Reviewer: Andy Campbell
Story Title: Rings
Writer: Geoff Johns
Pencils: Ethan Van Sciver
Inks: Prentis Rollins & Mick Gray
Colors: Moose Baumann
Letters: Rob Leigh
Assistant Editor: Harvey Richards
Editor: Peter Tomasi
Publisher: DC Comics
By the time I started really getting into comics, Kyle Rayner was Green Lantern,
so he’s who I grew up calling "Green Lantern." That said, the incredible
writing of Geoff Johns in this series, more than anything else I’ve read since,
has made me understand just what the "it" factor of Hal Jordan is.
The bulk of this issue is spent in the showdown between Hal Jordan and Sinestro.
After that handful of pages, I totally understood the relationship between the
two, their history, Hal’s determination, and Sinestro’s pure bad-assery. Yes,
that’s a word. Also of note are a great character moment between Kyle and Hal,
the banding together of the 5 premier Green Lanterns, and…well…that would
be telling. :-)
The art team has done an absolutely stellar job with this series. Van Sciver’s
level of detail is amazing, and his ability to capture facial expressions is
one of the best I’ve seen. Rollins, Gray, and Baumann round out an art team
that captures exactly the way everything should look. I wouldn’t change a thing,
and that’s high praise.
Since this issue is #5 of 6, you’re either already reading this, waiting for
the trade, or don’t care. If you fall into the first group, you already know
how good it is, and you don’t need me telling you. If you’re in the second group,
I’d advise you to continue waiting for the trade; no use trying to dive in now.
And if you’re in the third group, you’re not reading this review either. So,
thanks for not reading; I appreciate it. ;-)
