Something about this issue didn’t gel with me. For the entire time I couldn’t point my finger on just why though. It’s not a bad issue mind you, but somehow I just wasn’t enjoying myself fully for this. Then it hit me and I should’ve known……I hate Carol Ferris! She’s so boring and even as a Star Sapphire I just can’t route for her. It doesn’t help that she wears an outfit that is clearly design to make even the stereotypical comic male’s nose bleed. So having an issue, somewhat, focus on her is never a good thing for me.

The beginning was promising though with Larfleeze and the fucking creepy Hammond/Ophidian monster. Last issue was a real joy and I was hoping we see more of that. But, in a way, Johns just completely drops that storyline and forces us to Las Vegas and Carol trying to find the Predator. Sadly not that Predator, although funny enough it looks like the Alien. (The hidden joke of it purring like a cat at the end was a nice touch) The whole time with Carol and the creep using the Predator was just tedious to read. I know this sounds weird, but trying to read people talking about true love bores me to death. Partly because I haven’t experienced it, but also partly that it becomes too preachy for it’s own good. (Which Johns falls into with this) Johns tries to add some humor with Larfleeze, but it’s always been uneven with that guy. One moment his jokes are groan worthy (Viva Las Vegas line for example) but the end joke with his mumbling was hilarious.

Mahnke’s art has stayed tried and true though. Always the highlight, if not the high point of this title now. He can handle anything Johns gives him. Whether it be that creepy hybrid in the beginning or that fantastic 3/4th page spread of Carol and the Predator. Sort of like Gleason with GLC, I don’t think there is anyone else that can do what Mahnke can do with this title. There are also good color effects in this too. Not a huge fan of purple, but what Mahnke and (more importantly) the colorists Mayor/Eltaeb did here was impressive. Although it seems like no one can handle the head of Larfleeze at this point.

So while I think overall this is a good issue on a technical level, I just found this to be very boring to read. If it isn’t boredom from Carol Ferris then it’s from the preachiness of love in this issue. Add to the fact that Johns just completely drops the Ophidian/Hammond storyline makes it also frustrating. At least I have the beautiful work of Doug Mahnke and his inking/coloring team to still make this a worthwhile issue.

*Also, did they ever explain just why the creepy has that armor? There was a panel of that guy on the cover jumping on the rooftops but that was never explained*