"THE PHANTOM RING" part one! Uncover the mystery of the powerful Phantom Ring that forced a Guardian of the Universe to hide away in the deepest recess of space. Will Simon and Jessica be able to prevent a universe of power-hungry invaders from claiming the new ring for their own?
I loved everything about this issue. The character, the narration, the art, the story. We get to see each Earthling Green Lantern pop up through the eyes of somebody whose main drive in life is to be one of them, and it brings him to a crazy level of jealousy and commitment. And to see him unravel and become a broken man after getting his ass kicked and then almost being chosen and denied, you feel bad for the guy. This was an outstanding start to an outstanding arc. Read Full Review
However, the ending does raise some questions. It deals with the introduction of another character, ‘The First Lantern'. Now, he claims to be billions of years old, and he's a villain long thought dead and disappeared. He's a figure of evil in the world – and is clearly going to be some kind of manipulator against Frank. With the foreshadowing of ‘The Phantom Ring', this story is about to take a huge turn.Green Lanterns #9 does a good job of being fresh and new in a world that's hugely populated – and allows us to see the effects of the heroes we know and love. This might just be the perfect start to a brand new portion of the story. Read Full Review
These are the types of issues that I really love reading. Dedicating a full issue to one character allows for so much more to be said and shown for a new character, which is a similar way Simon Baz was introduced. GREEN LANTERNS #9 is a great starting point for the series' next adventure because of the new villain alone. It'll be intriguing to see how powerful Laminski becomes and if he is able to get the Phantom Ring and become the first ever Phantom Lantern! Read Full Review
This issue kicks off a new story arc called "The Phantom Ring," which basically asks the question, "What if someone could harness the power of a Lantern without training and discipline?" It's an intriguing question, and one that bears immediate fruit as Sam Humphries introduces a new villain with a serious case of Green Lantern envy. Read Full Review
This new story line seems pretty cool. Humphries has continued to grow the Green Lantern universe in a way that feels organic and true. The whole universe is a bit of mystery. We really only see it through the lenses of these Earthlings. By giving us rogue Guardians and ancient Lanterns, Humphrieshas filled in the gaps. I like it a lot. If you are reading this book, I assume you are thrilled.If you are just getting started, this is the perfect timeto get on board. There is a new story arc just for you. Read Full Review
The pacing is excellent and you really feel for the lead character, Laminski as he spirals into obsession and delusion as he never seems to quite understand what he's doing wrong. It makes him a fairly compelling character with lots of potential to be a classic. Read Full Review
Despite the shaky art, this was a very strong chapter in the Phantom Lantern saga. Green Lanterns has found its way, hopefully Humphries can keep it in the light. Read Full Review
If you dig origin stories you shouldn't miss this issue especially since it delves into the new villain everybody will be talking about. That said, it's lacking superhero action. Read Full Review
Green Lanterns #9 takes an interesting turn by reducing the ring bearers to background characters in favor of looking at the Green Lanterns through a very different lens. Sam Humphrie's story fleshes out the Green Lantern mythology by expanding on the story of a "blink and you'll miss him" character and pushing him to the forefront. The result is a tale more compelling than either of the regular stars of the series, earning eight out of ten lanterns. Read Full Review
I still have some doubts about the Phantom Ring storyline overall, but basing much of the story on Lamninski and his obsession does make me more curious to see where this tale will go. Even if it's mostly background and set-up for the story about to unfold, it's still worth a look. Read Full Review
While this issue of Green Lanterns didn't offer much with the heroes of this book, it did go into the full backstory of the new villain for our Phantom Lantern arc and it was a pretty interesting read. Everything looked great in this issue and the cliffhanger got me really excited to see what's coming next because I'm not sure if our Lantern heroes of Earth will be able to defend against it. Read Full Review
Outside of the reveal of Volthoom at the end of the issue this was a deep issue of Green Lantern. My expectations for Frank arc are extremely high so hopefully Humphries can stick the landing. Read Full Review
A very good origin issue for the man who will likely become the Phantom Lantern. I always appreciate villains that you can empathize with. Frank Laminski is going to be one of those characters. He's a man who spends his whole life waiting to be chosen and now he is forced to steal. I'm really looking forward to this story.
This was a GREAT issue! Part one of "Phantom Ring" gives us the background story of the man who is to become the "Phantom Lantern." Simon Baz & Jessica Cruz were only on one page and that was fine. This issue is about Frank Laminski! I loved reading his back story and the artwork by Rocha was beautiful. The best issue of the series so far!
Green lanterns has served as a reliable, simple, and accessible super hero comic. With the begging of the phantom ring story arc, (this issue) it becomes much more than that. Frank Laminski is the heart and soul of this issue and is a very compelling character that gives us a unique perceptive of the corps from the eyes of an ordinary person. Also, WE GOT VOLTHOOM!
A dark and compelling origin story. I particularly like the layouts and colours, they set the mood effectively.