8 RED RINGS

If you haven't read "Red Lanterns #27" or "Green Lantern/RedLanterns #28", turn back now. Spoiler alert for those issues. You can read a reviews of both issues by following these links; RED LANTERNS #27 and GREEN LANTERN/RED LANTERNS #28. The reviews have a brief rundown of events within each issue, with Green Lantern/Red Lanterns #28 being a 2-in-1. And of course they are followed by the opinion of the issues.

So again, either go read "Red Lanterns #27" and "Green Lantern/Red Lanterns #28" or the reviews via the links above. The upcoming articles and list will have spoilers for those issues. You have been warned!

Now then, we were given a reminder of Atrocitus sending out 9 Red Rings to find new recruits for the Red Lantern Corps just before Guy Gardner shows up to take over control. The death of Ratchet had the count at ten, but we see who the ring found in issues #27 and #28. Then, we were introduced to who was the first selection is in Supergirl (the reason for the spoiler warnings above). That's right, a Kryptonian is now rocking a Red Ring of Rage. The female equivalant of the all powerful Superman, now has even more power in her hand, literally.

Of course, Supergirl is fresh out of the red lake in the end of "Green Lantern/Red Lanterns #28" and there is a whole story to go with her. Will Saint Walker overcome his grief and use the power of the Blue Lanterns to "cure" her? Will she become a mainstay within the title? There is also the reaction of Superman to all of this, if he finds out. But, I couldn't help but wonder "who's next?" Supergirl may be the only "big name" to dawn a red ring, but there is a chance that she won't be. With so many names yet to appear within the new universe provided via the DC Comics relaunch back in 2011, for some this may serve as good entry point. There's a good chance that we'll see an enemy of the Lanterns (any color) be chosen by one of the eight remaining rings.

Here is a list of far fetched but also possible contenders...

1.Superman

We don't know how he is going to react to all of this, let alone what would happen if something horrible happens to Supergirl while wearing or trying to remove her ring. She is his last living relative, I can see some "super" rage stemming from a traumatic incident. To be honest, I can see Superman either dawning a Blue Ring, or being the one who convinces Saint Walker to return as a Blue Lantern (their situations are similar).

2. Saint Walker

Speaking of. With Saint Walker being the sole surviving member of the Blue Lanterns, what would happen if his waning hope turns into rage? Would we see a new Blue Lantern? Would he end up saving himself with his hope returning and then curing himself? More likely to have a simple "comeback" and cure the Reds who need it, but would be interesting to see.

3. Nightwing/Richard Grayson

Not sure how the events of "Forever Evil" will play out, but the original Robin has lost his monthly title. He may need a break from earths surface. May seem far fetched, just trying to "save" the character from a "death", and we haven't seen an angry Nightwing. Not Red Lantern Corps angry. Red Hood aka Jason Todd is the more likely candidate, but he is one of the more obvious ones if selecting someone from Gotham.

4. Larfleeze

He's the lone Orange Lantern for a reason. He see's a new shiny object fly by, he is going to want it. And if anyone tries to stop him, he's capable of reaching the required rage level to receive a ring. Which I guess would turn into ever lasting rage for possibly not being able to be an Orange Lantern any longer. 

5. A Guardian

Not likely, but it is a matter of time before at least one of them begins to become a problem for everyone...again. Perhaps one of the "new" ones will just snap, or something causes them to. Again, not likely although not 100% impossible.

6. Big Name Villain

Which one? No idea. With the addition of Supergirl, it means it may not have to be a "Lantern" villain, so it is really hard to pinpoint which one is the "angriest" of them all. Will it be someone who hasn't even debuted yet, and has some added rage to their new back-story? Keeping with the "Super" theme, how would they stop a ring-bearing Doomsday? Even if they got him into the lake, then what? Apologies for not listing a name, but there are just so many possibilities. I give this a high probability though if it isn't just Supergirl being the "big" name to have gotten one, feel free to comment on which villain you think will get a red ring. As long as the story adds up, there is no wrong answer in this one, even a campish type of character could have a moment of rage.

7. Another Human

It appears as though Rankorr fell at the hands of Atrocitus, but isn't confirmed. Will he be "replaced"? Even with leader of the Reds, Guy Gardner, being human it wouldn't come as a surprise to see more Earth dwellers fill the roster. Green Lanterns have three at the moment, there have been 6 or so over all, and they Red Lanterns always seem to want to compete with the Greens. More likely, a quick fatality though, but another human Red, none the less.

8. Mogo

We finally see where Mogo wear his ring, which was just on a branch of a tree in which the "treemunks" play with it. Not completely sure how Mogo "works", but would he become a member of the Red Lantern Corps if a Red Ring were to land on a branch while the 'munks are playing with the green ring? Another "not very likely" character, but would be interesting to see none the less. Definitely make for great visuals, as his land scape changes into something I think would resemble Ysmault. Speaking of which, Mogo would make a great new home for the Reds (who recently set up shop on Ysmault again, which is in Sector 2814).


There is a good chance that Supergirl was the lone superstar to receive a raging red ring. Some could have been lost or destroyed while searching for a bearer, while some go to the more likely candidate, brand new characters. People to either add to the roster short-term or long-term, or even give the Lanterns of any color a new enemy who is on a more level playing field. Atrocitus is back at full power, who's to say he won't start his own corps now that Guy Gardner runs the group Atrocitus started. Just happy to see some focus on the Red Lanterns for a change, instead of them being a smaller part of a bigger Green Lantern story.

Stay Nerdy!

COMIC BOOK COUPLES II

JUSTICE LEAGUE OF CANADA!

The Justice League of America is apparently heading north of the border to my home and native land that is Canada come Spring 2014,  with writer Jeff Lemire at the helm. Promising a dream-team of characters to fill out the roster, a mix of top names and a new Canadian character as bonus.

With such little details as to the who's, why's and how's we will focus on the people who already exist or have existed in the past within the DC Universe who could possibly make up the team. As for the new character, all that  shall be said is, "Good Luck!" Having never even crossed the border, I can tell you that it will not be an easy task. Very "Marvel-Heavy" up here in Canada product wise, and I am sure there are already people out there waiting to compare this with Marvel's Alpha Flight. However, we are very loyal to roots and tradition, and the fact that co-creator of Superman Joe Shuster was born here may help the situation as here in Canada we're all about our Quarters and Stamps, and sure enough Supes himself has and will again soon be appearing on both of those. I usually poke fun at my country for these things, but will admit am looking into getting my hands on all the Superman Quarters and Stamps ahaha

Okay, back to the point, Who Should Be On The Justice League Of Canada Roster?

Green Lantern Simon Baz
With the happenings in the real world, everyone always looks to Superman to be that shining light in a currently dark world of comic books, perhaps this Lanterns light is the one to be that beacon. Yes, pun heavily intended!

Nightwing
If anyone has read "Forever Evil #1" then they would understand why Richard Grayson might want to lay low in the great white north for a bit. Plus, Batman seems to be everywhere among the 52 titles, Nightwing would fill that role in this book nicely.

Swamp Thing
Yes, referred to as the great white north, but trust me despite the rumors it isn't winter all year around up here, we have spring, summer and fall as well and it is green as it gets up here, and that would fit into Swamp Things comfort zone nicely.

Frankenstein
Going with this guy as a recruiter of sorts for Bigfoot a flip side to Marvel's Sasquatch as a new character. It's far fetched, but is anything really in comic books?

Booster Gold
Apparently Booster is a Canuck. However, that isn't confirmed yet in the New 52 either apparently. But, if he is, then most definitely make him a member. Comedy between him and Nighwing could be similar to that of The Flash and Green Lantern Hal Jordan.

Animal Man
Much like Swamp Thing, Animal Man would fit in nicely in Canada's wilderness. With, although slightly common, more of a variety of animals can be included. Wolverine, anybody?

Batgirl
Far fetched, as she is in a compelling story of her own as of late. Yet, the current situation could see Babs needing a break from Gotham. Added bonus is reuniting on a more regular basis with Grayson.

Ice
Strong feeling that perhaps the new character being created to join the DC Universe is going to be a female Canadian as I can't think of any at all really. However, if that isn't the case and Batgirl is held up in Gotham City, then the character Ice to complete the roster. She also fills the "Canada equals Snow & Ice" stereotype ahaha


We'll find out who really made the cut come Spring 2014! All of you Americans that will be joining the ride, pack light as you may want to be a villain and smuggle our beer back with you!

Stay Nerdy!