GREEN LANTERN CORPS #10

[ OVER-CHARGED? ] 

John Stewart is really up sh*t creek. He does not know what to do or what to speak. Guy Gardner has an idea. Though it does come across quite queer. Plus inherently very-very Greek. Just like Writer:  Peter J. Tomasi; Artist: Fernando Pasarin; and Publisher: DC Comics in May 2012. Kebab anyone?

So what’s the STORY morning glory?

Now there are many collective phrases which could easily sum up this solemn chapter of Alpha War, entitled 'Execution Song'. But to me, there is one phrase in particular which stands out from the crowd... 'Oh Shit!'.

• Just imagine if you will what it must feel like to be a member of the Green Lantern Corps at this precise moment in time.
• John Stewart has just been sentenced to death for the murder of Kirrt, and has asked to see the parents of the man he killed.
• The Alpha Lanterns are making all the necessary arrangements to carry out their legal edict.
• The rest of the Corp's are shocked and stunned by what is going on, just like Kirrt's wayward ring deep within space.
• And after a quick snack, Guy Gardner and some of his colleges do something that is very in character for them to do.
• JAIL BREAK!
• I wonder what the Guardian's will think about that?

To be continued when the Alpha Lanterns give chase.

What is the most memorable SENTENCE OR CONVERSATION spoken in this issue?

As much as I did enjoy Guy's phrase 'Boodicrap' very much, in the same vein I thought that John's play on life very pertinent when he said...

'Everybody plays Poker, Guy -- Everyday of their lives. They just don't use cards'.

Sum's up very well what Guy then does next, huh?

What was the BEST thing about this issue?

There's so much to like about this issue that I do not know where to begin. But I'll try my best: (1) The emotional core of this comic was just marvellous to digest, as it's melancholy spirit was something pure and dynamic to plough through. (2) I loved the fact that all the characters in this story were all depicted 'in character'. Sometimes a writer would 'fudge it' a bit, just for the sake of plot. But not this time, thank Tomasi. (3) One of the most charming aspects of this tale was the way that things plodded along at a very casual and easy going pace. Nothing rushed. All relaxed.

What was the WORST thing about this issue?

Now at a touch, the only slight gripe I had with this story was the way that the Guardians are starting to turn into 'Saturday Morning' cartoon-type villains. Maybe it is just me, but half of me expected them to gaze into the beyond and cackle mercilessly to themselves.

BWA-HA-HA-HA! For example.

What was the most CREATIVE thing about this issue?

STORY: The scene between John and Kirrt's parents was the stand out scene in my eyes. I do not think that I have ever read anything so wholesome in a comic book before. It had a nice tone. It was relatable. Plus I did love the way that this piece dissolved on a poignant note.

ART: The more that I follow Fernando Pasarins art, the more that I begin to appreciate what he is really doing on this title. Now being a bit of a film-buff myself, I can tell when a camera-man has the right style and pace for a piece comedy or an action scene. Fernando does too - I can see it in his layouts and his select choice of compositions. Class act.

If you had to CAST TWO CHARACTERS in this comic book, who would they be and why?

BOODICRAP: OK, I know that she is smiling a tad too much in the picture provided, but trust me when I say that busty actress, Ashley Judd, can also do cold and frigid at the drop of a hat - just as she did in the movie, 'Heat'.

THE HORSE-FACED ALPHA-LANTERN: Although he is most probably dead by now, there is only one actor I know who can play this merciless mare like no nag on Earth - Mister Ed the talking horse.

You know it makes sense.

If this issue had a MOVIE TAG LINE, what would it be?

Guilty. Innocent. True. Or False. A Green Line Has Been Crossed And John Has To Pay.

If this issue were a MOVIE, an OBJECT, or a piece of MUSIC, what would that be and why? 

OK, so this story is about the aftermath of a murder trial and how a friend tries his best to get his buddy out sing-sing. Oh! I know! What about comparing this comic to the Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor comedy 'Stir Crazy'? 

Just reverse the temperament and it would be a nice match.

FINAL thoughts...

This is one of those books which has not disappointed me for quite some time now, and just continues month after month in delivering fresh and new takes on tried and tested ideas.

Well, have you seen a hero murder someone in a comic and then confront the parents just prior to him being sentenced to death? Also, have you seen a scene where a prisoner is reluctantly rescued from prison under his own duress in space?

No. Me neither. And that is one of the main reasons why I tell one and all to support this title, as I do not want it to take a nose-dive because the big-wigs at DC aren't draining it dry enough.

Amen.

MARKS out of 10? 9