Ok, so this is long, long overdue. There are currently 3 issues of Green Lantern tieing directly into Blackest Night, and I should've done them when I did the others but I forgot them, and got behind. So I'll start with the first of them, and work my way up to get caught up so youc an stay filled in. It'll be just like the other review/recaps. And again, I don't have the GL Corps issues as I don't get the book, and won't be picking it up for the mini.
Green Lantern #44:
*Note, this takes place during the end of Blackest Night #1 and before Blackest night #2
We open on Mars, at the monument of J'onn J'onzz. We see the Choco cookie Batman placed on his casket begin to slide as the monument begins to rumble, and finally the cookie falls off cracking, just as Black Ring bursts through, calling J'onn to rise, which he quickly does.
Cut to Barry and Hal at Bruce's unmarked grave. While they're investigating his disturbed grave, they're greeted by the newly risen Martian Manhunter, as we all know well by now. We see Hal colored in Will, and Barry in Hope (personal note, a blue Flash looks wickedly awesome), and as they realize he's not alive, they attack. But by going invisible, J'onn can easily take them apart, as he does by attacking with his body and mind both. But as he prepares to pull Hal's heart, Barry regroups and puls Hal out of harms way.
As they have time away from him, they discuss the Black Ring he had on, and Barry asks when they started getting more colors of rings. Just then, J'onn returns, lifting the building apart that the two had crashed in, proclaiming he's just as strong as Superman and that people forget that.
Cut to Sayd, the Black Lantern Guardian, saying she never betrayed the Guardians but rather that she's carrying out the mission that the Manhunters and Green Lanterns have failed to do. We see Ysmault, home of the Red Lanterns where the Lost Green Lanterns are rescuing the body of Laira and battling Red Lanterns, Okaara home of the Orange Lanterns, where Larfaleeze watches his Corps attacking the Blue Lanterns, and Zamaron, home of the Star Sapphires where the Sinestro Corps is attacking the Sapphires to free they're trapped members.
Back on Earth, Barry and Hal are discussing what could have done this to J'onn, and how he seemed more Alienated in the end. J'onn tells Barry he'll help him understand him again, like he used to, and as he begins to Barry strikes out against J'onn, seemingly beating him. Then, in a very incredible two page spread with Barry punching straight into someone, we learn that someone was actually Hal he'd been attacking. So we have a huge spread of Barry punching a very injured Hal through the air, as Hal tells him to stop.
As the two land, J'onn grabs Hal and hurls him through the air (where we know he'll land on the Bat Signal in BN #2).
Cut to John Stewart, residing in space near the destroyed planet Xanshi, remembering the day it all happened. When suddenly, thousands of Black rings rush to fill the area around him.
A Fantastic issue, and I'm so glad that Doug Mahnke is taking over the art chores for Green Lantern. He really fits the mood and style of the Blackest Night arc, and I've always loved how he draws a Flash, and here he definitely keeps it up.
Green Lantern: Blackest Night **SPOILERS**
Moderator: Tragic Angelus
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Tragic Angelus
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Tragic Angelus
- Posts: 3397
- Joined: Sun Feb 15, 2009 4:44 pm
- Location: Indiana
Green Lantern #45:
So we open back with John Stewart at the remains of Xanshi with rings flying everywhere aroudn him, and we see a Black Lantern Pariah claiming that 'world's have died, and worlds will rise,' when suddenly the entire planet of Xanshi itself is seemingly brought back as a giant Black Lantern Planet with the symbol etched on it. Could it be they have their own Mogo now?
Cut to a huge battle between Star Sapphires and Sinestro Corps members on Zamaron, where female Sinestro members are being imprisioned and 'converted' by love. Most of this issue is narrated by Carol Ferris, describing how she's only doing this again because she was told Hal would need her help. But she argues with her ring, which wants to put her under it's control like it used to, putting her in what she says is 'auto pilot'. Carol wants to remain in control this time and use the ring rather than be used.
Finally, many of the members are freed by their leader, Sinestro, who instantly recognizes and targets Carol. He tells her he has no fued with her in particular, and will allow her to live so long as she stays out of his way, but she refuses, attacking him.
We cut to the Lost Lanterns again, like last issue, still on Ysmault the home of the Red Lanterns, trying to escape with Laria's body but Boodikka will not leave as an Alpha Lantern, and is killing Red Lanterns mercilessly. But as they try to get her to leave, the planet is overrun by Black Rings calling former Corps members to rise, including Laria herself.
Back to Carol and Sinestro battling it out, which I have to say is really amazing. Two I never thought would ever get into it but who clearly have some history through Hal really let each other have it, with Sinestro even creating a large yellow GL Hal to attack Carol. But she gets the upper hand, and actually captures Sinestro in the Love Crystal Chambers that have been converting people throughout the universe into members fueled by Love.
We learn while he's trapped in the crystal that Sinestro once was deep in love, but not just with any one in particular, but rather Abin Sur's sister, Arin, until he lost her, and upon all the memories of her, he explodes from the Crystal with Yellow Energy, and violently lashes out at Carol. And this is like every other time his rage has really come into play. Sinestro is unleashing all he has, and you can tell he's ready to kill every Star Sapphire just for Carol making him relive it all over again.
And as he and a few of his Corps members have her trapped, ready to kill her, some Black Lanterns arrive, killing a few other Sinestro Corps members, including Abin's son, former Sinestro Corps member.
Cut to Odym, hope of the Blue Lantern Corps, under attack by the constructs of the Orange Lantern Corpse (If you're not aware, Larfalezz is the only ACTUAL member of the Orange Lanterns, and all those he's killed he creates as constructs acting like members, keeping the power solely to himself). As they battle the 2 Guardians and 3 members of the Blue Lanterns, Black Rings hover over the planet claiming to await for death since there are no dead bodies on the planet.
Back on Okaara, home to Larfalezz, who watches all of this occur, waiting for his Blue Ring to be brought to him, is swarmed with Black Rings. He tries to catch one, but they race to the hundreds of dead bodies littered around him, and each and every dead member he uses as a construct member rises as a Black Lantern ina comical 2 page spread with him mearly uttering 'uh-oh' and a very 'oh shit!' look on his face.
Overall, great issue, and Mahnke continues to astound with his artwork. I really loved the Carol/Sinestro interactions, revealing and touching on a lot of history that we've always known but never focused on as it was always Hal and Carol or Hal and Sinestro, though all three were always encountering one another.
So we open back with John Stewart at the remains of Xanshi with rings flying everywhere aroudn him, and we see a Black Lantern Pariah claiming that 'world's have died, and worlds will rise,' when suddenly the entire planet of Xanshi itself is seemingly brought back as a giant Black Lantern Planet with the symbol etched on it. Could it be they have their own Mogo now?
Cut to a huge battle between Star Sapphires and Sinestro Corps members on Zamaron, where female Sinestro members are being imprisioned and 'converted' by love. Most of this issue is narrated by Carol Ferris, describing how she's only doing this again because she was told Hal would need her help. But she argues with her ring, which wants to put her under it's control like it used to, putting her in what she says is 'auto pilot'. Carol wants to remain in control this time and use the ring rather than be used.
Finally, many of the members are freed by their leader, Sinestro, who instantly recognizes and targets Carol. He tells her he has no fued with her in particular, and will allow her to live so long as she stays out of his way, but she refuses, attacking him.
We cut to the Lost Lanterns again, like last issue, still on Ysmault the home of the Red Lanterns, trying to escape with Laria's body but Boodikka will not leave as an Alpha Lantern, and is killing Red Lanterns mercilessly. But as they try to get her to leave, the planet is overrun by Black Rings calling former Corps members to rise, including Laria herself.
Back to Carol and Sinestro battling it out, which I have to say is really amazing. Two I never thought would ever get into it but who clearly have some history through Hal really let each other have it, with Sinestro even creating a large yellow GL Hal to attack Carol. But she gets the upper hand, and actually captures Sinestro in the Love Crystal Chambers that have been converting people throughout the universe into members fueled by Love.
We learn while he's trapped in the crystal that Sinestro once was deep in love, but not just with any one in particular, but rather Abin Sur's sister, Arin, until he lost her, and upon all the memories of her, he explodes from the Crystal with Yellow Energy, and violently lashes out at Carol. And this is like every other time his rage has really come into play. Sinestro is unleashing all he has, and you can tell he's ready to kill every Star Sapphire just for Carol making him relive it all over again.
And as he and a few of his Corps members have her trapped, ready to kill her, some Black Lanterns arrive, killing a few other Sinestro Corps members, including Abin's son, former Sinestro Corps member.
Cut to Odym, hope of the Blue Lantern Corps, under attack by the constructs of the Orange Lantern Corpse (If you're not aware, Larfalezz is the only ACTUAL member of the Orange Lanterns, and all those he's killed he creates as constructs acting like members, keeping the power solely to himself). As they battle the 2 Guardians and 3 members of the Blue Lanterns, Black Rings hover over the planet claiming to await for death since there are no dead bodies on the planet.
Back on Okaara, home to Larfalezz, who watches all of this occur, waiting for his Blue Ring to be brought to him, is swarmed with Black Rings. He tries to catch one, but they race to the hundreds of dead bodies littered around him, and each and every dead member he uses as a construct member rises as a Black Lantern ina comical 2 page spread with him mearly uttering 'uh-oh' and a very 'oh shit!' look on his face.
Overall, great issue, and Mahnke continues to astound with his artwork. I really loved the Carol/Sinestro interactions, revealing and touching on a lot of history that we've always known but never focused on as it was always Hal and Carol or Hal and Sinestro, though all three were always encountering one another.
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Tragic Angelus
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Green Lantern #46:
*Note, this takes place immediately after the last issue, but also immediately after about the halfway point of Blackest Night #3
We open back on Zamaron, where the Guardians of the Star Sapphires are witnessing both the Sinestro Corp members there and the Sapphires now battling Black Lanterns. As they notice the danger, they make one vow and that's to prevent the Predator from escaping (Predator is the Violet Corps Entity like Ion and Parallax, and in contrast to the Violet Corps so far female only members, is a seemingly male Entity).
Sinestro takes over narration on this one, and as he and Carol seemingly table their fight he refuses to actually assist stopping the Black Lanterns since he's there to free his corps members only. As protects himself and tries saving his members, Slushh the green clear member with bones floating inside has about 5 Black Lanterns erupt from within in a really cool moment. As Sinestro and Carol become somewhat surrounded, Hal and the two members we saw in Blackest Night #3 appear on Zamaron. Channeling multiple Corps' light, she and the other Indigo lantern destroy many of the Black Lanterns, and the male Indigo lantern takes leave to head to Oa, leaving Hal and Indigo-1 with Carol and Sinestro.
Carol and Hal work together taking Black Lanterns down as he explains the multiple colors aspect to defeating them, and discussing how she volunteered for this and how she's in control this time, and how she did it because Hal would need help.
As they work together, Sinestro attacks them both until stopped by Indigo-1, who informs him she can be trusted as Abin Sur told her if he was not around that Sinestro was to be trusted with information. But as he asks her what she knows of Abin, two Black Rings head for the main power battery on Zamaron.
Inside appear to be the crystalized bodies of 2 lovers. Both with wings. Khufu and Chay-Ara, both of Earth, are called to Rise. As they do, the Battery shatters, killing hundreds of Star Sapphires and Sinestro Corps members, raising power levels to 75.25%, and freeing the Predator.
Indigo manages to, of course, save Carol, Sinestro, and Hal, as she was using Hal to connect to the main or leading members of each Corps. As they leave the planet, Sayd the Black Guardian orders all unengaged Black Lanterns to follow the Indigo Light.
We see John again at the now risen planet of Xanshi, and a voice calling out to him that it can help him save them, and he flies toward the planet.
Indigo-1 transports the four of them to Korugar, in order for Sinestro to complete his goal of battling his rival for control of his Corps. Mongul has staked his claims in the Corps, and as Sinestro is transported directly to his throne on the planet, the two immediately begin battling each other to the death. The other three Lanterns jump in to help, but coming back from an incredible hit, Sinestro knocks all of them out of the way, claiming this is his fight, his world, and his Corps.
We're treated to a greatly drawn battle by Mahnke where the two utterly mismatched characters duke it out. Sinestro is easily overcome by Mongul's huge frame and sheer power, and when the other Lanterns try to help he again shoves them away, this time with a construct of Abin Sur. But Mongul lifts him up from under his foot, and prepares to crush Sinestro's head in his hands, as Sinestro reachs up to the rings on each of Mongul's fingers.
We learn Sinestro has overrides on all of his Corps' rings since he was the one who forged them, and he is the one who allows someone else to wear them. We see he actually has total control over each of his members if necessary, The Yellow Energy strikes back at Mongul, freeing Sinestro, and shoving massive yellow spikes all through Mongul's body.
Sinestro calls for the Central Fear Battery and members of his Corps, informing Mongul that he will not control the Yellow Lanterns, nor die and join the Black Lanterns, but rather in a constant state of pain in the Battery.
Just as Sinestro restakes his claim and declares himself the leader of the entire charge agasint the Blackest Night, a ship with the Black Lantern Logo lands, and we see each of the Four Lanterns colored with their respective emotion.
Then, inside the ship, claiming Sinestro is the reason both of them died, we see Black Lanterns Abin Sur and his sister Arin.
Another great issue, and I hope the collection of leaders continues here in GL so the main story can be pushed in the main title until the two converge.
*Note, this takes place immediately after the last issue, but also immediately after about the halfway point of Blackest Night #3
We open back on Zamaron, where the Guardians of the Star Sapphires are witnessing both the Sinestro Corp members there and the Sapphires now battling Black Lanterns. As they notice the danger, they make one vow and that's to prevent the Predator from escaping (Predator is the Violet Corps Entity like Ion and Parallax, and in contrast to the Violet Corps so far female only members, is a seemingly male Entity).
Sinestro takes over narration on this one, and as he and Carol seemingly table their fight he refuses to actually assist stopping the Black Lanterns since he's there to free his corps members only. As protects himself and tries saving his members, Slushh the green clear member with bones floating inside has about 5 Black Lanterns erupt from within in a really cool moment. As Sinestro and Carol become somewhat surrounded, Hal and the two members we saw in Blackest Night #3 appear on Zamaron. Channeling multiple Corps' light, she and the other Indigo lantern destroy many of the Black Lanterns, and the male Indigo lantern takes leave to head to Oa, leaving Hal and Indigo-1 with Carol and Sinestro.
Carol and Hal work together taking Black Lanterns down as he explains the multiple colors aspect to defeating them, and discussing how she volunteered for this and how she's in control this time, and how she did it because Hal would need help.
As they work together, Sinestro attacks them both until stopped by Indigo-1, who informs him she can be trusted as Abin Sur told her if he was not around that Sinestro was to be trusted with information. But as he asks her what she knows of Abin, two Black Rings head for the main power battery on Zamaron.
Inside appear to be the crystalized bodies of 2 lovers. Both with wings. Khufu and Chay-Ara, both of Earth, are called to Rise. As they do, the Battery shatters, killing hundreds of Star Sapphires and Sinestro Corps members, raising power levels to 75.25%, and freeing the Predator.
Indigo manages to, of course, save Carol, Sinestro, and Hal, as she was using Hal to connect to the main or leading members of each Corps. As they leave the planet, Sayd the Black Guardian orders all unengaged Black Lanterns to follow the Indigo Light.
We see John again at the now risen planet of Xanshi, and a voice calling out to him that it can help him save them, and he flies toward the planet.
Indigo-1 transports the four of them to Korugar, in order for Sinestro to complete his goal of battling his rival for control of his Corps. Mongul has staked his claims in the Corps, and as Sinestro is transported directly to his throne on the planet, the two immediately begin battling each other to the death. The other three Lanterns jump in to help, but coming back from an incredible hit, Sinestro knocks all of them out of the way, claiming this is his fight, his world, and his Corps.
We're treated to a greatly drawn battle by Mahnke where the two utterly mismatched characters duke it out. Sinestro is easily overcome by Mongul's huge frame and sheer power, and when the other Lanterns try to help he again shoves them away, this time with a construct of Abin Sur. But Mongul lifts him up from under his foot, and prepares to crush Sinestro's head in his hands, as Sinestro reachs up to the rings on each of Mongul's fingers.
We learn Sinestro has overrides on all of his Corps' rings since he was the one who forged them, and he is the one who allows someone else to wear them. We see he actually has total control over each of his members if necessary, The Yellow Energy strikes back at Mongul, freeing Sinestro, and shoving massive yellow spikes all through Mongul's body.
Sinestro calls for the Central Fear Battery and members of his Corps, informing Mongul that he will not control the Yellow Lanterns, nor die and join the Black Lanterns, but rather in a constant state of pain in the Battery.
Just as Sinestro restakes his claim and declares himself the leader of the entire charge agasint the Blackest Night, a ship with the Black Lantern Logo lands, and we see each of the Four Lanterns colored with their respective emotion.
Then, inside the ship, claiming Sinestro is the reason both of them died, we see Black Lanterns Abin Sur and his sister Arin.
Another great issue, and I hope the collection of leaders continues here in GL so the main story can be pushed in the main title until the two converge.
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Mr Wallstreet
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The BN issue with J'onn sounds particularly fantastic and emotionally gut-wrenching. I've always felt J'onn and Aquaman were both underrated, and utilized improperly. To see J'onn return and gun for his old team mates, team mates who were on one incarnation or another of his team makes it all that much awesome.
At the conclusion of Meltzer's first story on JLA both J'onn and Arthur were watching them from the background discussing the history of the league. It would be great if both BN Aquaman and MM took on the League.
Xanshi being the the "OA" of the BL makes sense in every way. One of the biggest failures of any GL is now the home and point of power of all the dead. The scene where you describe John watching the sky fill up with BL rings reminds of one of one of the scenes in the Sinestro Corp. wars - when the GLs and YL's were fighting it out on earth - the next page showed the space on top of earth filling up with yellow and green lantern rings. It was a fantastic piece of artwork. It gave the reader a sense of how much death was taking place on both sides.
Just a clarification - the Love Lanterns: their rings take over the bearer?
At the conclusion of Meltzer's first story on JLA both J'onn and Arthur were watching them from the background discussing the history of the league. It would be great if both BN Aquaman and MM took on the League.
Xanshi being the the "OA" of the BL makes sense in every way. One of the biggest failures of any GL is now the home and point of power of all the dead. The scene where you describe John watching the sky fill up with BL rings reminds of one of one of the scenes in the Sinestro Corp. wars - when the GLs and YL's were fighting it out on earth - the next page showed the space on top of earth filling up with yellow and green lantern rings. It was a fantastic piece of artwork. It gave the reader a sense of how much death was taking place on both sides.
Just a clarification - the Love Lanterns: their rings take over the bearer?
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Tragic Angelus
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1. As for Xanshi being the Oa of the Black Lanterns, I don't think that's the case. They actually have a central Power Battery on another planet, the one the Anti Monitor's corpse landed on and turned into, which I believe is Ryut. I think Xanshi is more like Mogo. A planet that IS a Lantern, rather than the homeplanet.
2. Yes, the Star Sapphires are more controlled by their rings rather than control the rings themselves, much like the Red Lanterns. Johns explained that the two, being on the far ends of the spectrum (red and violet) are far more emotional and actually controled by the emotion/rings themselves, rather than utilize them. That's why Red Lanterns are just rage filled violent lanterns, and Sapphires are those seeking to spread love and convert, and generally speak the way the old Star Sapphires used to.
2. Yes, the Star Sapphires are more controlled by their rings rather than control the rings themselves, much like the Red Lanterns. Johns explained that the two, being on the far ends of the spectrum (red and violet) are far more emotional and actually controled by the emotion/rings themselves, rather than utilize them. That's why Red Lanterns are just rage filled violent lanterns, and Sapphires are those seeking to spread love and convert, and generally speak the way the old Star Sapphires used to.
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Mr Wallstreet
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Hmm, I can't say as I agree with that idea (love/rage controlling their ring bearers) but hey, its his universe and were just livin in it, so I'll go along with it.Tragic Angelus wrote:
2. Yes, the Star Sapphires are more controlled by their rings rather than control the rings themselves, much like the Red Lanterns. Johns explained that the two, being on the far ends of the spectrum (red and violet) are far more emotional and actually controled by the emotion/rings themselves, rather than utilize them. That's why Red Lanterns are just rage filled violent lanterns, and Sapphires are those seeking to spread love and convert, and generally speak the way the old Star Sapphires used to.
Another thing I thought was a nice touch was the Orange Lantern keeping all his power for himself. Greedy mofo
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Tragic Angelus
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Green Lantern #47:
We open with the now Black Lantern Laria (see issue #45) attacking the Lost Lanterns who are on Ysmault (homeworld of the Red Lantern Corps) to rescue her. As Atrocitus gears up to attack the Lost Lanterns, the other Four of the Five Inversions on Ysmault of which Atrocitus is the only surviving member, rise as Black Lanterns. Atrocitus speaks with them, and when they ask if his Rage can get any stronger, and he responds no, one of the newly risen Black Lanterns rips Atrocitus' heart from his body.
When a Black Ring attempts to have him Rise, it's cut off, and instead his ring calls out "Rage", and Atrocitus wakes up, screaming that "You things may slaughter the other corps, but the Red Lanterns will not fall so easily!" as he attacks the Black Lanterns. In other words, ripping the heart out of a Red Lantern doesn't do jack, as we know the rings replace a members blood with the red fire of rage, making their heart useless.
Cut back Korugar, where Black Lanterns Abin Sur and his sister Arin attack Sinestro, Hal, Carol and Indigo. Arin launches onto Sinestro, knocking him down into the underground of Korugar, while Abin grabs Hal by the throat and carries him into the sky, mentioning how he always knew Hal would surpass him. He then mentions to Hal how he never almost brought the Corps to completely destruction or failed to save millions in a city. But none of that phases Hal, as he attacks Abin claiming he's past Coast City and Parallax, and knows that it's not really Abin.
Indigo tells Carol to help "her man" Hal, while she'll go aid Sinestro, who's beneath the streets of Korugar. Arin Sur reminds him that she died below those very streets, which doesn't phase him at first, but when she reminds him of their love, we see Sinestro colored in Fear, along with Love and Compassion. Suddenly, Arin is blasted with Green Light, and Sinestro thinks it's Hal before Indigo arrives, having channeled the Green Light to hurt Arin. Arin rolls over, appearing not as a deceased person, but rather her normal self, calling out to Sinestro.
Just then, Carol, Hal and Abin burst into the scene. The four then channel their lights together, Carol and Hal destroying Abin, and Indigo, Sinestro and Hal (having split his energy two ways) taking out Arin. As the two Black Lanterns are deactivated, Abin calls out that he recognizes Indigo. Hal then asks Sinestro who that woman was, and upon learning it was Abin's sister, Hal asks who she was to Sinestro, to which he angerly replies Nobody.
Sinestro then makes a claim to take charge, demanding Indigo to take them to Atrocitus. Hal argues for Saint Walker (the first Blue Lantern) but Sinestro counters that the Red Lanterns have their hearts replaced by the Red Rings (which we've just seen) and that it could give them an advantage. Hal counters that the Red Lanterns are uncontrolable, and the Blue Light can counter and subdue the Red, something they could use first.
While the two argue over who they should recruit, Hal attempts to reason that if the Universe falls, so falls Korugar, which should interest Sinestro. He replies that he has over 100 of his Corps members above the planet who will give their lives to defend Korugar, which he states is a fact, rather than a threat.
And Hal steps up. He says he's done being a pawn. To Sinestro, to the Guardians, and all the other Corps, referencing how he's worn nearly every ring now other than Violet and Indigo. He says that if Indigo wants him running things, then he will, and everyone there is going to help, but that he will be in charge, no one else, indicating Sinestro.
Sinestro calls to his Corps. He states they will now continue protecting Korugar and the Central Battery while he is gone. Also, he states that for the duration of the Black Lantern attacks, Green Lantern Corps members are no longer to be engaged as enemies. He then, in a manner of words, deferrs control of the 'Corps Heads' to Jordan.
Cut to Xanshi, where John is exploring the planet surface and following a green Light. He lifts up a Green power Battery, and we see him being watched by someone who wields both Green and Black Power Rings, as teh voice calling out to him says "Salvation is Right Here."
Cut to Odym, home of the Blue Corps. As the 4 Blue Lanterns and 2 Guardians try to fight off the Orange Construct Members, the Guardians notice the Black Rings getting closer, perhaps sensing death. But Saint Walker has faith, and suddenly his ring stats that All Will Be Well, and suddenly his ring powers up and he blasts through constructs. The others note their rings are back online and fight back as well (As you'll recall, Blue Rings only work beyond flight and force field/space travel with another Corps near by, so far the Green Lanterns that we know of). Our four Corps leaders arrive, and as the construct of Larfleeze recognizes Jordan, he claims he wants him because he wore both the Green and Blue rings, before all fo the Orange Construct members disappear.
Cut to Okaara, homeworld of Agent Orange, aka Larfleeze, the Orange Lantern. He's on the run from dozens of Black Lanterns, each one the risen body of a person he's killed and made a member of his Construct Corps, calling out that he "Wants, Wants Wants.. Help." As he finally stops to prepare for the attack, we hear a Red Ring call out Rage. The final page is an enraged Atrocitus standing before him, blasting away the Black Lanterns and yelling that he wants Larfleeze's Power Batter.
A decent issue, but much more "talk and exposition" than anything else. 5 of the Corps Leaders are now together (Hal, Carol, Sinestro, Indigo, and Saint Walker), and Atrocitus and Larfleeze are in the same place, but it seems Atrocitus is ready to kill the other. Guess the other 5 only have a few moments to get there. Beautiful work from Mahnke again, and I really love his style, though his Larfleeze is different, I still like it. I'm really curious as to why Atrocitus would want the Orange Battery, but I'm ready for the joining of all 7 Corps.
We open with the now Black Lantern Laria (see issue #45) attacking the Lost Lanterns who are on Ysmault (homeworld of the Red Lantern Corps) to rescue her. As Atrocitus gears up to attack the Lost Lanterns, the other Four of the Five Inversions on Ysmault of which Atrocitus is the only surviving member, rise as Black Lanterns. Atrocitus speaks with them, and when they ask if his Rage can get any stronger, and he responds no, one of the newly risen Black Lanterns rips Atrocitus' heart from his body.
When a Black Ring attempts to have him Rise, it's cut off, and instead his ring calls out "Rage", and Atrocitus wakes up, screaming that "You things may slaughter the other corps, but the Red Lanterns will not fall so easily!" as he attacks the Black Lanterns. In other words, ripping the heart out of a Red Lantern doesn't do jack, as we know the rings replace a members blood with the red fire of rage, making their heart useless.
Cut back Korugar, where Black Lanterns Abin Sur and his sister Arin attack Sinestro, Hal, Carol and Indigo. Arin launches onto Sinestro, knocking him down into the underground of Korugar, while Abin grabs Hal by the throat and carries him into the sky, mentioning how he always knew Hal would surpass him. He then mentions to Hal how he never almost brought the Corps to completely destruction or failed to save millions in a city. But none of that phases Hal, as he attacks Abin claiming he's past Coast City and Parallax, and knows that it's not really Abin.
Indigo tells Carol to help "her man" Hal, while she'll go aid Sinestro, who's beneath the streets of Korugar. Arin Sur reminds him that she died below those very streets, which doesn't phase him at first, but when she reminds him of their love, we see Sinestro colored in Fear, along with Love and Compassion. Suddenly, Arin is blasted with Green Light, and Sinestro thinks it's Hal before Indigo arrives, having channeled the Green Light to hurt Arin. Arin rolls over, appearing not as a deceased person, but rather her normal self, calling out to Sinestro.
Just then, Carol, Hal and Abin burst into the scene. The four then channel their lights together, Carol and Hal destroying Abin, and Indigo, Sinestro and Hal (having split his energy two ways) taking out Arin. As the two Black Lanterns are deactivated, Abin calls out that he recognizes Indigo. Hal then asks Sinestro who that woman was, and upon learning it was Abin's sister, Hal asks who she was to Sinestro, to which he angerly replies Nobody.
Sinestro then makes a claim to take charge, demanding Indigo to take them to Atrocitus. Hal argues for Saint Walker (the first Blue Lantern) but Sinestro counters that the Red Lanterns have their hearts replaced by the Red Rings (which we've just seen) and that it could give them an advantage. Hal counters that the Red Lanterns are uncontrolable, and the Blue Light can counter and subdue the Red, something they could use first.
While the two argue over who they should recruit, Hal attempts to reason that if the Universe falls, so falls Korugar, which should interest Sinestro. He replies that he has over 100 of his Corps members above the planet who will give their lives to defend Korugar, which he states is a fact, rather than a threat.
And Hal steps up. He says he's done being a pawn. To Sinestro, to the Guardians, and all the other Corps, referencing how he's worn nearly every ring now other than Violet and Indigo. He says that if Indigo wants him running things, then he will, and everyone there is going to help, but that he will be in charge, no one else, indicating Sinestro.
Sinestro calls to his Corps. He states they will now continue protecting Korugar and the Central Battery while he is gone. Also, he states that for the duration of the Black Lantern attacks, Green Lantern Corps members are no longer to be engaged as enemies. He then, in a manner of words, deferrs control of the 'Corps Heads' to Jordan.
Cut to Xanshi, where John is exploring the planet surface and following a green Light. He lifts up a Green power Battery, and we see him being watched by someone who wields both Green and Black Power Rings, as teh voice calling out to him says "Salvation is Right Here."
Cut to Odym, home of the Blue Corps. As the 4 Blue Lanterns and 2 Guardians try to fight off the Orange Construct Members, the Guardians notice the Black Rings getting closer, perhaps sensing death. But Saint Walker has faith, and suddenly his ring stats that All Will Be Well, and suddenly his ring powers up and he blasts through constructs. The others note their rings are back online and fight back as well (As you'll recall, Blue Rings only work beyond flight and force field/space travel with another Corps near by, so far the Green Lanterns that we know of). Our four Corps leaders arrive, and as the construct of Larfleeze recognizes Jordan, he claims he wants him because he wore both the Green and Blue rings, before all fo the Orange Construct members disappear.
Cut to Okaara, homeworld of Agent Orange, aka Larfleeze, the Orange Lantern. He's on the run from dozens of Black Lanterns, each one the risen body of a person he's killed and made a member of his Construct Corps, calling out that he "Wants, Wants Wants.. Help." As he finally stops to prepare for the attack, we hear a Red Ring call out Rage. The final page is an enraged Atrocitus standing before him, blasting away the Black Lanterns and yelling that he wants Larfleeze's Power Batter.
A decent issue, but much more "talk and exposition" than anything else. 5 of the Corps Leaders are now together (Hal, Carol, Sinestro, Indigo, and Saint Walker), and Atrocitus and Larfleeze are in the same place, but it seems Atrocitus is ready to kill the other. Guess the other 5 only have a few moments to get there. Beautiful work from Mahnke again, and I really love his style, though his Larfleeze is different, I still like it. I'm really curious as to why Atrocitus would want the Orange Battery, but I'm ready for the joining of all 7 Corps.
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Mr Wallstreet
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Tragic Angelus
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I'd say it was a bit of pacing, with some importance. I say that because we honestly have no clue where some leads and beats are going to go, or how things will play out. It's interesting to go back to some issues, key points, and things to see how they plaid out 2-3 issues later.
I think the Red Lanterns having no heart to remove is important.
Hal taking charge of Sinestro is pretty crucial, along with re-locating the Sinestro Corps to Korugar.
And of course, the gathering of the '7 Corps Leaders' so to speak.
Great break from nonstop action, and fitting way to fill us in on some back story, and foreshadowing.
I think the Red Lanterns having no heart to remove is important.
Hal taking charge of Sinestro is pretty crucial, along with re-locating the Sinestro Corps to Korugar.
And of course, the gathering of the '7 Corps Leaders' so to speak.
Great break from nonstop action, and fitting way to fill us in on some back story, and foreshadowing.
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Mr Wallstreet
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Tragic Angelus
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Mr Wallstreet
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Both. I've been looking forward to Blackest Night since summer 08 and from everything that's been posted about it, here and other places, it sounds like its shaping up to be a pretty good story.
Unfortunately, DC (like Marvel) are a bunch of a-holes when it comes to putting out a story in trade. First they wait a whole f'ing year before they release an HC. Then a year after the HC comes out they release the tpb. I realize that this is common practice in publishing but it still blows.
Unfortunately, DC (like Marvel) are a bunch of a-holes when it comes to putting out a story in trade. First they wait a whole f'ing year before they release an HC. Then a year after the HC comes out they release the tpb. I realize that this is common practice in publishing but it still blows.
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Tragic Angelus
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Mr Wallstreet
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Tragic Angelus
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Tragic Angelus
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Green Lantern #48:
*Note, this takes place immediately after GL 47, and just after BN 5.
We open with Larfleeze and Atrocitus arguing and wrestling over the sole Orange Lantern, as the two are being chased by the Black Lanterns of the Orange Corps members. Throughout the fight, and issue itself, Larfleeze has some fun playful dialogue because he has absolutely no idea about most of the outside world having been held up on Okaara all his life. Atrocitus manages to spew out a wall of red flame to hold most of them back, before Larfleeze decks him with the Orange Lantern, knocking him out. He tries reconstructing his Corps to fight the Black Lanterns, but they're useless.
As the Black Lanterns descend upon Larfleeze, he's saved by the other 5 leaders of the various Corps' who begin dismantling the Black Lanterns while Larfleeze becomes angered at Saint Walker, still coveting his ring. We find out that Ganthet and Sayd have joined the Corps leaders on their quest, and they try to calm Larfleeze down as he demands a Guardian of his own.
The rest of the members regroup to push Larfleeze back and ask him how he knew about Odym, while Sinestro attempts to restrain the still unconscious Atrocitus. Hal learns the Guardians gave Larfleeze the news about Odym, and he vows to never work for them again after this, to which Sinestro again rises up and argues with him, claiming that Hal reminds him Abin is dead, and that he must have been what Abin tried to warn him about all those years ago.
Atrocitus wakes up just then and breaks free in a great double page spread, striking at Sinestro, before moving towards Hal. The remaining 3 Leaders try taking him down, and when Compassion doesn't work, Saint Walker tries Hope, to no avail. Luckily Hal restrains him, while Sienstro holds Larfleeze as well. Hal tries reasoning with them, but Sinestro refuses, and informs Larfleeze that his Corps has hidden 12 blink bombs on Okaara, and if he refuses to cooperate then he'll lose all of his positions. He then tells Atrocitus that if he cooperates, the Red and Yellow Corps will join together to destroy the Green Lanterns after this is all over.
Atrocitus breaks free, attacking Sinestro, as does Larfleeze, when suddenly Everyone's Rings light up and show them the image of Black Lantern Jean Lohring killing Damage and that power levels are at 100% for the Black Lanterns, and it calls out to Hal Jordan. Indigo-1 channels a broken Black ring learning the source of the Black Lantern's Powers, and she transports them there, saying they cannot let down her savior Abin Sur.
We arrive on Ryut, which was Atrocitus' home planet, to which he becomes enraged again, but as he lashes out he finally falls to his knees, showing another emotion aside from Rage, as we learn that on his home planet, he lost the one thing he loved, being life. Atrocitus finally agrees to help the others, but that the Guardians will die when he's done.
Larfleeze agrees to help if he gets his own Guardian, so Sayd steps forward agreeing to serve him if they all survive. The group learns the Black Lanterns have moved, and decide to track them down. We get a final page of the 5 different personal Lanterns apearing with Larfleeze holding his own and Indigo-1 holding her staff, as Gahnthet says they'll give everything they have to destroy the Black Lantern Corps.
Overall, a good issue that goes straight from the last one and into Blackest Night #5. Lots of exposition, but I'm glad it was in this book rather than stretching out an issue of Blackest Night. Very cool seeing all of them come together, and again I can't say enough good things about Mahnke's work! The coloring as well really helps highlight the darkness of the story, making each emblem, ring, and lantern that much brighter when they shine.
*Note, this takes place immediately after GL 47, and just after BN 5.
We open with Larfleeze and Atrocitus arguing and wrestling over the sole Orange Lantern, as the two are being chased by the Black Lanterns of the Orange Corps members. Throughout the fight, and issue itself, Larfleeze has some fun playful dialogue because he has absolutely no idea about most of the outside world having been held up on Okaara all his life. Atrocitus manages to spew out a wall of red flame to hold most of them back, before Larfleeze decks him with the Orange Lantern, knocking him out. He tries reconstructing his Corps to fight the Black Lanterns, but they're useless.
As the Black Lanterns descend upon Larfleeze, he's saved by the other 5 leaders of the various Corps' who begin dismantling the Black Lanterns while Larfleeze becomes angered at Saint Walker, still coveting his ring. We find out that Ganthet and Sayd have joined the Corps leaders on their quest, and they try to calm Larfleeze down as he demands a Guardian of his own.
The rest of the members regroup to push Larfleeze back and ask him how he knew about Odym, while Sinestro attempts to restrain the still unconscious Atrocitus. Hal learns the Guardians gave Larfleeze the news about Odym, and he vows to never work for them again after this, to which Sinestro again rises up and argues with him, claiming that Hal reminds him Abin is dead, and that he must have been what Abin tried to warn him about all those years ago.
Atrocitus wakes up just then and breaks free in a great double page spread, striking at Sinestro, before moving towards Hal. The remaining 3 Leaders try taking him down, and when Compassion doesn't work, Saint Walker tries Hope, to no avail. Luckily Hal restrains him, while Sienstro holds Larfleeze as well. Hal tries reasoning with them, but Sinestro refuses, and informs Larfleeze that his Corps has hidden 12 blink bombs on Okaara, and if he refuses to cooperate then he'll lose all of his positions. He then tells Atrocitus that if he cooperates, the Red and Yellow Corps will join together to destroy the Green Lanterns after this is all over.
Atrocitus breaks free, attacking Sinestro, as does Larfleeze, when suddenly Everyone's Rings light up and show them the image of Black Lantern Jean Lohring killing Damage and that power levels are at 100% for the Black Lanterns, and it calls out to Hal Jordan. Indigo-1 channels a broken Black ring learning the source of the Black Lantern's Powers, and she transports them there, saying they cannot let down her savior Abin Sur.
We arrive on Ryut, which was Atrocitus' home planet, to which he becomes enraged again, but as he lashes out he finally falls to his knees, showing another emotion aside from Rage, as we learn that on his home planet, he lost the one thing he loved, being life. Atrocitus finally agrees to help the others, but that the Guardians will die when he's done.
Larfleeze agrees to help if he gets his own Guardian, so Sayd steps forward agreeing to serve him if they all survive. The group learns the Black Lanterns have moved, and decide to track them down. We get a final page of the 5 different personal Lanterns apearing with Larfleeze holding his own and Indigo-1 holding her staff, as Gahnthet says they'll give everything they have to destroy the Black Lantern Corps.
Overall, a good issue that goes straight from the last one and into Blackest Night #5. Lots of exposition, but I'm glad it was in this book rather than stretching out an issue of Blackest Night. Very cool seeing all of them come together, and again I can't say enough good things about Mahnke's work! The coloring as well really helps highlight the darkness of the story, making each emblem, ring, and lantern that much brighter when they shine.
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Tragic Angelus
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