1. This is the new creative team’s second issue and the tone remains the same as under the previous regime. Tomasi was so far better at transitioning between the different characters, but this is still a continuation in the previous direction of the title, so if you liked it before, keep getting it now.
2. Hank Henshaw, the Cyborg Superman, is turning all the Green Lanterns into Alpha Lanterns. GL Stewart is almost captured and transformed, while Kyle, Soranik and Ganthet investigate… but when they figure out there’s a problem, they don’t call for backup lest their friends be turned to enemies. So, the heroes believe it’s better that if they lose not only are they transformed, but no one is warned about the villains plan. You don’t have to call in backup to call it in! Ugh. Brilliant.
3. And that anyone they summon can be turned into an enemy is the same damn thing as Blackest Night to the point where the characters are remarking upon it. Blackest Night ended last month. Might you not want to wait awhile before you do such a similar story? “But they aren’t zombies this time,” the fanboy shouts, “robots are totally different!” No, they serve the exact same function in the plot where the characters are worried about their friends and if they still maintain their soul or if they’re just programmed automatons. Stfu.
4. The Guardians need to be deposed, stat. The manhunters didn’t work. Stopping the War of Light and Blackest Night… didn’t work. People they recruit turn on them pretty regularly, most notably Sinestro, which lead to the Sinestro Corps War… and here’s why they really need to be deposed during which they faced Hank Henshaw. The same Hank Henshaw who showed himself able to take over the manhunters. The manhunters, robots who turned on the Guardians. These oh-so-wise being didn’t think to safeguard against the exact same trick on their Alpha Lanterns? Depose them, now. There is no reason for anyone to trust them at all in any capacity. I hate when the plot requires everyone to be stupid.
5. Kyle is dreaming about Jade, which is causing issues with Soranik. That’s as good a cause of tension as any for a relationship. Which brings to mind a point- where is Jade? Is she the only Brightest Day revival not around prominently in some book? She should really be here or JSA… though I dropped the latter, so she might be.
6. The interlude of what I think were Qwardians could have used more explanation. DC needs to use narration boxes to better navigated these types of continuity quagmires.
7. John Stewart is going to need some backtracking next issue in order to survive this experience. Personally, I hope they make him a robot. He, Kyle, Guy and Hal all being human is a bit much. Robo-Space-Cop John Stewart isn’t as cool as FrankenCastle, but it’s close.
8. The art is good, particularly during action sequences, but some of the facials are off and the characters look a bit like they’re posing more than reacting naturally.
9. A guest thought from Grey Scherl: “This book suffers from the addition of John Stewart. It really does. He’s never developed a personality outside of the JLU cartoon, and having read this issue, he is the weakest link. Can’t we just say goodbye? If this book was Kyle, Sora, and Ganthet as the main cast, it would definitely read smoother. I miss Guy.”
10. Rating: 4/10 – It’s not terrible, but certainly below average. The book suffers from John Stewart’s inclusion and some pretty big plot holes. The tone and basic premise keep it readable, but this is a step down from what came before under Peter Tomasi.
