Are The Straights Okay?

I've got a much-needed spell of time off next week... which means that THIS week, time is well and truly on. So I'm going to inform you very quickly about two big releases coming your way today.

WHAT'S OUT TODAY?

Absolute Green Lantern #5, that's what!

I'm told it's bad form to compare artists, so hopefully when I say that looking at the incredible art of Jahnoy Lindsay in this issue I'm reminded in places of Henry Flint, it's taken as the extremely high compliment that it is. This is gorgeous work by a talent going from strength to strength while we all get to watch.

Meanwhile, on the writing side - we're gaining speed. Momentum is building. Another new cast member has joined in the form of Hector Hammond, calling right back to his very first appearance, and he's a very dangerous type of guy. We're learning how Hal came by the Black Hand, we're learning a little more about Jo's secret and secretive past, the Green Lantern seems to be waking up, and there's a last-page reveal that might re-contextualize a lot of what came before. Things are about to get weird.

Are the straights okay? Hal Jordan is, to my knowledge, straight, and he is not okay. Jo Mullein isn't straight but isn't doing that well either, frankly. It's the Absolute Universe, folks! Nobody is okay.

Also out today - All-New Venom #9!

It's the climax of the Big Breakout, as symbiotes battle S.C.A.R. on their home turf, North Brother Island! Doctor Octopus is leading the charge, and he's got Venom and MJ on the ropes - but do the World's Strangest Roommates have a trick up their goo sleeve? Carlos Gómez provides stunning symbiote action on the art front, while the ever-fantastic Frank D'Armata brings the color! Oh, and some other stuff happens too.

Okay, okay... this is another issue of All-New Venom that got leaked ahead of time, because there's a big character beat in here for MJ which has been, ahem, long-awaited in some circles. Looking at the reaction, I'm halfway between utterly fascinated and totally bemused. I'm sure I'll talk more about this once the dust settles.

Are the straights okay? I think we leave them in a healthy place? Well, maybe not Doctor Octopus.

Are the readers okay? I honestly have NO IDEA

AND ON THAT NOTE...

I gotta get back to work! It's a very, very full week here. Love, strength and justice to all who need it, and I'll play us out with "Girlfriend [Palms Trax Remix]" by Christina and the Queens feat. Dâm-Funk.