In almost every way, “Red Lanterns” #1 is an introduction to the characters and a launching point into what looks to be a blood-fueled, action-packed series. Writer Peter Milligan has several things going in his first issue. The book opens with a fantastic action scene showing off the Red Lantern’s signature style of brutal violence and featuring one of my favorite DC characters, Dex-Starr. I loved every panel of this opening sequence and artist Ed Benes’ beautiful pencils only made it better. We also get a detailed look at Atrocitus and his struggles to keep his rage burning due to events stemming from The War of the Green Lanterns. It’s a cool and effective tie-in to the pre-New 52 world. Milligan also uses the struggles as a way to share Atrocitus’ backstory. At first it felt a little contrived but before long I was completely invested and his history plays a part in giving him a new purpose and meaning. Also interwoven throughout the issue is a side story of an elderly man beaten by a street thug. It’s very well written and thoroughly engaging but at the end of the issue I never saw much of a tie-in to the greater story. But overall this was a fun, well structured story.

I mentioned Ed Benes’ art earlier and it’s worth mentioning again. This is one of the best looking books I’ve seen coming out of DC’s New 52. Benes draws some beautifully detailed creatures from the opening band of blue lizard-like Hunters to Atrocitus and his assortment of Red Lanterns. But nothing compares to the gorgeous two page title spread of Dex-Starr. Benes’ pencils combined with Nathan Eyring’s wonderful colors gives the book a look consistent with the other titles in the Green Lantern Universe yet with a vibrancy all it’s on. There are a few flashback panels that don’t reach the high level of the other pages but as a whole this issue looks stunning.

This was one of the New 52 titles that I was skeptical about. I wondered how the Red Lanterns could have their own book and provide enough good solid stories to keep my interest. Peter Milligan has positioned Atrocitus and company to where the possibilities are endless. He’s showed a certain amount of animosity within Atrocitus to keep him tied to the Green Lantern Universe as well as give the character a new purpose with unlimited potential. Combined with Ed Benes’ glorious art, this could turn out being one of the bigger surprises from the New 52. I know issue #1 was.