Review of "Green Lantern: Circle of Fire" #1

October 2000 54 pages $4.95

"Darkness Visible"

Writer: Vaughan

Artist: Breyfogle

Inks: Lowe, Kryssing, Bird, Nyberg, and Aiken

Letterer: Konot

Colors: Whitmore

Seps: Jamison

Asst Editor: Berrios

Editor: Idleson

Spoiler Warning: This review may contain story plots and information that will lessen your enjoyment of this comic!

S

P

O

I

L

E

R

S

P

A

C

E

Summary: An unknown force is attacking the planet Rann and informs Adam Strange that Earth is next. Adam is transported back to earth and calls on the JLA for help. The aggressor looks strangely familiar to Kyle, as he remembers imagining and putting in a comic an identical opponent by the same name and description called "Oblivion". The JLA assemble to meet the threat, and during the battle Kyle is sent for reinforcements. Kyle's sub-conscious call for help bring Green Lanterns from the past, future, and alternate realities. Kyle quickly teams up the GL's with the reserve members of the JLA and the story is continues in other issues.

Quick Take: Hey, I liked it! Okay, I may be a soft touch for a "what if" story or a story that is away from the norm. This series was promoted well by DC (see the Suite 101 article http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/comi... .

The story was interesting and well constructed. There were three lead-in segments. The first was Oblivion appearing on Rann, panicking the populace, and speaking with Adam Strange. This one was a little "overdone" for me, but I'll let it pass. The second was Kyle talking and working with former Green Lantern John. Very personal, The third was Ray (The Atom) Palmer working with Ronald (Firestorm) Raymond in a "stern teacher, not-so-bright student" setting. Nice.

Okay, so they all get the call to meet at JLA HQ. There Adam Strange retells that Oblivion is coming for Earth, and expresses concern for his adapted planet of Rann. Kyle remembers something in his past about imagining such a being, and attempts, awkwardly, to explain his feeling to the JLA. His story is dismissed, as time is short, and the JLA stalwarts and Kyle rush to meet the menace in space. The battle goes badly and Kyle is sent to get additional help.

By the time Kyle returns to HQ, the JLA members he left are unaccounted for. Grief stricken, Kyle reaches out with a "ring" distress call and pulls in four "time challenged" GL's and one GL ring-sharing team. The team member from the alternate reality is a shock to Kyle. They quickly formulate a plan; and, in true JLA tradition, break into teams to combat the menace on different fronts.

Go To Page: 1 2 3