Showcase: Green Lantern: Rebirth, Batman: The Man Who Laughs, and All-Star Superman

[Stephanie]

Welcome to another graphic novel Showcase! Summer might be coming to an end with fall rolling in, but the turn of the seasons doesn't have to impact your comics. How about a little Rebirth? This time we'll take a look at Green Lantern: Rebirth, sit back and enjoy the show in Batman: The Man Who Laughs, and fly like a speeding bullet in All-Star Superman Vol. 1.

Green Lantern: Rebirth

I'm not the biggest Green Lantern fan in the universe, but I don't need the illumination of a power ring to know a good comic when it arises. With the exception of the recent Batman tie-in reviewed last week, I'm enjoying the Blackest Night comics so far. Recently I took a step back and explored the depths of Green Lantern: Rebirth.

Writer Geoff Johns literally brings new life to the Corps by unveiling the truth behind Hal Jordan's fall, sacrifice, and present quest for redemption at the hands of the Spectre, God's Spirit of Vengeance. However, his path becomes clouded when a third force comes into play, bringing about dark, fearsome events that coincide with the foreboding return of Green Lantern Kyle Rayner, who bears ominous news from the outer edges of the universe. Something's coming, and it's tearing the Green Lanterns and those around them apart, inspiring chaos—and it all links back to Jordan.

Johns presents a wonderful understanding of character, and while Rebirth acts as a highly engrossing tale and an excellent place to jump in, it falters in some aspects. Although the story remains, as it should be, one centered on the Green Lantern Corps and its members, the balance of the other incorporated characters doesn't shine so brightly. Between the numerous explosions ... and man, there's no doubt things blow up in this arc ... the Justice League of America—with the exception of Green Arrow, who has a rather strong, representative role—doesn't do much besides stand around and think about stuff. Obviously, the infectious fear and paranoia impacts others, but various characters like Superman, Wonder Woman, and Batman are presented like clueless, unhelpful mannequins that only manage to get in the way.

On the other hand, if you can overlook the dismissal of several key members of the JLA, then Green Lantern: Rebirth excels as a solid, entertaining read. It's certainly not lacking of flashy explosions, that's for sure.

Batman: The Man Who Laughs

Fans of the classic Batman: Year One story—whose origins of the Caped Crusader were brought to life in a modern fashion in Batman Begins—will find their follow-up cravings satisfied in The Man Who Laughs. While Year One introduces Gotham to a man who dresses up as a bat and wages war on crime and corruption, this tale by Ed Brubaker—complemented with pencil-heavy art by Doug Mahnke—builds on the Red Hood robberies and unleashes a true madman on the city: the Joker.

Trust is only just budding between Gordon and his new "partner," and Gotham still isn't sure whether Batman exists beyond a wishful urban legend. Those familiar with the Clown Prince's infamous "midnight" crimes will be on firm ground for the majority of the story, which spreads the Joker's insane laughing gas throughout the city and looses the criminally insane into its streets. However, the strength of The Man Who Laughs lies not in the startling unveiling of a psychopath, or even the yet unsteady tension between Gordon and Batman, but rather in the chilling parallel drawn between the Joker and the Dark Knight himself. The connections pointed out between them are laid out in a meticulous, almost frightening way, and the overall impact ensures that their legendary rivalry is just beginning ... much like Gotham's new, costumed age. The book will also appeal to those looking for a detective comic more in the root of traditional Batman; those eager for a comic that pits the force of Batman against the Joker will also be pleased.

Mahnke's sketchy art might not be for everyone, but it does a good job at presenting a gritty Gotham turned grotesque by the Joker. Not to mention the contrast of glaring yellows and whites against dark shadows and black capes on stormy nights never fails to impress.

All-Star Superman Vol. 1

Nothing quite says "out there" like Grant Morrison's writing, which resonates both waves of praise and indignation from fans—the mark of a talented writer, nonetheless. So who better to craft an alternate vision of the iconic Man of Steel? With Frank Quitely's uniquely colorful yet distinctly strange art to strengthen the tale, All-Star Superman sweeps in like a bird, a plane ... no, Superman.

Unlike the controversial Batman version of the All-Star series (Frank Miller, Jim Lee), which angered many fans due to its extreme view of the Dark Knight, the Superman series strikes the core of the man underneath the vibrant red cape and blue tights. Unravel the colored threads, and you'll find Clark Kent, a clumsy but kind-hearted farm boy from Kansas who desperately adores reporter Lois Lane. Oh, and he happens to be from another planet and wield god-like superpowers, too. The comic takes off with a simple, but potentially world-changing premise: Criminal mastermind Lex Luthor has engineered a trap for Superman to spring, and due to the massive dose of solar radiation he endures, Superman's indestructible body has finally been pushed to its limits. He's dying, and Luthor's biding his time on death row with a smile on his face.

The comic drags a little at first, but quickly becomes an engrossing and heart-tugging story. The interaction between Lois and Clark lives up to its romantic name and indulges in a playful romp when Superman presents Lois with the ultimate birthday gift: the chance to live a day in his yellow sun-powered world. Even Jimmy Olsen revels in the spotlight—in style, no less. Of course, not everything is fun and games, especially when Clark Kent, Daily Planet reporter, tags Lex Luthor for an interview that soon takes a darker turn. Quitely brings in humor despite the more intense mood, but the storytelling reigns almost as powerfully as Superman himself. The final chapter in this first volume succeeds at bringing new energy to a well-known yet heartbreaking scene, and the consequential reflections upon Clark add the finishing touches.

You can find all of these trades over at the Impulse Creations shop. Know a book that deserves a place in the Showcase spotlight? Send an email to wita.gen@gmail.com with the subject line, “Showcase Suggestions.”