Larfleeze #1
Written by: Keith Giffen, J.M. DeMatteis Art by: Scott KolinsAbsolutely verbose in every way, Larfleeze #1 is an odd little treat. Giffen and DeMatteis script a back-story that doesn’t seem to linger, while delivering quirky comedy, emphasized by Scott Kolins’ cartoony art. While this series isn’t for everyone, undoubtedly, it’s DC’s equivalent of Deadpool. But much, much better.
This issue boldly goes for a long retelling of Larfleeze’s origins, which Giffen and DeMatteis make every bit as ironic as possible. He’s the ugly duckling who glorifies his past, to make himself sound like the hero of his people. The issue’s narration feels like a Michael Scott talking head from the Office. Larfleeze laments being forced to “mate with a female slave,” setting the sarcastic, self-depricating tone the series is heading towards.
During this narration, however, is some at-times annoying, at-times witty, interjection from Larfleeze’s slave, who acts like a kiss-ass Alfred. While the character’s sass is tolerable, particularly when he calls out Larfleeze for being in the “tragic part of” his tale, Larfleeze bickering back seems like it may get old pretty fast. Possibly the sassiness and observations of Larfleeze’s insanity should come from the rotating antagonists.
While the comedy of the issue comes from the retelling of his origin, Larfleeze #1 sets up the character for a truly unique situation and tone in the DC Universe. This series is like nothing else DC has to offer, so instead of pointing this to Green Lantern fans, I say this is for fans who complain DC is too dark at this point in time.
