this story is more about inner strength and will as opposed to outward image. Tomasi’s story has been supported by the art, but it is certainly the driver behind it as well, or at least it is out in front.

That said, I still loved this issue as it still epitomises who Kilowog is for me and for anyone who sees the film and wants to know more about who the characters are, then this is a good one to choose.

For once, and without sounding too sceptical, I was pleasantly surprised as previous movie tie-in comics have disappointed me but on this occasion they’ve been worth it. I am tempted to go so far as wanting to buy the Hal Jordan and Sinestro versions as well. Firstly, this will complete the set, but secondly they are written by Geoff Johns, so hold a certain weight already. As a fan I’m happy as all three give me more about well established characters in the GL universe, but for a film goer getting into comics or a new reader then these also work well, especially with the upcoming DC reboot.

Matt Puddy got a ring from a dying alien... but it just left an ugly tide mark he had to scrub to get off. Cheap metal sucks.

The Watcher - Five reasons this Summer is looking Shiney!

X-Men: First Class – released June 1st in the UK

Colourful, sexy, epic, fun! Lots of glimpses of the young cast, 60s setting and stunning action, underpinned by tense snatches of conversation between the commanding central duo - James ‘Professor X’ McAvoy and Michael ‘Magneto’ Fassbender - which not only tease the plot nicely, but also hint at the pair’s fractured destiny. Director Matthew Vaughan and producer Bryan Singer seem to have the X-Men back on track. Here is a piece that promises the weight of Singer’s X-Verse, together with fresh characters and a welcome dash of colour. The sea-based action looks original and epic, and I like the pulsing prog-metal soundtrack here. Let’s hope the proper film score is equally suited to the tone. True to the comic’s? Possibly not. Too cool for school? Hell Yeah!

Green Lantern – released June 17th in the UK

This movie could be a big gamble for DC – competing in a summer dominated by Marvel Studios productions, Green Lantern, a relative unknown outside the comics community, has to stand apart. What we’re offered looks thrilling. Outer space has never looked so good, the appeal of flying through the stars so thrilling and in contrast to many earth based superhero films, this offers plenty of strange new worlds and characters for the genre to explore. Ryan Reynolds seems to be acting with conviction, but will he be lost under all that CGI? Early criticisms of the CGI Lantern suit are still a worry, but when seen in the context of the fully realised CGI world of the Green Lantern Corps, we might just be in for a visual feast on a par with Avatar. Either way it looks like a lot of fun. What do fans of the comic think?

Transformers: Dark Of The Moon – released July 1st in the UK

Having neither found the time, nor inclination to see the first two Transformers movies at the cinema, this trailer had me stand up and take notice. From the Apollo 11 teaser, echoing Alien, to a serious looking Shia LaBeouf, this actually intrigues me. The stakes, with what looks like a full scale invasion, collapsing skyscrapers and a breathless pace, look impossibly high. Whether 2D or 3D, I think I’m sold – and I didn’t even notice the absence of Megan Fox!

Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Part II – released July 15th in the UK (TBC)

I can’t remember the point when I stopped waiting for each new J.K. Rowling adaptation with eager anticipation. Was it that having completed the books I kind of lost interest, or is it simply that the film series has proved a little inconsistent? Either way, the above trailer has sparked my interest anew. After a relatively dull part one, we’re promised plenty of Wizarding mayhem as seven years worth of plots finally come to a spectacular conclusion. There are glimpses of many minor characters making a welcome return (did you spot Julie Walters in what’s sure to be a stand out moment?), and the effects look better than ever. Hopefully the knockout character moments from the book won’t be lost under all the bluster, and also, hopefully they’ll leave us wanting more rather than simply relieved that it’s all over!

Captain America: The First Avenger – released July 29th in the UK

This trailer promises a pretty faithful re-telling of Captain America’s WWII origins, with a cleverly rendered ‘weedy’ Chris Evan’s volunteering for an experimental procedure to produce the perfect soldier/model. Although the WWII setting has been done to death, ‘The First Avenger’ promises a new take on a classic genre, with tantalising glimpses of Cap in action against not only Nazi soldiers, but also Hugo Weaving’s Red Skull and hordes of Hydra agents. This trailer is stunning on the big screen and the whole thing has than unmistakable Marvel Studios sheen. The reference to Howard Stark also set my fanboy senses tingling. Fingers crossed, this does Thor and Iron Man proud! Roll on the Avengers!

Robert Barton-Ancliffe ran out of time to include Cowboys And Aliens, due out in August. Here at Proud Lion, we have every faith in Jon Favs to deliver something quite special!

The Mane Event - War Of The Green Lanterns

Across the three GL titles (Green Lantern, Green Lantern Corps and Emerald Warriors) DC have launched the crossover War of the Green Lanterns. Advertised as an event that will be pitting friend against friend, it has the makings of an arc that could have significant impact on the titles. Regardless of where this is taken, the build up has been worked hard on as events ever since Blackest Night have been taken into account.

The revealing of the different Corps of the emotional spectrum has paved the way for some interesting alliances and temporary (yet frail) truces, all of which are playing out further in these titles. You also have some large hints of inadvertent hypocrisy considering the initial indignation towards Hal Jordan’s perceived recklessness and his bonds to all of the other corps when meanwhile in the background a partnership, - forged and endorsed by former Guardian, Ganthet - between Guy Gardner and Atrocitous seems to bear very helpful fruit.

With that all said, the story has been written across GL and GLC in such a way that it can easily picked up with some explanatory character narrative. This isn’t seen as much in Emerald Warriors as the title itself is only eight issues old, but judging by the interactions it will bring the title more to the front through the character and storyline.

What will be interesting is how closely the ties will run and if this means that following all three titles is an essential. Given that we have three different writers all working together, this could be a style clash or a great triumph, but considering that it is Geoff Johns, Peter Tomasi and Tony Bedard, my feelings are that it will be the latter.

Part One

Although there has already been a prelude to the War, Geoff John’s issue opens well. Using a dual perspective narrative the reader is very quickly brought up to speed with the most current and pertinent events, namely Krona – the renegade Guardian. It plays very well to the strengths of the characters and the feelings they have instilled in others about them. Mostly. I did find myself questioning Sinestro’s motivation at one point. This left me considering the convenience of a rather significant (although almost not noticed) change of stance and his actions when he frees Hal from the Black Book.

Johns manages two separate storylines very well. On one side there is Hal’s predicament and its evolution, but on the other we see the Guardians' entrapment. Both are significant to the whole plot and neither lack any attention or feel that they have been under-written or treated with preference.

Most importantly is the re-introduction of Parallax back into the Central Power Battery as this infects all the Green Lantern rings and gives Krona an incredibly strong position.

Something I have really liked in this issue is the artwork by Doug Mahnke. This is mainly for two reasons. I like the fine detail that he places in every frame, from the capturing of thoughts across faces to the attention in the individual Lanterns, but also because it doesn’t take things too seriously. On the second and third pages (a double page spread), we see a team of Lanterns including a frog and a beaver! Instant giggle, I loved that alone.

Part Two

Tony Bedard helms the first of the Green Lantern Corps issues within the arc. Having had control of the title for just over a year now he is well placed to continue in the same vein. Once again this issue starts with narrative dialogue but only from Kyle Rayner on this occasion. I found this strange though. There was a lot of reflection inwards, almost to the extent of showing a lack of self belief, but that is quickly recovered.

The initial monologue does fade through the issue and the feel of it all being about Rayner does get lost with the story quickly turning to the trio of Ganthet, Rayner and Stewart culminating in the removal of their rings and leaving two of them powerless and hunted. A strong premise with a lot of potential, but I am waiting to see where it goes as a wedge has also started to form which could have some far greater ramifications. The story flows along a very specific path but whilst enjoying it I wasn’t massively grabbed as much as I had been whilst reading part one.

Kirkham’s artwork has me mixed, considering he has the task of drawing John and his highly intricate and mechanical constructs the attention to detail is great, however, I find a lot of the frames very dark and loosely drawn. The detail has been saved for the big pieces or the impact points. I am not saying the artwork is bad, in fact quite the opposite, but I don’t think it’s the best purely as it’s not my preferred style.

Part Three

Unlike the other two titles, Emerald Warriors isn’t as well established. These warriors were touted as the Green Lantern Corps equivalent of a Black Ops team by working off the radar both figuratively and literally. With this in mind it is a good thing that for the past few issues a lot of time has been spent in the build up and Krona’s influence has been seen, even in the background, for a while now. I think that this has been necessary though, as I can’t see how this title could have been easily and smoothly integrated so Tomasi has had a lot of vested interest in it!

The story picks up with Guy, Killowog and Arisia heading back to Oa and throws them right into the thick of it. Having this issue released a week after the first two sees events from them start to overflow into it rather than the story muscling in and making space for itself. Faced with a barrage of Lanterns, Arisia falling under the influence of Parallax and ‘Wog getting captured, the story revolves around Guy ending up alone for a time. Illustrating the predicament further, Guy has nowhere safe to go and only one person that he can contact, Hal Jordan. Once again (and in synch with part two) we see a massive personality clash and also the realisation that the rings are not the way forward. So what do you do then? Faced with being on a desolate frozen planet with no rings, no back up and no real plan? I’m sure we will find out.

Strangely I think that the artwork by Fernando Pasarin is almost a halfway point between Kirkham and Mahnke. The punctuating point is more the colouring by Cam Smith as it has almost a decoupage feel to it with the characters popping into the foreground. Effective and interesting, but also maybe a little gimmicky.

So, the upshot of it all? We have the four human Lanterns free but without their powers against the entire Green Lantern Corps. It’s not quite the civil war that the teasers alluded towards but it does have a lot of potential. Given Guy and Hal’s situation it’ll be interesting to see what they do next and for me I like the ambiguity that is now residing in the storylines. What is going to happen to Killowog? Has Ganthet really gone? How do four normal humans be able to overcome a powered mind controlled army? All of this is to come and I’m looking forward to seeing it along with all the change it is bound to cause.

Ler Orak te matt Puddy. Luca. Klok Ner!

A DC 2010 Retrospective - Flash

Over the course of this year DC has gone from strength to strength. Without a doubt I know that if I had not been a fan back in January not a fan, I would be one by now.

Of note I have found a love for Green Arrow which has really grown on me and given a new perspective for me. It's become a great title and it was incredibly hard to not pick it for this!

But instead I felt the limelight needed to shine in a different direction.

The Flash is back and getting better by the issue, culminating in my favourite so far in The Reverse Flash Rebirth.

Starting out with Flash Rebirth - a cracking miniseries in itself - the Flash was reborn into the DCU. A fantastic start point (or place to go back to) for fans new and old alike. The art was smooth, the colours bright and bold and the actual comics themselves felt sleek yet full.

The Flash is now back on the scene was thrown headlong into a fight for justice. Not only in his work life, but the combination of his super life and personal one too, spanning four centuries and an initially confusing return of villains as futuristic cops!

There have been crossovers into Green Lantern including a slightly lacklustre possession by Parallax. We've also followed a Flash villain through Brightest Day, Captain Boomerang - a man who is struggling to understand his new place in the world since back from the dead.

Ultimately everything leads back to one fact. Barry Allen is the fastest man on the planet but he cannot outrun destiny.

Newton said that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction and issue #8 of the Flash explains this beautifully. The who, the how and the why behind Eobard Thawne, the Reverse Flash.

Released by Captain Boomerang in the previous issue, Geoff Johns has taken the time to write a finely tuned story about possibly the strongest villain the Flash has ever faced. It may only be a single issue but it is so well done that I am now eagerly anticipating 2011. The story almost drips the seething hate and rage that drives Thawne - much more than any Red Lantern - and yet at the same time you feel the desperation behind the man.

It’s a short, sharp history of the man who would be and all the possibilities that made him. Inciteful, informative and delving this was the issue that brought the title back for me. It’s not a point to jump on as it's not part of anything, but it is worth seeing and reading.

You can see why Johns was 2010 Spike TV Scream award winner and I hope that his work continues to grow to uphold that accolade in next years work.

Matt Puddy is the fastest cyclist alive. Apparently!

FACT x IMPORTANCE = NEWS

OK, time for the new (and hopefully weekly) Friday genre news round up. The best in TV, film, gaming and comic book news from across sci-fi, fantasy and more.

LUKE... I KNOW WHAT YOUR GETTING FOR CHRISTMAS, LUKE... I'VE FELT YOUR PRESENTS...

They always say, start with a joke. So here's the trailer for Family Guy's Return Of The Jedi spoof. Hopefully this will be funnier than the last one. I saw some of it at the New York Comic Con and it was really good. Check out who is playing Admiral Ackbar...

YOU DO TOO MUCH; YOU'RE NOT SUPERMAN, YOU KNOW

And so to the biggest news from Marvel this week. They are (yawn) killing off a character. Aren't we all sick of the revolving door of death in comics? Well, the small silver lining to the cloud is that it's Ultimate Spider-Man; since the recent to re-energise the Ultimate universe, they are taking bigger risks with all the characters - so I'll certainly give this a look. Marvel.com have the full story here.

RING IN THE CHANGES

DC have a few big things going on this week. First up, you surely can't have failed to see this...

Staying with Green Lantern, DC released this teaser image this week:

And finally they announced that Doomsday was coming back, starting with the Steel one-shot in January. Marvel responded with a humourous Doop teaser.

3:10 TO PLUTO

Details of Jon Favreau's new film are started to appear this week. First the poster and now the trailer:

It's a superb trailer and a great cast. I didn't much care for the comic it was based on - mainly because the art work was really flat. Favs seems to have found the heart of the concept and really made something quite fun. Cowboys And Aliens is out next year.

QUOTH THE RAVEN, `NEVERMORE.'

Finally, A Game Of Thrones fans finally got their first look at the forthcoming HBO TV series this week. EW.com had ten photos on their website, with more and a set report if you pick up the latest issue.

Ben Fardon used to hate Westerns. That changed almost ten years ago now. Damn you Joss Whedon.

Green Lantern logo and release date revealed

Here it is the logo/teaser poster for Green Lantern. Shiny. I can't wait.

Directed by Martin Campbell, Green Lantern stars Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, Peter Sarsgaard, Mark Strong, Jay O. Sanders, Temuera Morrison, Taika Waititi, Angela Bassett and Tim Robbins. The movie opens on June 17, 2011.

Ben Fardon once found an alien ring. But it was broken and out of warranty. So he put it on eBay.

Proud Lion Recommends Brightest Day #1

Brightest Day settles into its groove with issue #1, reminiscent of the pace of its spiritual predecessor 52.

For me, Countdown and Trinity struggled to get that same style. 52 was a complex comic book weaving multiple story arcs together. Some issues would only have a few pages to the different threads, but each narrative had momentum.

Brightest Day #0 established that the now alive Deadman would be our guide. His white ring continues to make him skip between the other returnees, yet leaves him invisible to them. And now we discover he is unable to intervene too, as he witnesses modern day pirates and slavers about to brutalise children.

Thankfully, Aquaman and Mera are back. Words I never thought I'd type by the way. Fishboy - sorry, Aquaman - was always a character I mocked, but Brightest Day #1 makes him a bad-ass. Something is not right in Arthur curry's world, but it certainly makes him a much more interesting character.

We also see Martian Manhunter's continuing renovations of Mars, when a psychic flash pulls him away and onto the next leg of his journey. One panel also hints that things aren't quite right for J'onn J'onzz either.

There's also a look at Hal, Carol and Sinestro and the White Lantern battery becomes akin to something from English legend. Plus, more of Hawkman and Hawkgirl - who are also characters I never really liked until Brightest Day #0.

What is telling, is that certain characters are notable by their absence. If you want to see what Maxwell Lord is up to for example, you'll need to keep buying.

Thus - as I said at the start - the rhythm from 52 returns. I have no doubt that this will be a fine addition to the DCU.

DC Comics certainly have a distinctive art style that many of their artists use and it certainly makes their comics accessible if somewhat homogenised compared to the distinctive artistic styles on offer at Marvel. That said, at least DC never makes me suffer through Humberto Ramos and his quirky brethren.

Brightest Day is recognisably a DC Comic, but this is one of those cases where it works very, very well. Five different artists worked on this issue, yet rather than lurching from one style to the next like Brian Michael Bendis' Daredevil #50, Brightest Day #1 is a smooth ride. Some panels simply sing, the rest do the job nicely.

If you loved Blackest Night, 52 or you're a fan of any of the twelve returnees you have to buy this title. For more info, check out the special minisite DC have set up.

Brightest Day #2 is out May 20th.

Ben Fardon is the owner, proprietor, manager and filing clerk for Proud Lion. Bascially, Ben is Proud Lion is Ben. He often uses the personal pronoun 'we', in an attempt to not feel like a man alone. In that context 'we' refers to Ben, the bricks and mortar, the stock and the branding that comprises Proud Lion. It also makes him sound kind of crazy. 'We' are OK with that.

Ben has been reading comics since he was five years old and his Dad bought him a Transformers comic at the local newsagent. In the same comic were reprints of Iron Man in the red and silver armour. To this day, Tony Stark is his favourite superhero.

He likes eating, swimming and science fiction Tv series. He recently became addicted to The West Wing.

One day, he'll finish a script for something.

Ring In The Changes

DC Direct have this wonderful set of Lantern rings available in July.

Featuring all nine (yes NINE!) rings from the pages of Green Lantern, Blackest Night and the forthcoming Brightest Day, these wearable and adjustable rings are made of durable PVC and light up when worn!

These will retail at £60.00 and stocks will be limited.

If you definitely want one, contact us now and confirm your order.

This isn't the only way to get a White Lantern ring however.

Brightest Day #1 comes out (currently May 7th in the UK, due to the Bank Holiday Monday), customers buying it from Proud Lion will receive a FREE White Lantern plastic ring, completing the set.

This joins the Flash ring customers will get FREE with issues of Flash #1 (due out April 15th in the UK). This is while stocks last as the Flash ring is slightly more limited.

We're good to you.

If you definitely want a White Lantern ring or a Flash ring, contact us now and confirm your order.