Legends of the DC Universe #34

Great cover- cruddy issue.

As Hal Jordan continues to find his purpose as the new Spectre, the psychic Caul continues to grow stronger. It's all leading up to a final conflict between the two powerful entities. But before this happens, Hal makes a few visits to old friends and family on earth. However, because of his spiritual status, nobody can recognize him and after they part, they soon forget ever meeting with him. 

   These not so great reunions only make Jordan feel more obsolete. While it makes for an interesting story thread, it doesn't do much to save this issue from being an utter bore. Plus, in order to boost Hal's confidence, he's now been paired with the spirit of Abin Sur. But just who is behind this supernatural pairing of Pinocchio Hal with Jiminy Cricket Abin isn't clear. Is it God? Fate? Hal's Imagination? It's not revealed. 

   What is revealed is that its Abin Sur whose been the narrator of this story all along. You think it's Hal but with the introduction of Hal's precursor, it's now clear that this tale is being recalled through the alien's perspective. But again, I'm not really sure what his role is other than being some sort of conscious guiding force to a weary Hal Jordan.

   As for as our mystery villain Caul, not very much is revealed about him either nor does he really do anything to progressive this story along.  We do learn that Caul was working for the CIA, but they let him go for being too powerful. Now, I'd think that the intelligence community would want to keep their heavy hitters around so I'm thinking he's also a bit of a loose cannon. As for his lack of contribution to the story's plot. He spends the first 4 pages doing naked yoga. Sure, it's a way to help him build up his macabre powers but it's about as unneeded a nude scene as there will ever be one in the history of comics. 

    This issue just wasn't my cup of tea. The art was fair. The coloring was bland. As for the story itself, it seemed stuck in neutral. Why this story needed to be a 4-parter is beyond me.

    Rating: 5 out of 10 stars.