the Brave and the Bold #20 - DC

The thing I like about David Hine . . as I noticed in his Spawn stories, is that he's a very complex writer. He's gifted. He has fantastic ideas. And his stories are thought provoking. He definitely does not write down to his audience. What I mean by that is that he doesn't over explain things. Instead of trying to make sure the reader can keep up with the pace and progression of his stories, he writes under the assumption that the reader will be able to keep up with him. It's kind of like my movie sequel theory. I think that the reason the 2nd movie, in a series, is always better than the first is because in the first movie so much time is spent explaining things. Time is spent introducing us to characters, explaining motivations and actions, and building relationships both good and bad. And then the story kind of revolves around that. However, in the sequel it's assumed that the movie-goer has already seen the first one. So they know the characters better. They know who the antagonists and protagonists are. That way they can spend more time on the story. There's always character development, but that should be true in any story. I think David writes under the assumption that the reader is already going to know who Hal Jordan is. They're already going to be familiar with the Phantom Stranger. And, the idea that someone is wiping out whole populations for the sake of 'cleansing', doesn't need to be over explained. As the story progress' we figure out who did it, what their motivations are, and how the 'good-guys' are going to bring it to a halt. This issue we learn a little bit more about the planet that's currently in trouble, Kahlo. Their trouble started out with one city in particular, but it seems to be spreading to different areas of the planet rather rapidly. Now we just need to figure out what the Green Lanterns are going to do about it . . how they're connected to it . . and what this special little girl at Acadia has to do with the whole thing. I thought this was a great issue. I'm obviously impressed with David's story, but I'm equally thrilled with Doug Braithwaite's art. He really gives this book a nice feel. Well, as good as you can feel about watching a planet and it's civilization being slowly destroyed. This issue ends with Hall getting in a bit of a pickle, but it looks like next issue Ollie's going to be joining in on the action. If anyone can lick this problem, it's the Green Lantern/Green Arrow team.