We’re finally at a point where the story is moving. Of course it’s happening more here then in Blackest Night proper, but still the plot is moving. The idea of getting all the leaders of each Corps seems like a no brainer, but this is Geoff Johns we’re talking about. Nothing is ever simple with him, even when it’s the most obvious storyline.

You’d think that the ‘return’ of Abin Sur would be a huge deal for the mythos of this title. For the sake of staying interesting, Johns does not focus on this fight for too long. I like that idea, cause if it was just Abin Sur fighting Sinestro or Hal it would’ve been boring. I also like it that in here (and in Blackest Night #4) that the characters know the pattern for these lanterns. So obviously the idea of them being upset at seeing their loved one’s come back isn’t going to stay forever. Anyways, there is more things to like about this issue then just more great banter between Sinestro and Hal. The beginning has the best use for Atrocious and the Red lanterns period. Once again Johns is showing something clearly obvious here, but I would’ve never thought of this out when it comes to hearts and the Red Lanterns. Then you have a great ending with Agent Orange and if this ending means anything, then the next Green Lantern issue is gonna be a lot of fun.

It’s hard to think of new things to praise for Doug Mahnke. Again he’s been killing it on this series since that fantastic Black Hand issue. Ivan Reis is perfect for the proper event, but he really is one of the best pencillers to put into a situation like this. Maybe he isn’t as creative as Patrick Gleason for alien species, but seeing these established characters in Mahnke’s style is really cool looking. Atrocious looks fantastic, Agent Orange looks fantastic, the Four Inversions as Black Lanterns are really great designs. Plus his fighting sequences are handled really well. I love the ‘violin’ joke with Hal and in general he has some interesting layouts in general. If Mahnke continues to kill it with this series, I would want him to stay on as regular artist once this event is over.

The proper Blackest Night event has suffered a bit from weird pacing, and so has Green Lantern Corps. This title has time and time again proved how wonderful this idea of an event is. Thanks to expanding the story within this title and having amazing artwork by Mahnke; this has been one of the more enjoyable series of 09. I don’t know where Geoff Johns is taking us in the future for this title, but if it stays the way it is now….Waiting is just part of the many reasons to have fun with this book.