Green Lantern By Geoff Johns and Doug Mahnke – Comics Review
Part One: #1 – 6 (Vol. 1: Sinestro)
On August 31st 2011, DC Comics launched The New 52, which was essentially a reboot of their most popular series, whilst also taking the chance to introduce some new characters and stories. Their launching title was Justice League #1 and whether you like it or hated it, the series has now reached its 12th issue (and I will be reviewing the series as a whole very soon). This September, DC Comics celebrated the year anniversary of The New 52 with their #0s, which for the most part have been hit and miss. Like most of DC’s “new” series, Green Lantern has reached its 12th issue, whilst also releasing #0 and an annual which tie into #12. However, unlike most of the other New 52 titles, Geoff Johns does not ignore its previous continuity, and instead builds from where War of the Green Lanterns left off (the final GL story arc before the New 52 relaunch). This is one of Green Lantern’s strong suits, of which there are many.
Any Green Lantern fan is most likely already aware of Geoff Johns and his involvement in recent previous Green Lantern story arcs such as Blackest Night, Brightest Day and War of the Green Lanterns (let’s try to forget he had anything to do with the Green Lantern movie), and aware that he is great storyteller. I’m happy to say that this shows right off the bat in Green Lantern #1. Though there is a lack of action in this first issue, Johns uses his time wisely to establish where Hal and Sinestro are now. Seeing Hal trying and failing to live a normal life again is very interesting but ironically the most interesting story comes from Sinestro and his return to the Green Lantern Corps, after being selected by a green power ring during the conclusion of War of the Green Lanterns. Sinestro’s return to the corps sets up a redemption story that is the true highlight of this first story arc. Green Lantern #1 – 6 isn’t about Hal, it’s about his arch-nemesis, which is not only an interesting turn for the series, but is a real page-turner.
Although there was little action in #1 and 2 they were probably my favourite issues in this arc. Any stories that feature Hal and Sinestro together usually end up being favourites and this arc is one of them simply because it only features Hal and Sinestro in terms of Green Lanterns. There is a laugh-out-loud moment when Hal punches Sinestro during the opening of #3, for thinking that he is better than Hal, causing Sinestro to remind him: “I am better than you”. This is one of many great moments between Hal and Sinestro that, coupled with some great dialogue not only between Hal and Sinestro, but between the Guardians also, make this series a must-read for fans of Green Lantern or anyone wanting to start reading Green Lantern.
Green Lantern #1 – 5 contains come incredible artwork, with Doug Mahnke returning as penciler and Christian Alamy and Keith Champagne as inkers. Their artwork gives this arc a specific style and colour to be remembered by, especially in issues #3 – 4, where most of the action takes place. Although the planet Korugar, Sinetro’s home world which has been enslaved by his own corps, looks pretty generic, everyone on it looks great. Every member of the Sinestro Corps looks unique – it’s nearly impossible to find a Yellow Lantern that looks too similar to another. Good examples of great looking Yellow Lanterns include new characters Gorgor, a large tentacle-bearing beast from the climax of #2, and Prfoessor Insidd, a menacing new villain introduced in #4 who soon comes to a sticky end. All of the constructs throughout the arc look great, although they unfortunately become less imaginative as the series goes along.
Green Lantern #6 welcomes Mike Choi as guest artist, making a refreshing change that fits perfectly into this issue. Hal and Carol looked a little bit too cartoony for my liking but everything that took place on the planet Ogoro looked fantastic. Sinestro and every use of his ring look great and boldly stand out on every page when contrasting with the grim look of the planet where he confronts his old nemesis Starstorm, who also looks great in his costume when he finally puts it on – it’s a shame his appearance in the series is so brief. But the highlight of Choi’s artwork undoubtedly during Sinestro and Starstorm’s fight with Lyssa Drak. During this action sequence we see an explosion of colours which looks so beautiful considering how dark and grim a world Ogoro is. Although I don’t think Choi’s style would have worked in #1 – 5, it worked numbers here, and I would love to see Choi return for another one-off story like this.
Overall, Green Lantern #1-6 are an essential read for any Green Lantern fan and are also perfect for any comic book reader looking for an introduction to the well-established Green Lantern universe. Fans will be glad to see that Green Lantern’s story continues here, and that this re-launch of the series does not ignore its predecessors as most series in the New 52 do. I did not read Green Lantern until I picked up Green Lantern #1 (2011), but by the time I had read #2 I was well aware of what was going on but I would still recommend reading Blackest Night, Brightest Day and War of the Green Lantern if you haven’t already, as these series feature characters that return in this series. If you haven’t already, pick up Green Lantern #1-6 by Geoff Johns, or buy Green Lantern Vol. 1: Sinestro (which collects #1-6) from your local comic-book store. Please keep following for the second part of this review where I will be taking another look at #7-12 of Green Lantern, keeping you up to speed with what to read, and what to avoid.
-George