This installment would have been a better choice for the first issue because it shows Atrocitus actively pursuing his agenda instead of standing around thinking about it. Milligan makes an engaging, introspective story by turning the gruesome Atrocitus into equal parts badass and philosopher. Does rage simply beget more rage? How is one rage more worthy than another? I don't know, but Milligan has me wanting to find out. Read Full Review

Ed Benes is just right for this series. Another artist would have made this series crawl to a halt, not because they arent good, but because their art would not be action-based. Milligans script is very wordy. Benes facial expressions have also improved over his previous series. I cant wait to see where he grows next. Read Full Review

The Red Lanterns finally seem to be coming a bit more into their own. There's a definite separation from the other Corps, and they have a sense of purpose. It's a great one-shot story that ultimately will set the tone for the rest of the series. The "reveal" at the end will completely change the dynamic of the Corps and give it a bit more personality. Ed Benes art on this issue is fantastic, especially when he does splash pages. My only complaint was that there was no Dex-Starr in this issue. I'm still a little leery with how this book will do in the long run, but for now, I've really enjoyed both issues. I recommend this issue. Read Full Review

Atrocitus has purpose but still lacks direction. He will need to look deep inside himself to see if he can endure the consequences of raising up one of the Red Lanterns to his level. Read Full Review

This is a solid second issue that will bring readers back for issue three. Read Full Review

I'm still sticking with this title and hoping that the plot jumpstarts next month.  While I'm all for character exploration and deep thought, I want to put the book down after reading it and felt like something happened in the span of those twenty or so pages.  And I don't get that with Red Lanterns #2 despite enjoying digging below the visible surface layer of Atrocitus and the complex issue of rage.  In the end the good art and so-so story telling makes this a three lantern issue. Read Full Review

Despite a disappointing lack of progression, this second entry is a more interesting read than the previous issue and a hopeful start for the series. Ed Benes's art is really well done, especially at portraying the Red Lanterns' most important component: violence. We're off to a start that is fairly by the numbers, but if anyone can throw us a few cerebral curve balls, I'd like to think it's Milligan. Honestly though, Red Lanterns looks like it might be an entertainingseries,if for no other reason than it beingfun to laugh athow seriously it takes itself, despite being incredibly silly. Just give me more Dex-Starr and I'll be happy. Read Full Review

All in all, this issue didn't raise my excitement level. I wish it had, though. I just feel this is a little too formulaic and left us hitting the exact same beats as issue #1. I want issue #3 to finally take off and send us somewhere else other than what we've seen. I want to see the Red Lanterns in action against a truly galactic-sized threat that fosters hatred and pain. I think I just want to see action. Read Full Review

"Red Lanterns" appears to have a distinct destination in mind, but both Milligan and Benes need to step up the excitement or no one's going to be around long enough to see where this is going. The idea of a "Red Lanterns" book is a tough enough sell as is; this book needs to hit the ground running instead of plod forward one step at a time. Milligan's equally slow-paced "Infinity Inc." from a few years ago died a quick death, and it's hard to keep from feeling like this is on the same course right now. Read Full Review

Solid improvement on issue one. Atrocitus might just work as a central protagonist after all