Showing posts with label Justice League. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Justice League. Show all posts

Friday, 8 April 2016

Justice League The Darkseid War Part One Review

In the seventh volume of the best-selling Justice League series that sees the return of Darkseid, the very being that first brought earth’s heroes together and became the Justice League. His reappearance is not to take revenge on the heroes but, once again makes earth his war zone with the Anti-Monitor, one of the most destructively powerful beings in the Universe. Will the efforts of the Justice League be enough to stop these two unstoppable foes. Collects Justice League #40 – 44 and DC Sneak Peek Justice League #1 by Geoff Johns and Jason Fabok.

Get ready for one of the biggest Justice League epics in recent years. The ruler of Apokolips once came to earth that prompted the formation of the Justice League and the Anti-Monitor, the universe destroying creature that the Crime Syndicate of earth 3 fled from in the Forever Evil story. These seeds that had been sown have finally come to fruition. The opening chapter is a prologue to the events of the Darkseid War, setting the stakes for what’s to come, while giving the reader some background the history of the DC Universe and introduces Grail, the daughter of Darkseid that’s joining the war against her father. There is some fantastic artwork in this opening chapter that depicts various timeline resets illustrated by guest artists throughout the issue, the recreation of the Crisis on Infinite Earths is stunning. It’s pretty heavy on the narrative before the main events of the story are set into motion. 


In a Terminatior esque opening, two evil new gods track and kill every woman that shares the name of their target that draws in the Justice League and the introduction of Mr. Miracle on Apokolips sets a foreboding tone of thigs to come. Things go to another level as the Justice League come into contact with Metron, the new god who observes events of the universe. The scale of the story is the biggest of the series the conflict on the two giant godlike beings having there war on earth where all most of the league can do is watch, elsewhere Superman continues his mistrust of Lex Luthor and the two are thrown into a situation where they are forced to work together, even though there missing out on the main action there is subplot is interesting with its own share of action and intrigue. The New Gods and the Amazons are one of the more interesting aspects of DC Universe, the two seemingly unconnected facets that this story originates from. Most chapters are narrated by Wonder Woman, it’s great seeing her as a front and centre along with her new costume redesign by Fabok in the last arc gives the character a welcomed focus while her narration adds that extra layer of gravitas to the conflict. Much of the league have great character moments, some even going through a vast transformation as they become more than human. While many stories claim that they takes the heroes in a new direction, here it’s an understatement, you’ve never seen Superman, Batman and the Flash like this before. Artist Jason Fabok made a spectacular debut in the previous story-line and he’s in finer form here, his dark but no less heroic art style gives an epic quality, blending intricate details and powerful superhero physiques while possessing a strong ability to convey emotions and moods. 

Even though the last volume was ten issues long this book is only half as long and ends on a pretty shocking cliff hanger. It would have been great to get the complete story in one volume but ending it here allows readers to get into companion piece graphic novel Justice League: Darkseid War - Power of the Gods, consisting of one shots of the heroes with their new abilities and roles. Ever since the launch of the New 52 DC Comics flagship title has been getting bigger and better, the Darkseid War is becoming Johns' epic finale in this best-selling and acclaimed series. With all the series of the New 52 the Justice League has the most benefited of the relaunch with many different having a fresh start from what’s happening in their own respective titles.

For the first part of the Darkseid War, it’s shaping up to be one of the finest Justice League story lines by Geoff Johns. It's epic superhero action on an unprecedented scale. Johns has been setting the story in motion for an over a year now and anytime they bring Darkseid into the mix you know it is going to be an epic story, and this one is no different. Usually stories of this scale become big crossovers, but this is a self-contained story. It’s another dark and superhero spectacle with epic confrontations, dramatic plot twists and cinematic art that isn’t just another Darkseid conflict, this is bigger and more unpredictable.

Sunday, 9 August 2015

Justice League Vol. 6 Injustice League Review

Injustice League is the next volume in the Justice League series by Geoff Johns. This latest volume's collection of issues is comprised of two story arcs from the series that follows up on the outcome of the Forever Evil mini series also by Johns. Now that Lex Luthor is a celebrated hero after defeating the Crime Syndicate and saving the world he seeks to join the Justice League. Joining the fight the approaching threat prophesied throughout the Forever Evil story arc. Doug Mahnke is artist for the first half of the book while Jason Fabok takes over on the second story of the book and is the newest artist on the series. Collects issues #30 - 39.

Lex Luthor - Hero, the former villain has saved the world from the Crime Syndicate after they easily took down those who had banded together to protect it; the Justice League. In their place an alliance of villains led by Luthor, he saved the world from their rule and now he demands his place as part of the Worlds Greatest Heroes as they prepare for an even greater threat that awaits them. It all makes from some stellar story telling and makes up to be one of the greatest collection of issues in the series since Throne of Atlantis. 
The last two collections the narrative was dispersed, the Volume 4 The Grid was part of the Trinity War crossover event and Volume 5 Forever Heroes was much better received as tie-ins to the brilliant Forever Evil event this latest collection gets back to its self contained single stories. 

The development with Lex Luthor gives a very intriguing new concept to the Justice League and the team wrestle with the decision of what to do. Superman is completely opposed to the idea while Batman feels it's the lesser of two evils, keeping one of greatest enemies under close watch. To learn more of the approaching threat that destroyed the Syndicate's home world, the League set out to find the latest host of the cursed ring that once belonged to Power Ring, the Crime Syndicate's version of Green Lantern. With this discovery leads to a new member of the expanding Justice League roster. With the conclusion of the Injustice League arc leads to setting the stage for the a thrilling story; The Amazo Virus. 

After the first arc establishes Luthor as part of the team the second story arc puts him on the front line with Superman Batman and Wonder Woman trying to stop the pandemic. This new take on classic Justice League villain Amazo, instead of the power mimicking android it's a infectious virus derived from the android that's already taken down the several members of the league while it gives humans a superhuman ability before it horribly kills them. It's Luthor's story, he remains at the forefront at the story arc where the league and the world need him most. Challenging him in his new superhero persona. Is the change genuine or all an act? In the aftermath of his grand victory in Forever Evil. The story continues to explore the growing emotional turmoil of whats driving him and playing up the mystery behind his motivations for joining the League. With a zombie movie vibe, it delivers a strong Justice League story anchored by a clever new take on Amazo and the unknown quantity that is Lex Luthor. he's presented in a complex and changing light. Captain Cold/Lenoard Snart is another new player in the book, after his part in the saving the world in Forever Evil, his past crimes have been pardoned and becomes Luthor's Head of Security at Lex Corp as well as his right hand man in the events of the Amazo Virus. He's part of some good moments in the story especially at the end of collection sealing his place in future Justice League stories. The book is filled with some great character moments, particulary the interesting dynamic between Luthor and Bruce Wayne/Batman. Throughout the book the team never fully trusts him, the reader and the league are always guessing is what is he up to, if anything? This makes the story so much more enjoyable.

New Artist Jason Fabok joins the series with this arc and provides some brilliant work for second half of the book, its a darker style, noir with a super heroic edge. 
The usual included extras are the character sketch book and variant cover gallery including both Batman and Flash 75 covers and Selfie and Monster variants too.

It's a great book, one of the greatest in the series since Throne of Atlantis putting the series back on fine form. With the Forever Evil miniseries gives way to a new status quo and for the Justice League. This ten issue collection of two stories with the first one being very good and the second being great with Luthor as part of the Justice League being the underlying premise makes for stories. The Flagship DC comics series is staying the strongest. It's a change in direction making it a good jumping on point for what is a relatively self contained story. The series feels renewed with a new sense of excitement, surprise and intrigue in anticipation for the next big story The Darkseid War.

Friday, 21 November 2014

Forever Evil Graphic Novel Review

Forever Evil is the first big event of The New 52. Earth is under the rule of the Crime Syndicate, evil counter parts of the Justice League. Earth's heroes have disappeared while villains join the syndicates Secret Society, and for those that don't, join earth's unlikely savior; Lex Luthor. The seven issue mini series is written by Geoff Johns with art by David Finch. For a story about villains Finch was a good choice of artist with his dark visuals of both characters and scenes.

Earth is under rule of the Crime Syndicate, they've taken the world's greatest heroes by surprise. They weren't prepared and the Justice League is gone. In place of the worlds protectors stands a tyrannical cabal of killers whose powers and personalities are an evil reflection of Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and more. Their simple goal of ruling the world was instantaneous with their army of Earth's worst villains joining there cause. Lex Luthor is the one man who can stand against their rule, forming an allegiance with a crew of criminals as well as one legendary crime fighter making way for a confrontation where no matter the outcome, evil wins.

This is DC Comics and Geoff Johns' first big event of The New 52. It is pretty much a self-contained story spinning out of The Trinity War crossover. The event had building to ever since the series began, pitting the three leagues against one another and setting the stage for Forever Evil.
At the conclusion of the "Trinity War" a gateway was opened to Earth-3 allowing the Crime Syndicate to travel to our earth. Ultraman, Owlman, Superwoman, Power Ring, Johnny Quick and Deathstrom. The leader of Secret Society of Super Villains was revealed to be the Alfred Pennyworth of Earth-3 who arrived prior to the Syndicate to prepare for their arrival along with their mysterious hooded prisoner. It was also revealed that The Atom was actually Atomica from Earth-3, who was an agent for the syndicate who had been infiltrating both A.R.G.U.S and the Justice League. Meanwhile Cyborg's body rejected his human half as a sentiment computer virus had taken over robotic parts coalescing into a robot named Grid. Our heroes were easily defeated and the Crime Syndicate claim that the earth is now theirs. Having read and enjoyed Justice League Vol. 5 Forever Heroes, a tie in to the Forever Evil event, depicting events that run parallel to this huge story. The issue cover images in the companion book mirror some of the events that happen within Forever Evil. The fight between Ultraman and Black Adam that began in the pages Justice League # 24 concludes here. Unlike the last two Justice League books, this isn't a story of crossovers or building to something else. This is a spin off from the Justice League series, it is the main event and was a thrilling event that exhibits that evil is relative.

Neither Forever Evil or Justice League Vol. 5 directly follow up on the events that transpired on the Syndicate's arrival, instead this mini series takes places a short time after when they have began to conquer our world. It leaves it accessible to new readers and merely alludes to the fate of the Justice League's, helping the series to start off on its own distinct note keeping it a straightforward in regard to events that preceded it.

The first act is to catch readers up with the apparent "hero" of this event, Lex Luthor. When the threat is realized that the world is in danger and there is no Superman here to save it. Luthor views this as the realization of how he always felt about the over reliance on superheroes. With no one left to save them, he makes steps necessary to take them out. This conflict may be enough to force even the world's most self-absorbed man to act for the greater good. He has always proclaimed he would have done such good if Superman had not been here, he has a vague notion of heroism. Luthor leads a pack of villains that disagree with the syndicates rule. It is an engaging read as it showcases characters usually viewed as antagonists in a light not seen before, while playing to John's strengths making villains more interesting and complex. As the story progresses you find yourself rooting for Luthor's Injustice League.


It’s an interesting and unique premise, most superhero graphic novels pit the good guys against the bad. Forever Evil’s unique approach puts the bad guys against a villainous group of world conquering tyrants. It is a great story and one of the best since The New 52 began that that dives straight into DC's super villain community depicting a war between the world's villains and the invading Crime Syndicate of Earth-3. Geoff Johns continues the trend of villains growing more complex and interesting. Forever Evil is an exceptional big Justice League style of story but without the worlds greatest heroes being featured making Lex Luthor the “Hero” as earth's saviour. Johns continues to do what he does best and brings the standard of large scale stories back to its former glory that hasn't been seen since Justice League Throne of Atlantis feature.

Issue #1 launches the Forever Evil event and even though it and the book cover features a large assembly of villains its story is not overloaded with them throughout. I was concerned that the story would filled with villains that I wasn't familiar with, but luckily we get a well known handful featured in Luthor's squad while others appear in there own roles in the many tie ins of the Forever Evil event. Bizarro makes his New 52 debut in this fresh approach that far exceeds his usual role as a brainless, comedic villain. Batman plays a secondary role and does his best to control Luthor’s squad. His main objective is a rescue mission for an close alley that the syndicate has already made an example out of.

The story ends as it began with Lex Luthor, he develops and possibly finds a new role in for himself going forward in the DC Universe, but do we buy that Luthor has turned a new leaf? No matter what it changes the dynamic for future stories. It is an epic read and has such a grand finale feel to it, as if it was the end of the series or writer Geoff Johns run on the Justice League comics, fortunately it is not. The mini series is a spin off from the Justice League series but is told in a way that is not heavily necessary or dependent on having read the previous releases as it stands well on its own.The New 52 debut of the Crime Syndicate is a fresh and novel approach, rather than facing off against their heroic counterparts the Syndicate clash a with a band of earth's villains. It's one of the biggest threats the world has seen since the formation of the League in Justice League Vol.1 Origin. Heroes fall, but villains rise taking on the role of earth's heroes. Johns tells an epic story and continues to do what he does best. It feels pivotal if you read the John's current Justice League comics as the upcoming graphic novel release in the series looks to have shaken things up with the outcome of Forever Evil, but again it works well as a stand alone epic tale.

Sunday, 26 October 2014

Justice League Volume 5: Forever Heroes Review


Justice League Volume 5 is the latest collection of issues from Geoff Johns New 52 series. Forever Heroes is a collection of tie in's to the main event; The Forever Evil mini series. This volume doesn't pick right up after the events of Volume 4 The Grid, instead it reveals the origins of members of the Crime Syndicate, the evil counterparts to the Justice League, while the later issues progress on the story features the real hero of the arc, Cyborg.

The Justice League are gone now Ultraman, Owlman, Superwoman, Power Ring, Deathstorm, Atomica and Johnny Quick, The Crime Syndicate have invaded earth from a alternate universe. The Syndicate are not just the evil counterparts of the league but have meaningful motivations for desire to rule the world. The begging of each issue spotlights the backwards and twisted origin of various members of the Crime Syndicate, some with their own motivations and some with hidden agendas. Ultraman, Owlman have their own issue and and the rest are featured the third issue. All expect Lois Lane as Superwoman, one of the most interesting origins of the group is left a mystery. Her files has been deleted from database only adds to her mysterious nature. One of my favorite moments along with the dark origins of the Syndicate was the moment where organised crime families were trying to find their place in a world where the Crime Syndicate has taken over, resulting with the incidental creation of Plastic Man.

Justice League #27 offers a change of pace for the series, the attention is back to Earth's dwindling lineup of heroes. Cyborg/Victor Stone had his human half ripped from its robotic body and left for dead. He is the only member of the Justice League that has escape the Syndicates attack and he is the only one who can save earth's heroes. On the verge of death, Victor emerges as a stronger, more confident hero who has fully embraced his place in the world. After a heartfelt conversation between Victor and his father work begins to rebuild his son and in the end, Cyborg earns his place among the Justice League in a way he hadn't fully before. Cyborg emerges in a new sleeker slimmer body and this is where the book gains momentum, with earth's heroes gone it is up to Victor Stone to act and he's gonna need help to do it. Enter Project Metal Men, into a story arc that's already crammed with super villian origins, Johns re-introduces the heroic Metal Men in this story.The Metal Men are heroes that truly want to help others even if it means self sacrifice, this is a completely straightforward and refreshingly earnest portrayal of superheroes. Cyborg plans to launch an attack on his Crime Syndicate counterpart Grid, the sentient computer virus that has taken control of Cyborg's previous robotic body. He leads the resistance against Grid who has taken control of the world's computer and communications.

The first half of the book was an interesting look at the origins and motivations of members of the Crime Syndicate. While the later half makes progress as Cyborg leads the fight to save to Justice League and stop Grid. Cyborg gets to really shine here as not just hero but a leader, he has fully embraced what he is and for a character that has had so many set backs keeps fighting. There’s a evocative moment in the final issue, one of the most famous images in superhero comics is that of Clark Kent opening his shirt revealing the Superman uniform underneath. The image that has been used many times throughout comics history, it’s symbolic not just of superheroes taking action, it’s a powerful image that resonates with everyone and this time that moment belongs to Cyborg. This story's strongest theme is about Cyborg embracing himself for what he has become and what he’s been all along, a hero.

Cyborg is the real star of the story and really develops as a character and it's great to see as he is the only founding member of the Justice League that doesn't have his own series. The evil origins was a fresh inclusion but these are only ties ins to the main event Forever Evil and Forever Heroes is the latest installment in the series that will hopefully resume to standalone epic stories that began this best selling series. 


K

Saturday, 14 June 2014

Graphic Novel Book Reviews, Daredevil, Justice League, Green Lantern, Green Arrow.

Hello readers,

I'm catching up on some of my recent Graphic Novels reviews. Daredevil Vol. 1 was the last one I read that I received at Christmas and the rest that have followed from then up until last night. Hope you enjoy them and you find these useful.



Marvel Masterworks Daredevil Vol.1
Marvel Masterworks is a series of graphic novels collecting issues of the original series of Marvels most loved characters. These books reprint the issues in full colour. Marvel Essential series collect more issues in a single volume but all issues are in black and white. So in my opinion Marvel Masterworks are the best choice when wanting to experience the original incarnations of Marvels most popular heroes. This Daredevil collection features the first 11 issues of Stan Lee’s Man without fear, Daredevil. Issue one depicts his origin and the rest of the book follows his early adventures and foes. All was as introducing readers to Foggy and Karen Page. 

I thought this was a fantastic book full of crazy and really out there moments that would have been the norm in the 70’s when these comics were first published. There fun and gives readers a real taste of how these characters in their first incarnation.Daredevil meets many foes and a love triangle develops between Karen, Foggy and Matt. These earliest stories were the inspiration for Tim Sales and Jeph Loeb’s much loved mini series Daredevil: Yellow.

Justice
The Justice League are not the only ones who can come together working towards a common goal. Enter the Legion of Doom.The Justice Leagues fall at the hands of their villains as they all strike them at once, how will the heroes come back and how will they stop the evil plans of all their enemies combined. This Graphic Novel collects all 12 issues of this mini series by Jim Kruger and the amazing Alex Ross.This is a brilliant book, I got such a kick out of it and I couldn't recommend it enough. It was a great story from Alex Ross and Jim Krueger. This 12 issue series is one of the best books I've read in recent months.

Although superhero stories can be very complex and have over the decades grew past the traditional good guy vs. the bad guys kind of stories. This story is both the traditional aspect of a group of Superheroes and Super-villains facing each other while still being an extremely clever and sophisticated blockbuster of a tale. It feels epic.

When a group of villains all experience a shared dream of earth’s demise and The World’s Greatest Super-Heroes, the Justice League unable to stop it they form an alliance to prevent the destruction of the planet. Every character gets their moment in this story with each hero narrates their own chapter that their the lead in, giving great variety to the narrative as villains take down heroes, one by one in a coordinated attack, while the characters like Poison Ivy and Captain Cold are doing good deeds to benefit mankind as the Legion of Doom turn the populace against earth's heroes. The story is full of great surprises and turns that I don't want to give away. Its one of the best Justice League stories out there and 
 I cannot praise this book enough, it’s exceptional, a good old fashioned tale of good guys vs. the bad in this awesome story.

Justice League Vol.4 The Grid
Throne of Atlantis was the high point of the series and in my opinion, the best stories of Justice League New 52. This story carries on for the events from Throne of Atlantis where the League wants to expand it ranks and give full time membership to many of it's reserves. Two story-lines exist in this book, the second is that of the Justice League series has been building to since its beginning; The Trinity War, where three different Leagues to war over a mysterious object. The Trinity War was the first big crossover event and this volume collects the first and the concluding chapter of the epic story-line with chapters of the story found in other books of to complete the Trinity War story arc. I wasn't really a fan of this story, it was good but it to too hard to top the three previous volumes that have come before it; Origin, The Villain’s Journey and the crowning glory Throne of Atlantis. These tales by Geoff Johns and various artists just got better and better and will be difficult to top. I enjoyed this book but I don’t feel the need to go and seek out the missing parts to complete the story, it wasn't for me. On a positive note I was extremely satisfied with the final issue and conclusion of the Trinity War story as it paved the way for a bigger and more interesting plot to unfold in Volume 5 with the arrival of the Crime Syndicate of Earth-3. 

Green Lantern: Secret Origin
Geoff Johns retells comics most popular Green Lantern, Hal Jordan’s origin story. This story was released mid way through Johns 2005-2011 series in issues of Green Lantern #29 - #35. The story was re-imagined to include several new aspects of the Green Lantern mythos; The Blackest Night prophecy and the introduction of Atrocitus , the soon be leader of the Red Lanterns. This story line served as the main inspiration for the Green Lantern 2010 live action movie in which Geoff Johns was involved with. You get to discover a lot of similarities between the book and the movie, even some direct quotes and scenes. The also focuses on some of Hal’s moments of his youth. The book is great and it tells the pretty standard origin story and it does a great job of wetting your appetite and wanting more of a Green Lantern story. This book is a great introduction into Hal Jordan, Green Lantern of Sector 2814. 

Identity Crisis
Such an brilliant book and suspenseful a murder mystery story. The 7 issue miniseries by Brad Meltzer, a well known and acclaimed thriller novelist creates a truly suspenseful and dark tale. Sue Dinby, wife of the Elongated Man is preparing her husbands Birthday surprise when an unknown intruder attacks and resulting in Sue’s murder. This tale takes a more human look at our heroes, every hero is out searching for the killer while still in fear that their own loved ones could be next.

This was a hugely successful story. I think it is exceptional when writers incorporated a classic genre story into the world of Super-heroes. Green Arrow has a prominent role in the story and long buried secrets come to light. There is a division in the Justice League, a team within a team. It is a great aspect of this story. It will keep you hooked from start to finish and with ramifications for years to come.

Green Lantern: Rebirth 
Geoff Johns 6 issue mini-series that resurrected the greatest Green Lantern of them all, Hal Jordan.

Hal made the ultimate sacrifice and had taken his final bow. A new Green Lantern of earth had taken his place. Kyle Rayner had been earth's primary Green Lantern for many years since Hal’s death and he is vital in his resurrection. Hal’s body was dead but his soul was seeking redemption and became the host for the Spectre; the Spirit of Vengeance. During the Identity Crisis story I was introduced to this aspect of Jordan’s new existence and during a conversation with his best friend Oliver Queen/Green Arrow, Hal teased that he was working on something when Oliver asked him about making a return to the land of the living.

This was easily one of the greatest Green Lantern epics that will ever be told. At a previous Comic Con DC Comics had a video of various creators and had a montage of them all specifying it was one of the best stories and also this was the place for new fans to begin with Green Lantern. Mid way through the story Kyle summarizes the events that had transpired to fully catch the reader up to what had happened. It was a great part in  the story and if you had been a long time reader of Green Lantern you would know the story but it was delivered here is such a great fashion and integral to the story.

It is another one of those epic stories that features the entire Justice League and other heroes including the other earth bound Green Lanterns. It is easily one of the most important Green Lantern stories of in existence and better again Green Lantern’s Brightest Day.

Green Arrow: Year One
I've had this book for quite a while and it was worth the wait. I'd been saving it along with other Green Arrow books for after the fantastic second season of the ARROW TV series had come to its conclusion. I was waiting to enjoy these books when I was missing the greatest TV show I had ever watched.

Green Arrow is a great character to get into, he's one of my favorites and it's great getting into the characters roots. These comics are the TV series inspiration as well as potential future story lines. Green Arrow graphic novels new and old are growing in popularity due to the success of the show and Green Arrow: Year One is the best place to start. First of all I love the cover, when I ordered the book online it had a different cover image. This one is just exceptional looking and so reminiscent on the ARROW TV series. Green Arrow Year One as the title suggests is the origin story of how Star City's Emerald Archer came to be. This 2007 mini series written by Andy Diggle with great art by Jock who modernizes and retells the events the led to the arrival of Green Arrow.

Oliver Queen; frivolous playboy and reckless thrill-seeker, who also seeks more out of life, and after a rather embarrassing public display Oliver decides to join his friend and bodyguard, Hackett on a sea voyage. Oliver later finds himself betrayed and left for dead, marooned on a not so deserted island. He struggles to survive the harsh environment and later stumbles upon drug running cartel that has enslaved some the islands inhabitants for their drug manufacturing operation all ran by a woman Oliver has named China White. He has always been seeking a more meaningful life and has now found one thing he does care about, justice. Oliver takes the stand to stop them and free the people, and all while figuring out what he wants to do with his life and who he wants to be. The story plays out like a survivor action story in this grounded superhero origin tale. All the adventure takes place on the island while giving birth to a new hero for justice.

This series served as an inspiration for the creation of the ARROW TV series. Writer Andy Diggle even has two characters named after him, one of the main characters John Diggle who has a brother named Andy. The character of China White, whose first and only appearance is in this limited series, appears in the television series, - Season 3 has her introduced as a main villain in the flashbacks- direct homage, it seems, to her role in Year One.

This book is a great start for fans looking to begin an interest in the Emerald Archers stories. Green Arrow Year One manages to tell a thrilling re-imagining of Oliver Queen's beginnings as Green Arrow that keeps the essence of the original origin but updates it in a very formidable approach to Green Arrow's definitive origin story.

Green Lantern: No Fear 
The greatest Green Lantern of them all is back. I really enjoyed Green Lantern: Rebirth, Hal’s resurrection and redemption was complete, now it time for him to get on with his life as Hal Jordan and a Green Lantern. No Fear was the follow up and the re-launch of a new Green Lantern series penned by Geoff Johns. The book collects the first six issues. I wanted to get this because I like origin stories and stories early in a hero’s career. I was interested too because it is an earth bound Green Lantern story. It featured two antagonists that I as a reader haven’t encountered before. The opening segment is beautifully illustrated by Darwyn Cooke. His work is a joy to behold but in my collection of graphic novels it is scarce. The opening of the book is Hal flying with Kyle Rayner, without him Hal would not have gotten a second chance and Hal is very grateful of that. The story could never be as good as its predecessor but is still good. It is a new start and introduction to the series and Hal’s life on his home. I enjoy his new relationship with General Stone, calling on Green Lantern when matters arise. There is some great action scene’s in this story, especially those involving The Shark, a gruesome villain that I've never encountered before. The book is great and I really enjoyed the earth bound element of it all. I liked the “What Has Gone Before” cosmic recap of events. The book was great but for now I’ll skip the next two books and go straight into the next big event;The Sinestro Corps War is coming soon.

Bye for now

K