Review: Red Lanterns #5

I’ve wanted to read this series since it was announced, but had to wait till the New 52 were released. What peaked my interest was it was a comic based on another set of ringsother than the green that wasn’t going to be a mini-series but ongoing.   Who wouldn’t want to read about rage any waywhich is behind all heroes in some way, but now it’s in the forefront.  Let’s dive right in.

Atrocitusjust found out Krona had disappeared and he is going to find out who tookhim.  His first guess is Bleez but shedidn’t. She is put on the task to round up the other from the blood ocean.  This is where we get our introduction to theRed Lantern Corp; Ratchet, Skallox, and Zilius and one more.  A lot of the story is how each one receivedtheir rings.  The final lantern comesfrom earth.  They are out for retributionbeing the judge, jury, and executioner.

To behonest this is probably the fastest issue of the series thus far as the others were much slower.  The story has jumped around a lot gettingeverything established with why all the characters want retribution with their background stories.  The art in the book isreally focused on the character detail which can draw away from the back groundand colors.  What little colors there are, since isit mainly red and shades of red.

I wish Ihad more to tell but there isn’t it took five issues to set up backgroundstories. Which can be interesting on their own, but it just wasn’t always easyto follow.  I wish I could say this willbring you back to the Red Lanterns if you left but it won’t. This issue justsums up previous issues and maybe now we can finally get to a real story ofinterest.

Score: 2/5

Writer: Peter Milligan
Artist: Ed Benes
Publisher: DC Comics
Price: $2.99
Release Date: 1/4/2012