Red Lanterns #1

As for my jumping on board with a brand new DC title, this was the first title of the new series, outside the series/characters I already knew I wanted to follow into the new era, I wanted to get my hands on. I thoroughly enjoyed this first issue and I've decided I'm in this for the long haul. Read Full Review

Through a series of events, Atrocitus regains his rage but now wonders if another member of the Red Lanterns is now in charge. Milligan's writing makes this issue easy and fun to follow if you are not familiar with the Red Lanterns' story. Ed Benes produced the best art work of the week. Yes, I know the art is mostly red. However, the primary color is done in such a vibrant way that captures the emotion of the Red Lanterns harness: rage. Read Full Review

No, this book isn't as good as Green Lantern, but it does stand out on its own as a good book. Will it be able to continue as an on-going? I'm not too sure yet, but if the art and writing stay as solid as they were for this issue, then yes, it should work out. This is the perfect place to jump on for any new reader, but beware hardcore fans because you'll be hit over the head with stuff you already know. I don't think I like the new goal of the Red Lantern corps, but frankly, it's better than having no purpose at all. I recommend this book. Read Full Review

The art is surprisingly good. Benes is known mainly for his depiction of sexy women but he shows great versatility here. He showcases the deeper emotions in his characters and not just their shapely bodies. If he keeps this up, he could easily become one of the hottest names in comics. Read Full Review

This issue was all set up, as we are shown the direction the Red Lanterns will take and potential areas of conflict that may arise in the future. All in all the narration and dialogue was clear and concise and the flow of the comic was well done. So in pure Comic Reviewer parlance Red Lanterns #1 is a good start. Read Full Review

One final note that hit me as I read this book, if Dex-Star can get this much panel time, is there hope for a new Captain Carrot series in this brave new relaunch? After all, you need funny animals to counter the market presence of the really pissed off animals. Read Full Review

Although the character disappears for the rest of this issue, the opening alone was enough to get me to pick it up, and the rest of the story and the foreshadowing of a possible uprising among the ranks of the Red Lanterns was enough to keep me interested with the remaining part of the story. Worth a look (especially for fans of Dex-Starr). Read Full Review

Red Lanterns definitely shows some promise, but it doesn't do enough to truly hook the reader in its first issue. With three other Lantern books to compete with, the series will quickly need to establish a firmer sense of direction in order to stand out. Read Full Review

Aside from the art, there's very little reason to come back for the next issue. Without compelling lead characters or a well defined story, Red Lanterns just isn't going to work. Read Full Review

Red Lanterns has some good elements in it. You certainly won't be disappointed by picking this up but the book has the feel of a completest title for those picking up the other lantern books. I need to see a stronger identity for the book in order to add it to my pull list. However, there is something to be said for a visually fun and interesting story which this provides. Read Full Review

As a lantern fan I'll buy this book pretty much as a given, but it's not high on my list of my favorite post-Flashpoint titles.  It's only the first issue, however, and as much as this felt like it was one hundred percent setup I'm still engaged enough to want to read the issue out of genuine interest and not blind loyalty.  Three out of five lanterns. Read Full Review

To be fair, Milligan's script and plot are executed fairly well, hitting the right notes and taking the title characters where they need to be. It's unfortunate Atrocitus was designed to look like a monster, as these new stories call on the reader to see the humanity in him. Ultimately, at its best, this story is little more than standard comic-book fare. It certainly seems beneath a writer as clever and innovative as Peter Milligan. I have no doubt the momentum behind the Lantern brand will translate into solid sales for the book, but I won't be among those adding to its circulation numbers. Read Full Review

But nice art isnt enough to bring me back for more. In the couple of days since I read the comic, Ive pretty much forgot what happened. Theres nothing particularly wrong with Red Lanterns #1, but theres nothing that stands out enough to make me interested in picking up issue #2. Read Full Review

With the success other companies have had in creating popular antiheroes, I can't help but think DC is trying to at least capture a portion of that market for themselves. It isn't the first time the company has done this, and I'm sure there are some who are going to dig everything the Red Lanterns series will offer. The writing is solid, and the art is good, but at the end of the day I don't think this series is for me. Red Lanterns #1 felt a little empty, and earns 1.5 out of 5 Stars from me. Of course, your milage may vary. Read Full Review

GL Mike

Feb 08, 2018

An excellent first issue. Milligan does a great job giving us some history background of the Red Lanterns as well as set things up for future issues. I also enjoyed the subplot on earth which will clearly lead to the establishment of an earth Red Lantern. Finally, I love the artwork by Benes.

Ryan

May 05, 2020

I love Atrocitus and the Red Lanterns as much as the next guy but I'm not fully convinced about their spinoff series yet. Benes art is phenomenal and he continues to be one of DC's most underrated artists, but Atrocitus works better as a badass side character rather than the main character of this series

general_zod

Jul 31, 2015

The first issue of "Red Lanterns" is filled with the color red. It's a nice touch that distinguishes the book from the rest of The New 52. This "Green Lantern" spin-off also features some great artwork by Ed Benes, but the dark script by Peter Milligan is perhaps a bit too downbeat. It mainly focuses on the pain and anger of Atrocitus, the alien leader of the Red Lanterns. In a flashback sequence, we see how the murder of his family caused his grief and suffering, but his rage is now lacking. So Atrocitus offers the blood of his enemy (the deceased guardian Krova) to an unknown entity to gain insight and understanding of his purpose. This issue also includes a seemingly random murder that occurs in the United Kingdom. How that ties into Atr ocitus' mission is unknown for now. Overall, the issue is gripping, but some readers might be put off with all of the dark themes. It can be depressing. more