Green Lantern-Related Series Don't Get Mini, Sinestro stays through (at least) Green Lantern #2

So early yesterday morning, which I also reported, DC announced that Thaal Sinestro would be starring in Green Lantern #1 this coming September.

I immediately thought "There's no way that this is permanent. Maybe it lasts for like an issue." Well once DC released the October solicits for the Green Lantern-themed books...I had to think otherwise;

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That right there is Doug Mahnke & Christian Alamy's cover to Green Lantern #2 showing Sinestro fighting through his own (former) Corps-men to free Korugar from the Corps of fear.

It has also been said that the Sinestro Corps will still be called...just that.

So where will this lead for the future of the Green Lantern Corps & the Sinestro Corps?

Here's the solicit for Green Lantern #2:
"GREEN LANTERN #2
Written by GEOFF JOHNS
Art and cover by DOUG MAHNKE and CHRISTIAN ALAMY
Variant cover by DAVID FINCH
1:200 B&W variant cover by DOUG MAHNKE
On sale OCTOBER 12 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
Renegade Green Lantern Sinestro sets a course for Korugar with one purpose: To free his homeworld from the scourge of… The Sinestro Corps?!"

So they're still calling Sinestro a renegade? Even though the Guardians apparently stripped Hal of his ring in Green Lantern #67 and gave it to Sinestro?

Obviously Hal is going to get his ring back eventually. He's in Justice League and he was the main character in the Green Lantern movie. I mean...come on.

It looks like the Corps is going along, business as usual...even though Sinestro is now a Green Lantern. How is it that Kilowog, John, Guy, and Kyle aren't yelling at the Guardians 24/7? Fucking kiss-asses...

Anyway, it looks like there will be a couple of new rookies that become rather main characters (see that girl in the little pink and green GL outfit?) in the new series, which I don't mind. I think if the series is going to be called "Green Lantern Corps", then it should be about the Corps. Not the other two Earth-based GL's that didn't get their own series. The only reason I don't wanna read this series, is because Fernando Pasarin. If the series gets good reviews, I may end up reading some.

Here's the official solicit:
"GREEN LANTERN CORPS #2
Written by PETER J. TOMASI
Art by FERNANDO PASARIN and SCOTT HANNA
Cover by ALEX GARNER
On sale OCTOBER 19 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
Guy Gardner and John Stewart lead a squadron of Green Lanterns to fight a mysterious force that is marching across the space sectors and devouring not only their natural resources but their entire populations. Worst of all, those responsible have a vendetta against the Green Lantern Corps!"

Hopefully we'll see Stel, Hannu, Kilowog, Arisia, Soranik Natu, and so on. As long as they are promised a decent amount of "screen-time", I may read.

So now that we're clear of the disasters-to-be that are Green Lantern and Green Lantern Corps, here come my two favorite series.

So here we see Kyle leading a group of Arkillo, Bleez, Saint Walker, Munk (my second-favorite character in this series, by far), Glomulus, and an unnamed Star Sapphire. She doesn't quite look like Carol, if you ask me. And plus Carol has more important things to do as Queen of the Star Sapphires...assuming that still actually happened.

Okay, people. I absolutely love Tyler Kirkham artwork. If I had to listen my top 5 favorite artists of all-time in comics, he'd be #2. The only person I like better than him is Jim Lee. So I'm going to be really happy starting in September. And just so I put it out there, Aaron Lopresti is my third favorite artist.

This series is like #2 on my "Want-List" behind Justice League and followed by Justice League International. I also love the emotional spectrum, and all of that stuff. But you can read about all of that soon in my Upcoming Ongoings: Green Lantern: New Guardians post.

Here is the official solicit:
"GREEN LANTERN: NEW GUARDIANS #2
Written by TONY BEDARD
Art by TYLER KIRKHAM, HARVEY TALIBAO and BATT
Cover by TYLER KIRKHAM and BATT
On sale OCTOBER 26 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
By their rings betrayed! Who – or what – has the might to tear power rings from each of the seven Lantern Corps, murdering their former bearers in the process? And why have the rings all chosen Kyle Rayner as their new master? As members of each Corps target Kyle for death, we learn more about the shocking fate of Ganthet!"

Wait...are they trying to kill Kyle? And did they say something about Ganthet dying? Wow...I ALREADY LOVE THIS SERIES!

Interesting...you know who my fourth favorite artist is? You guessed it! Ivan Reis. Hahaha. My fifth favorite, though, would have to be Ed Benes.

Red Lanterns.. Hmm.. I, personally, would've preferred an Indigo Tribe ongoing series, but whatever. Atrocitus is still pretty damn badass. And he's not a kiss-ass like Kilowog, Kyle, John, and Guy. If anything, Atrocitus wants the Guardians dead.

So this series looks like it will be a lot like Green Lantern Corps, but includes more killing, violence, and no whiny-ass Guardians...hmm... Plus Peter Milligan & Ed Benes? Sign me up!

Here's the official solicit:
"RED LANTERNS #2
Written by PETER MILLIGAN
Art and cover by ED BENES and ROB HUNTER
On sale OCTOBER 5 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+
On a war-torn world where invading forces fight insurgent forces, the innocent always suffer the most. When a child screams with red-hot rage at the madness around her, she is answered by her weapon of retribution: Atrocitus."

Oh, and if you ever read the Green Lantern issue from last year where Lobo came out of nowhere and fought the New Guardians (back when that was Hal, Sinestro, Caorl, etc.), he took a Red Lantern ring. I wonder...will that tie into this series at all, eventually? PLEASE SAY YES, MILLIGAN.

Anyway, the other two groups that were solicited (the Bat-family and what DC is called "The Edge" comics), got a mini or two. So why didn't the Lanterns? Will the "Justice" solicits include a mini? Will the Super-family solicits? We'll have to wait and see.

Green Lantern #1 Featuring Hal Jor--wait what's that? JUST IN: SEPTEMBER'S GREEN LANTERN #1 TO STAR THAAL SINESTRO

Yeah, that's right. I mean the solicit for GL #1 did say "a surprising new Lantern." Earlier today on DC's "The Source" blog, announced that Sinestro would be on the cover of September's Green Lantern #1. Where is fan-favorite Hal Jordan, you might ask? Nothing has been confirmed, yet, but I'm going to assume that he's still the main character of the series. DC (hopefully) isn't stupid enough to take a series away from Hal, just to give the same title and creative team to Sinestro. Just saying.

And obviously, Hal isn't losing the ring. He's in Geoff Johns & Jim Lee's Justice League series. So why does it say on the title of the Source's blog post "The New Green Lantern of Sector 2814 is revealed"? He's from over 1,000 space sectors away, in sector 1417. AND he is currently, at least, the leader of his self-named Corps (the Sinestro Corps).

So what does this mean for the (currently-named) Sinestro Corps? Will they be moving on with a new leader, considering their former boss to be an enemy? Will they rename the Corps? Is this only some kind of cheap tease for the cover? I'd prefer the last one.

I'm expecting the Green Lantern-themed solicits for later today, which I'm hoping will include a mini-series about one of the Corps (INDIGO TRIBE!!! PLEASE!!!). Or maybe a mini about Sinestro coming out of issue #1 of GL? One can only assume since October seems to be "the Month of the Mini-Series". Check in later/tomorrow for the GL solicits and hopefully more info on this surprising twist!

Thoughts?

October 2011 to be the "Month of the Mini-Series"?

Yesterday and today, DC began announcing their October 2011 solicits. They announced the ongoing series for Bat-family characters yesterday, and started with some "Dark" series and "the Edge" titles today. The obvious series that were announced last month (Batman, Batman and Robin, Red Hood and the Outlaws, StormWatch, Justice League Dark, and so on) were solicited with their second issues this morning. But then yesterday, DC announced two Bat-themed mini-series titles being started this October; The Huntress & Penguin: Pain and Prejudice.

The Huntress will be written by Paul Levitz (Legion of Super-Heroes) and pencils by Marcus To. Looking at the cover, alone, makes me see that her costume hasn't really changed. I mean, at least from how it was in Hush. I haven't really read any stories with her besides that.

Here's the solicit's info about the first issue:
"THE HUNTRESS #1
Written by PAUL LEVITZ
Art by MARCUS TO and JOHN DELL
Cover by GUILLEM MARCH
On sale OCTOBER 5 • 1 of 6, 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
Look out! By the end of this hot new miniseries, the Huntress will have the largest price on her head in DC Universe history.
What will the Huntress do that warrants such a death mark? And who puts it there? The jaw-dropping events will be revealed as the Huntress heads home to Italy and embarks on a mission that defines her life. Don’t miss out, because this story will tie in to upcoming events in BIRDS OF PREY!"

Maybe once Huntress re-enters the whole Birds of Prey dynamic, I might start reading that series, too? Depending on how I like the mini. The only difference in her outfit that I can notice is that she has that new armor-look that just about every character has now. I hope that if Huntress is actually returning to Birds of Prey, then maybe Gail Simone will, too? And if Helena does return to the Birds, then I really hope she makes fun of Dinah's new outfit. "My god, Dinah. What the hell are you wearing?"

DC also announced the Penguin mini yesterday, too. Penguin: Pain and Prejudice will be written by Gregg Hurwitz and pencils by Szymon Kudranski (I already don't like this artist; his name is a pain in the ass to spell).
I never really did like the Penguin in much. I probably won't be reading it, but who knows.

Here is the official description:
"PENGUIN: PAIN AND PREJUDICE #1
Written by GREGG HURWITZ
Art and cover by SZYMON KUDRANSKI
On sale OCTOBER 5 * 1 of 5, 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US * RATED T
In this exciting new miniseries from novelist Gregg Hurwitz (You're Next) and rising star artist Szymon Kudranksi (Spawn), the painful and dark past of one of Batman's most devious foes is examined. How did young Oswald Cobblepot go from being the apple of his mother's eye to the leader of underworld gangs and adversary of The Caped Crusader? Find out in PENGUIN: PAIN AND PREJUDICE!"

It looks like it could end up being okay, but whatever. I'll read the reviews.

But the biggest new so-far coming out in October is probably The Shade. Fans have been waiting for James Robinson's Shade series to come out ever since his acclaimed Starman story.

The series features the character named "Shade" and will be a 12-issue mini-series, unlike the other two mini's which were 6- and 5-issue mini's, respectively.

Here's the official description:
"THE SHADE #1
Written by JAMES ROBINSON
Art by CULLY HAMNER
Cover by TONY HARRIS
1:10 Variant cover by CULLY HAMNER
On sale OCTOBER 12 * 1 of 12, 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US * RATED T+
Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. See the Previews order form for more information.
James Robinson returns to the world of his acclaimed STARMAN series with a new 12-issue series starring the antihero known as The Shade! An attack at the Starman museum kicks off a globe-hopping, centuries spanning quest that will irrevocably change The Shade's life, and ultimately shed light on his true origin! Artist extraordinaire Cully Hamner (RED) kicks off the series, and upcoming issues will feature art by such luminaries as Darwyn Cooke, Javier Pulido, Jill Thompson, Frazer Irving and Gene Ha!"

So there's where at least Robinson is going to be for at least a year. This series actually looks pretty interesting so I'll probably pick it up. So that bumps my list of "Probable Comics to Buy in October" list up to 22...assuming that none of the ongoing series that I want are completely terrible (which I'm sure at least one will be).

So is October 2011 going to be considered the "Month of the Mini's"? I hope some more interesting ones come out (Can anyone say Booster Gold and Power Girl? Or at least one of them on their own?).

Thanks for reading, guys. Check in later for (hopefully) more information.

Upcoming Ongoings: Justice League

Justice League is getting "back to the basics" pulling Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman, The Flash, Green Lantern, and Aquaman back into the line-up for the first time in several years.

Now, they haven't exactly SAID which Flash it's going to be, I'm going to have to assume it's Barry Allen. Which means that Wally is STILL nowhere to be found. They've already said that it isn't Wally in the Titans. It's still Bart, which I really don't mind. But apparently (though I never heard this before), Geoff Johns claimed that they would be having a Speed Force ongoing series soon. Which, assuming Barry stays in The Flash, would hopefully star Wally. Yeah, well if they would be announcing it anytime soon, it would probably be later this year. Hopefully it will be an addition next year (or later this year) like the Batman, Inc. series will be next year.

Over the past year (probably even longer), the line-up for the JLA has consisted of a bunch of C-List characters (excluding Dick Grayson, who I would consider B-List). And that would be a compliment. If anything, it's a bunch of characters that DC couldn't fit in anywhere else, but a few random fans might have wanted to see again and so they threw it on a series that should be one of DC's best selling like it was when Meltzer started the series off and when McDuffie first started.

Now, don't think that I haven't given the current line-up a chance; I have! I read the story arc before this current one which was called "Omega." Not only did I read the entire story arc, but I ALSO bought the Starman/Congorilla One-Shot tie-in issue back in January.

Last summer, the JLA/JSA crossover happened again and it included Jesse Quick joining the team. So here is the current membership for the JLA:
1. Batman (Dick Grayson)
2. Donna Troy
3. Jesse Quick (though she's losing her speed powers, so...yeah)
4. Jade
5. Congorilla
6. Starman (not any Starman that people have known for years, some random one that Robinson created in Cry For Justice)
7. Supergirl

For some damn reason, DC and James Robinson thought THIS could be the JLA. Sure, it limits the amount of power on the team so it makes for a more strategic story (which, in my opinion, is great). But, honestly...it's about time the REAL JLA comes back.

Which brings me to September; the return of the Big Seven to the JLA, minus Martian Manhunter.

Meaning that the return of six main members to the line-up:
1. Superman
2. Batman (Bruce Wayne)
3. Wonder Woman
4. Flash (Not sure, yet, assuming Barry Allen)
5. Green Lantern (Hal Jordan)
6. Aquaman (Arthur Curry)

Plus, the addition of Cyborg to the line-up. I thought I heard somewhere (though I may be wrong) that this would be a 16-member line-up. If that's true, I'm just trying to think of who would be the other eight members.

Despite all of the questions about the relaunch that are still out there, a lot of the writers/artists that are on series have agreed to interviews from Newsarama, ComicBookResources, or iFanboy. So there is one way to learn more about the stories.

I am rather excited for September.

Check out Justice League #1 by Geoff Johns & Jim Lee. But we'll see how long that creative team stands. I have a bet for $20 that it will be a year at most. How long do you think?

UPDATE: Apparently this was "accidentally" leaked onto the internet earlier this week/this past weekend. I think it was actually DC's cheap way of throwing it out there without making a whole big announcement. But ANYWAY, that little poster-teaser-thingy up there shows the main line-up for the League, plus eight more characters on either side. Honestly, it's a beautiful piece of artwork. But that's beside the point.

This poster reveals that the line-up will include:
Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, Aquaman, the Flash, Cyborg, Deadman (isn't he in Justice League Dark, already?), the Atom (is that Ryan Choi?), Element Woman (created in Flashpoint), Firestorm (looks like Ronnie), Green Arrow (pretty sure that's Ollie), Hawkman, some random white-haired chick (has been said by Johns that it isn't Power Girl or Black Canary, so keep guessing), and Mera (really? One Aqua-person is enough, thank you).

I actually think most of these people aren't that surprising (Firestorm, Hawkman, Green Arrow, the Atom), but there are some characters that I think "What the fuck were you thinking, Chairman?" (Element Woman, Deadman, Mera). Sound off below!

Let's Finish This Sh*t With Superman

A few mere hours ago, DC released the solicitations for the relaunch's Super-family series'. Many of the well-known Super-family won't have their own series; Power Girl, Krypto, Lois Lane, etc. But the main three will; Clark, Kara, and Conner will all be receiving their own ongoing series' this September, along with 58 other series.

Today, DC announced four series;

Action Comics #1-written by Grant Morrison & pencils by Rags Morales

Currently, this is probably the most interesting series that I have seen so far. Now, I haven't read All-Star Superman (written by Morrison), yet. But from everything that I've heard (plus having watched the animated movie), I have a feeling Morrison will be bringing something great to DC's head-character.
Here's the official description:

"A new era of DC Comics begins as the longest-running monthly comic of all time releases its first issue #1 since 1938.

This September, New York Times bestselling writer Grant Morrison (ALL-STAR SUPERMAN) joins with sensational artist Rags Morales to bring you tales of The Man of Tomorrow unlike any you’ve ever read before in ACTION COMICS #1. This momentous first issue will set in motion the history of the DC Universe as Superman defends a world that doesn’t trust their first Super Hero.

The first Action Comics #1 is now the most sought-after comic book of all time. This September, one of comics’ most imaginative storytellers will make history again in Grant Morrison and Rags Morales’ ACTION COMICS #1."

Doesn't trust Superman? Oh my god, I love it already. Thank you, DC. Might wanna record that, it's the only time I'm going to say it.

Superman-written & penciled by George Perez

I don't love it as much, BUT I do love George Perez, so I might end up reading it. Writer & artist of the Wonder Woman series when it first started, writer & artist of the New Teen Titans series when it first introduced characters like Starfire, Cyborg, and Beast Boy, and artist of the first-Crisis? Well, he's done many amazing stories, but how will he do on this series?
Here's the official description:

"What is Superman’s startling new status quo? How does it affect his friends, loved ones and his job at The Daily Planet? Find out in SUPERMAN #1, written by legendary comics creator George Perez (CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS, NEW TEEN TITANS and WONDER WOMAN) and illustrated by Jesus Merino."

Supergirl-written by Michael Green and Mike Johnson with pencils by Mahmud Asrar

Supergirl was never a character I enjoyed on here own. The writers of Smallville are the ones doing the writing (I loved Smallville), so I might check out an issue or two. I'm not very interested, though. No investments will go to this series from me.
Here's the official description:

"Supergirl’s got the unpredictable behavior of a teenager, the same powers as Superman and none of his affection for the people of Earth. Writers Michael Green and Mike Johnson (Smallville, SUPERMAN/BATMAN) will team up with artist Mahmud Asrar to give a new take on the teenager from Krypton in SUPERGIRL #1."-Doesn't SOUND to good, does it?

Superboy-written by Scott Lobdell with pencils by R.B. Silva and Rob Lean

Personally, I really like Conner the way he is right now; a clone. Half-Luthor/Half-Kent. Now, sure, they've almost completely overdone that by this point, but isn't it so much better than what it looks like he is in the cover? A fucking cyborg? -sigh- I like Conner's red-S-shield-w/-black-background-t-shirt-and jeans-thing, too. I wish he wouldn't have to change in the relaunch, but there are worse things about it. (The current Batgirl seemingly disappearing, Power Girl not having her own series, that also goes double for Booster Gold, Mister Terrific getting his own series, etc.)
Here is the official description:

"They thought he was just a failed experiment, grown from a combination of Kryptonian and human DNA. But when the scope of his stunning powers was revealed, he became a deadly weapon. SUPERBOY #1 will be written by Scott Lobdell with art by R.B. Silva and Rob Lean."

Well this means that (among others) Booster Gold, Power Girl, Stephanie Brown, and the Secret Six all aren't coming back to their own series (or possibly the DCU as a whole--excluding Booster who is in the JLI series). I kind of figured that this would happen some time soon. It's really a shame that the invested fans (like myself) aren't getting some personal pleasure from these announcements from series that we love (or were hoping to begin loving later this year).