So while there isn’t a brand spanking new #1 planted on the cover of this issue, Sinestro #12 acts and is intended to be a jumping on point for new readers and a fresh start for ongoing fans. Which is a bit weird since 12 issues means this is the end of a full year’s worth of story. Read on for how well the creative did with setting that fresh start up and whether they hooked this new reader.
Writer, Cullen Bunn does a lot of good in this issue but unfortunately, I have to start this review on a sour note. The book is called Sinestro and that is the one voice in this book that doesn’t feel like the Sinestro I know. He’s definitely arrogant and I loved that. Seeing him defy logic for secretive motives makes perfect sense, but even when the character is forced into a knock down drag out fight (with his daughter no less!), he’s missing something important. Menace. I don’t fear this guy. I am wondering what he has up his sleeve, and while other Lantern titles have ruined the prediction he’s alluding to and keeping from Soranik Natu, I’m still finding it difficult to believe that there’s a better reason Sinestro wouldn’t lead his people elsewhere.
The issue suffers because of Sinestro’s hidden motives. Am I supposed to be captivated by his arrogance? Am I supposed to be entrenched in Sora’s conflict with her dad? I’ll go ahead and assume its the latter given the issue title is “Daddy Issues.” I’ve gone long enough bashing Bunn’s writing today, so lets get to the art. Penciler Brad Walker and inker Drew Hennessy provide the art here and it is Ethan Van Sciver-esque. Damn good art. The angles Walker uses to showcase each character makes them feel as big as they look. Some characters do get the short end of the beauty stick, Arkillo, but the majority of those shown are just gorgeous. As the book ramps up towards the final scene, Walker just nails it. Soranik’s glow, Sinestro’s smugness, both are just lovely. There’s a moment where Sinestro is reminiscent of Vegeta of Dragonball Z powering up for a final blow. Part of that success has to be given to colorist Jason Wright. Bravo to the art team all around. They really picked up the slack with their…performance? I’m not sure that’s the right word but you get what I’m saying.
Sinestro #12 is a really nice book to look at and while the dialogue is a little dry, and the character logic is intentionally hidden, its a decent enough premise with high enough stakes (unless you’re morally bankrupt) to keep my interest high. I’ll be next month.
Sinestro #12 earns 3/5
