Reviewed by Tim Sheridan
“Alienated”
Writer: Geoff Johns
Art: Ethan Van Sciver
Colorist: Moose Baumann
Letterer: Rob Leigh
Assoc Editor: Michael Siglain
Editor: Peter Tomasi
Published by DC Comics
After three strong issues, I felt this was the first issue of the title to come across as a bit weak. It was, to me at least, a sort of fill-in. It set up some things for the new Corps spin-off title, had some nice character moments with Hal and Kilowog, and some ominous threats from one Hector Hammond.
It also had some remarkable art by Ethan Van Sciver. While I liked his work on the Rebirth mini a few months back, this was even better. He has an incredible eye for detail, and his care shows through on every page.
I just wish the story was up to par. I’ve never been disappointed by Geoff Johns before, but this issue just left me wanting for…I don’t know, more. We have a very odd alien/not alien story, which is not very thrilling, due to the underlying mystery and humor involved. Then Hal visits with Hector Hammond, and it was a very difficult scene to read. With the dialogue and mind-speak, and bizarre mind-entering, it was just a weird sequence. Hammond came across not as threatening, but as just plain creepy, at one point saying he wanted to be Hal Jordan. Because Johns has never disappointed me before, I will of course give him the benefit of the doubt here. I expect this story to pick up as it goes on, evolving as more of a set-up issue than a fill-in. Because this issue was just unsatisfying.
It ends with The Shark attacking people. I’ll be honest, I don’t know who he is. I’ve read DC Comics for a long while, but I don’t think I’ve seen him before. I stay away from Aquaman, so maybe I’d get him then. But anyway, he looks like a rather lame villain. Reminds me of Orca, from that terrible Larry Hama-penned Batman story back in 2000. But hey, Johns has made Guy Gardner interesting, so maybe The Shark will be another triumph for him.
As I’ve alluded to, I expect more from this comic, and I hope to get more next month.
