This issue of GLC takes a militaristic approach as Guy Gardner assembles a squadron composed of badasses to rescue John Stewart and the other captured lanterns from the Keepers. Although the story by Peter J. Tomasi is more of a set up for what's to come next, it does a nice job in showing the development of group dynamics, and the different phases of Guy's plan as it comes together. Also, a nice double spread explains the origin of the Keepers in a clean and simple manner, without overcomplicating things.

Fernando Pasarin's pencils are extremely detailed, yet, he manages not to make the panels seem saturated or busy, while Gabe Eltaeb with his colors achieves a balanced palette despite all the green he is forced to work with. With a cinematic feel to it, "Mean Machine" is the best issue of the series thus far, and with strong ties to the Guardians' next big move -The Third Army- this installment is the one that clearly shows the title has found a solid footing.