Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews
Green Lantern #51
DC Comics
Johns & Mahnke
Parallax versus Spectre consumes this issue and while it is executed well it feels like it is out of place from the Blackest Night storyline. The issue just has that feel that Parallax was only dropped into the issue for the purposes of having something different fight the Spectre. This seems to be the case the way all of the key players are just swept away by the issue’s end. With that in mind it seems like this type of issue could have taken place almost at any point in time during this event. It seems strange that it would be placed at the end. The artwork is good and helps raise the issue up a level, but ultimately this comic is a good read and not a great one.
With Hal Jordan possessed by Parallax the comic book wins points for its creative dialogue. Now you have a wise-guy talking trash to a Black Lantern, where both are a little nuts. This works well for this issue and helps to keep it moving along nicely.
However, the dynamic of Parallax, Jordan and Spectre is not explored very much. This was a missed opportunity seeing how all three were basically the same character for a time. Another aspect of the story that is hardly touched on is how the Spectre is a Black Lantern (or not a Black Lantern) if he is already dead or undead. How is someone trapped inside of him? All of this is barely touched on as the reader is left to rely on his own memory of previous series from years ago or research to figure this all out. It makes for a dull story when the components aren’t understood. It’s like being in a room full of people who get the inside joke when you do not. Oh well, you had to be there.
The comic contains other solid moments besides that of Parallax talking trash. The various coloring ring bearers and their deputies have some interesting arguments and dialogue to keep the comic entertaining. The artwork is also a high point.
The use of color again stands out. There are plenty of pages that have multiple ring color representation and the art blends all of the action very nicely. There are also some moments where the art kicks it up a notch, such as where Parallax tears off the Spectre’s face. That’s a can’t miss moment.
This was a good comic book. The main problem is that the book feels like a one-and-done story when it’s really part of the Blackest Night storyline. Or is it? I’m not really sure because I wasn’t sure how Spectre was or wasn’t a Black Lantern in the first place. The comic has a lot of action, snarky dialogue and great art, so there are some good qualities to it. However, this issue just doesn’t stack up with previous ones in this arc.
3 out of 5 Geek Goggles
