John Adams was one of those historical figures that was not merely a Founding Father. His significance has been overshadowed by the more popular men who inhabited the seat of President. In fact, his popularity is even eclipsed by two men who did not reach such heights, Sam Adams, and Ben Franklin. That’s why the high character he has shown throughout his life and career, is something everyone should aspire to.

Before he became President, the one story which showed how high his morals were was when he defended British Troops in an American court. He defended these soldiers in one of the most tragic events in the then young nation, one that would shape its very soul, the Boston Massacre. His belief in a fair trial and equal justice for all is what makes him one of America’s true Norths. In the thirteenth issue of Green Lantern: Mosaic, we find Jon in a similar predicament, one that will test his heart.

We find an inhabitant of the Mosaic, marveling at the malaise humans bring to this world, and with their new human inhabitants, the KKK, an unhealthy amount of hate. As the usurper looks to use the KKK to get his way, as he cleverly manipulates the KKK and their insecurities. We find out how they learned to hate in the first place, especially their leader Moses Rockwell, whose hate swelled to the point that he pushes any type of light out of his life. By issue’s end, Rockwell, looking to get to Jon comes after Rose with the help of some Amazons.

Overall, an issue that is probably its most progressive, giving a world view that would not be seen again until American History X. It provokes thought in readers through self-reflection.  The story by Gerard Jones is engrossing. The art by the creative team is intricate and lovely. Altogether, an issue shows a complex world where race is explored both thematically and philosophically.

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

When it comes to one’s morals, sometimes holding the line can be the most difficult thing you can ever do. Life will show you, just like in that movie Training Day, people are either sheep or wolves. People who are sheep tend to be meek, quite ordinary, and will bend towards whatever direction those in power lean. People who are wolves, usually stand their ground and will persevere no matter the consequences.

What happens when your morals and your convictions are at a crossroads? Take for example when people support free speech. What happens when that same argument is used to defend hate speech? Can the argument outlive the situation? In the twelfth issue of Green Lantern: Mosaic, we find Jon defending an unworthy enemy, one which shows what kind of hero he really is.

We find a KKK leader espousing how Jon’s hopes for an interspecies utopia is fruitless furthering the division between the inhabitants of the Mosaic. Jon intercedes as the KKK’s efforts become unfortunately increasingly effective, but also united against these usurpers, who Jon soon realizes he has to defend, despite the hate they spread. As he soon dreams about what would the different Lanterns of the Corps would react. By issue’s end, as Jon looks to intercept another attack by the KKK, the tables turn to Jon’s surprise, ending this issue both ironically and hysterically.

Overall, an issue that shows just how sophisticated and progressive Jones’ writing has come over the course of the book.  The story by Jones is entertaining. The art by the creative team is elaborate and beautiful. Altogether, an issue that tackles a real-life issue but instantly pushes the story even more.

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

As true as it is that your experiences shape who you are, it goes for both good and bad. If you take the pessimist view of experiences, one would consider bad experiences to be the best teacher. While good experiences tend to shelter you from the realities of most situations. Then there’s the one thing we all have regardless of the current station in life, regrets.

We all wished we did something different. If we just went a different direction, how much would that change things? Then there are those people we lost. How we wished we spent more time with them if we knew how much time we had left. If you were in the military, those who paid the ultimate sacrifice, that last time you talked, stays with you. In the tenth issue of Green Lantern: Mosaic, we find Jon reliving missteps in what feels like a nightmare.

We find Jon, as he wakes up from a deep sleep, to his childhood home, and to his father scolding him about getting to school on time. As he gets acclimated  to what is going on, certain memories of that time washes over him,  as he goes to his grandparents place, to remember exactly how his grandfather died, with a knife to the chest, one which he still has in this reality, which indicate to Jon that something is truly off. This is where Ch’p and the Guardians step in, making him realize that this reality is a mind manipulation of a powerful outside force.

Overall, a nice trip down memory lane for Jon which gives readers a better understanding of who Jon, not the Green Lantern, really is. The story by Gerard Jones is enjoyable. The art by the creative team is outstanding. Altogether, an issue that gives readers a behind the scenes look at this sometimes enigmatic character in the Green Lantern Corps.

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

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