This series, as with its previous incarnation, focusses mainly on the “other” Green Lanterns from around the Universe.
General Information
Title: Green Lantern Corps #1
Author: Peter J. Tomasi
Illustrator(s): Fernando Pasarin (art), Scott Hanna (inks) and Gabe Eltaeb (colours)
Cover Date: November 2011
Cover Price: $2.99
Buy the digital edition.
Premise
Guy and John have never used secret identities, and it makes it hard to live a normal life. Before they can even decide if they want their lives to be normal, they are called upon to investigate the murders of four Green Lanterns from sector 3599.
High Point
Guy: “Perfect timing, ’cause now ya got me and Johnny to lead ’em into the hot spot. We’re here to make your life easier, Sally.”
Salaak: “It never seems to work out that way.”
Low Point
It strikes me as being unlike Guy not to be hitting on the interviewer.
The Scores
This doesn’t feel terribly original for a relaunch. It seems to have the same tone and mandate as the previous series. This is certainly not a bad thing by any means, but it feels more like “the next issue” than a new #1, aside from the very natural scenes recapping exactly what the Green Lantern Corps is all abou to make it new reader friendly. I give it 3 out of 6.
The artwork is excellent. Clear characters, actual human proportions on the humans, and some very alien aliens contribute nicely to the book. I give it 5 out of 6.
The story is off to a great start. It’s a worthy space borne foe, and the first introductions of Guy and John naturally introduce new readers to the world while revealing just as much about the characters. I give it 6 out of 6.
The characterization of our two human leads is excellent, with a very efficient setup. The supporting cast have too little time on the page to be well established at this page, but given Tomasi’s history, that’ll probably change quickly in the next few issues. Even so, they are introduced so close to the end in this issue that they don’t feel like they lack any character. I give it 5 out of 6.
The emotional response is excellent. Green Lantern has always been my favorite DC character. (Specifically, the as yet unseen Kyle Rayner takes the top spot, followed closely by others in the Corps.) This series delivers exactly what I love about the property. I give it 6 out of 6.
The flow works well. Pasarin isn’t new to the Corps either, and the team know how to work with these characters and move the story from point to point. I give it 6 out of 6.
Overall, it’s another strong first issue, and probably a better introduction to this corner of the DCU for new readers than the Green Lantern title itself. This is the space cop book I’ve always wanted the property to be. I give it 6 out of 6.
In total, Green Lantern Corps #1 receives 37 out of 42.
The New 52
Here are handy links for the reviews of all 52 new #1 issues:
- Action Comics
- All-Star Western
- Animal Man
- Aquaman
- Batgirl
- Batman
- Batman and Robin
- Batman: The Dark Knight
- Batwing
- Batwoman
- Birds of Prey
- Blackhawks
- Blue Beetle
- Captain Atom
- Catwoman
- DC Universe Presents
- Deathstroke
- Demon Knights
- Detective Comics
- The Flash
- Frankenstein, Agent of S.H.A.D.E.
- The Fury of Firestorm
- Green Arrow
- Green Lantern
- Green Lantern Corps
- Green Lantern: New Guardians
- Grifter
- Hawk and Dove
- I, Vampire
- Justice League
- Justice League Dark
- Justice League International
- Legion Lost
- Legion of Super-Heroes
- Men of War
- Mister Terrific
- Nightwing
- O.M.A.C.
- Red Hood and the Outlaws
- Red Lanterns
- Resurrection Man
- The Savage Hawkman
- Static Shock
- Stormwatch
- Suicide Squad
- Superboy
- Supergirl
- Superman
- Swamp Thing
- Teen Titans
- Voodoo
- Wonder Woman