[Editor’s note: This review may contain spoilers.]
Writer: Sam Humphries
Artist: Robson Rocha
Inker: Daniel Henriques
Summary
The last testament is very ominous on its own, doubly so when referring to the first Lantern ever created. This issue doesn’t refer to Simon Baz, Jessica Cruz, or any other current Lanterns, so if that’s what you’re looking for, you’re out of luck. Rather, Humphries dives into the story of a scientist named Volthoom, who uses an experimental device called the Travel Lantern to travel through space and time looking for a civilization to help him create a device to defeat Pulsar, a being of unimaginable power that destroyed his world, and killed his mother.
Volthoom’s travels lead him to Earth-0, 10 billion years in the past, where he meets the Maltusians (who later become the Guardians). The Maltusians help him create the first Power Ring to ever exist. But, as the old saying goes, power corrupts, and so does the Power Ring corrupt Volthoom. The Maltusians strip him of the ring, destroy the Travel Lantern, and imprison him for 10 billion years (with nothing but dial up internet).
Volthoom learns from Nekron that so long as there is light in the universe, he cannot die. In typical villain fashion, Volthoom decides to take his revenge on the ones that imprisoned him, and destroyed his only chance at saving his mother and his world.
Positives
Although Green Lantern fans may know the name Volthoom, Humphries does a good job at retelling the story for novice fans of the book. The excellent writing, combined with the very vibrant imagery, tells the story of heartfelt loss and betrayal.
Volthoom’s loss of his mother and his world, learning to use the Travel Lantern, and then finally finding a way to save everyone, only to be betrayed by the Guardians, are showcased very beautifully within each page. Probably the most profound part of the story was Volthoom’s willingness to die over and over again. To end his suffering, and his imprisonment, but even that was taken away by the Guardians. It’s going to be very interesting to see how the Guardians and the Lanterns handle an enemy that cannot die so long as there is light in the universe.
Negatives
Jessica Cruz was not in it. I’ve really enjoyed her character thus far, and she was definitely missed in this issue. For long time Green Lantern fans, this my be a simple rehash of a story you know. Humphries makes a few tweaks to the story, but all in all, its the same First Lantern story you know and love.
Verdict
For novice Green Lantern fans, it’s the perfect book to get to know this story without knowing any Green Lantern history. It’s a very well written book with incredible artwork, and sets up a unique battle to come for sure.
