BATMAN? WHAT ABOUT GREEN LANTERN?

With "Batman" getting set to unleash Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo's next major story arc, a lot of people seem to have a problem with the dollar price hike. Understandably so, after raising the price from $2.99 to $3.99 on a regular basis. Are we about to see the price make a permanent home at $4.99 if the issues continue to sell so well? Hopefully not. Now don't get things twisted. I am not saying that Snyder and Capullo's work hasn't been worth it. "Zero Year" was amazing, and left us wanting more of Batman's origin, as well as other characters (ie The Red Hood post acid plunge).

The point of this article, is to ask why there hasn't been any grumblings about the Green Lantern side of things. There may not be the price jump, but the constant cross-overs do add up, and put a dent in the wallet. And they keep coming even with Geoff Johns now working on "Justice League". As stated with Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo's work in "Batman", I am not complaining about the quality of stories. Although I will admit that "Red Lanterns" never really seems to fit into the scheme of things, and with it being a preferred title I am always a little disappointed.

So, why is the "hate" always aimed at Batman? Is it because us fans refuse to admit defeat in regards to our Dark Knight versus anyone and anything? Maybe, but I see some fellow Bat-fans out there chirping about the cover price. Which usually comes with all-around top quality, the glossy and/or embossed covers, the story, and the art. Out of the six to seven Lantern titles, I only read two. "Green Lantern" and "Red Lanterns". In the beginning of the New 52, I was only getting half of the overall story. Now with Sinestro and Larfleeze, I am getting even less. I'll admit that it only half bothers me, as I enjoy the "hunt". Meaning I am a "hard copy" collector/reader, and I enjoy having to search for the titles that I missed or need to complete a story arc.

Usually a "positive" vibe around here, but figured someone had to add the Lanterns to the mix when others are complaining about "Batman" going up to $4.99 again for a major story. Looking forward to both "Batman: End Game" and "Godhead" with the Lantern titles.

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NEW 52 ANNIVERSARY LACKED PUNCH

After last years debacle, I should be happy with just how smooth this years New 52 anniversary went. Haven't seen nor heard of anyone being short changed in regards to getting the 3-D cover version of their favorite titles. Have also enjoyed that every title was included, unlike last year where we had 4 weeks of  say "Batman" or "Green Lantern" but nothing for say "Batgirl" or "Red Lanterns". But, after last year it was expected of DC Comics to not repeat the errors that were made.

Now I haven't read any of the issues in the weekly title, "Futures End", so perhaps I am missing something in regards to the tie-ins. But, it feels as though these one-shot tie-ins are lacking punch. Don't get me wrong, the stories have been good, and in some cases, great. They just feel "pointless" in a sense. DC Comics has said that all of this is part of what they have planned in 5 years time, and that the plan is to not have these one-shots be "What If's" (yes, a Marvel title, but you get it), and have them mean something. Problem with that is, what if we didn't like this direction? Stories were nice reads, but in most cases not a direction I would want to see the company go. Batman will be constantly cloning himself? And in just 5 years time, he'll be beaten and broken leading to him doing this? Sure it made for a nice read, but other than a possible (not definite) future I don't want it. Or even with Red Lanterns, or should I say the end of them? At times I prefer the Reds over the Greens, and don't want them to come to an end. Not until the writing turns to crap at least. Now, perhaps DC Comics was just trying to add hype to the event, especially after last year. It would be hard to imagine them sticking to all of this if fans aren't buying it. I am sure others out there agree that the stories themselves were good to great, but would prefer to not go in that direction for the next 5 years. At least not all of what was shown, as some things will have to be explained (ie. Mr J and his pretty face in Harley Quinn). I am also most of us who think this would be okay with DC Comics saying that these were all just possible futures.

Can't state enough how good the one-shots were. Stories were solid. Art was a matter of opinion as always, even the ones I didn't care for did a great job of telling their stories though. The covers were great again, and although a repeat of last year, it was nice to see all the titles getting one. I am looking forward to what they do for the 4th anniversary of the New 52. They've done the past, villains, and now the future. What could possibly be the focus next year? Until then, Stay Nerdy!



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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!