GREEN LANTERN #21

[ GREEN IS THE COLOR OF CASH ] 

Hal Jordan is finally back in action. He's now ready to put the whole world in traction. But he has to eat first. Or otherwise he'll burst. Of all of that contaminated extraction. Hey! I don't know what that means either. You best ask the new Writer: Robert Venditti; the new Artist: Billy Tan; and the old Publisher: DC Comics, in May, 2013.

Using GENERAL terms, answer the following 4 questions about this STORY entitled 'Dark Days Ahead'.

• WHAT'S THE MAIN THRUST OF THIS TALE: Once Carol gives him his marching orders, Hal Jordan is whisked off to Oa, where the Guardians informs him that he's the new leader of the Green Lantern Corps, and that he and Kilowog have to find, recruit, and then train some new members.
• ARE THE MAIN OBJECTIVES ACHIEVED: No. Not yet. But a start is made. Despite Lafreeze attacking Hal and Wog in mid-recruit.
• ANYTHING ELSE HAPPEN: In the near future, we get to see the new Corps up sh*t creek without a paddle.
• HOW DOES THIS STORY END: With a couple of kids called to duty.

All in all, what is the most memorable SENTENCE OR CONVERSATION spoken in this issue?

When Kyle tried to help Hal out, by telling the Guardians he isn't the right man to lead the Corps, I did like it when Hal quickly quipped...

'Do me a favour? Stop taking my side'

... because it was funny, right? Funny and nice to see Hal and Kyle on the same page together again.

What are the BEST bits about this issue?

(+) Now the stand out for me in this issue was the art by Billy Tan. I mean, my God, that chap can really-really draw! I'm very thankful that an artist of his calibre has stepped into Doug's shoes, or otherwise this book wouldn't have been all that special.

(+) No matter how fleeting or inconsequential they may seem, I did get a kick out of all those cameos showcased in this comic book. Kyle. Kilowog. Lafreeze. And maybe even Carol. Each of them adding that extra 'Je Ne Sais Quoi' to this tale, hands down.

(+) Another thing that has kicked this adventure into overdrive was the way in which it started. In my opinion this 'foreshadowing' lifted this 'new beginning' a notch or two in the right direction, as it's made us --  the fans -- curious as to how this future scenario came about.

(+) I like these new Guardians. They all came across more personal and friendlier than the last bunch of blue-faced tossers. And although it was a shame to see them go, at the same time I can't help but wonder where they've buggering off to. Hmmm? A conclusion worthy topic of note me thinks.  

What are the WORST bits about this issue?

(-) So last issue Carol was fawning all over Hal as if she was going to jump his bones. Whilst in this issue she gave him the 'old heave ho' for no apparent reason whatsoever. Hmmm? No. This did not make any sense to me at all.

(-) Something else I wasn't too keen on about this adventure was the illogical way it was structured. It started with a bleak tale from the future. Then Carol and Hal did the splits. And after that Hal was told by the Guardians 'We are leaving now, OK? So you set up a new Corps with some help from Kilowog' before being attacked by Lafreeze. No, again. This didn't rest too well with me either. It was too much, too soon.

Choose TWO CHARACTERS out of this comic book, and then compare them to two ANIMALS.

A FROG AS HAL: Hey! I'm not trying to imply that Hal is French in any way shape or form. What I'm saying instead is that he's very green in the wardrobe department. I think.

A HIPPOPOTAMUS AS KILOWOG: Do I have to write anything here? You know. Something to explain away my comparison? No? Fair enough.

What QUOTE would be appropriate to sum-up this story?

'It took me so many years to move out. I'm definitely a bit of a Peter Pan, reluctant to grow up. It all seemed really nice at home so why change it? Part of me would prefer not to have any responsibility whatsoever' -- Helena Bonham Carter

What SONG, THEME-TUNE, or MELODY, would complement this tale, as well as add and extra dimension to it by default?

'HELP!' BY THE BEATLES:  If you listen very closely, you might be able to hear Hal Jordan subliminally crying for help throughout this entire escapade. He needs help with Carol. He needs help with the Corps. He needs help with Lafreeze. Plus he needs help for his future as well.

ANYTHING Else?

Now they've packed their bags, they've topped-up their bank accounts, so all the Guardians have to do next is figure out where they plan to take their sabbatical. Where would you suggest, folks? Somewhere like...

• The Costa del Sol -- Four Nights. Self-Catering. With air conditioning as an optional extra.
• Mars -- To take in the sun, the sights, and the charred remains of J'onn J'onzz's dead relative's.
• Earth 2 -- That way they can catch up with Alan Scott, and tell him how fabulous he is.
• New York -- As it's good place to visit for the shopping and the mugging. Capisce?
• London -- Just remember that the weather can get as funny as the people who live over there, Ha!
• Amityville -- Well, it was a good movie?

OK. That's enough of my silliness for this month, comic book pals. All I have left to say is that this issue of 'Green Lantern' wasn't a bad start in hindsight. The art was great. The story dipped in places. Yet the future seems very bright, the future seems very red.

Nuff said.

GIVE IT, IT'S DUES: If This Comic Book Was a Start of a Race, It Would Be a Beginning Where the Starter-Pistol Accidentally Shot One of the Runners in the Shoulder.