"THE PHANTOM LANTERN" part five! The Phantom Lantern controls all aspects of the emotional spectrum, but can Green Lanterns Jessica Cruz and Simon Baz figure out which of those powers can also defeat their new enemy?
If you have not been reading this, what is wrong with you? Complexity in characterization. An A + artistic team. A thoughtful, timely story. This book has everything.Run, don't walk. Read Full Review
But what's next for the pair of Lanterns given that explosive ending? We won't spoil the events that occur – but it certainly leaves the reader on something of a cliffhanger. It's certainly an interesting issue that provides a deeper look at some of the outlying characters of the series. Laminski's character is developed in a curious way. As we get an intuitive look into his brain and emotional state, depending on which colour he shifts to. It would' be fascinating to see what DC does with his character after this story arc. Will he stick around for a little longer? Either way, this issue has been another brilliant entry into the series. Read Full Review
I don't think GREEN LANTERNS #13 is a climax to the story arc, but it very well could be based on the fight between Cruz and Baz and the physical manifestations of their fears. There is much more in store for the rookie Green Lanterns in their fight against Frank Laminski and Volthoom, and I can't wait for that climax. Rami should play a role as well. I hope the next issue gives us more about Vothoom's plans for him. Read Full Review
There was a lot of switching of light colors here because the Phantom Ring is causing Frank to completely fall apart, and because of that this issue was pretty chaotic. But that's the point. Frank is going through more emotions in a single minute than a kid going through puberty. The entire Green Lanterns series dealt a lot with Jess's and Simon's insecurities and how they learned to overcome them together and rely on each other as partners, and this issue is one of the pieces of that theme. The art is GREAT and looks very cinematic at times. For me this was another fun issue in this very fun arc. Read Full Review
Green Lantern fans need to read this as major revelations are revealed in regards to the Guardians and the rings they created. Read Full Review
While this issue looks great, that's about as far as we go with really complimentary things to say about it because again we get the same old things that we keep seeing in this title and we even have ourselves what looks like a continuity flub that really doesn't even feel like it needs to be there. Read Full Review
The heroes aren't learning anything and the visuals aren't strong. I need this series to be much better, and so do Simon and Jessica or this book won't last. Read Full Review
Green Lanterns #13 is a mediocre chapter in "The Phantom Lantern" arc and the series continues to feel like a retread of what's come before. I have real problems with the continuity with established Lantern Lore which greatly impacted my score on an issue that was already ho-hum. Four out of ten lanterns. Read Full Review
Sadly once again we have a different artist for this issue as Ronan Cliquet was the penciler and inker for this comic and I'm not criticizing the art in this issue as it was very good. I actually enjoyed Cliquet's art as it had a very good looking superhero feel to it, the storytelling was very solid and facial expressions were on point. My problem is that for three straight issues we've had three different artists who have various styles and it pulls me out of the comic. In 2017, Green Lanterns needs a consistent art team, the constant switching out artists is a problem. Read Full Review
The mythology involving the Phantom Ring is once again expanded and the conflict inside the two main characters continues to keep this comic interesting for me.
Overall an enjoyable issue. Best part was the interaction between Guardian Rami and Volthoom. I'm not sure if the history of the creation of the GL ring as told in this issue is correct.
Comic Book Review (7.5/10) “Good”
Green Lanterns #13 “The Phantom Lantern Part 4”
Writer: Sam Humphries
Penciller: Ronan Cliquet
Plot: Frank Laminski is losing control of the Phantom Ring. Rami the Guardian has revealed to Volthoom that there is a catch to using the Phantom Ring. There is no batter that powers the ring, but the wearer becomes the battery! Can Simon and Jessica save Frank before he explodes from an emotional power overload?
Rami is finally awake and finally reveals the catch to using the phantom ring that can be worn by anybody. Essentially it can kill the wearer as it drains the emotional energy of the user. Watching Baz and Cruz scramble to save Laminski was all fun and good, but I didn more
I like the juxtaposition of Vulthoom's history as the nature of the Phantom ring is explained. Jessica and Simon fight their fears, I feel like that happens a lot these days. I'm getting tired of the exposition explaining Jessica's anxiety, just explain it once per arc, if a reader is jumping in right now, it's their own fault if they don't know anything about her.
SCORE: 7.1
Can't say I like the telling of the origination of the GL rings here at all - it's been canon for years that the rings were made as a result of the Manhunter fiasco so it just seems like the writer is making stuff up to suit his story with no regard to the past. It's also more of the same old formula of the characters constantly questioning themselves and so on that's gotten quite boring 13 issues into the series. If this book can't find more solid ground to stand on then I'm not sure how long it'll last.