GREEN LANTERN #149
"Hand of God, Day Four"
Mildly Recommended (6/10)
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DC Comics
Writer: Judd Winick
Pencils: Dale Eaglesham
Inks: Rodney Ramos
Colors: Moose Baumann
Letters: Kurt Hathaway
Editor: Bob Schreck
Price: $2.25 US/$3.75 CAN |
Winick has handled the conflicting notions of omnipotence and humanity nicely in this story arc thus far, and that holds true in this issue as well. His dialogue grants these fantastic characters a grounded tone, and Eaglesham's art captures both their majestic and human natures. The problem here, though, is that the idea that the title character and the Man of Steel discuss is... just so obvious, making for an anti-climactic read.
As Ion, Kyle Rayner attends a routine meeting of the Justice League at the Watchtower on the Moon, when all of a sudden, J'Onn J'Onzz detects a cloaked invasion fleet. As the heroes scramble to prevent disaster, Ion tells them ever so nonchalantly that the crisis has passed, prompting Superman to take Kyle aside and finally talk about his new powers and the need to impose limits on how he uses them.
Eaglesham is faced with a challenge in this issue. He has to capture the wonder and brightness that is inherent in the concept of the JLA while still maintaining a more sombre, reflective tone that's in keeping with the more philosophical plot elements. He nails the zaniness and potential for satire of Plastic Man nicely, and the isolated nature of the Batman as well.
I'm enjoying the way Winick is presenting Kyle in this story arc. Despite the fact that he has unlimited knowledge within his grasp, one still gets a sense that he's got a bit of learning curve ahead of him. He can still be surprised, still make mistakes. Winick has been careful not to fall into the typical megalomaniacal stereotype for heroes who've gone too far with their powers.
On the other hand, I just don't buy that Kyle can't see what everyone else around him does: that he's crossed a line. He's gone beyond saving lives to imposing his ethics on others, to treating mankind as children. In other words, this pivotal plot point is painfully obvious. I was also a bit puzzled by Kyle's declaration at the issue's end. It came from out of nowhere, and there's no apparent connection to the main plotlines.
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