Red Lanterns #25 Review

Earth is under the Red.


We finally get the change in status quo in this issue as the Reds claim Sector 2814 as part of a bargain made with Hal.

After seeing some interesting reactions to Guy's reign, we quickly move to one of the planets in Sector 2814 and no, it isn't Earth.

The art keeps on the gritty look and Soule captures the voices well, in the process making some of the characters enjoyable (which was pretty hard if you read Milligan's run).

SPOILERS FOLLOW.......................

Guy made a deal with Hal during the Lights Out event and the Red Lanterns are now in charge of Sector 2814, which has Earth.

But before we get into that, we get to know one of the new Red Lantern recruits - Itro. Basically a generic story with 'last survivor', but with a twist. It was one of a species which was destroying the planet, and they were killed to save it.

But after an exposition heavy first page, we get to see Bleez, Rannox and Zox having fun. Yes, a drinking game!

The humour is handled well as Zillius gets totally drunk while Rankorr (I've already forgotten his real name) and Guy discuss Earth and their new sector.

Ratchet meanwhile is up to something suspicious before he tells the others that there is a planet Kormorax at the edge of the sector, where a person called Gensui is a dictator. The Lanterns plan an attack to depose him.

This was refreshing. I never knew the others planets in sector 2814 during Hal or the others' watch and instead of Earth, it was nice to see another planet being used.

We get to see another great aspect of Rankorr's special  abilites - he can mimic an appearance for a few minutes. I know Abin did it in the movie First Flight but I've never seen it in the New 52.

Also, there's a Death Star reference in here.

Rankorr takes the appearance of Bag, the pirate Guy killed when he took a ship but just as they enact their plans, a sudden hiccup arises.


Make of the page what you will.

                                            

Elsewhere, Itro is visited by Atrocitus and his cat, in a B-plot that doesn't seem to be going anywhere.

SPOILERS END......................

Instead of going the generic way, Soule takes a risk but it pays off.

Using great characterization and humour not seen since forever in this book, it becomes a joy to read this.

So, I give it 9.0 out of 10

+Great humour
+An unexpected but welcome twist
+Some great visuals

-B-plot still weak