Release Date: July 4, 2012
Cover Date: September 2012
Story: Peter Milligan
Art: Miguel Sepulveda
Cover: Ed Benes
Guy Gardner and a few other Green Lanterns arrive on Ysmault to help Rankorr, but the planet is deserted and falling apart. Meanwhile, Bleez and her group have been captured by Fatality on Zamaron. Bleez accuses the Star Sapphires of poisoning the Red Lantern Central Power Battery, but Fatality denies involvement and mentions the problems the other Corps have been having. Bleez breaks free, and while the two female ring wielders battle it out, they realize they’re much more alike than they first though. Rankoor awakes in deep space, but soon finds a Red Lantern graveyard. He hopes it will lead him to Abysmus, but Atrocitus is already hunting his flawed offspring. He finds him on Akimedes, but in a much more powerful form; Atrocitus seems to be no match for his son.
With Bleez and friends already captured on Zamaron, it felt like a few pages were missing. The Star Sapphire ambush was recalled later by Rankoor, but it still felt disjointed. The Rankorr bit should’ve been placed first, with Guy’s arrival on Ysmault afterwards, then the Zamaron scenes. The issue would’ve flowed a lot better that way.
The story was a step up from previous issues, but more because it focused on a lot more action: the fight between Fatality and Bleez, of course, but also the tension in Rankorr’s discovery and the absolute beatdown Atrocitus received from Abysmus. I’m all for plot development, but maybe what this book needs is more action in general to distract us from the silly dialogue. (Some of Bleez and Fatality’s lines in Red Lanterns #11 were real eye-rollers.)
Most of the art was great, but there were a few jarring panels. Zilius Zox looked terrible, and in one scene, Dex-Starr was drawn far too small; he was perched on Atrocitus’ shoulder, but looked about the size of a mouse or squirrel! Overall, though, Miguel Sepulveda’s illustrations work well for Red Lanterns. Abysmus in particular looks much better than he used to, especially in his “upgraded” form.
Speaking of whom, we’re edging ever closer to finding out who Abysmus’ mysterious masters are, but I think we all figured out a long time ago that it’s the Guardians. I’m guessing Red Lanterns #0 or an issue shortly thereafter will sort all of that out.
