Red Lanterns #27 (Review)

Red Lanterns #27 (2013-present)

Writer: Charles Soule

Artist: Alessadro Vitti
Cover: Alessandro Vitti

The Rundown:

 Guy Gardner and the other Red Lanterns are back on Ysmault recouping from the events from the previous issue, and the loss of team member, Ratchet. The people that the Reds freed have built giant life like statues of each Lantern as tribute to the late Ratchet;s sacrifice. Guy has changed up his appearance, looking like a red-headed "Gambit" (from X-Men) with a handlebar mustache.

With Ratchet's death comes a new lantern, as the fallen members ring is out on the hunt for a new bearer. It is decided that Bleez and Rankorr will set out to find the new recruit, who will be a danger to everyone including themselves once the ring first rests on their finger until they "take the plunge" in the lake on Ysmault.

Guy takes fellow Lanterns, Zox and Skallox, to his home planet of Earth. Once they arrive, Gardner tells the two not to mess with anyone, as Earth is home to many powerful beings who would make quick work of them. Guy gives them a list of places he thinks that Zox and Skallox would appreciate, then heads off on his own for some personal business. Personal business involving old flame, Ice, who isn't too happy to see her old beau.

 
Skallox and Zox visit the places on Guy's list (Grand Canyon, etc) and are unimpressed really, when they encounter Shadow Thief. Shadow Thief is a human who hates aliens, despite wearing a living alien suit for her ability (which Skallox quickly points out), and quickly starts a fight with the two Red Lanterns.

The story comes to an end when we rejoin Bleez and Rankorr on their search for the new Red Lantern. Who they come upon is not whom they expected at all, that person being the founding and once again a ring bearer, Atrocitus. Atrocitus isn't alone, with him as always is the loyal Dex-Starr and a new "pet" it would appear bearing the Lantern logo.

The Review:

It is nice to see things back on Ysmault, I am not really feeling the whole ship thing. Guys new look is pretty good in my opinion, he was one character that I really never cared for appearance wise, even down to his jacket style. Like I mentioned above, it reminds me of Gambit with a handlebar or Hulk Hogan mustache. Having only begun really reading Green Lantern and Red Lanterns at the relaunch, I am not sure about the history between Guy and Ice, but I see that it wasn't cold like one would expect (puns, how I roll). I really enjoyed the banter between Zox and Skallox, even their retorts for the borderline racist Shadow Thief. Pointing out her hypocrisy was classic.

Overall in the writing department, I am liking the direction they have been taking the Reds, and with Atrocitus back in the picture (for now at least), things are great. Honestly, I thought he was going to be similar to what they had going on with Sinestro, embodying the corps entity. Art is hard for me to critique, as someone out there probably loves the artwork (the beauty of art), but I will say it looks a little rough at times for my liking inside the book, the cover was a lot better. But, it doesn't take away from the story at all for me, so it is good enough. Plus, like I said, I like Guy's new look.

Stay Nerdy!