Being the oldest grandchild on both sides of my family comes with some advantages and disadvantages. The advantages are that most of my cousins usually give me more respect than my children some days. The disadvantages are I get to suffer the signs of aging way before they do. One of the few things that I do relish is the gift of memories.

I’m old enough to remember all of my grandparents’ stories including their memories of growing up during World War II. I heard from them the horrors that they endured from the Japanese soldiers that came to the Philippines. As a student of history, I often wondered why it took America so long to enter the war and for what reasons. In the ninth issue of Green Lantern: Mosaic, we find Jon in the middle of a galactic conflict about to erupt in the Mosaic world.

We find Jon, as he holds court with The Guardians, imploring to them the complexity of the challenges he faces on a daily basis. As he finally resolves to break down and give them a tour of the realm, he was assigned by them to protect, where he explains the intricacies and eccentricities of each species living the Mosaic, and how it has led to more cooperation than dissolution. Of course, just as he was making his point a conflict breaks out between two races, which as John always does, diffuses. By the issue’s end, the Guardians succumb to John’s point of view, a door which has opened the door to some possibilities according to some Lanterns looking on.

Overall, an idyllic issue that revels in the Green Lantern mythology while giving readers a front-row seat to why so many of us love this book.  The story by Gerard Jones is entertaining. The art by the creative team is superb. Altogether, an issue that plays on the book’s strengths and further embeds the reader in the genius of the book’s premise.

Story: Gerard Jones Art: Cully Hamner and Danny Panosian
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

When it comes to holiday specials, comics can be a bit of a minefield. Every child has their perfect holidays special in mind and it mostly involves cartoons. Peanuts were something that many generations including mine enjoyed. Then every Saturday morning cartoon had a special Holiday episode, one of the most memorable ones being He-Man & The Masters Of The Universe.

Comics were even a bit different than what the cartoons gave viewers. I remember seeing comics books with Batman and Robin wearing Santa hats and smiling It was an odd look for the Dark Knight. Also, most of the stories worked around the Scrooge archetype. Though entertaining, readers became wary of this reiteration. In the ninth issue of Green Lantern: Mosaic, we’re taken to the holiday season in Mosaic and just like here on Earth, dealing with different cultures and rituals.

We find Jon, as he reminisces about his family back home on Earth and how during this time of the year, Xmas, how much he misses them. As his time on Mosaic has taught him adaptability is what key to surviving in this world, as he reflects on how being a Black man on Earth has given him empathy on how to deal with the different races of aliens. As finds a way for all the different alien races living on Mosaic to get along for just one night. By issue’s end, John is one of the best Christmases he had in a place where he never imagined himself being.

Overall, a blissful issue that celebrates the reason for the season. The story by Gerard Jones is enjoyable. The art by the creative team is stunning. Altogether, an issue which shows the world that sometimes comics can tell better stories about the holiday season than any other medium.

Story: Gerard Jones Art: Cully Hamner and Danny Panosian
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

I remember the first time I saw the movie Gremlins. I was all of 12 years old and was more than excited to watch the movie in the theater with my friends. What I did see was nightmare fuel for my adolescent imagination for days to come after. The movie would spawn a sequel that I enjoyed. It captured what was both enjoyable and frightening about the genre.

You can see the movie’s influence in pictures like Slither and Mars Attacks!. It took what was scary but sprinkled a hint of dark comedy in it. In the eighth issue of Green Lantern: Mosaic, we find Jon in the middle of a battle between some fun-loving aliens and determined humans.

We’re taken to a world where suburbia is being attacked by aliens and Chicano gangsters are under siege by these space invaders. This is where the humans are forced to call John into action. He finds out firsthand just how turbulent things are between the two factions. As John gets deeper into what is truly dividing them he finds out there are more forces at work.

Overall, an engaging issue that despite some of its dated and problematic portrayal of racial archetypes, is still fascinating as a story. The story by Gerard Jones is entertaining. The art by the creative team is beautiful. Altogether, an issue which shows how far we have come.

Story: Gerard Jones Art: Cully Hamner and Dan Panosian
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

Seth McFarlane has changed television forever. He leaves fans wondering what he will do next. His show Family Guy helped redefine what an animated family television show could be, making way for many imitators. Then there’s American Dad, which was a crazier version of what the typical American family is supposed to be. As far as his live-action television ventures they’ve been hit or miss.

His show Dads was definitely something not watchable. I personally couldn’t get through a whole episode. His newest venture, The Orville, has got to be one of the better science fiction shows in recent memory. What most people thought was going to be a parody of Star Trek, feels like its spiritual successor. Within the last season, there was a storyline where a supposed alliance became a secret plan to invade and overtake, making a once-beloved crew member, a sordid villain. In the seventh issue of Green Lantern: Mosaic, John Stewart is caught in a war between two factions, where one looks to destroy the other.

We find John breaking up a skirmish between a tribe of native Americans who have been uprooted and a group of mystics who hate each other and often call him in to stop a fight. This leads him to look for a long-term solution, one that would give both parties what they want and John the peace he has strongly desired since entering this world, as he finds it out of all places, in music. As it soothes both parties but ultimately envelopes John himself. By issue’s end, John and both factions find serenity in the very thing that overtook them in the first place.

Overall, a head-trip of an issue, one that confuses but still amazes the reader. The story by Gerard Jones is smart and immersive. The art by the creative team is captivating. Altogether, a story that shows even your worst fear can be your greatest joy if given the chance.

Story: Gerard Jones Art: Dan Panosian and Cully Hamner
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy