Review: Green Lantern: Blackstars #1
[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]
Writer: Grant Morrison
Art: Xermanico
Colors: Steve Oliff
Letters: Steve Wands
Reviewed by: Matthew B. Lloyd
Summary
Moving backwards, Hal Jordan experiences the first four days after remaking the universe. After preparing for Controller Mu’s arrival, Hal and Countess Belzabeth are betrothed before assaulting Mongul’s Warworld.
Positives
Despite the unorthodox choice of telling the story of the first 4 days after remaking the universe in reverse, all is well here. Morrison moves the plot along while successfully building up the new status quo of the universe. It’s not comprehensive, but it is enough to clearly differentiate it from the universe the reader is accustomed to reading about. Additionally, there are enough hooks along the way to make this interesting.
There’s no doubt this is a direct continuation of The Green Lantern #12, despite the publication of Green Lantern: Blackstars as a 3-issue mini-series. And yet, it’s probably still reader friendly enough to be enjoyed by someone who hasn’t read issues #1-12 of The Green Lantern. The backwards movement of the story assists in making this accessible to new readers.
Positives Cont’d
Morrison includes some details that are worth mentioning. While small, Belzabeth’s appelation in Interlac will surely put a smile on the faces of Legion of Super-Heroes fans. As the daughter of the Sun Eater, “Planet-Eater Lass” is more than appropriate. It’s a light moment in a fairly heavy scene. It’s one of those details that Morrison adept at using. He is able to connect this very new story to a classic DC Comics institution in the appropriate nomenclature.
The world that Morrison has introduced in Green Lantern: Blackstars #1 is certainly different. But, it is the often subtle characterization that has the most significant impact. Hal has little to say throughout the issue, but when he does, it is exemplary of Morrison’s characterization of him this far.
While not stated in the issue, it is important to keep in mind that this is all a ploy by the Guardians of the Universe who’ve put their trust in Hal Jordan.
Negatives
It’s certainly possible that Morrison’s backwards approach to storytelling could be off putting to a reader. Additionally, Morrison utilizes the challenging technique of telling the story nearly exclusively through dialogue. While this could also be difficult for some readers to follow, it is done fairly dexterously here.
Verdict
Grant Morrison’s excursion into the lore of the Green Lantern universe continues to be well executed and engaging. Green Lantern: Blackstars #1 presents a creative approach to storytelling all while feeling familiar to readers. The subtle aspects of Morrison’s craft are critical in making the issue a must-read for comic fans.
