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ifthebook's review
2.0
Animorphs has ruined all superheros for me, I think. I have so many questions about morality that just weren't addressed.
dryden's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
tmaluck's review
3.0
Could have done without Jessica reiterating her anxiety via square-one narration in every chapter, but my personal bias says more of her and Simon is a good thing.
quirkycatsfatstacks's review
4.0
3 1/2 Stars.
I was really hoping that I’d enjoy volume two more than I enjoyed volume one (which was decent, but mostly building up new characters) and thankfully my expectations were met! Between the continued character development and the plot I found myself pretty enthralled in this book. Add in some beautiful artwork and some legitimately funny moments, and I’m sold.
The focus of this volume should really not come as a surprise: the title alone gives it away. Our two rookies have been forced into a situation where they must protect what is probably the most dangerous and unpredictable ring there is. If that wasn’t enough, they’re still learning how to deal with their rings/powers and trying to babysit a bitter ex-Guardian. Not my idea of an ideal picnic, to say the least.
I really love how the Phantom Ring was the driving factor for character development as well as for the main plot. Jessica and Simon both have been questioning their worthiness of the GL rings, so seeing a ring that doesn’t care about worthiness was probably like seeing forbidden fruit. It’d never turn its back on them, it would always change spectrum to match them, and if you ignore the obvious downsides (like the lack of control or killing its hosts parts) it seems pretty perfect.
I think they’re both tempted by it for different reasons. Simon is concerned about not being strong enough, so a more powerful ring is a natural temptation for him. A stronger ring means he can better protect his family and the world, a stronger ring proves he’s worthy of bearing it, at least in his mind. Jessica’s is a bit more complex. She’s drowning in anxiety and self-doubt, not really believing that she truly deserves the Green Lantern ring. She knows that the Phantom Ring will change spectrum, and believes that it would turn into a yellow ring the moment she put it on. Thus the Phantom Ring is the ultimate test of worthiness to her (I’m personally not sure I’d have the guts to take that test).
Most of the really funny moments come from the fact that Simon and Jessica are just so human. Jessica is so terrified of social interactions that she legitimately wants to bail out on a dinner with Simon’s family. Seeing an adult Green Lantern afraid of a family dinner is pretty funny, especially in the way it’s framed. Likewise Simon nearly bails, as he’s terrified of his family’s (specifically his mother’s) reaction to his new superhero status. The following GL powered cookie baking scene was priceless.
As for the main plot…wow. I was not expecting the antagonist’s backstory to hit me in the feels the way it did. I actually sort of felt bad for Frank Laminski, once it was revealed just how close he came to achieving his lifelong goal. Naturally this raised a few questions for me; was Laminski never worthy, and the ring made a mistake originally (say because it was damaged or something) or (more likely in my opinion) was Laminski worthy of the ring, up until the moment he had it in his sights, where another spectrum gained dominance (say, the orange ring). Regardless of the reason, I can only imagine how gut wrenching that must have been for him. It would be tough for anybody to shake that off, but especially for somebody as obsessed as him. It’s no surprise he turned to the Phantom Ring (which in my mind is just further proof that he shouldn’t have had the Green Lantern ring).
As for the final twist at the end? I have no idea where that one is going to lead, but I’m sure it won’t be good. I can’t wait to see what volume three reveals about that. Perhaps we’ll see more of the main contingent of the Green Lantern Corps as well? Though I doubt it, I think they’re set up to be more standalone at the moment. Still, I can’t wait to see what trouble Simon and Jessica get up to next.
For more reviews, check out Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
I was really hoping that I’d enjoy volume two more than I enjoyed volume one (which was decent, but mostly building up new characters) and thankfully my expectations were met! Between the continued character development and the plot I found myself pretty enthralled in this book. Add in some beautiful artwork and some legitimately funny moments, and I’m sold.
The focus of this volume should really not come as a surprise: the title alone gives it away. Our two rookies have been forced into a situation where they must protect what is probably the most dangerous and unpredictable ring there is. If that wasn’t enough, they’re still learning how to deal with their rings/powers and trying to babysit a bitter ex-Guardian. Not my idea of an ideal picnic, to say the least.
I really love how the Phantom Ring was the driving factor for character development as well as for the main plot. Jessica and Simon both have been questioning their worthiness of the GL rings, so seeing a ring that doesn’t care about worthiness was probably like seeing forbidden fruit. It’d never turn its back on them, it would always change spectrum to match them, and if you ignore the obvious downsides (like the lack of control or killing its hosts parts) it seems pretty perfect.
I think they’re both tempted by it for different reasons. Simon is concerned about not being strong enough, so a more powerful ring is a natural temptation for him. A stronger ring means he can better protect his family and the world, a stronger ring proves he’s worthy of bearing it, at least in his mind. Jessica’s is a bit more complex. She’s drowning in anxiety and self-doubt, not really believing that she truly deserves the Green Lantern ring. She knows that the Phantom Ring will change spectrum, and believes that it would turn into a yellow ring the moment she put it on. Thus the Phantom Ring is the ultimate test of worthiness to her (I’m personally not sure I’d have the guts to take that test).
Most of the really funny moments come from the fact that Simon and Jessica are just so human. Jessica is so terrified of social interactions that she legitimately wants to bail out on a dinner with Simon’s family. Seeing an adult Green Lantern afraid of a family dinner is pretty funny, especially in the way it’s framed. Likewise Simon nearly bails, as he’s terrified of his family’s (specifically his mother’s) reaction to his new superhero status. The following GL powered cookie baking scene was priceless.
As for the main plot…wow. I was not expecting the antagonist’s backstory to hit me in the feels the way it did. I actually sort of felt bad for Frank Laminski, once it was revealed just how close he came to achieving his lifelong goal. Naturally this raised a few questions for me; was Laminski never worthy, and the ring made a mistake originally (say because it was damaged or something) or (more likely in my opinion) was Laminski worthy of the ring, up until the moment he had it in his sights, where another spectrum gained dominance (say, the orange ring). Regardless of the reason, I can only imagine how gut wrenching that must have been for him. It would be tough for anybody to shake that off, but especially for somebody as obsessed as him. It’s no surprise he turned to the Phantom Ring (which in my mind is just further proof that he shouldn’t have had the Green Lantern ring).
As for the final twist at the end? I have no idea where that one is going to lead, but I’m sure it won’t be good. I can’t wait to see what volume three reveals about that. Perhaps we’ll see more of the main contingent of the Green Lantern Corps as well? Though I doubt it, I think they’re set up to be more standalone at the moment. Still, I can’t wait to see what trouble Simon and Jessica get up to next.
For more reviews, check out Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
vinceyface's review
4.0
Fantastic, I've never read a Green Lantern comic before but I'm a fan now. I absolutely love Jessica and the way that Sam Humphries writes her, it's so refreshing to see such an honest and accurate portrayal of anxiety and depression. The only thing I wasn't a fan of was the art, it's fine but a bit cheesecake-y at times.
nonidude's review
adventurous
dark
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I thought this was a great introductory book into the two new lanterns: Jessica and Baz.
I officially LOVE Jessica Cruz. She's very unique from the other lanterns. Her and Baz are such stark opposites, but it wrapped up a little too cleanly in the end with them becoming buddy-buddy, but I can forgive that. The plot moved along quickly but had substance and despite them facing the red lanterns, there was enough humor to keep it a light read from start to finish.
I officially LOVE Jessica Cruz. She's very unique from the other lanterns. Her and Baz are such stark opposites, but it wrapped up a little too cleanly in the end with them becoming buddy-buddy, but I can forgive that. The plot moved along quickly but had substance and despite them facing the red lanterns, there was enough humor to keep it a light read from start to finish.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Gun violence
Minor: Racism and Panic attacks/disorders
redmoon's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
the_rox13's review
4.0
Synopsis: Hal Jordan sends a Manhunter to test Simon Baz and Jessica Cruz, the only two Green Lanterns left on Earth. When Simon and Jessica fail the test because they don't work as partners, Hal combines their Power Batteries into one and tells them that they must work as partners now. He leaves, telling them if they need help the Justice League will be there. Meanwhile, the Red Lanterns have something planned for Earth as there is a prophecy about something called the Red Dawn.
Simon and Jessica are called to a shootout with a man wearing a shirt with the Red Lantern symbol on it. They discover that he has murdered an alien and there is a pit of dead bodies inside the house. The Lanterns encounter a huge red Tower and people in the surrounding area being infected by rage. Simon and Jessica leave when A.R.G.U.S. arrives. While with his family, Simon gets visions and his ring tells him that he has the ability to experience "Emerald Sight." Jessica is with her sister in a store, which is torture for Jessica because of her anxiety, but things get worse as everyone in the store becomes infected with rage.
It is revealed that the Tower is responsible and the Red Lanterns plan to make Earth their new homeworld. Simon shows up to help Jessica and has to forcibly take her away from the store because she wants to stay and help her sister. Meanwhile, an excommunicated Guardian named Rami arrives at Simon's family's house with a box. The Red Lanterns arrive on Earth and during a battle with Bleez, Simon is able to heal her of her rage. However, Bleez reverts back when Jessica attacks her.
Jessica is infected by rage and the two end up inside the Hell Tower. Simon is able to break Jessica out of it, and after a pep talk, the two go to face Atrocitus. During the battle, Atrocitus sends Dex-Starr to plant the Hell Seed in the center of the Earth. Simon attempts to cure Atrocitus of rage, but it doesn't work. Jessica's anxiety briefly takes over her, but then she is finally able to make her first construct. Capable of making constructs now, she destroys the Hell Tower. Dex-Starr returns and the Red Lanterns leave since the Hell Seed as already been planted.
Simon and Jessica arrive at Simon's sister's house and Rami tells them that he made a ring that anyone can use called the Phantom Ring.
Review: Sometimes I forget how much I love this series. I was hesitant to even read it because I wasn't too keen on the idea of Earth getting even more Green Lanterns since I felt it wasn't needed. Still not convinced that it is needed, but I think this story does serve to flesh out more about the Green Lantern mythos. Plus, I love Jessica and Simon as a team. Jessica is, honestly, probably my second favorite Green Lantern after Hal. I relate to her a lot since I also suffer from anxiety and it is so great to watch her rise above it and beat it over and over again.
Simon, on the other hand, I don't like that much outside of his relationship with Jessica. Out of the two, I think he is the hardest one to like. He's very bullheaded and sometimes straight up mean when it comes to Jessica in the beginning and it is a huge turn off. However, throughout this volume you get to see him grow and become more supportive of Jessica by the end.
What I also love about this volume is the introduction of two things: Emerald Sight and the ability to seemingly heal Red Lanterns of rage. Emerald Sight is such an interesting concept, not to mention a dope name. I'd like to know why Simon is gifted with this particular ability since he really doesn't strike me as an Oracle type. Maybe there was something in the New 52 that I didn't read that could offer more, but truth be told, I'm not interested in reading the New 52 JLA run. The healing of a Red Lantern is impressive as hell, even if it doesn't last for Bleez. Again, I'd love to get more explanation on that because I don't remember that being an ability of any of the Corps. I think it's curious that Simon does both of these things. I could see the second ability being something that maybe all Green Lanterns are capable of, but who knows.
I do think it was kind of shitty of Hal to leave Simon and Jessica on their own, though. He was like "eh, I ain't got time for y'all, peace out." I mean, I get that the Justice League would be there for them, but none of them are Green Lanterns. At the same time, considering what was going on in Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps, I understand why Hal couldn't train them. I did think it was kind of funny that he basically forced them to be partners by making them share a Power Battery that can only be summoned with both of them present.
I love the Red Lanterns as villains here as well. They've always been one of my favorite Lantern Corps. I would be interested to see where Bleez's story goes from here, now that she knows there is another option other than rage. I just want to mention Dex-Starr the cat Red Lantern because I just am overwhelmed with joy whenever he appears. He's so fucking cute when he isn't vomiting blood and I love that a cat from Earth got a Red Lantern ring. I'm just happy to see he's still around.
I don't think this book is essential for reading DC Rebirth, but if you're curious, give it a chance. It might surprise you.
Simon and Jessica are called to a shootout with a man wearing a shirt with the Red Lantern symbol on it. They discover that he has murdered an alien and there is a pit of dead bodies inside the house. The Lanterns encounter a huge red Tower and people in the surrounding area being infected by rage. Simon and Jessica leave when A.R.G.U.S. arrives. While with his family, Simon gets visions and his ring tells him that he has the ability to experience "Emerald Sight." Jessica is with her sister in a store, which is torture for Jessica because of her anxiety, but things get worse as everyone in the store becomes infected with rage.
It is revealed that the Tower is responsible and the Red Lanterns plan to make Earth their new homeworld. Simon shows up to help Jessica and has to forcibly take her away from the store because she wants to stay and help her sister. Meanwhile, an excommunicated Guardian named Rami arrives at Simon's family's house with a box. The Red Lanterns arrive on Earth and during a battle with Bleez, Simon is able to heal her of her rage. However, Bleez reverts back when Jessica attacks her.
Jessica is infected by rage and the two end up inside the Hell Tower. Simon is able to break Jessica out of it, and after a pep talk, the two go to face Atrocitus. During the battle, Atrocitus sends Dex-Starr to plant the Hell Seed in the center of the Earth. Simon attempts to cure Atrocitus of rage, but it doesn't work. Jessica's anxiety briefly takes over her, but then she is finally able to make her first construct. Capable of making constructs now, she destroys the Hell Tower. Dex-Starr returns and the Red Lanterns leave since the Hell Seed as already been planted.
Simon and Jessica arrive at Simon's sister's house and Rami tells them that he made a ring that anyone can use called the Phantom Ring.
Review: Sometimes I forget how much I love this series. I was hesitant to even read it because I wasn't too keen on the idea of Earth getting even more Green Lanterns since I felt it wasn't needed. Still not convinced that it is needed, but I think this story does serve to flesh out more about the Green Lantern mythos. Plus, I love Jessica and Simon as a team. Jessica is, honestly, probably my second favorite Green Lantern after Hal. I relate to her a lot since I also suffer from anxiety and it is so great to watch her rise above it and beat it over and over again.
Simon, on the other hand, I don't like that much outside of his relationship with Jessica. Out of the two, I think he is the hardest one to like. He's very bullheaded and sometimes straight up mean when it comes to Jessica in the beginning and it is a huge turn off. However, throughout this volume you get to see him grow and become more supportive of Jessica by the end.
What I also love about this volume is the introduction of two things: Emerald Sight and the ability to seemingly heal Red Lanterns of rage. Emerald Sight is such an interesting concept, not to mention a dope name. I'd like to know why Simon is gifted with this particular ability since he really doesn't strike me as an Oracle type. Maybe there was something in the New 52 that I didn't read that could offer more, but truth be told, I'm not interested in reading the New 52 JLA run. The healing of a Red Lantern is impressive as hell, even if it doesn't last for Bleez. Again, I'd love to get more explanation on that because I don't remember that being an ability of any of the Corps. I think it's curious that Simon does both of these things. I could see the second ability being something that maybe all Green Lanterns are capable of, but who knows.
I do think it was kind of shitty of Hal to leave Simon and Jessica on their own, though. He was like "eh, I ain't got time for y'all, peace out." I mean, I get that the Justice League would be there for them, but none of them are Green Lanterns. At the same time, considering what was going on in Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps, I understand why Hal couldn't train them. I did think it was kind of funny that he basically forced them to be partners by making them share a Power Battery that can only be summoned with both of them present.
I love the Red Lanterns as villains here as well. They've always been one of my favorite Lantern Corps. I would be interested to see where Bleez's story goes from here, now that she knows there is another option other than rage. I just want to mention Dex-Starr the cat Red Lantern because I just am overwhelmed with joy whenever he appears. He's so fucking cute when he isn't vomiting blood and I love that a cat from Earth got a Red Lantern ring. I'm just happy to see he's still around.
I don't think this book is essential for reading DC Rebirth, but if you're curious, give it a chance. It might surprise you.
alchemypotato's review
4.5
I’m noticing some familiar patterns in the books I like the most. They mix action, humour and emotions. The stakes are high without losing the emotional core or going “dark.” There’s a focus on family (both the usual kind and the kind you make.) And they tend to be team books or focusing on a group of characters.
Simon Baz is a Muslim who was mistaken for a terrorist and locked up in Guantanamo Bay (after growing up enduring prejudice in a Post 9/11 world) until he was chosen by a Green Lantern ring. He has strong ties to his sister, his nephew and his brother in law (who he rescued from a coma that he was in thanks to a wreck he caused. He’s a bit of an ass. He’s impulsive and he carries an actual gone as backup, even though he has a Green Lantern power ring.
Jessica Cruz is a trauma survivor who suffers with anxiety and has been locking herself up in her apartment for the last three years until a Green Lantern ring chooses her (the details of who that happened aren’t really detailed in this book, though I am vaguely away of the story that lead to it.) She doesn’t believe she deserves a Green Lantern ring. She thinks she’s a coward who ran away when her friends were murdered in front of her. She also has a strong familial tie, in this case to her sister Sara. She’s also a bit of a dork who plays Pokemon.
The trope of opposites being forced to work together is an oldie but a goodie and it’s used here to great effect. Hal Jordan (aka a Green Lantern I still really don’t care about because I grew up with Kyle Rayner and also Hal just seems kinda bland and he also killed all the Green Lanterns that one time...) literally ties them together by combining their power batteries. They have to work together. The planet depends on it because something big is coming...
Not gonna lie: I fell in fictional love with Jessica Cruz over the course of this book. I dig Simon and I think he’s an interesting counterpoint to Jessica but Jessica gives me all the feelings.
This book focused on marginalised characters and is written by an author of colour (Sam Humphries.) On paper the story for this book doesn’t seem all that great, because it’s just comic book stuff. It’s the execution of it. It’s the emotions and the character journey.
And, yeah, I’m a sucker for space opera, though this story is 90% on Earth.
I’m sort of afraid to look up sales figures for this book because I don’t want to stress that it might get cancelled or Simon and Jessica will get shuffled off to be background characters. This book deserves a chance.
Simon Baz is a Muslim who was mistaken for a terrorist and locked up in Guantanamo Bay (after growing up enduring prejudice in a Post 9/11 world) until he was chosen by a Green Lantern ring. He has strong ties to his sister, his nephew and his brother in law (who he rescued from a coma that he was in thanks to a wreck he caused. He’s a bit of an ass. He’s impulsive and he carries an actual gone as backup, even though he has a Green Lantern power ring.
Jessica Cruz is a trauma survivor who suffers with anxiety and has been locking herself up in her apartment for the last three years until a Green Lantern ring chooses her (the details of who that happened aren’t really detailed in this book, though I am vaguely away of the story that lead to it.) She doesn’t believe she deserves a Green Lantern ring. She thinks she’s a coward who ran away when her friends were murdered in front of her. She also has a strong familial tie, in this case to her sister Sara. She’s also a bit of a dork who plays Pokemon.
The trope of opposites being forced to work together is an oldie but a goodie and it’s used here to great effect. Hal Jordan (aka a Green Lantern I still really don’t care about because I grew up with Kyle Rayner and also Hal just seems kinda bland and he also killed all the Green Lanterns that one time...) literally ties them together by combining their power batteries. They have to work together. The planet depends on it because something big is coming...
Not gonna lie: I fell in fictional love with Jessica Cruz over the course of this book. I dig Simon and I think he’s an interesting counterpoint to Jessica but Jessica gives me all the feelings.
This book focused on marginalised characters and is written by an author of colour (Sam Humphries.) On paper the story for this book doesn’t seem all that great, because it’s just comic book stuff. It’s the execution of it. It’s the emotions and the character journey.
And, yeah, I’m a sucker for space opera, though this story is 90% on Earth.
I’m sort of afraid to look up sales figures for this book because I don’t want to stress that it might get cancelled or Simon and Jessica will get shuffled off to be background characters. This book deserves a chance.