The Good

If you're looking for some sci-fi DC Comics action, you will find some here. Overall we have an interesting package. As Kyle Rayner continues his journey to learn the ways of the different rings, we see Carol Ferris, Arkillo and Saint Walker take on a mission of their own. While there are elements continuing from the Rise of the Third Army story, this annual really serves to introduce us to elements from next week's new title, THRESHOLD by Keith Giffen.

From what you can gather here, THRESHOLD will explore outer space areas if the New 52 universe. Even though we have titles such as NEW GUARDIANS and GREEN LANTERN CORPS, we don't seem to see a lot of the other parts of space. The introduction to Jediah Caul establishes him and we'll know what he's about when the new series debuts.

Normally I'm put off a little by the colors in sci-fi comics. They usually come across as too bright making the art appear too artificial. In the portions drawn by Scott Kolins, it's not an issue. We are introduced to several new characters, some who may or may not appear in THRESHOLD but it's all tied together to give an idea of just how things operate away from the Guardians and the comfort of Earth.

The Bad

Parts of the story felt too forced. We have the elements of the Third Army story, Kyle's journey and the set up for THRESHOLD all taking place. It gives the story almost a hectic feel as we're bounced around. The opening pages bear no resemblance to the NEW GUARDIANS series and it's like you're reading a random space comic. There are some nice elements introduced here. Unfortunately one of them is an intergalactic fighting game along the lines of The Running Man and Battle Royale (in Giffens' own words). The idea of someone like Carol Ferris kicking butt in something like this is a little interesting but with AVENGERS ARENA from Marvel and DEATHMATCH from Boom! Studios, this concept is getting too old already.

Jediah Caul has the potential to be a cool new character but he's a little too much of the stereotypical tough guy that doesn't want to admit he cares about anything besides himself. I will definitely check out the first issue of THRESHOLD and I'm hoping he will become a character that will continue to be developed.

The Verdict

This was an issue I really went back and forth with. The beginning didn't feel like a NEW GUARDIANS story at all. The mix of those elements along with setting up the new series, THRESHOLD, made the story feel like a hodgepodge of events. While I started thinking I wasn't going to enjoy this comic at all, things did start to turn around. But with the focus on the new character and "The Game," I soon found myself wondering if I could finish reading the issue. There is definite potential for THRESHOLD and the exploration of a different part of the New 52 universe. I just wish this issue didn't feel like a forced way to get me interested in it. I've always felt this was Kyle's book along with the other Lanterns. That was barely the case. It's a great introduction for THRESHOLD if you plan on picking that series up. Just don't expect too much on Kyle learning how to use the different rings.