GREEN LANTERN CORPS #12

[ A BLAST OF A BARGAIN ] 

The final fate of John Stewart is revealed. Will he now be joining the cast of 'The Shield'? Guy hopes not. He'd rather him carry a mop. And wash-out that Guardian who's congealed. But then again maybe he could wash out these chaps instead? Writer: Peter J. Tomasi; Artist: Fernando Pasarin; and Publisher: DC Comics in August 2012.

So what’s the STORY morning glory?

I once ate a whole curry whilst driving a dodgem at the funfair. It was amazing I can tell you. I crashed. I smashed. And I bashed as well. Though the chap behind me I was sick on was none too pleased I must say. Shame really, because in many ways this experience mirrors what this final part of 'Alpha War' is all about.

• Well, try to imagine if you can give a toss. You're an Alpha Lantern called Varix, and currently you are in a final intergalactic battle to end all battles, POW!
• Now policing the metallic corner are the Internal Affairs Department of the Green Lantern Corps, CRASH! Also known as you're Alpha Lantern brethren.
• Whilst messing about in the Green corner are the Green Lantern Corps themselves, SLAP! Featuring the artist known as Manhunter (not the Martian one).
• So who do you decide to help in this fight? Huh? The Manhunter perhaps?
• BANG!!!!!!
• OK -- so not the Manhunter. Who else then? Maybe your Guardian superiors will know who? The dirty conniving f*ck*rs.

BOOOOOM!

To be continued after a funeral for a friend.

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

Straight up, I found the Alpha Lantern motto very poignant to read in this tale.

'In days of peace, in nights of war.

Obey the laws forever more.

Misconduct must be answered for.

Swear us the chosen, the Alpha Corps'.

Boy-oh-boy. Makes you want to believe in religion again, doesn't it? Ha!

What was the BEST thing about this issue?

There is an obvious shock factor that hits you straight in the face whilst reading this yarn. You know that this is 'for real' -- so to speak. Nothing is played for larks, or for the sake of suspense.

That's the best thing about this issue -- the shocks. All of them.

What was the WORST thing about this issue?

I'm not the type of a person who really goes for 'all battle' issues myself -- which this one was. Don't get me wrong now, what was on display I really did like a lot. An awful lot. However, if truth be told, this tale could have been a 'silent story' -- sparse on exposition, loose on plot.    

What was the most CREATIVE thing about this issue?

STORY: I love the way Peter conveys pathos in his work. Take this issue for example, in the scene where Guy and John are paying respect to their fallen Green colleges. It's just amazing how Peter defines both majesty and humility in this segment, almost amplifying the emotion without leaning in too much on the sorrow.

Very creative that is.

ART: I bet you anything that Fernando Pasarin's hand must be hurting like hell at the moment. My God, how can I say anything negative about his artwork, when it is clear to see on the printed page in such cinematic glory?

Well, maybe there was a tad too much green for my liking. But that's the colourist, Gabe Elteb, fault, right?

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

YARIX: For this erstwhile chap you need a bulky actor who could do with a head transplant. Therefore, in my estimation, I think that 'Sons of Anarky' bulky actor, Ryan Hurst, would be a nice fit. Don't you?

MORRO, THE LANTERN CRYPT KEEPER: OK, so what actor looks like a space priest? Exactly! That's what I thought too. Chancellor Palpatine! Errr... I mean, actor, Ian McDiarmid, of Darth Sideous fame.

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

If You Thought The Terminator Was The Only Man Machine Willing To Make The Ultimate Sacrifice -- You Don't Know Sh*t!

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

Easy peas-e lemon squeeze-e. This one is a no brainer for me. No. Less than a no brainer. A nada di nish brainless. Because this issue is of course the slam-bang television show --- 'Robot Wars'. Now who has a spanner I can borrow?

FINAL thoughts...

Now if you don't want me to spoil this issue -- look away now. If you do -- read on.

----------------- Thank You Very Much -----------------

Oh my God! This comic book has really increased the drama up to a factor of 11, hasn't it? Though I am still curious as to why the Guardians wanted the Corps to win their battle against the Alpha Lanterns? Plus why they only wish to act as master manipulators behind the scenes, and not in front of it?

Well, if you think about it for a moment, for them to secretly attack each of the corps one by one in an underhand manner, maybe they are nervous of external forces who may want to pre-empt their shenanigans. Like 'Stormwatch' for example. Or even the 'Shadow Cabinet'.  

Food for though, huh? Hmm. Now I need to get some food for my belly. Ta-Ta.

MARKS out of 10? 8.7