[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]
Writer: Robert Venditti
Penciller: Rafa Sandoval
Inker: Jordi Tarragona
Colorist: Tomeu Morey
Summary
The Darkstars are waging an all out war against the Green Lantern Corps on Mogo! How long will the Corps, with Kilowog leading the charge, be able to hold them off? Meanwhile Hal and the gang meet up in space, each bringing a plus-one to help them defeat the Darkstars. Hal has Hammond, Kyle has Orion, John has Zod, and Guy has Arkillo. Can the eight of them come up with a plan to save the day?
Positives
Some great art is shown off in this issue. The full-page battle scene between the Green Lanterns and the Darkstars looks amazing, and the Hammond mind-trick scenes are golden. Art is very important to me in Green Lantern comics because of the constructs. Artists have the opportunity to have the Lanterns create almost anything, so I always look for creativity here. Are they all going for lasers, bats, hammers, etc, or is there a construct that can truly wow me? Here, the giant robot, dragon, and monster truck are drawn with exquisite detail, and they each fit Kyle’s, Arkillo’s and Guy’s personalities. It’s exactly what I want to see in a battle like this.
Kilowog is also written extremely well in this issue. He is often undervalued as a character and a leader, but those qualities are on full display here. He confronts Tomar-Tu with integrity and valor and leads the Lanterns in an excellent fight against the Darkstars. I am glad he got a great moment like this towards the end of the run.
Negatives
Not too many negatives for me. If I had to point out some minor critiques, I’d talk about Zod an Orion. If they are going to be there, I hope they have a chance to do something and be useful, because right now all they are doing is getting defeated. I also do not understand how the Guardians have been used in this run. They are supposed to be wise and very powerful, but they enter the battle to help and barely make an impact, and they are often defeated with relative ease. I am sure there could be an explanation, but it is a bit bothersome that one isn’t provided.
Verdict
Its a great issue and a great introduction to the final arc of Venditti’s run. I can’t wait to see how this epic battle ends!
