Writers – Geoff Johns & Sam Humphries, Artists – Ethan Van Sciver & Ed Benes
Reviewed By – Derek McNeil
DC’s Rebirth storyline promises a mix of old and new, and in Green Lanterns the emphasis is on the new, as it features two of the newest Green Lanterns, Jessica Cruz and Simon Baz. If you follow Justice League, you will be familiar with Jessica Cruz as Power Ring. She is now an official member of the Green Lantern Corps with a genuine Oan power ring. Simon Baz was introduced a few years ago, but in DC Universe time, he has only been a Green Lantern for a few months.
The story covers the first meeting of these two rookie Lanterns, who take an immediate dislike to each other. It also features Hal Jordan, who appears to set up the ongoing situation for the title. Hal informs both that they are partners, and forces them to share a power battery to make them work together. Hal explains that he needs to deal with Sinestro off-planet, and that he needs to leave Earth and Sector 2814 in their care, despite them both being rookies. Also, Hal tells them that in the absence of the GL Corps, they will be trained by the Justice League.
Finally, the story ends with a look at what major villains the Jessica will have contend with in the series.
The Good
I find it interesting that both the Green Lanterns featured in the title have a different relationship with fear than they typical GL fearlessness. Jessica is constantly battling her own fearfulness, while Simon struggles with being seen as a cause of fear to those around him.
Also, this title is showing DC’s commitment to diversity in that Jessica is Hispanic and Simon is Muslim-American. Hopefully, this will see some success and DC will be encouraged to continue with that commitment.
The Bad
The only negative that I can think of is that neither of the lead characters have seemed terribly interesting to me before now. I am not yet convinced that they can carry a title on their own, but this story was good enough for me to keep reading and see if they grow on me.
The Verdict
Overall, this was a solid set-up issue for a new series. I look forward to seeing if the quality holds up as the series progresses.
