GREEN LANTERN CORPS #5

[ THIS IS NOT IN THE COMIC? ] 

When Guy Gardner is on a mission. He does not ever think about submission. I remember one time - he saw this piece of slime - and let off an erroneous omission. True story - just ask Writer: Peter Tomasi; Artist: Fernando Pasarin; and Publisher: DC Comics in February 2012. Or else just don't believe me.

So what’s the story morning glory?

In a round about way, this instalment of the Green Lantern Corps - entitled 'Mean Machine' - is a story chock full of questions and answers. For example:

• Is Guy Gardner able to rally forth a group of 'stern solders', who will then be able to aide him in rescuing John from 'the Keepers'? Err - yes - though some of these 'solders' are a right motley crew I can tell you - and so can guy's gang too - Sheriff, Brik, Isamot, and Hanu.
• Who are these 'Keeper' chaps anyway? Well, according to Martian Manhunter, they are a race of people who once aided the Guardians to safeguard their power-batteries. However, once this task was taken away from them, this inadvertently killed off their planet - thus prompting the Keepers to rebel in turn.
• Can John Stewart and his cohorts hold out from the harsh interrogation bestowed onto them by their captors? Hope so - as long as John and company don't tell them how to penetrate Oa.
• What the f*ck does Guy need two member of the Sinestro Corps for? Don't know yet - but I will soon.
• How goes the battle so far? Nice - though the space pirates that this gang kicks into touch doesn't think so.

What is the most memorable sentence spoken in this issue?

Even though there was one point in this scene that I was not too keen about (which is a something that I will pick up later), I have to say that I did like the discourse between Guy and Salaak, one that reads:

Salaak: What do you think you are doing with those prisoners? [referring to the Sinstro Corps members]

Guy: Taking them for a milkshake.

Salak: I did not authorise this. The Volatility of their physiology could literary wipe out an entire city.

Guy: You don't say? I guess that we better be careful then, huh?

Ha! Pure Abbot and Costello. 

Was the story any good?

Yes - like last issue, I found that this issue was a very nice read all in all. Conceptually, it is an exposition type tale, with an additional layer of character sown into the seams, to make the overall tapestry that much more congenial in fibre.

Damn! I have an embroidery analogy running through my head now! Anyone got a needle and thread? I think that I just dropped a stitch, ha!

Was the art any good?

Yes - again, like last issue, artist, Fernando Pasarin, is really good at doing 'talking head' type scenes. Moreover, I did enjoy looking at his 'back-story splash page' which told the origin of the keepers - very 'Crisis on Infinite Earth' when I first saw it.

You 'Crisis' guys know what I mean, right?

What is the best thing about this issue?

Now any comic book which has a couple of gruff aliens drinking  in a dark cellar, is a good comic book in my book. OK, at the moment, I am not really sure why these 'roguish Green Lanterns' are needed within the confines of this particular story. Nevertheless, it is nice to have them 'on-board' for the time being - if only to p*ss off the other GL's.

What is the worst thing about this issue?

I have seen the character of Salaak go through many changes in my time. He was a cute confident - he was a stoic hero - and he was a catatonic cave-dweller too. But now he has gone through the worst change of all - Salaak has become an administrator.

For example, in this issue, he has an argument with Guy because he is taking two members of the Sinestro Corps with him on a mission. Granted, I did like the dialogue (as seen above), but I have to say that I did not like the way that Salaak was portrayed.

I urge Pete and co to pick up some of his earlier appearances in 'Mosaic' plus the eighties 'Green Lantern' series - because he was a much more earthier and relevant character then, and not just a paper pusher for the Guardians.  

If you could sum up this issue in a phrase or saying, what would that phrase or saying be?

Due to the militaristic vibe running through this story-line, I feel that the command 'Attention' has a relevant flavour to it, huh?

If this issue were a movie, an object, or a piece of music, what would that be and why? 

British Rock Group 'Status Quo' summed up this issue quite nicely with their song 'In the Army Now'. Well, they are both light in tone, nice to follow, and have a way about them that is very pleasant and grounded at the same time. 

What do you think would have made this issue better than it was?

I would have liked Jennifer Aniston show up and then say to Guy Gardner that she is having his child.

I have heard rumours you know? About Jen being a bit ginger underneath.

Final thoughts...

Thankfully this book is getting back on its feet again with the last couple of issues. I just hope that the trend continues, and that the resolution to this arc means something more than a slap on the wrist for the Guardians.

Something is coming on the Green horizon soon - I am sure you will agree.

Marks out of 10? 8