DCU Comic Book Reviews

GREEN LANTERN #28

Sinestro Corps Epilogue:  The Alpha Lanterns, Part III

April 2008

Written by Geoff Johns

Pencils by Mike McKone

Inks by Andy Lanning with Marlo Alquiza and Norm Rapmund

Cover by Mike McKone and Andy Lanning

Synopsis

On Yasmault, a bearer of the Red Lantern, Atrocitus, vows revenge against the “greatest” Green Lantern:  Sinestro.  On Oa, the Green Lanterns witness the creation of a new faction of the corps:  The Alpha-Lanterns.  These new corps members sit in judgment of Laira, who killed Amon Sur.  She believes the use of lethal force, as approved by the Guardians, was justified, but the Alpha Lanterns determine her actions were murder.  The Alpha Lanterns expel Laira from the corps.  The Guardians then enact the second law:  lethal force has been authorized against all of Green Lantern enemies.  Elsewhere, the Guardians learn of Agent Orange.  In the Binary Star System, the Controllers decide they need to follow the orange light to find a way to defeat the Green Lantern Corps.  Meanwhile, Laira is being escorted to her home when a red power ring finds her because she has great rage.  She becomes a Red Lantern. 

Review by Binkley (e-mail)

This was not at all what I was expecting.  I was truly expecting the entire issue to focus on the trial as we would listen to the two sides argue about the right or wrong of Laira’s actions.  Instead, Johns cuts right to the chase, passes judgment real quick on Laira, and then gets onto other business.  Even though the Blackest Night storyline won’t hit until 2009, the reality is that Johns has less than 12 issues to set the stage, so I guess he couldn’t really linger.  So, yes, it was not what I was expecting, but I think the issue is probably better for it.  Rather than dwell on a plot point that doesn’t really mean much, Johns focuses on the ramifications of the decision.  Besides, I doubt there is much anyone can add to the debate of Laira’s actions, so Johns’ decision to focus on the formation of the Red Corps was the smartest move.  This issue continues the excellent epilogue for the Sinestro Corps War as Johns builds the new status quo.  There is enough that happens to satisfy my thirst for plot development, but not enough that I can expect more to come in future issues.  Johns has struck that perfect balance and I am eager to read more of it. 

I don’t quite understand the second law.  Well, I understand what Johns is trying to do with the second law, but what gets me stumped is that the second essentially overwrites the first law, making the first one redundant.  Why not simply re-write the first law?  Does this mean the third law will overwrite the second and so forth and so forth?  If so, that means there will be only one law with nine outdated useless laws to go along with it. 

Is it just a coincidence or will all of the Red Lanterns have rage towards Sinestro?  Atrocitus is looking for revenge against Sinestro and Laira’s hate is directed toward Sinestro because she blames him for what happened to her.  Considering how much Sinestro seems to be playing the Guardians, one has to wonder if this is intentional.  It could also be something unintentional in terms of the story, but intentionally added by Johns to add another layer to the plot.  Or it could just be coincidence.