[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]
Writer: Robert Venditti
Penciller: Rafa Sandoval
Inker: Jordi Tarragona
Colorist: Tomeu Morey
Summary
Hal is outracing the Omega Beams in his USAF fighter plane construct with Highfather in the backseat. John finally gets the next target of the Metal that’s abandoned the Orion target. It’s Yuga Khan. Imprisoned at the Source Wall, the metal intends to free Highfather’s father.
The GLC meet Jordan at the wall to stop Yuga Khan’s jailbreak. Y’see, they’re not really dead at the Source Wall, just imprisoned. Highfather extends his gratitude to Hal and the Corps, and to Kyle Rayner who’s kept Orion alive. Orion has his own demonstration of gratitude for Kyle.
Positives
It’s rare that a comic is able to deliver fast paced action with an equal attention to characterization and subtlety. Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps delivers this consistently every month.
While this series has always done an excellent job in highlighting the positives of each individual Green Lantern, Hal is able give accurate testament to his colleagues’ traits as well. It’s one of Hal’s redeeming qualities, despite being known more for punching first and asking questions later.
One aspect of the Green Lantern Corps that may be overlooked at times is their similarity to a military outfit. The layout and execution of the art at the end of the issue with Kyle Rayner receiving Orion’s thanks with Hal, John, and Guy looking on would be at home in a Sgt. Rock comic as well. The camaraderie that is present in such groups is clearly present here, not only in script, but in the body language exhibited by the characters as delineated by Sandoval and Tarragona.
So, a sniper is a special job…. Well, done John, well done.
And, Hal continues to embody the notion of hope, that one one can always do better despite past failings.
Negatives
Nope.
Verdict
This quickly paced issue manages to say a lot, not only about the individual characters, but also how they interact together and their own perceptions of each other and how their diverse abilities compliment one another. What is clear is that this group works together and respects the other members. Most importantly, the individuality of each character is clearly defined through the storytelling. What really comes through is the effectiveness of the Corps due to the diversity of its members.
