the stuff inside my head that must get out
archives
Mon, 22 Aug 2005
Justin G really didn't read many comics this week
Green Lantern #3
DC
I really want to like this book, but Johns and Pacheco are making it difficult. Pacheco's art is beautiful in terms of individual panels. They are simultaneously very clean with smooth like work, while boasting some impressive details. Some of his panel to panel storytelling makes my head hurt though. I had to repeatedly go back and study how one panel transitioned to another and try to comprehend which character was taking what action and how that subsequently got us to the next panel, not very intuitive at all. At a macro level, I really like how Johns is setting up this run of GL. I like his social commentary with the citizens of Coast City, the tension and big reveal between Hal and General Stone, the sad demise of the lone Manhunter, and seeing the Manhunters as an organization gear up for what promises to be a big showdown. That last panel is really exciting. But some individual moments just leave me scratching my head. The Manhunter slams into the cockpit canopy and then the two of them just stand there? Super powers or not, wouldn't the speed of say, mach-whatever, blow them right off? The Raptor is a supersonic jet with alien hybrid technology after all. Then, right when GL's power level reaches 0% and he's most vulnerable as regular Hal Jordan, the Manhunter conveniently leaps off the plane instead of just killing him? Next scene, when the Manhunter sends a blast of energy at the plane to destroy it, he conveniently hits himself on the head with a chunk of aircraft shrapnel which distracts him long enough for Hal to recharge the ring on the guy's face? Ooookay. Being generous here, Grade B.
Godland #2
Image
It's just campy fun! I find myself smiling a lot when I read this book. So hokey, but so enjoyable. Some really nice nods to the Fantastic Four and other 1960's Marvel tropes, as well as Kirby's 70's DC work with Mister Miracle and The New Gods. The depth of self-awareness that this book demonstrates makes it thoroughly entertaining. It's almost as if it is so intensely and deliberately representational of the genre that it borders on satire or self-parody. I nominate Basil Cronus as the villain of the year! Grade A-.
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