One of the new titles of the New 52 DC titles that I was most anticipating was Red Lanterns, so it only stands to reason that the one I was most excited for didn’t deliver to me on all fronts. That is not to say the first issue was bad, it was just average.
The story takes place in the same continuity that the War of the Green Lanterns ended in: Krona is dead and on Ysmault as a trophy of sorts to Atrocitus who has nearly lost all of his fervor due himself not being able to finish the renegade guardian himself. And his Red Lanterns seem to be able to sense Atrocitus’ wavering attitude…. Bleez in particular who seems to be a rallying point for the other Red Lanterns. We know that Bleez will have a larger role to play in the New Guardians so it will be interesting to see how things play out between her and Atrocitus in this series. Is she going to get the Red Lanterns under control for Atrocitus? It seems like their main function is just be on Ysmault looking pissed off and fighting one another. On the other hand she might just challenge Atrocitus for leadership, which seems more likely to me.
A few things were revealed about Atrocitus and his past life on Ysmault which were a pleasant and interesting surprise. We were able to see his wife and child’s death at the hands of the Krona re-programmed Manhunters. Also Atrocitus’ used to simply be called Atro. And before his planet’s destruction his occupation was as…. a psychologist. Can you imagine that counseling session? And he looked pretty scary before his family died!
I give the issue a 3 out of 5 Lanterns.
The art was average and the story itself felt like nothing that deserves an ongoing series. I’ll reserve final judgment until the next couple of issues, but I’m worried about where this story could possibly be going.
Grizzly Bomb 