Get ready for a brand new Ray! Lucien Gates's life is changed forever when he is struck by a mysterious beam of energy that turns him into a glowing gladiator - and being a human ray of light comes in handy when his city is suddenly under attack from giant, building-sized monsters. Unfortunately, light powers are less than handy in keeping his girlfriend happy.
Date Available: 12/14/2011
BONUS REVIEW by JOHN SCHAEFER
I really want to hate this book. I am a big fan of Quality Comics original character and founding member of the Freedom Fighters, the Ray. So a New 52 (are we still sticking with that term because including mini-series, I count at least 70 DC titles on the racks.) revamp of this character raises my ire. Top 5 reasons I wanted to hate this book... #5 Revamping of a classic hero with apparently no connection to the original, #4 - The book's tagline, "The Light of Vengeance strikes" what does that even mean?, #3 - Needless spotlighting of the character's nationality. #2 - Overwhelming need to show that character keeps burning his clothes off. (DC's equal opportunity for the ladies?!) and the #1 reason I should hate this book ... Stupid neckbrace harness costume that makes character look like he has whiplash!
Now with that off my chest and actually reading the book, I find that I don't hate it. Lucien's characterization is actually well done and writers Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Grey give a proper shout out to the classic Happy Terrill/The Ray character. The storyline is realisticly human and the weird ending to issue one has me wanting more. This time DC is only giving us four issues to get on board but they are off to a good start.
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