Reviewed by: Mathan “Xax†Erhardt
Story Tile: Wanted Part Three
Written by: Benjamin Raab
Penciled by: James Bosch
Inked by Rodney Ramos
Colored by: Moose Baumann
Lettered by: Jared K Fletcher
Editor: Peter Tomasi
Publisher: DC Comics
Let me begin by stating that I am a diehard Green Lantern fan. Hal Jordan was the hero that first captured my imagination. I love the concept of the Green Lantern.
On the other hand, as a result of the weekly column I write here at 411Comics, I am a bit of a continuity cop. Ever since Ron Marz left the book, it hasn’t paid to either of these two things. Still I will try to give an objective review.
The issue opens with a round table of former Green Lanterns discussing Kyle’s plan on infiltrating the Black Circle. The viewpoints differ greatly. Then we go to Kyle charging is ring before diving into the vipers nest. But that could have been a fatal mistake as it arouses unnecessarily attention from those he’s trying to deceive. Fortunately his current arch nemesis/boss comes to his aid. Amon Sur, the head of the Black Circle makes his home on a former Green Lanterns ship. And he has “trophies†of all the GL he has killed in his time.
Then we go to Earth to catch up on Merayn, John Stewart’s ex, and her job search. It appears as though the attack last issue was just part of her interview for…the DEO. That’s right John recommended her for the gig, and she passed with flying colors. Then we catch up on Jade and her current boyfriend Lucas. Yup, Jade has moved on, and is seeing other people, despite the fact that Kyle doesn’t know they’re done yet. Unfortunately her new beau is the snoopy type and he finds a certain engagement ring. He jumps to conclusions and leaves Jade distraught and alone.
Back in space two former GL’s have a heart to heart about what is at stake with the whole Black Circle affair. We also find out that the Weaponers of Quard and the Black Circle plan to destroy Oa. Boy, things aren’t looking too good for that potential Green Lantern Corp rebuilding theory.
Raab has a hard job. I don’t envy him. I’ll start with my dislikes
Now I don’t know if he inherited the “Kyle in Space†story from Judd or if he pushed Judd in that direction. Either way I’m not feeling the storyline. Whereas Amon Sur could have been a major villain and a decent addition to Kyle’s anemic rouges gallery, he was brought back way too soon for my taste. Like how over in the Bat-verse Hush is returning less than a year after he vanished. It kind of stinks.
Making Amon yet another villain who hates the GLC is kind of lame too. Fatality actually had a reason to dislike the Corp, but the villain who hates all Green Lanterns bit is getting old fast. I was also under the impression that one of the things Kyle changed about his ring post-Ion was the need to charge. I though that Agent Chase’s dialogue about mascara was kind of out of character.
And I do hope that one of the two Guardians realize that their planet is currently in the crosshairs. I mean these guys are supposed to be nearly omniscient. Ganthet could have his Quintessence card revoked if this gets out.
Now to the good.
Kyle not having an excuse for the power surge was a nice touch. And the idea that Merayn could work for the DEO is a nice subplot. So was having John have some connection to the government, which fits nicely with the Superman/Batman portrayal. The scene between Lucas and Jade was perfect. It was very tense, but personally I think he was acting like a punk. He should have had more faith in his game. I also hope that he and Jade had consummated the relationship, especially after a “couple of months.â€
The art was decent. It didn’t knock my socks off, but it wasn’t terribly flawed either. My only real qualm was with Kyle doing his oath. That could have been a major “fanboy†moment. But it was relegated to two panels from the chest up, and not in costume. What’s up with that? We never get to see Kyle charge up, and when we do you gyp us? Boooo!
