Visitor's Post
Hello! This is Ben Carlson, a guest writer for Sara's blog. I can't say I'm anywhere near as familiar as Sara is with comic books, but I do find what I know of their stories fascinating and highly entertaining. That being said, I have never put in much effort to learn about the Green Lantern. Until now!
The more I learn about the Green Lantern, the more fascinated I am with its unique characters (Kim. 2011). Unlike many comic books, which focus on one superhero, the Green Lantern comics have a rather large cast of Green Lanterns.
With Alan Scott setting the standard as the first Green Lantern, Hal Jordan has been able to become a comic book celebrity as the second. However, there are even more that follow after him! As an example, the adventures of Earth's Green Lantern Corps, including Earth's own John Stewart, Guy Gardner, and Hal Jordan (again), span several volumes. Some of these characters even spread their influences and memberships to other superhero organization, like Guy joining the Justice League.
Even more Lantern Corps and special individuals populate the pages of Green Lantern comics, forming a small universe of intriguing heroes that weave stories of friendship, trust, and strength of will. Equally as compelling as the heroes are to me, though, the Green Lantern villains stick out as truly unique.
The villains often seem to originate from the Green Lanterns themselves, which makes sense from a writing standpoint. Plot-wise, the only weapon strong enough to fight against a Green Lantern's power ring would almost have to be another power ring. The resultant formula for villain creation is a refreshing twist on the old process, having the heroes and villains being remarkably intertwined.
Also, the fact that the Green Lanterns' powers originate from their own personal qualities, usually willpower, turns emotions such as rage and fear into determining factors in their very plots. Villains such as Sinestro and Parallax have fates tied with good Green Lanterns (especially with Sinestro once being one and Parallax actually controlling Hal Jordan), giving the vilains special emphasis and connection. Even other villains that were never Lanterns, such as Star Sapphire and Black Hand, share small roots with the Green Lanterns, almost making them feel more like results of the system than external problems.
Ultimately, the flavorful characters and close stories are winning my heart over to the Green Lantern's calling. My interest for the series only continues to grow as I learn more about it, and I encourage anyone else who seeks rich entertainment to try checking out the Green Lantern. With a final farewell, look forward to the coming Green Lantern movie. I know I am!
Sources Cited
Kim, Tenzel. (1996). Green Lantern Corps Web Page. Retrieved from
http://glcorps.dcuguide.com/
Friday, April 22, 2011
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Interview with a Green Lantern Enthusiast
This interview is with a fellow Green Lantern fan and avid comic book reader. Wayne D. is a close friend of mine and we both share a love for The Green Lantern. Being an enthusiast himself this interview skips over some of the more introductory questions and goes into the deeper meat behind Hal Jordan as The Green Lantern and the upcoming movie.
Interview
Question 1. What do you think makes Hal Jordan as The Green Lantern stand out from the rest of the superheroes out there?
Answer - Hal Jordan is the greatest Green Lantern of all for good reason. Jordan is different from other superheroes because he has faced fear itself, heck he has been fear itself, and he overcame it. A main similarity between most superheroes is an understanding of death and the fear that comes with the constant danger they put themselves in trying to defend the universe. However, with Jordan the situation with fear is different he understands fear and then lets it go making Jordan the only superhero out there who is truly fearless.
Question 2. Do you think that being so called "fearless" makes Jordan the envy of other superheroes?
Answer - In fact it does, Jordan's lack of fear makes him unpopular with some of his fellow superhero friends. The main person that this quality in Jordan bothers is actually very well known, none other than Batman. Batman views Jordan's lack of fear as arrogance and stupidity, however Batman is a bias judge because without fear Batman would be nothing.
Question 3. Why do you think the movie industry agreed to make The Green Lantern movie?
Answer - Probably because they figured it would make a great deal of money. Seriously, I feel this movie was chosen perhaps above other options because Hal Jordan represents the human will can achieve anything as long as you have the power to wield it. The Green Lantern is a different kind of hero, Jordan has made mistakes and lived through death to some back and save the universe once again. Jordan is the superhero of superheroes, Jordan is the epitome of willpower, Jordan is the true guardian of the universe.
Question 4. What do you think Ryan Reynolds needs to do to capture the essence of Hal Jordan's personality?
Answer - As an actor Ryan Reynolds is very talented, however he does seem to have a more whimsical approach to his acting style. In order to truly capture Hal Jordan's personality, Reynolds will have to tone down his light-hearted humor and focus more on the serious side of the character.
Question 5. Do you think the movie will be a success? What are some things you are worried about the movie adaptation of this comic getting wrong or not portraying correctly?
Answer - Overall, yes I think this movie will be a success. I think Ryan Reynolds was the right actor to play Hal Jordan as long as he sticks to sarcastic humor and a serious attitude to be the best. The rest of the cast chosen seem to fit right too. The only thing I would say I am concerned about is the entity Parallax, in the comics the entity of fear is actually infecting Hal Jordan and manipulating him into doing terrible things. In the movie synopsis it says that Hal Jordan fights against Parallax, so I am curious to see how the entity of fear gets represented in the movie. Hopefully this movie lives up to everything the comics are and will continue to be. I am excited and hope there is a great turnout for The Green Lantern movie.
Note - Just a small side note The Green Lantern movie debuts this summer June 17th 2011. Hope to see you all there!!!
Interview
Question 1. What do you think makes Hal Jordan as The Green Lantern stand out from the rest of the superheroes out there?
Answer - Hal Jordan is the greatest Green Lantern of all for good reason. Jordan is different from other superheroes because he has faced fear itself, heck he has been fear itself, and he overcame it. A main similarity between most superheroes is an understanding of death and the fear that comes with the constant danger they put themselves in trying to defend the universe. However, with Jordan the situation with fear is different he understands fear and then lets it go making Jordan the only superhero out there who is truly fearless.
Question 2. Do you think that being so called "fearless" makes Jordan the envy of other superheroes?
Answer - In fact it does, Jordan's lack of fear makes him unpopular with some of his fellow superhero friends. The main person that this quality in Jordan bothers is actually very well known, none other than Batman. Batman views Jordan's lack of fear as arrogance and stupidity, however Batman is a bias judge because without fear Batman would be nothing.
Question 3. Why do you think the movie industry agreed to make The Green Lantern movie?
Answer - Probably because they figured it would make a great deal of money. Seriously, I feel this movie was chosen perhaps above other options because Hal Jordan represents the human will can achieve anything as long as you have the power to wield it. The Green Lantern is a different kind of hero, Jordan has made mistakes and lived through death to some back and save the universe once again. Jordan is the superhero of superheroes, Jordan is the epitome of willpower, Jordan is the true guardian of the universe.
Question 4. What do you think Ryan Reynolds needs to do to capture the essence of Hal Jordan's personality?
Answer - As an actor Ryan Reynolds is very talented, however he does seem to have a more whimsical approach to his acting style. In order to truly capture Hal Jordan's personality, Reynolds will have to tone down his light-hearted humor and focus more on the serious side of the character.
Question 5. Do you think the movie will be a success? What are some things you are worried about the movie adaptation of this comic getting wrong or not portraying correctly?
Answer - Overall, yes I think this movie will be a success. I think Ryan Reynolds was the right actor to play Hal Jordan as long as he sticks to sarcastic humor and a serious attitude to be the best. The rest of the cast chosen seem to fit right too. The only thing I would say I am concerned about is the entity Parallax, in the comics the entity of fear is actually infecting Hal Jordan and manipulating him into doing terrible things. In the movie synopsis it says that Hal Jordan fights against Parallax, so I am curious to see how the entity of fear gets represented in the movie. Hopefully this movie lives up to everything the comics are and will continue to be. I am excited and hope there is a great turnout for The Green Lantern movie.
Note - Just a small side note The Green Lantern movie debuts this summer June 17th 2011. Hope to see you all there!!!
Monday, April 18, 2011
Interview with a Classmate
My second interview is with a fellow classmate. Karen A. is a semi-comic fan she reads Manga and has a love hate relationship with anime.
Interview
Question 1. What do you think of when I say Green Lantern?
Answer - DC Comics, my little brother's are big fans. I have seen the Justice League animated movies with them many times, and Green Lantern is a big part of the Justice league.
Question 2. Have you ever read a Green Lantern comic? If so, what did you think of it?
Answer - I haven't read a Green Lantern specifically, but I have read comics like Batman in which The Green Lantern appears.
Question 3. Are you planning on going to see the movie this summer?
Answer - Yeah I am. Me and my boyfriend are going, he is a huge fan and I enjoy DC comics as well.
Question 4. What are the reasons that you are going to see the movie?
Answer - I like DC more than Marvel, so I am more excited about The Green Lantern movie than say the Thor movie coming out.
Question 5. Do you think The Green Lantern will increase in popularity after the movie comes out?
Answer - It probably will, it seems like every comic series has had a re-surge in popularity since the movies depicting those characters have come out.
Question 6. What do you think about comics books as a printed media? Would you consider it a dying art form?
Answer - I have always liked comics because I also read Manga and the two formats are similar, however I feel comics have more action in them. There is certainly a smaller audience for them now versus the Golden Age and I feel they don't have much exposure in the modern day. I would say kind of yes but there will probably always be an audience for them.
Note - The Golden Age of comics took place in the early 1930s through the late 1940s. To learn more read my post History of The Green Lantern.
Question 7. Why do you think the theme of superhero movies is on the rise?
Answer - Certainly, with the release of Spiderman and Batman the comic book industry is realizing there is an audience for them. As for the audience, superhero plots have always been kind of alluring just because of their struggle between good and evil.
Question 8. Do you feel these movies will help the comic book industry?
Answer - Yeah, I feel it will. With the release of these new movies it draws the younger generation into the plight of the superhero and when they find out the struggle continues in comics they will be more likely to become comic book fans.
Question 9. What do you think superheroes like The Green Lantern are meant to represent?
Answer - As a symbolic representation of good, The Green Lantern might represent more of a message like your imagination unbridled can overcome anything.
Question 10. Do you feel my blog has reached its goal in inspiring people to get involved in comics?
Answer - Once people can find it, yes it would inspire people to become involved in comics.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Podcast: The Endless Possibilities of The Green Lantern Movie
This is a podcast I did with a close friend of mine named Wayne, who is a Green Lantern fan like myself. We discuss the movie the comics and poke some friendly jokes about the other ones favorite comic characters. Listen up to this awesome podcast!
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Showcase: The Green Arrow
The Green Arrow is Oliver Queen a master archer and highly trained in martial arts, Queen fights crime using his skill with a bow to shoot down his enemies. Queen's background is similar to the rich roots of characters such as Ironman and Batman, who both had family wealth to help in their transformation into a superhero. However, the difference between them and Queen is that he gave up the billions he got after his father passed away in the name of justice.
Queen Industries was once the home of a self-centered billionaire Oliver Queen, after his father passed Queen inherited his father's fortune and the company. Queen was content in his life, but upon finding out about his father's corrupt business partners, his exploitation of the diamond trade, and his dealings in military weaponry, Queen left that life behind him. Queen passed on the throne to the company because he wanted nothing to do with these shady back alley dealings and was determined to do good in the world.
Queen lost everything, his money, his home, his life and his reason for living. Hope was not all lost yet, Queen found a new leash on life in the form of justice. Fashioning himself as the Green Arrow, Queen began fresh redeeming himself through helping and saving the lives of the people of Star City. After a terrible accident against the city, much of what was once a shining city of life was demolished into ash. In the heart of the damage a forest began to sprout from the ashes, there it should shrouded in mystery, breathing as if it could think, and it waited, waited for its master.
Queen's new life as the Green Arrow did not got unnoticed with the local mobsters and the corrupt police force ruling Star City. Read how Queen takes back Star City and shines life, safety, and joy back into the lives of the citizens.
Below is the cover art for the current comic series the Green Arrow Brightest Day.
Queen Industries was once the home of a self-centered billionaire Oliver Queen, after his father passed Queen inherited his father's fortune and the company. Queen was content in his life, but upon finding out about his father's corrupt business partners, his exploitation of the diamond trade, and his dealings in military weaponry, Queen left that life behind him. Queen passed on the throne to the company because he wanted nothing to do with these shady back alley dealings and was determined to do good in the world.
Queen lost everything, his money, his home, his life and his reason for living. Hope was not all lost yet, Queen found a new leash on life in the form of justice. Fashioning himself as the Green Arrow, Queen began fresh redeeming himself through helping and saving the lives of the people of Star City. After a terrible accident against the city, much of what was once a shining city of life was demolished into ash. In the heart of the damage a forest began to sprout from the ashes, there it should shrouded in mystery, breathing as if it could think, and it waited, waited for its master.
Queen's new life as the Green Arrow did not got unnoticed with the local mobsters and the corrupt police force ruling Star City. Read how Queen takes back Star City and shines life, safety, and joy back into the lives of the citizens.
Below is the cover art for the current comic series the Green Arrow Brightest Day.
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| Cover of Green Arrow #1 Brightest Day Copied from http://comicmegastore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_435&products_id=1434 Copyright (c) 2010 DC Comics |
The Green Arrow shows up in many comics with The Green Lantern such as, The Green Lantern Blackest Night and Green Lantern Rebirth. Now I won't ruin the story but the Green Arrow and The Green Lantern are so close that in the Green Lantern Rebirth story you see that Hal Jordan has left something very important for his friend Oliver Queen.
This is another amazingly awesome comic series to invest in, if you are liking The Green Lantern comics from my post - Where To Start - then you will love the Green Arrow comics. Queen is a great hero because even though he lacks the super powers of his other hero allies, Queen is still an extraordinary hero using his skills to serve the greater good and protect the world. Plus the artwork is fantastic!
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Showcase: The Flash
The Flash is a moderately well-known superhero, however the reason I decided to do him as my second showcase is because he has a direct and hilarious relationship with the Green Lantern himself. The Flash appears in Green Lantern Blackest Night and in The Flash Brightest Day.
The Flash is Barry Allen a forensics scientists for the police in Central City, New York. Allen is just a normal guy with a normal job, a normal girlfriend, and a normal life. That is until a freak accident, where Allen is struck by lightning, covered in volatile chemicals, and transformed into something new, something not normal, something special - The Flash! With the extra ability of being able to fun faster than the speed of light and generate an energy force called the speed force, Allen fights crime and protects the innocent citizens living in Central City.
The Flash is Barry Allen a forensics scientists for the police in Central City, New York. Allen is just a normal guy with a normal job, a normal girlfriend, and a normal life. That is until a freak accident, where Allen is struck by lightning, covered in volatile chemicals, and transformed into something new, something not normal, something special - The Flash! With the extra ability of being able to fun faster than the speed of light and generate an energy force called the speed force, Allen fights crime and protects the innocent citizens living in Central City.
In The Green Lantern Blackest Night comics, Allen finds himself in the middle of a battle between the heroes of Earth and the heroes of the Universe. Allen's long-time friend Hal Jordan is working with other Lanterns like himself in a effort to end the impending apocalypse. However, Jordan is defensive on whether or not to allow the heroes of Earth such as, Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, and The Flash himself to join in on the battle because he fears them getting hurt. Even as the other heroes begin to question Jordan's allegiance, Allen is there to defend his friend and to re-group the forces to help Jordan in anyway possible.
Barry Allen as The Flash is always determined to do what is right in the name of justice and to find the light-hearted humor in the face of certain demise. Allen makes a great friend to Jordan, keeping him grounded and inspiring some laughter into Jordan's normally tense exterior.
Below is the cover art for the current comic series of The Flash Brightest Day.
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| Cover of The Flash #1 Brightest Day Copied from http://comicmegastore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_435&products_id=1550 Copyright (c) 2010 DC Comics |
The Flash plays a major part in The Green Lantern Blackest Night comics as he helps defend his friends and his world. Allen's story continues after the battle is won in The Flash Brightest Day, Allen faces off against some very powerful foes known as The Rogues.
This is another great series of comic books to invest in. The Flash is a superhero filled with humor and a love for protecting the good in the world. The Flash comics have a great story and are beautifully drawn an excellent choice for your next comic book adventure.
This is another great series of comic books to invest in. The Flash is a superhero filled with humor and a love for protecting the good in the world. The Flash comics have a great story and are beautifully drawn an excellent choice for your next comic book adventure.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Showcase: Azrael
Azrael is one of my personal favorites when it comes to superheroes. This comics offers a controversial story line revolving around the Catholic religion. This is a more mature comics series and would be most appropriate for older readers. This story is exhilarating and dark a great mix of good and evil, the main character is intriguing and even with wielding the power of judgement still connects with the readers.
Azreal is actually Michael Lane an ex-police man who was chosen by the Order of Purity to regain the mantle of power as the protector of their religion, after the previous Azrael was driven to madness and led a slaughter of innocent people.
Azrael is granted two swords of fire and ice that can either absolve a person or punish them for their sins. With these he wears a suit of armor called the Suit of Sorrows this suit allows him to hear the cries of people's sins and is the direct reason the previous Azrael went insane. Knowing the risks of this task Lane accepts his destiny to be the protector of innocent souls and a warrior for God.
Below is the cover art for the current comic series of Azrael:
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| Cover of Azrael #1 Copied from http://comics.wikia.com/wiki/Azrael Copyright (c) 2009 DC Comics |
If your looking for a more mature and serious comic series this is a great choice to invest in. I would highly suggest giving Azrael a chance because it has an amazing story, a complex hero, spectacular writing, and visually stunning artwork.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
New Movie Prequels Coming Out in May
DC Comics has decide to make new comics showcasing the characters in the upcoming movie
According to the DC website there will be five new comic book prequels to the movie coming out in May 2011. These prequels will cover some of the main characters in the movie.
The characters to be covered as of now will be the following:
According to the DC website there will be five new comic book prequels to the movie coming out in May 2011. These prequels will cover some of the main characters in the movie.
The characters to be covered as of now will be the following:
- Hal Jordan
- Sinestro
- Abin Sur
- Kilowog
- Tomar-Re
These prequels will be written by the "creative talents behind the blockbuster motion picture" (dccomic, n.d.a). These will be one-shot comics covering each character and what they where doing prior to the events that will occur in the movie. Writer of the current Green Lantern comics Geoff Johns will be helping in the creation of these comics as well as a few others.
The following is a list according to dccomic.com of writers and artists that will participate in making these new upcoming comics:
- Screenwriter Michael Goldenberg
- Producer/Screenwriter Greg Berlanti
- Producer Donald De Line
- Screenwriter of Superman and Batman Michael Green
- Screenwriter of Justice Society of America Marc Guggenheim
- Artist Fernando Dagnino (dccomic, n.d.d)
- Artist Joe Bennett (dccomic, n.d.c)
- Artist Cliff Richards (dccomic, n.d.e)
- Artist Karl Kerschl (dccomic, n.d.a)
- Artist Fabrizio Fiorentino (dccomic, n.d.c)
The comics will be released starting May 4th with the prequel covering Hal Jordan set to be released on May 25th. No cover art is currently available for these comics.
After I conclude this blog I would strongly suggest reading these prequels to clear up any remaining questions you may have over the characters before you see the movie. I personally will be buying all of these as soon as they are released.
The release dates have been published by dccomic.com:
- Hal Jordan - May 25th, 2011
- Sinestro - May 4th, 2011
- Abin Sur - May 11th, 2011
- Kilowog - May 11th, 2011
- Tomar-Re - May 18th, 2011
For now only these five have been cleared for release if more are coming that is currently unknown.
Sources Cited
dccomics. (n.d.a). Green Lantern Movie Prequel: Abin Sur. Retrieved from http://www.dccomics.com/dcu/comics/?cm=17810
dccomics. (n.d.b). Green Lantern Movie Prequel: Hal Jordan. Retrieved from http://www.dccomics.com/dcu/comics/?cm=17811
dccomics. (n.d.c). Green Lantern Movie Prequel: Kilowog. Retrieved from http://www.dccomics.com/dcu/comics/?cm=17805
dccomics. (n.d.d). Green Lantern Movie Prequel: Sinestro. Retrieved from http://www.dccomics.com/dcu/comics/?cm=17799
dccomics. (n.d.e). Green Lantern Movie Prequel: Tomar-Re. Retrieved from http://www.dccomics.com/dcu/comics/?cm=17806
dccomics. (n.d.b). Green Lantern Movie Prequel: Hal Jordan. Retrieved from http://www.dccomics.com/dcu/comics/?cm=17811
dccomics. (n.d.c). Green Lantern Movie Prequel: Kilowog. Retrieved from http://www.dccomics.com/dcu/comics/?cm=17805
dccomics. (n.d.d). Green Lantern Movie Prequel: Sinestro. Retrieved from http://www.dccomics.com/dcu/comics/?cm=17799
dccomics. (n.d.e). Green Lantern Movie Prequel: Tomar-Re. Retrieved from http://www.dccomics.com/dcu/comics/?cm=17806
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Interview with a Newbie
This interview is with as we nerds like to say a newbie, this newbie just happens to be my sister. As a mother and lawyer my sister like many others has little time to read comic books. I hope this interview is a clear example of how my blog can be informative and helpful for anyone wanting and willing to learn more about the Green Lantern.
Interview
Question 1. Have you ever read a comic book?
Answer - No, I have never read a comic book before.
Question 2. What are the reasons you never read a comic or never held an interest in them?
Answer - I always though they were more of a guy hobby when I was younger and never really took the time to venture into reading them. However now that I am a mother of two boys comics have become a part of my life, and I have found a new interest in them that I never knew i had.
Question 3. Do you know who the Green Lantern is?
Answer - The only Green Lantern I know of is the one in my children's comics. I know he is a superhero and he wears a green suit.
Note - With this question my sister was actually referring to John Stewart which is part of the Green Lantern Corps and appears in this particular comic. She had no idea that there were multiple Green Lanterns and that I was talking about the main one Hal Jordan. I clarified this for the upcoming questions.
Question 4. Do you know anything about the Green Lantern, like his powers, or his secret identity?
Answer - I know he glows green and can fly but other than that I am drawing a blank.
Question 5. What do you know about the Green Lantern movie coming out this summer?
Answer - Ryan Reynolds is playing the Green Lantern and he is super hot. -insert laughter-
Also that my three year old boy wants to see it so that means I will be seeing it too.
Question 6. What do you think superheroes represent?
Answer - I think they are suppose to represent the good parts of mankind, a protector of justice that is out there watching over us. However, in reality I think they are just a fantasy of everything we wish as ordinary people we could do.
Question 7. Do you think that the reason the movie industry is making so many superhero movies is because they want to send a message of good triumphing over evil or simply to make a profit?
Answer - I would have to say it is both, not only do these stories make for a good movie they also immerse us in something that is bigger than ourselves and gives us a sense of purpose for those few hours in the theater. Plus, it's better than watching Saw 24.
Note - Making fun of the ridiculous number or Saw movies they have come out with, seriously it's over.
Question 8. Do you feel that you are lacking the information needed to fully understand this movie when you go see it?
Answer - I know there have been multiple times I have left a movie feeling lost and confused because I hadn't read the book or in this case comic books that the move was adapted after. In that way yes, I feel I am lacking the proper knowledge and I wish I knew more before going in so that the movie is not only clearer but more enjoyable.
Question 9. Have you read any of my posts so far? If so do you this they will serve the purpose of solving the problem you outlined in the previous question?
Answer - Yes, I have read them and I do think they will serve to help prepare people to see the Green Lantern movie.
Interview
Question 1. Have you ever read a comic book?
Answer - No, I have never read a comic book before.
Question 2. What are the reasons you never read a comic or never held an interest in them?
Answer - I always though they were more of a guy hobby when I was younger and never really took the time to venture into reading them. However now that I am a mother of two boys comics have become a part of my life, and I have found a new interest in them that I never knew i had.
Question 3. Do you know who the Green Lantern is?
Answer - The only Green Lantern I know of is the one in my children's comics. I know he is a superhero and he wears a green suit.
Note - With this question my sister was actually referring to John Stewart which is part of the Green Lantern Corps and appears in this particular comic. She had no idea that there were multiple Green Lanterns and that I was talking about the main one Hal Jordan. I clarified this for the upcoming questions.
Question 4. Do you know anything about the Green Lantern, like his powers, or his secret identity?
Answer - I know he glows green and can fly but other than that I am drawing a blank.
Question 5. What do you know about the Green Lantern movie coming out this summer?
Answer - Ryan Reynolds is playing the Green Lantern and he is super hot. -insert laughter-
Also that my three year old boy wants to see it so that means I will be seeing it too.
Question 6. What do you think superheroes represent?
Answer - I think they are suppose to represent the good parts of mankind, a protector of justice that is out there watching over us. However, in reality I think they are just a fantasy of everything we wish as ordinary people we could do.
Question 7. Do you think that the reason the movie industry is making so many superhero movies is because they want to send a message of good triumphing over evil or simply to make a profit?
Answer - I would have to say it is both, not only do these stories make for a good movie they also immerse us in something that is bigger than ourselves and gives us a sense of purpose for those few hours in the theater. Plus, it's better than watching Saw 24.
Note - Making fun of the ridiculous number or Saw movies they have come out with, seriously it's over.
Question 8. Do you feel that you are lacking the information needed to fully understand this movie when you go see it?
Answer - I know there have been multiple times I have left a movie feeling lost and confused because I hadn't read the book or in this case comic books that the move was adapted after. In that way yes, I feel I am lacking the proper knowledge and I wish I knew more before going in so that the movie is not only clearer but more enjoyable.
Question 9. Have you read any of my posts so far? If so do you this they will serve the purpose of solving the problem you outlined in the previous question?
Answer - Yes, I have read them and I do think they will serve to help prepare people to see the Green Lantern movie.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Where to Start
So far we have covered the background of the Green Lantern and several of the main characters that will be showing up in the movie. The next step for readers interested in reading this story for themselves is to find a smart place to begin this epic journey. That's where I come in handy. This next list is an optional order to read these comics, however it is my personal opinion that this order will best serve someone just starting out and looking to get a grasp of the whole story.
Step 1. Secret Origin Green Lantern is a great place to begin by reading the start of Hal Jordan in this trade which covers his background and how he met Sinestro. As well as some of the background to the following comics in this list.
Step 2. Green Lantern Rebirth offers a look at Hal Jordan's past, some of his mistakes, and his infection by the entity of fear know as Parallax. This character is said to be showing up in the upcoming movie and was also covered by me in an earlier post. Understanding who Parallax is in the comics may add clarity to the movie's adaptation of this character making this a great choice for your second step in this list.
Step 3. Green Lantern Rage of the Red Lanterns skips forward and includes Green Lantern #26 - 28, 36 - 38, and Final Crisis: Rage of the Red Lanterns. These comics cover the prelude to the Blackest Night story.
Step 4. The next step is Green Lantern Agent Orange, which continues where the previous trade (step 3) left off with the comics leading up to the Blackest Night story. This trade includes Green Lantern #39 - 42.
Step 5. This trade, Green Lantern Blackest Night covers the story of one of Hal Jordan's most challenging battles to save the world. Besides being one of the most amazing stories I have ever read, this story will definitely add some clarity to the characters and what they have been through before you see them on the big screen.
Step 6. Green Lantern Brightest Day begins here in issue #53 this story covers what happens to the Green Lantern after the Blackest Night.
Step 7. Continue reading the Green Lantern Brightest Day series as it will lead into the exclusive movie preview. The preview begins in Green Lantern #59 which is shown below.
This concludes my list of where to start your journey in the Green Lantern comics. To be clear all of the trades in this list can be bought in the original single issue form or in the trade versions shown. The option is up to the readers preference, however the trades do make collection of these comics much simpler. Another fact to point out is that this list does not cover every issue in the Green Lantern comic series, only those in relation to the upcoming movie. Collection of the issues missing between these trades is again optional.
Step 1. Secret Origin Green Lantern is a great place to begin by reading the start of Hal Jordan in this trade which covers his background and how he met Sinestro. As well as some of the background to the following comics in this list.
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| Cover of Secret Origin Green Lantern Copied from http://www.dccomics.com/dcu/graphic_novels/?gn=10386 Copyright (c) 2008 DC Comics |
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| Cover of Green Lantern Rebirth Copied from http://www.dccomics.com/dcu/graphic_novels/?gn=4154 Copyright (c) 2005 DC Comics |
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| Cover of Green Lantern Rage of the Red Lanterns Copied from http://www.dccomics.com/dcu/graphic_novels/?gn=14996 Copyright (c) 2009 DC Comics |
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| Cover of Green Lantern Agent Orange Copied from http://www.dccomics.com/dcu/graphic_novels/?gn=15822 Copyright (c) 2009 DC Comics |
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| Cover of Green Lantern Blackest Night Copied from http://www.dccomics.com/dcu/graphic_novels/?gn=14592 Copyright (c) 2010 DC Comics |
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| Cover of Green Lantern #53 Brightest Day Copied fromhttp://comicmegastore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_102&products_id=1162 Copyright (c) 2010 DC Comics |
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| Cover of Green Lantern #59 Brightest Day Copied from http://www.mycomicnetwork.com/v2/gallery/2010/11/18/brightest-day-green-lantern-59/ Copyright (c) 2010 DC Comics |
This concludes my list of where to start your journey in the Green Lantern comics. To be clear all of the trades in this list can be bought in the original single issue form or in the trade versions shown. The option is up to the readers preference, however the trades do make collection of these comics much simpler. Another fact to point out is that this list does not cover every issue in the Green Lantern comic series, only those in relation to the upcoming movie. Collection of the issues missing between these trades is again optional.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Thaal Sinestro - The Yellow Lantern
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| Image of Thaal Sinestro - The Yellow Lantern Copied from http://dc.wikia.com/wiki/Thaal_Sinestro_(New_Earth) |
- Power of fear
- Shape energy into physical constructs
- Force fields
- Flight
- Teleportation
Oath
Beware your fears made into light
Let those who try to stop what's right
Burn like my power, Sinestro's might!
(Johns, & Van Sciver, 2007)
(Johns, & Van Sciver, 2007)
History
Sinestro was the Green Lantern of Space Sector 1417, and was the student of Abin Sur. As stated in the previous biography on Hal Jordan, Abin Sur was the one who gave his ring to Jordan before passing away. Abin Sur's last words to Jordan led him into meeting Sinestro and ultimately becoming Sinestro's student. Sinestro helps Jordan master the abilities and limitations of his ring, this is covered in Secret Origin Green Lantern.
When Sinestro finds Jordan flying in his plane he makes an unforgettable entrance, blowing up Jordan's plane and then re-building it right before his eyes. Introducing himself to Jordan, Sinestro shows his overflowing self-confidence, "Sector 1417. The most orderly sector in all the universe. And I am the greatest Green Lantern," (Johns & Reis, 2008). Taken under Sinestro's wing when Jordan shows promise at becoming a great student Sinestro tells him that he will be evaluating his progress and will be taking Jordan to his home.
Jordan eventually visits Sinestro's home planet of Korugar and learns exactly how Sinestro ended up having the world's most orderly sector in the universe. Sinestro is found guilty of abusing his power and setting himself up as dictator of his planet. Sinestro was banished to the anti-matter universe to the planet of Qward and stripped of all his power (Kirk, n.d.a).
Sinestro formed an alliance with the natives of the planet, and they fashioned him a yellow ring of power. Taking this power for himself, Sinestro started a new league of yellow lanterns which he names the Sinestro Corps. Sinestro had one mission in mind to destroy the Green Lantern that led to his banishment, Hal Jordan. Sinestro has become one of Hal’s greatest enemies. However, Hal and Sinestro’s relationship is complex and is not clearly based on hate for each other.
When Sinestro finds Jordan flying in his plane he makes an unforgettable entrance, blowing up Jordan's plane and then re-building it right before his eyes. Introducing himself to Jordan, Sinestro shows his overflowing self-confidence, "Sector 1417. The most orderly sector in all the universe. And I am the greatest Green Lantern," (Johns & Reis, 2008). Taken under Sinestro's wing when Jordan shows promise at becoming a great student Sinestro tells him that he will be evaluating his progress and will be taking Jordan to his home.
Jordan eventually visits Sinestro's home planet of Korugar and learns exactly how Sinestro ended up having the world's most orderly sector in the universe. Sinestro is found guilty of abusing his power and setting himself up as dictator of his planet. Sinestro was banished to the anti-matter universe to the planet of Qward and stripped of all his power (Kirk, n.d.a).
Sinestro formed an alliance with the natives of the planet, and they fashioned him a yellow ring of power. Taking this power for himself, Sinestro started a new league of yellow lanterns which he names the Sinestro Corps. Sinestro had one mission in mind to destroy the Green Lantern that led to his banishment, Hal Jordan. Sinestro has become one of Hal’s greatest enemies. However, Hal and Sinestro’s relationship is complex and is not clearly based on hate for each other.
This would be seen as odd in most stories, but Sinestro is and always will be Abin Sur’s best friend.
Parallax - The Entity of Fear
History
Parallax - The Entity of Fear
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| Image of Parallax - The Entity of Fear Copied from http://www.awesomevillage.com/?p=2543 |
Parallax is the embodiment of living fear and the ruler of the yellow light. Parallax feeds on the fears of others consuming entire civilizations by infecting them with fear (Kirk, n.d.b). It is the power of fear that resides in Parallax that powers the Sinestro Corps. Harnessing the yellow light is what makes Sinestro one of the greatest adversaries the Green Lantern Corps will ever have.
In the comics, Parallax escapes with the help of Sinestro and takes over Hal Jordan. Using him to spread fear across the planet of Earth, Parallax controls Jordan's actions and ultimately causes Jordan to ignite a war against fellow superheroes including Superman. Eventually, after causing massive damage to Earth and its inhabitants Parallax leads Jordan back to the planet of Oa, where the Guardians of the Universe live.
There Parallax fights against the Guardians who have kept the power of fear imprisoned for centuries, in the end Parallax is defeated and taken prisoner again. Parallax is also seen in the Blackest Night Green Lantern series.
In the upcoming Green Lantern movie there has been some debate about how Parallax will be represented. Comic fans are asking whether the movie version of Parallax will live up to and accurately represent the character in the comics.
So far, according to the synopsis of the movie Green Lantern, Hal Jordan will be fighting against Parallax. This leaves a very unnerving question how will Hal Jordan fight himself?
Sources Cited
Johns, G, & Van Sciver, E. (2007). Green Lantern: Sinestro Corps Special #1. Dc Comics.
Beatty, S, Greenburger, R & Wallace, D. (2008). The DC Comics Encyclopedia: The definitive guide to the characters of the dc universe. DK Pub.
Johns, G, Van, E & Rollins, P. (2007). Green Lantern: Rebirth. Dc Comics.
Johns, G & Reis, I. (2008). Green Lantern: Secret Origin. Dc Comics.
Kirk, J. (n.d.a). The Unofficial Sinestro Biography. Retrieved from
http://www.dcuguide.com/glcorps/profile.php?name=sinestro
Kirk, J. (n.d.b). The Unofficial Parallax Biography. Retrieved from
http://www.dcuguide.com/who.php?name=parallax
Hal Jordan - The Green Lantern
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| Image of Hal Jordan - The Green Lantern Copied from http://www.popcrunch.com/10-superheroes-named-while-their-creators-were-high/ |
Abilities
- Shape a form of emerald energy to form physical constructs (Kirk, n.d)
- Flight
- Light beams
- Force fields
- Time travel
- Teleportation
Oath
In brightest day, In blackest night
No evil shall escape my sight
Let those who worship evil’s might
Beware my power, Green Lantern’s Light!
(Beatty, Greenburger, & Wallace, 2008)
History
Introduced in DC’s Showcase 22nd issue, Hal Jordan’s story begins at Ferris Aircraft in Coast City, California where his father was a pilot. Jordan was in love with the idea of being just like his father.
In the trade - trade is a phrase use in the comic industry that means a certain series of comics consolidated into a book - Secret Origin Green Lantern, Jordan states that “Before I was given the greatest weapon in the universe, before I journeyed to the stars—My dad gave me the power to do anything” (Johns, & Reis, 2008).
After witnessing his father die in a crash due to an untested plane, Jordan spiraled down into a life of teenage rebellion. Mostly this consisted of sneaking out to different airfields to watch the planes, something his mother did not approve of after her husband’s death. On his eighteenth birthday Jordan enlisted himself in the U.S. Air Force, a career that was short lived due to his mother’s death a few years later.
With his parents gone and his family disassembled Jordan has nothing left except for his love for flying. Working as a mechanic due to an ended career as pilot because of poor behavior and a reputation for not following the rules, Jordan waits for life to pass by unknowing that it is about to change forever. While sitting in his father’s old plane a green light begins to envelop him and suddenly lifts him straight into the sky. Landing him in front of some sort of alien ship, where he meets Abin Sur.
Abin Sur is Hal Jordan’s predecessor he leaves Jordan his ring as his final act of life. Jordan is the first human in the history of the Green Lantern Corps to receive a ring of willpower. Sur’s last words to Jordan include his astonishment at this fact. “An earthman, I never thought I’d live to see the day” (Johns, & Reis, 2008).
Humans where never meant to be a part of the intergalactic police force that is the Green Lantern Corps. This was because they were believed to be too unstable and easily corruptible. Jordan while not perfect in his career as the Green Lantern becomes the greatest Green Lantern of all time.
Hal Jordan is now the protector of Sector 2814.
Humans where never meant to be a part of the intergalactic police force that is the Green Lantern Corps. This was because they were believed to be too unstable and easily corruptible. Jordan while not perfect in his career as the Green Lantern becomes the greatest Green Lantern of all time.
Hal Jordan is now the protector of Sector 2814.
Sources Cited
Beatty, S, Greenburger, R & Wallace, D. (2008). The DC Comics Encyclopedia: The definitive guide to the characters of the dc universe. Dk Pub.
Johns, G, Van, E & Rollins, P. (2007). Green Lantern: Rebirth. Dc Comics.
Johns, G, & Reis, I. (2008). Green Lantern: Secret Origin. Dc Comics.
Johns, G, Mahnke, D & Alamy, C. (2010). Green Lantern: Brightest Day #53. Dc Comics.
Beatty, S, Greenburger, R & Wallace, D. (2008). The DC Comics Encyclopedia: The definitive guide to the characters of the dc universe. Dk Pub.
Johns, G, Van, E & Rollins, P. (2007). Green Lantern: Rebirth. Dc Comics.
Johns, G, & Reis, I. (2008). Green Lantern: Secret Origin. Dc Comics.
Johns, G, Mahnke, D & Alamy, C. (2010). Green Lantern: Brightest Day #53. Dc Comics.
Kirk, J. (n.d). The Unofficial Green Lantern Biography. Retrieved from
Press Release - Calling all Comic Fans
This is just a short post about my blog. I wanted to say my blog is out there! I can't wait for more people to read up on the awesomeness that is the Green Lantern. I hope to inform fellow comic readers and anyone who has a interest in the upcoming movie about the background of this amazing character.
More than that my main goal is to spark an interest in comics to people who have never given them a second glance. So to anyone or everyone who is reading my blog tell your friends, tell strangers, tell that guy in the grocery store get the word out there that this outstanding blog is here.
I appreciate and thank everyone who finds this blog useful and hope to reach my goal of making comic books come out of the shadows and inspire, entertain, and teach. Just as they have for me, I hope comics will bring joy to someone who never thought something so simple could do so much.
So remember tell anyone, tell everyone, Comics & Movies: The Green Lantern blog is here!!!
More than that my main goal is to spark an interest in comics to people who have never given them a second glance. So to anyone or everyone who is reading my blog tell your friends, tell strangers, tell that guy in the grocery store get the word out there that this outstanding blog is here.
I appreciate and thank everyone who finds this blog useful and hope to reach my goal of making comic books come out of the shadows and inspire, entertain, and teach. Just as they have for me, I hope comics will bring joy to someone who never thought something so simple could do so much.
So remember tell anyone, tell everyone, Comics & Movies: The Green Lantern blog is here!!!
Sunday, February 27, 2011
History of the Green Lantern
Martin Nodell and Bill Finger created the Green Lantern in 1940 during what was known as the Golden Age of Comics. The Golden Age took place in the 1930s through the late 1940s with the creation of Superman the first superhero.
This paved the way for the start of other famous superheroes such as:
· Batman· Wonder Woman
· The Flash
· Captain Marvel
· And The Green Lantern
In 1940 Nodell landed a job at All-American Comics which was a sister company to the well-known DC Comics. This is where he created the first Green Lantern with the help of writer Bill Finger. Inspired by a New York subway employee who was waving red and green lanterns Nodell landed on the idea for the first Green Lantern named Alan Scott.
Nodell decided on a superhero that gained his powers from the flame burning inside a mysterious glowing lantern. The Green Lantern possesses a power ring and lantern that represents the green light of willpower. The wearer must have great willpower in order to wield the ring and have control over the physical world.
Using his power ring the Green Lantern can produce a variety of things into physical reality using pure imagination and willpower. Below is an example of the physical constructs that the Green Lantern’s power ring can make.
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| http://angryweb.net/2009/10/17/jackie-earle-haley-to-play-sinestro-plus-a-superman-cameo/ |
The power ring grants other powers as well such as flight and beams of destructive light to name a few.
Even though Alan Scott was the first Green Lantern the one we will be discussing in this blog is Hal Jordan the second Green Lantern and main character of the upcoming motion picture.
Hal Jordan was created by John Broome and Gil Kane in 1959, and made his debut in October in the 22nd edition of Showcase a DC comic publication.
Introduction
Hello future readers! If you love comic books, movies, or superheroes then you have come to the right place.
My name is Sara Gomez, I am a 21 year old Arts and Technology major at the University of Texas at Dallas. I am a traditional artist at heart and I love to draw, paint, and sculp. So it is natural that I am drawn to the art of comic books because they represent the intense skill of hand drawn art. Comic books have a great influence in my life and reading them has always been one of my favorite hobbies.
As you may know, if you’re an active movie theater attendee, comic books have made their way to the big screen in large numbers and they have come to be extremely popular. However, there is a problem most people who see these movies are only informed by the material they get inside the theater. Leaving them with minimal knowledge about these stories and their characters. For this reason, I have decided to create this blog in hopes of preparing movie lovers for their theatrical experience by supplying them with useful information.
I will focus this blog on the back-story leading up to the new Green Lantern movie that is coming out this summer.
The information in this blog will cover:
· The prequel comics leading up to the movie
· The creators of the Green Lantern
· The origins of the Green Lantern
· Important characters
Green lantern is an amazing superhero and to be able to showcase this character will hopefully interest people in the comics as well as the movie.
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