R.E.B.E.L.S. #22

R.E.B.E.L.S. gets dark this issue, and it makes for one of the better issues of the series. Once again, the focus of the issue isn't even a member of the team but one of the new Green Lanterns Tony Bedard has introduced for the Vega System. This is a spotlight issue for Gorius Karkum, co-starring Starfire. 
 
Rape is the central topic of this issue, and Bedard and Kevin Sharpe aren't being shy about it. They very openly acknowledge it as part of Starfire's backstory, where other writers will often try to ignore or disguise the obvious of what happened to her during her time as a slave. It's a dark element of her background that she now shares with Gorius Karkum, who has been given an effectively disturbing history that succeeds in making her one of the more compelling and inspiring Green Lanterns around. 
 
Now, if only Gorius could get herself a better character design. Her oversized head makes her look more like someone wearing a cheap latex alien mask than an actual alien. The very dull generic Green Lantern uniform doesn't help either. Hopefully once she graduates to a fully fledged Green Lantern, she will get a more unique and interesting uniform. Something less form-fitting may at least compensate for the head.
 
It is odd how little the "To Be A R.E.B.E.L." story arc so far has to do with the title team. Last issue did feature Lobo as this one features Starfire, but the stories have been much more about the Vega System's rookie Green Lanterns and Vril Dox's smear campaign against them. Most likely, DC believes that Green Lanterns will equal higher sales for the book, and you really can't fault them for thinking that.  Still, it has been an interesting arc. It just feels somewhat like we are missing an opportunity to get to know this team, which even after 22 issues is still a bit of an unknown.