[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]
Writer: Robert Venditti
Penciller: Rafa Sandoval
Inker: Jordi Tarragona
Colorist: Tomeu Morey
Summary
Hal is still imprisoned by General Zod on Jekuul when Kyle returns to Corps headquarters to recap their mission to John Stewart and Guy Gardner. John takes the opportunity to try the new chain of command and present the situation to the Guardians of the Universe. There is much deliberation and they retire to deliberate more. This has given Guy and Kyle enough time to recruit a strike team to free Jordan. And John wonders, “what took them so long.”
Meanwhile, on Jekuul, Hal and Zod have it out with a war of words as Zod attempts to get Jordan to understand what it’s like to be the last survivor of Krypton and to know all the wonders that were lost. It’s enough time for Guy and Kyle to arrive.
Positives
While under the influence of Jordan’s ring for medical purposes, Kyle begins acting, speaking making ring constructs like Jordan. This is a great bit for two reasons: 1- it shows how Hal’s unique ring can influence the user and 2- it’s really funny! John’s audience with the Guardians that allows Guy and Kyle to assemble their team is somewhat surprising, but satisfying at the same time.
Zod’s description of of Krypton’s lost wonders is touching and goes a little ways in fleshing out Zod’s character. There just doesn’t seem to be any redemption for him, however, hate for Superman and now the Green Lantern Corps runs too deep. It is hard to blame him, as none of us know what it’s like to lose a home planet. It must be a special kind of loneliness.
It can’t be coincidence that Zod is appearing in Action Comics and this book at the same time. Hopefully, the resolution of this arc will inform what Superman’s already experienced in the future on Jekuul in the “Booster Shot” story line that wraps up this week in Action Comics.
Negatives
While there are plenty of satisfying moments in this issue, it feels more like connective tissue between episodes than a chapter itself. This is a fairly small complaint, however.
Verdict
Don’t go away now! The final showdown between the Corps and Zod awaits. More or less since the birth of the DC Universe and the destruction of Krypton back in Action Comics #1, this story has been building. (well, sort of implicitly) This issue slows things down a bit and resets things with a little humor and angst. Be back for next month’s showdown!
