Green Lantern #15 Review

Writer: Geoff Johns
Artist: Doug Mahnke

Since Geoff Johns started writing Green Lantern back in Green Lantern: Rebirth I have became a huge fan of the power wielders from around the galaxy, but mainly the Lanterns featured in the main Green Lantern series' (Hal Jordan, Sinestro, and Simon Baz). This storyline has also been very interesting, and I am looking forward to what Rise of the Third Army leads in to.

Plot

This issue sees Simon Baz attempting to clear his name by visiting the owner of the van he stole. Agent Fed is also on Baz' trail, and Hal, and Sinestro learn what's happened to them.

Review

This was a brilliant issue, but not quite as good as the last couple of issues. I've enjoyed how Johns has developed Baz into a character that I like, and the fact that these issues focus more on Baz' story than the actual Rise of the Third Army crossover doesn't bother me as much as I thought it would. In saying that this issue was a bit slower than the previous few, and it affected the overall story. Besides that Johns did a decent job of explaining exactly what happened during issue 0. I've also loved that Johns has managed to keep Hal, and Sinestro in the series, but I'll talk more about that later.

The art from Doug Mahnke was once again fantastic, and I've really been enjoying his art over this series. There is a lot of detail in his artwork, and although he uses more plainer backgrounds, than other artist's, from time time, they are also brilliantly detailed, and I'd rather a plainer background than one that's too ambitious, and doesn't look right. Mahnke is also very good at showing what the characters are feeling, which is nice as I always love emotion in art. Alex Sinclair's colours have also been magical, and probably the thing I've liked most about the art. I love that Baz' Green Lantern suit is brighter than most others, and that it stands out. I also like that Sinclair knows when to use plainer colours, or shiner colours, and think it always suits the sequence it's in.

Ring or No Ring?

What I liked most about this issue was that it put the question straight, about who was responsible for the explosives in the van Baz stole. Although this sequence was a bit slow I could put up with it, as it answered that question, and was also dramatic. It was also nice that although Baz was trying to clear his name he still felt sorry for what happened to the owners van. The person behind the explosives in the van was also a bit of a shock. It wasn't a total shock, and not long into the comic I could tell who it was, but I still thought it was a bit of a surprise. I also liked that Agent Fed turned up during this sequence, and that things didn't take long to get out of hand.

Explosion

The Third Army make a more bolder appearance in this issue than they have before, which I was happy to see. I also liked that even though Baz had a Green Lantern Ring he was confused like most of the Green Lantern Corps, and that he thought there was something the other Green Lanterns knew that he didn't. It was also interesting that Agent Fed witnessed this, as the Third Army have mainly focused on eradicating the Green Lantern Corps, than changing humans into them. The interaction between Baz, and Agent Fed was also interesting in this issue, as Fed kept going by the book, and treating Baz like a futagive terrorist, whilst starting to realise that Baz may be innocent. I'm looking forward to how this progresses, and if Fed's opinion changes any more than it already has.

Hal and Sinestro: Deceased

The fate of Hal, and Sinestro is also revealed in this issue, and apparently they're dead. As I said, I've been happy that Hal, and Sinestro have been involved in this series since disappearing, and that Johns has taken the time to develop their story. Although I would prefer this to have been more than one page, it makes sense, as the main story is now focused on Baz, and newer readers may be slightly confused if they see too much of Hal, and Sinestro's story too soon. I also found it interesting that the person that was guiding them in the Dead Zone knew both of them, and I will be looking forward to who that may be, as I have a few ideas as to who it may be, but wouldn't be surprised if I was totally wrong.

Final Verdict

This was a very good issue, and a brilliant continuation to the Rise of the Third Army storyline. Although it's not quite as good as the last few issues, this is still a fabulous issue, and I would highly recommend it, along with all the Rise of the Third Army issue, in this series.

Rating: 4/5

Green Lantern #14

Writer: Geoff John
Artist: Doug Mahnke

SPOILERS BLOCKED OUT IN WHITE! 
(Highlight White Areas to Reveal Spoilers)

I have really been enjoying this series since it started just over a year ago, and have enjoyed John's run prior to that. The work Johns has done in the Green Lantern Universe over the last 8 years has been phenomenal and he's made the lead character shine throughout, whether it be Hal or Baz. The series over the years has also had amazing artists and Mahnke has been one of the best.

Plot

This issue sees the Guardians continue plotting their scheme to remove all emotion from the universe. Meanwhile Baz is confronted by the Justice League and is trying everything he can to make them believe he is innocent but when the ring explodes with light and energy whilst Batman is trying to help him remove it he is forced to flee with the Justice League in pursuit.

Review

This was an amazing issue and has been the best in the Rise of the Third Army crossover so far. Johns has done an amazing job introducing this new character to the series, which isn't always easy. Sometimes new characters get a bad response especially when they are potentially replacing a character as big as Hal Jordan, but Baz has had great response and it's easy to see why. Over his run on GL Johns has been able to judge when to add new energy and excitement to the series when it needs it the most.

The art in this issue was great and once again Mahnke has produced a beautiful piece of artwork throughout this comic. Sinclair and Avina have also added brilliant colour to this issue and I really enjoy seeing how Baz's Green Lantern uniform has a bright glowing colour and how it really pops out next to the members of the Justice League. Mahnke has also proved that he has the ability to draw the Justice League and I would be more than happy if I heard he was working on that title sometime in the future.

I'm actually starting to like the Baz character more after this issue. I liked from the previous issue how he was different form the other Lanterns but this issue showed a lot more character and that he's a misunderstood character and not the bad person everyone is making him out to be.

I also was happy to see that this issue started to introduce more of the main crossover story as most of the first issue was about Baz trying to figure out how to use the ring so it was nice to see the Guardians plotting more of there scheme again.

It was also nice to see Hal and Sinestro in the issue, even if there appearance was short, as it shows that they haven't been forgotten and that they will be used further down the line. The brief appearances they have made over the last couple of issues do however keep you wondering about what will happen to them and the end of this issue gives a teaser and it looks like the mystery about Hal and Sinestro's whereabouts may be answered in the next issue.

Baz's reaction to the Justice League was just priceless and one of the funniest parts of the issue. I really enjoyed how he is speechless and then compliments Superman by saying that even if he could work the ring that Superman would still be able to kick his a$$, whilst kind of insulting Batman by saying that he's the only member of the Justice League he could stand a chance against.

I also liked how Superman actually looked flattered when Baz said that and how Batman agreed that he was defiantly a Green Lantern due to the comment he made about him. I also liked the comedy that Flash brought to this issue and how if a Green Lantern had to die so Baz could get that ring that he wished it was Guy.

It was also nice to see a different use of the ring and how Baz makes unique constructs which are both smart and very unique. I will be looking forward to seeing how he uses the ring in future issues.

Final Verdict

This was a brilliant issue and Baz is starting to become a great character. This issue is crammed with tones of fun, and brilliant action (although limited) with a bit of humour. I would highly recommend this issue and the entire series.

Rating: 4.5/5