The Lanterncast Presents: Green Lantern/Green Arrow - Episode One!

This one has been a long time in the making. I've been a fan of Green Lantern for a good long while. Only recently, however, have I really dug into the history of the comic book industry. But I'm lucky to say that my very first encounter with historic comic books is the "Green Lantern/Green Arrow" series from the 1970's by Denny O'Neil and Neal Adams. When I first read those books, I thought they were well drawn for the time frame in which they came out and they seemed a little too 'preachy' for my tastes. Overall I thought it was better than I expected. But then I actually dug into the history of the industry by watching documentary's and comic con panels, listening to podcasts & reading books.

It was only then that I understood just how ungodly important the "Green Lantern/Green Arrow" series actually is. In a comics code authority era, in a time when people weren't really looking to DC comics for their reality based stories, Denny O'Neil and Neal Adams changed the game forever.

Join myself and host of 'The Film Jury' (and former Comic Geek Speak host) Mike Gallagher for a history lesson on the comic book industry leading up and into the creation of the Comics Code Authority. Download and listen and maybe you too will understand just how important this series really was.

Look for 'The LanternCast!' in iTunes! While there, be sure to leave a review for the show in the main show feed!

Download the Episode HERE! 

Feel free to email any questions, comments, compliments and criticisms to: chad@lanterncast.com (or post them here!)

Thanks for listening!!!!

2012 Blog Reader Appreciation Award...

Be it on Facebook, twitter or even blogs; I rarely post ‘chain’ statuses or similar type posts. When I do, you know it’s because I think it’s got the potential to be fun or entertaining. In this case, this one is just pure goodness. Someone somewhere started a blog ‘Reader Appreciation Award’ and it’s made its way around to me.

Firstly I want to thank ‘Flodo’s Page’ for naming ‘Corps Conjecture’ as one of his favorite blogs (or at least one worthy of inspiring him to do his own). Considering CC hasn’t even been up for a full year yet, that’s quite the compliment and I thank him for it.

Now, what is a ‘Reader Appreciation Award’? Well, basically it’s what the name implies except for blogs. So it’s the Annual B.R.A.A. then I guess. I therefore now coin that acronym and credit it to myself.  Anywho, a B.R.A.A. is an award that bloggers give one another for general awesomeness. It’s not based on any sort of democratic system between us bloggers. It’s really up to the discretion of each blogger that participates. It’s basically a shout out to blogs that we feel are of superior quality in some fashion.

Now, one of the rules is that you have to pick between 10-15 blogs to give a shout out to. I can’t do that. Not because I don’t feel like it, but because I don’t READ that many blogs. Between work, co-hosting duties over at ‘The Lanterncast!’ writing for this blog and writing for my new Ragman blog, my time to actively keep up with other comic related things is fairly limited. Add to that the fact that I am an active podcast listener, you get even less time. So the blogs I keep up with are strictly the ones I have/make time for.

Now, this in NO way means that the blogs that AREN’T listed aren’t listed because I think they’re crap. That’s simply not true. For instance, I’m only listing four of the eighteen blogs that participated in my ‘Ghosts’ Annuals blog cross over. I think each of the blogs that participated are quite amazing and post interesting things over and over again. But the ones I actively keep up with are the only one that made the cut. The others I read, but sporadically and at length. (In other words, I’ll remember I haven’t read them in awhile and one day I’ll swing by the site and read like 25 posts in a row, just randomly)

So now for the rules to this bad boy…

1. Thank the blogger that nominated you and link back to their site.
2. Pick 10-15 blogs that inspire you and link forwards to their sites.   (In my case I’m going with 5)
3. Answer 10 questions posed by the person who nominated you.
4. Ask 10 questions for your own nominees to answer.
5. Include the Reader Appreciation Award logo on your blog post.
6. Get in touch with as many of your nominees as possible to let them know how great they are!!

So on to the blogs I’ve picked:

1) Firestorm Fan:

Firestorm Fan has been going for a good few years now. This site is run by Shag, one of the two powerhouse DC character bloggers that makes up the new(ish) podcast called ‘Fire and Water’. Firestorm Fan itself, however, is the home of ALL things Firestorm. And I mean ALL things. Firestorm suddenly appear on a sticker? Shag is going to find out about it and dedicate an entry to it. But the man clearly has a love for the character and when you get into actual issue or character breakdowns, he’s going to devote a lot to giving them their due.

2) Aquaman Shrine:

Aquaman Shrine is run by the other (some say better) half of the ‘Fire and Water Podcast’ team, Rob. Rob’s been going at Aquaman Shrine for a significant amount of time. Aquaman Shrine is essentially in institution in the comic’s blogging world. They do issue breakdowns, merch features, cosplay features, creator interviews and even epic birthday celebrations. For a blog dedicated so specifically to one family of DC characters, this blog has a lot of pull.

3) The Captain's Unofficial Justice League Homepage:

This one is newly discovered by me. I found it when I was surfing through the net trying to find a JLA centric blog to participate in the ‘Ghosts’ cross over. Man what a find! When this blog does something simple like an issue breakdown/review, it goes ALL OUT. We’re talking down to “Where are they now” segments in which he breaks down where each of the creators on the issue is now and what they’re working on. Other features include cameo appearances, annotations and more. It is DEFINITELY one of the more definitive takes out there for JLA material.

4)  Siegel & Shuster: MYTHMAKERS:

Now this one is BRAND new to me. As in I didn’t even know it was going to participate in the blog cross over until a scant few hours before the posts went up. If you’re a fan of ‘The Lanterncast!’ you know that I’ve recently become fairly obsessed with comics history (specifically DC comics history). There really isn’t anything more directly related to comics history than Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. This one is also super detailed and very respectful of the historic significance of the subject matter it covers. I like that.

5) Super Future Friends:

Ok ok. Technically this one isn’t a BLOG but it’s hosted by blogspot so allow me the loophole. This podcast dedicated completely to the ‘Legion of Superheroes’ is AMAZING. Like crazy amazing. It’s hosted by two hilarious girls named Adriana Ferguson and Kristen Van Dam who “recap issues of the Legion so you don’t have to”. What makes it hilarious? They review issues of the Legion in ORDER. So first appearance going forward which entails a plethora of stories where these asshole kids from the future just like to screw with Superboy and Supergirl from time to time. At one point, an entire team of Legion rejects commits an “accidental holocaust” on the entire populace of a planet. If that’s not enough material for these girls to make you bust a gut, then you must not have a soul. Now they don’t post often. In fact, it’s been about seven months since the last episode, but you’ve GOT to subscribe on iTunes. So, SO good.

So there’s my five. Again, I just DON’T keep up with enough blogs to meet the pre-required 10-15 blog list. But one of the other rules is to answer a set of ten questions put forth by the blog that nominated you. So my answers to Flodo’s questions are as follows…

1. DC, Marvel or Other? Which comic’s publisher is your favorite?

DC hands down. DC Comics has always been one of my favorites. People who are Marvel “Zombies” like to refer to the Marvel-verse as the more “realistic” of the two main companies. That’s exactly what I DON’T like about Marvel. Don’t get me wrong I LOVE Marvel. Four of my top 20 favorite comic’s characters of all time are from Marvel (Gambit, Firestar, Venom & Thor). But I grew up with DC. Superman is not only an icon, he’s a role model (well, depending on the incarnation). That theme music from the Christopher Reeve movie? That’s HEROIC. Yeah, Marvel is amazing, but there’s just something about DC…

2. Who is you favorite writer or artist currently working?

Favorite artist is Ivan Reis. Favorite writer is Scott Snyder. (Sorry, Geoff Johns has lost a lot of his steam lately.)

3. Who is your favorite writer or artist from the past?

Easy. Denny O’Neil (writer) and Neal Adams (artist)

4. What superhero do you think makes the best team player?

The Flash. He has always seemed to be the great equalizer of the JLA. I know people say that Martian Manhunter is the ‘heart’ of the JLA, but I’ve always seen Flash (regardless of if it was Barry or Wally) as the ‘heart’ of the team.

5. Whose superhero costume do you hate the most, and why?

Dream Girl of the Legion of Superheroes. Every time I see it, it either looks like some sort of swimsuit or just doesn’t look right. I have yet to have a ‘favorite’ incarnation of her costume.

6. If you could bring one title back from comic book limbo what would it be?

Nexus. No question about it.

7. What’s the best comic book cover you’ve ever seen?

I’m particularly fond of ‘Green Lantern/Green Arrow’ #85. It’s not the best cover ever, but it definitely one of the most iconic and the more I see it, the more I like it.

8. Comic book action figures – way cool, or a step to far?

Way cool. (If done right)

9. What was the best comic book single issue that you read in the last 2 months?

Honestly I don’t know. I tend to think of these types of questions in terms of ‘one shot’ issues and none of the series I have been reading have had ‘one shot’ issues. So I’ll just say any of the issues of ‘Punk Rock Jesus’ that have come out in the aforementioned 2 months.

10. Finally, the age old question: if you were writing, who would win a fight between Superman and Hulk? What’s your logic?

It’s a draw. The madder Hulk gets, the stronger he gets…and he heals. And Superman is Superman. I know it’s a cop out answer, but it’s true.

And the last rule was for me to put to you my 10 questions should you decide to follow suit on the “Blog Reader Appreciation Award” shenanigans. I know each of the blogs I mentioned are SUPER busy and probably don’t have the time to create such a post, but on the off chance that they do, my questions are as follows.

1)       Who is your favorite B-List or lower DC character?

2)       What/who inspired you to start your blog?

3)       Epic Meal Time?

4)       What is the first comic book you remember reading?

5)       Who is better, the Justice League or the Avengers? Why? (And who makes up the teams as you see them?)

6)       Favorite ‘Godzilla’ movie of all time?

7)       In your mind, what sort of posting schedule makes or breaks a successful blog? Why?

8)       Blondes, Brunettes or Redheads?

9)       What is your favorite non DC or Marvel comic series?

10)   Marvel is going to make another movie. Other than the ones already announced or being considered, which character would you choose and why?

And that’s it! Oh, if you’re a READER to this blog, answer those questions in the comments below! I love feedback and I put a lot of thought into the majority of those questions. I’d love to hear your feedback!

Thanks again to ‘Flodo’s Page’ for honoring me with a vote and including me in on the fun!

Don’t forget to “follow” Corps Conjecture (click that little ‘follow’ button somewhere off to the right of the page) and comment!

The Defeat of Green Lantern...

"I believe that Johns' has a finite amount of stories that he wants to tell for Hal. He brought him back for a purpose but it kind of feels like Hal isn't supposed to be here, at least in the role of a Green Lantern, much longer."

I said that not too long ago when breaking down my theories leading into the "Rise of the Third Army" mini-event. At the time, I intended that as a tease to an upcoming blog but nobody really picked up on it. For a short amount of time, that particular blog post got postponed because of New York Comic Con and Wizard World Austin Comic Con. Then came the AWESOME 'Ghosts' cross-over blog (which unfortunately didn't get many hits due to the craziness of Super Storm Sandy). But I shot my mouth off over on Twitter about how I was pretty sure Hal wouldn't be around much more and BOYYYYYYY you guys lost your shit. So I re-promised (though no one remembered the original promise) to bring you a blog dedicated SOLELY to why I believe Hal Jordan won't be in the picture much longer.

So here it is ladies and gentlemen, never say I don't deliver on my promises:

We all know ONE thing about Geoff Johns writing and, more specifically, retconning. The man gets rid of nearly NOTHING. Take 'Green Lantern: Rebirth' for example. At the end of the Kyle run, Geoff Johns was positioned to start putting out 'Rebirth' as a way to bring back Hal Jordan. Hal Jordan who went evil and became Parallax. Hal Jordan who sacrificed himself to reignite the sun during 'Final Night'. Hal Jordan who became the Spectre. Hal Jordan with the gray temples. Hal Jordan going nuts was met with a mixed reaction. Fan's don't remember 'Final Night' with any sort of fondness. Hal's tales as the Spectre were trippy at times and just plain weird at others. And, lets face it, nobody was going to cry foul if Hal suddenly showed up with regular brunette hair. But Johns not only made a point to address all that, he even worked it into his story. And not just with Hal...

Guy Gardner at the time was going my the moniker 'Warrior'. That PARTICULAR series wasn't fondly remembered by ANYONE (I'm generalizing for effect). Johns could've ignored everything that happened to Guy after he stopped being a GL, but he didn't. He explained and expelled the Vuldarian powers in story. It's because of his respectful approach to storytelling that Johns endears himself to so many comic fans. The man gets rid of almost NOTHING for the sake of HIS story.

That being said, Kyle is a pretty big piece to Green Lantern 'history' to just get rid of. Now, I am, by no means, a giant Kyle Rayner fan. But Kyle Rayner both as a DC Character (to us) and a Green lantern (in story) proved himself to his detractors and became a mainstay of the DCU. He went from being a character people weren't sure of at first, to becoming well respected.

Now granted, Kyle has his own book to feature in with 'New Guardians'. It's possible that with the sheer existence of that title, everything I'm about to say becomes moot. But I want you to relax your mind for a moment and stop looking for points to argue with me about. Clear your mind and think about these facts:

- Since Hal Jordan's return, the Green Lantern book has been nearly non stop action. The return of the Green Lantern Corps, the creation of the various Corps, the Blackest Night, the return of Krona and a whole HOST of other things. A roaring fire can only burn so long.

- Hal and Carol. This thing has been stop and start and stop and start for YEARS now. (damn near DECADES) The ONLY way Johns would try and start this historically destined to fail relationship AGAIN is to either A) Teach Hal a lesson or B) FINALLY get them together. Hal can't be in a lasting committed relationship to Carol if he's LITERALLY off saving the universe for months at a time and NEVER at home.

- While Hal still struggles to find his place in the world with his family, with the Corps and in his personal life, Kyle is currently being set up to become the 'Savior'/'Torchbearer' of the Corps (all of them) once more. Hal is STRUGGLING and Kyle is being ELEVATED.

Look, in my head it makes allot more sense. Hopefully you're getting my point. Go re-read the last several years of Geoff Johns Green Lantern stories. It becomes painfully evident to me that Hal is living on a TIMELINE. If Hal ISN'T destined to die again (or POSSIBLY become something OTHER than a regular Green Lantern) then he will be relegated to a simple space cop with a rapidly crumbling and unstable social life. Something tells me that’s NOT what Johns wants for the character.

Over on the Lanterncast, Jim and Dan have occasionally brought up how disappointed they are that there aren't more moments in the Green Lantern series with Hal simply interacting with his family or resolving things with Cowgirl or repairing his relationship with Carol or hanging with Tom or something...anything. The personal life of a character isn't something that Johns tends to ignore. (Look at his heartfelt stories within JSA) Johns WANTS to do something with Hal. I get that feeling 100%.

It's my theory that Hal ISN'T going to be a Green Lantern much longer. My first guess is that he's going to die (I mean AFTER him and Sinestro escape). But the other possibilities exist. If the Guardians fall, Hal could become a "Guardian" of the Green Lantern Corps. He could become an instructor or adviser. He could become a senior member that assists when needed. Who knows? I just DON'T see Hal as being a standard Green Lantern anymore. There is SOMETHING that Geoff wants to do with Hal that he can't do just yet because, for the story Geoff is telling, he NEEDS Hal just a little longer.

The ONLY way this would be completely negated is for something like the marketability of the live action prospects of the character. In other words, if Hal is the 'go to' Green Lantern for any live action DC movie interpretations, it only makes sense to have him featured in the comic’s universe to maintain consistency. I get that that particular scenario is FAR more likely to most of you than anything I've said.

But trust me on this one. SOMETHING BIG is about to happen to Hal. I can feel it.