[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]
Writer: Robert Venditti
Artist: Ed Benes
Colorist: Jason Wright
Summary
Brainiac has spent a lot of time collecting and cataloging over the years. He’s got quite the treasure trove of specimens on Xudar – Green Lanterns, Yellow Lanterns, Xudarians, a Bolovaxian and a Numericronian to name a few. As Soranik and John Stewart bicker, Braniac is taking them back to the grand collector – who could that be?
Back on Nok, Ganthet entreats Kyle Rayner to use his powers as the White Lantern to bring Hal Jordan back. He claims Hal’s life essence is in his ring and only Kyle has the power to bring Jordan back. Jordan, who is in the Emerald Space with Abin Sur meets all the Green Lanterns have passed; Tomar-Re, Katma Tui…Wow.
Not surprisingly, Kyle is successful and Hal is suddenly with Ganthet, Sayd and Kyle on Nok. And it’s subtle, even though Hal knows he doesn’t belong in the Emerald Space you can tell part of him wants to stay with his fellow Lanterns. Meanwhile, Brainiac arrives at the home of the grand collector. And yes, when he is revealed, one does think, he does like to collect things. Mine!!
Positives
Redemption has been a theme in the Green Lantern Corps mythos for quite a while going back to John Stewart and his failure in “Mosaic” and most significantly with Hal Jordan in Green Lantern: Rebirth. This series posits Soranik Natu as the next candidate for redemption. One would expect John to understand what Soranik is trying to accomplish with her band of Yellow Lanterns, but he seems unable to get beyond the color of Soranik’s ring. He’s being an ass. I’m rooting for Soranik, redemption is a laudable goal and it is playing out in an entertaining manner, if just a bit slowly.
Getting Hal back quickly was a good move, no one really believed he would be gone for long. However, his trip away was worth it to see those Lanterns again. Seeing Katma Tui should remind the reader of John’s own need for redemption which should make him more sensitive to Soranik’s goal. This was nicely connected.
Negatives
It’s really hard to find a flaw with this issue.
Verdict
Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps is playing to the strengths of the mythos. After a bit cliché final showdown between Hal and Sinestro, the book is focusing on character with Soranik and re-exploring the rainbow rings as we see more Lantern colors appear this issue. Even Soranik’s subplot is engaging enough to move slowly and still be a positive!
