Green Lantern #30
Had you told me two years ago that I'd be considering dropping Green Lantern from the Pull-List I'd have had you committed to the nearest psych ward. Two years later, and you're more right than I like to admit.
The premise of the GL books is strong: the Durlans (the shape changers of the DCU) are infiltrating the Corps in an effort to destroy them from the inside. Its the execution that's flawed. There's not a whole lot that's engaging about the way this story is being told. This issue, featuring a fight to the death between Hal Jordan and a Khund warrior, I guess was important to the overall plot, but felt like filler. There were what should have been cool moments like Hal and the Khund sharing a beer before the fight, that never delivered. Maybe in different hands they would have.
Billy Tan mercifully took a break from the art this week allowing Martin Coccolo a shot at bat. Using baseball terms I'd say his no inker-style was a promising hit that turned in to a double play. A big top tier book like Green Lantern should have an inker.
Overall, this book is no longer living up to expectations.
Detective Comics #30
Expectations can really make or break a book. In this case, my expectations knocked this issue out of First Place.
For the first time in a while Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato are back at the superhero game with their first issue of Detective Comics. Coming off of a defining run on The Flash, I was more than ready to have my socks knocked off. What happened was a moderate issue setting up a new creators' run on a title. Was it bad? Not by any stretch, but it didn't wrap me up either.
The art was first class all the way. Manapul and Buccellato don't miss a beat in that game, and I'd even say, this is a better looking issue than what Greg Capullo is doing on Batman. That's my taste leaning toward Manapul.
Solid setup but I expect more in the coming issues as this story kicks into gear.
Aquaman and the Others #1
Speaking of expectations, low expectations helped this book into First Place. Dan Jurgens and Lan Medina take a handful of characters that maybe shouldn't have their own book and really deliver.
When this was announced I immediately thought it was a bad idea. Afterall, DC already has one successful Aquaman book, aren't they taking their chances having him star in TWO? With a supporting cast of brand new characters? But Jurgens and Medina pull it off. They take their time and introduce each unfamiliar character with enough background details to set each one from the others. By the end, you have a great idea of who's who and what's playing out regarding the plot.
Lan Medina draws a hell of an issue. Its top notch art on a book that will need it to run with the big dogs on the shelves each month. Medina's a great choice. Love to see him keep on a monthly schedule.
Panel of the Week:
I don't know if the fingerprints in the art are on purpose or not, but they're a nice little touch.
-Gint
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