[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]
Writer: Robert Venditti
Breakdowns: Tom Derenick
Penciller & Inker: Jack Herbert
Colorist: Jason Wright
Summary
Hal, John, Guy and Kyle have located the planet where Ganthet and Sayd are being held. As they assess the situation, Kyle makes the comment that maybe they should pull in the rest of the Corps. But, Guy makes a compelling argument for keeping it the four of them. Rings blazing, the four charge in to face the Controllers’ defenders.
Meanwhile, inside the fortress, Kellic proudly introduces his newling Controllers to Ganthet, and attempts to force him to pick the next Guardian to go through the Genetic Harvester. As Kellic chooses Sayd instead of accepting Ganthet’s voluntary surrender, he hears a disturbance outside. Kellic is somewhat surprised, but Ganthet knows exactly who it is, and he cannot contain his pleasure. You will believe a Guardian can laugh.
Positives
If nothing else, we learn exactly what Ganthet thinks of Earth’s four space-faring Green Lanterns – Hal, John, Guy, and Kyle. And, it’s revealed in a creative way. It seems to suggest that there’s something special about Earthlings that make them particularly formidable Green Lanterns because of their inability to be domesticated. Ganthet’s challenge to Kellic to try and control them is quite human and one can see how these Lanterns have influenced Ganthet.
The current art team of Tom Derenick and Jack Herbert are making this book look fantastic in non-traditional roles. It’s hard to say why it’s working so well, but the framing and “shots” look great and the details finish up the big picture beautifully.
Negatives
It’s so very difficult to find fault with Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps. Venditti continues to explore concepts old and new, while never forgetting what’s come before. His use of character is right on target as the four distinct personalities of Hal, John, Guy and Kyle compliment one another, all the while revealing their own shortcomings and humanity. Just when you think this book is going to recycle…it finds another new idea.
Verdict
No reason to stop reading Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps, this issue is yet another example of why it’s a great book. The characterization just doesn’t stop and the gang just keeps facing challenge after challenge, physical and emotional. Ganthet gets some of the treatment this issue and it’s worth seeing.
