Sunday, April 13, 2014

Green Lantern Corps #30 Review

Written by: Van Jensen
Art by: Scott Kolins and Chris Batista
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: April 9, 2014

Oh Brother, What Art is That?


I have been enjoying Green Lantern Corps lately.  I like the "Space Cops travel the Universe" vibe Van Jensen has given us and when Bernard Chang pencils it, it looks amazing.  However, I have not been a fan of the Durlans or this storyline.  For one, it's been a little confusing.  The Durlans and the Khund are real hard to tell apart and when it comes down to it, I just haven't cared for either of them.  No, what I've liked is seeing the various Lantern recruits learn the ropes with the guidance of John Stewart.  Unfortunately, Jensen doesn't give much of that this issue, but he does try to make readers care about the Durlan by giving a much needed history lesson.  But is it any good?

The Durlans hate the Green Lantern Corps.  I mean, they really hate them right down to their core (sorry). Van Jensen shows us why.  With multiple flashbacks and some exposition by Daggle, we learn that the Durlans basically blame their entire race's problems on the Green Lantern Corps and specifically the Guardians.  They actually may be right.  There are always two sides to a story, but this is another case where it looks like those damn Guardians flexed their muscle without really thinking it through.  Even John Stewart sees it that way by the end.  However, that is no reason to start a War centuries later...right?

A War is going on, though, and it continues this issue on Mogo.  The Durlans are in hiding so the Corps turns to the biggest of them all.  It's pretty cool how they root them out and for me was the highlight of the book.

A highlight that doesn't have much company is a lonely highlight indeed.  This issue just seemed to drag on.  I understand that the back story of the Durlans was needed, but even with that, this issue seemed to be treading water.  Van Jensen has been real good so I guess he is allowed an average issue once in a while.

What wasn't average was the art.  Even though the solicits promised Bernard Chang, he was nowhere in sight.  Scott Kolins and Chris Batista fill in and it is not good.  Everything looks rushed and unfinished.  Seriously, this was one of the worst looking books I've read in a long time.  It makes it worse when you look at the awesome Bernard Chang cover.  Please come back soon, Bernard.

Bits and Pieces: 

Green Lantern Corps #30 gives the reader the history of the Durlan and nothing more.  The story drags and the art is horrible.  If you are following the overall arc, read it just because.  If you are not, you can save your money this month.

4.8/10

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