A Life In the Death Family
This issue has an outstanding cover. A perfect representation of the essence of Black Hand, and creepy to boot.
I don't know what to say here really. It progresses at a rate that I've come to consistently expect from Geoff Johns. I'm not saying the events were predictable, but the pacing was. This isn't a bad thing though, Goeff Johns' Green Lantern pacing is generally excellent. He develops Sinestro some more, advances the overall saga, and keeps the status quo moving.
If definitely seems like he's made sure to avoid repeating Blackest Night. Black Hand's got the same BASIC powerset he had then, but Nekron's not been brought back, and there is no Black Central Battery. He's got to be more low key, but his plan is still big. It's just that, now he's actually doing what HE wants FOR HIMSELF, instead of being a pawn of Nekron. It's a smart hook.
He also demonstrates his dark insanity for the benefit of those who never read the epic Green Lantern #43, Blackest Night Prologue. This is basically the sequel to that specific issue. You don't NEED it for reference, but it's 10x better if you have read it.
My only major problem is that Geoff Johns once again demonstrates his significant over-reliance on prophetic visions for vague foreshadowing. I mean, practically each arc so far in the New 52 has begun with one. It just becomes lazy when used that much. Though these visions are FAR more intriguing than the ones from the beginning of the Secret of the Indigo Tribe.
In Conclusion: 4.5/5
Another solid entry in the Green Lantern Epic. CREEPY Black Hand, and genuinely exploring new territory, despite concerns that it might be retreading too much Blackest Night territory. But Geoff Johns needs to stop it with the freaking visions.
