REVIEW: ‘Green Lantern,’ Issue #2

Green Lantern #2 is written by Geoffery Thorne, illustrated by Dexter Soy and Marco Santucci, colored by Alex Sinclair, and lettered by Rob Leigh. It is published by DC Comics. Following the events of the first issue, the Green Lantern Corps are now under the jurisdiction of the United Planets. The Guardians of the Universe decide to restructure the Corps, much to the consternation of the Lanterns themselves. John Stewart is then sent on a journey to the far reaches of the galaxy, while Keli Quintela and Simon Baz encounter a catastrophe that could spell the end of the Corps.

With this issue, Thorne decides to delve deep into the cosmic aspects of the Green Lantern mythos and even answer some longstanding questions fans have had about the Corps. Why has Earth produced so many Green Lanterns? All part of the grand plan of the universe. How does the Green Lantern Corps operate now that Oa is part of the United Planets? The Guardians decide to cut their numbers down to a third and consolidate their efforts.

However, it’s not all logistics, as Thorne also writes some great character moments for the multiple Lanterns. Stewart is the standout as he’s willing to call the Guardians out on their missteps and also gives Keli some words of advice before departing on his journey. Considering that Stewart has been the person people think of when they think of the words “Green Lantern,” I’m so happy that he’s getting this push. Fans of Far Sector will also be happy to see Jo Mullein make an appearance.

Soy and Santucci do great work on the artistic side of the issue. The issue is neatly divided in half, with Soy handling a funeral sequence for the fallen figure in Green Lantern #1 and Santucci handling the aftermath.  Since a funeral is taking place, Soy has the chance to illustrate the Lanterns in formal wear; black overtakes their main uniforms. Soy also gets to draw a massive action sequence featuring the Lanterns taking on a massive alien dragon, with Guy Gardner and Kilowog forming a two-pronged strategy to take it down. However, his most striking image is the first page which features Stewart hovering in front of a massive holographic display of his fellow Lanterns. Awash in green thanks to Sinclair, the page serves as a visual representation of everything that’s on Stewart’s shoulders.

Santucci has the honor of drawing the issue’s massive plot twist, which hews extremely close to the events of Thorne’s previous Future State: Green Lantern story. He draws a pair of splash pages that showcase widespread destruction, as well as a massive cast of DC’s cosmic characters. From Mongol on Warworld to the Omega Men, the effects of the issue can be felt far and wide, and this upheaval promises to shake up the structure of the galaxy now that the Green Lanterns aren’t the most dominant power in the galaxy.

Green Lantern #2 continues to shape the future of the Green Lantern mythos, with a shocking last-page twist that hews close to the events of Future State. Multiple story threads are laid out within this issue that set up a wealth of stories, and I can’t wait to see how they play out.

Green Lantern #2 is available wherever comics are sold.