Comics / Comic Reviews / DC Comics

Final Crisis: Rage of the Red Lanterns

By Nathan Madison
October 30, 2008 - 18:15

     Final Crisis: Rage of the Red Lanterns is the starting point for the long-awaited "War of Light", the battle between the various colors of the emotional power spectrum (and their respective corps), an idea first mentioned in the penultimate issue of the "Sinestro Corps War" storyline( Green Lantern #25). Since then, various instances and small hints have appeared throughout the Green Lantern books, referring to this event;

Rage of the Red Lanterns, however, can be seen as the first chapter of this "War of Light" epic, with the first (full) introductions of members of both the Red Lantern Corps and the Blue Lantern Corps, as well as an appearance by those attempting to harness the Orange Light of Avarice, and the necromantic power of the forth-coming Black Lanterns.

     The special begins on the twisted, cyclopean prison world of Ysmault, where Atrocitus of the Five Inversions is forging both the first Red Lantern ring, as well as its accompanying Power Battery, formed from the remnants of his fellow, murdered Inversions and Actrocitus' own hatred for the Guardians of the Universe and Sinestro, who he blames for the destruction of his own sector, and his imprisonment, respectively. The narrative then switches to that of Hal Jordan, who is alerted by fellow Lantern John Stewart that Sinestro's execution date has been set, and that they are to accompany the rouge Lantern to his home planet, where his sentence will be carried out. Despite having mixed feelings concerning the killing of his former mentor and freind, Hal joins in the relocation, only to be ambushed by several members of Sinestro's fear-powered Corps. A battle ensues, which is suddenly disrupted by the abrupt appearance of Atrocitus and his Red Lantern Corps. An attack by the Red Lanterns leaves Sinestro's science-cell empty (Sinestro presumably being taken by Atrocitus), and the Green Lanterns incapacitated. Hal's ring begins to recharge, from 0% up to an unprecedented 200% level, and a Blue Lantern claiming to have been sent by Ganthet appears, telling Hal that Sinestro must be saved if the universe is to survive "the Blackest Night."

     Rage of the Red Lanterns has generated a great deal of hype and expectations, given the amazing two-page spread from Green Lantern #25 that alluded to the events that finally begin to materialize in this book, and it does not disappoint in the least. The story moves along at a good pace, following John's usual writing method, in which he gives his work an almost cinematic quality. The narrative begins with the dark and fore-shadowing apperance of the antagonist (and namesake) of the title, and then switches to the familar, namely Hal Jordan and his fellow Corps members. The moment the reader was waiting for since the opening page, the attack of the Red Lanterns, appears suddenly, displays just what exactly this new Corps is capable of, and is wrapped up with both a sense of dread as to what the Green Lanterns are in for, as well as a welcomed glance into a potential ally, that being the Blue Lantern Corps. The plot's events flow fluidly throughout the book, and are able to climax in a conlcusion that offers dread, curiosity, and surprise.

     This installment in Geoff John's Green Lantern saga is excellent, in every way possible. John's writing, from simple, casual dialogue to the overall pacing of the narrative is phenomenal. Johns knows what kinds of things Hal, or Sinestro or the monstrous Atrocitus would say; his familiarity with these characters, most of which he is responsible for reinventing, or creating, in recent years, shows in his work. The reader is treated to an excellent story in and of itself, as well as references to, and continuations of, previous storylines or background events that have, and will no doubt continue to have, important ramifications for the Green Lantern books, if not the entire DC Universe as a whole.

    

Newcomer to the Green Lantern mythos, penciller Shane Davis' artwork is an excellent compliment to John's scripting of Rage of the Red Lanterns. All sequences in the story, from a solitary conversation between former friends Sinestro and Hal, to the brutality of the Red Lanterns' onslaught upon the Green Lanterns, are expertly executed, and are only augmented further, to an even higher level, by the work of inker Sandra Hope and colorist Nei Ruffino. If there is one thing that this trio excels at, it is the representation of the human (or sometimes, not-too-human) face; Guardians, Hal, Sinestro and even a demonic feline (you'll see) are drawn with such detail and talent, that some of these characters look more real than they ever have before. The inking in Rage of the Red Lanterns is extrememly well done, thin when applied to the delicate facial features of the characters, but thick when needed, such as in the actions scenes of the work; its an interesting balance that adds to the details delivered by Davis' pencils. Having Geoff Johns on this book is a sure win by itself; but, to have these three obvious masters of sequential art added to the mix, this book meets and excels any expectations one could have had concerning it.

     Final Crisis: Rage of the Red Lanterns is a fantastic installment in the current Green Lantern mythos; it is an excellent episode in the ongoing Green Lantern saga, as well as an interesting "sneak peek" as to what is in store for Hal Jordan and the rest of his Lanterns. Longtime fans will enjoy it, and for anyone who has yet to read any of the last few years' worth of Green Lantern stories: this one book will show you what all the talk is about.

Rating: 10 /10

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12