A new era begins. Robert Venditti becomes the first writer of this title since 2004 with Billy Tan on artwork. Being a big Geoff Johns fan, the idea of him not writing this book anymore took some mental adjusting on my part. Johns had, arguably, the best run on the book... ever. But I was excited to see what a brand new voice could bring to my beloved Hal Jordan. I'm happy to say, Robert Venditti didn't disappoint.
With art by Billy Tan, inks by Richard Friend and colors by Alex Sinclair and Tony Avina, #21 is a smooth step from Johns' epic #20 into this new era. With the old Guardians dead, the Corps and the new Templar Guardians appoint Hal the Corps new leader, a role he accepts with more ease than I expected. What I also didn't expect, but was happy to see, was a quiet couple pages of Hal and Carol catching up on what their relationship (or lack thereof) status is. For as good as Johns' run was, the further he got into it, it really lacked some of the personal moments that made his early issues shine.
As far as the artwork is concerned, I'm not the biggest fan of Tan's pencils (his Hal needs some work) but he draws the hell out of some aliens and his storytelling is pretty smooth.
Overall this issue feels like a smooth continuation of where Johns left things. Venditti has a great voice this issue for Hal and Kilowog. So much so that you can hear Josh Keaton and Kevin Michael Richardson's shining perfomances of those characters from the Animated Series. (RIP)
Its early, and one issue does not a successful run make, but I thought it was a pretty great start for the new team.
Spread of the Week:
Billy Tan and Co.'s first spread give you a taste of what the art team will be capable of.
-Gint
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