Monday, February 25, 2013

Green Lantern: The Animated Series - Larfleeze


Ignoring orders to return to Oa and needing a new weapon in their war with the Manhunters, Hal Jordan (Josh Keaton), Kilowog (Kevin Michael Richardson), and Razer (Jason Spisak) set off for the planet Okaara in search of the Orange Lantern Power Battery. However, the battery is protected by Larfleeze (Dee Bradley Baker) - the universe's only Orange Lantern who really, really doesn't like to share.

After stealing the Orange Battery from its completely insane protector, Kilowog and Razer become concerned with Hal's increased selfishness and obsession with the Battery. Being consumed by avarice, Hal turns his back on his mission, says farewell to his friends, and becomes an Orange Lantern, just as Larfleeze had before him. Needing his help to take down an insane Hal, Kilowog and Razer come to a truce with Larfleeze who agrees to help for the return of his Power Battery. This leads to an extended fight sequence, with Hal consistently getting the upper hand (which is covered in Orange Rings in a homage to Green Lantern #49).


While fighting a losing battle against the new Orange Lantern, Kilowog and Razer notice stars across the night sky going out. Playing on their friend's sense of duty, Kilowog and Razer finally convince Hal to give up the Orange Battery. Unable to control the Orange Energy the group has to admit their journey to Okaara was a failure, although their ability to save Hal after he became a monster gives the trio hope that they may be able to do the same for Aya (Grey DeLisle).

I've never been a huge fan of Larfleeze or the Orange Lanterns, but the show uses the character for some nice comic relief while showcasing how susceptible even the greatest Green Lantern is to the pull of the Orange Lantern and his own greed. With the show coming to an end at the close of the season we probably won't see more of the character, but should Green Lantern: The Animated Series get a chance for new episodes (which happened to both Batman: The Animated Series and Superman: The Animated Series) I wouldn't mind Larfleeze showing up for another episode, or two.

No comments: