REVIEW: ‘Green Lantern,’ Issue #2

Green Lantern #2 is published by DC Comics, written by Jeremy Adams, art by Xermanico, colors by Romulo Fajardo Jr, and letters by Dave Sharpe. The backup story is written by Phillip Kennedy Johnson, art by Montos, colors by Adriano Lucas, and letters by Sharpe. Hal has a Green Lantern ring back but has to take it for a test drive before his new job is revealed.

The book contains two stories both showing the barometer of what tales a Green Lantern comic can tell. The main story verges on being grounded, with Hal being stuck on Earth and trying to find his feet again. It’s a classic superhero comic, battling against villains and trying to impress his ex-girlfriend. Then in the backup story, there is a cosmic horror, reality-bending element to it, with space battles in space and monsters. What is interesting about the stories in Green Lantern #2 is the pacing. The main story takes its time because it has longer to move. So the character development and exposition can be extended. Meanwhile, the backup story is faster-paced, but its plot is more complicated. So therefore it needs longer in order to explain what is happening. It’s hard to gather the placement and purpose of the story, although it is amazing to read. It has an epic feel to the battle, as well as some wholesome heart inside. That’s not to say either is better, as the intimacy and personal touch of the first story are just as important as the atmosphere of the backup. 

The characters are brilliant in both stories. In the main story, you have Hal. Adams has a great ability to trim the comic back to basics and then expand it. Almost on his own in regards to being a Green Lantern now, this iconic version of Hal’s personality is what is driving the heart of the comic. He’s got an infectious cockiness and shed the weight that he picked as a leader in the Green Lantern Corps. He seems lighter and fresher, with a streamlined storyline. There are still remnants of his time in space and old friends, with pieces of action that are filled with energy and power. But the series reunites him with Carol Ferris on a personal level. It’s brought Hal back to being a domestic hero, protecting his region like Batman, Superman, and the Flash do. Then in the backup story, you have figures such as Guy and John Stewart. They carry that cosmic, legendary notion of the Green Lanterns, presenting them as majestic warriors. And like with the plot, both have a place of belonging.

The art is magnificent in both issues, but are again vastly different. In the first story, the art style is clean and appreciates space. This is especially the case for Hal, who looks revitalized and exuberant in the opening part of the issue. Whilst there are details, the costume and the locations are almost always clear. The only time this changes is during moments of high intensity and action. There is one construct that is haunting and exceptionally crafted. And this is done to demonstrate the fact that the Green Lantern is back in action. In the second story, there is a ludicrous amount of detail. All of the creatures have their own form and individual designs, and Space is given an identity. The structures and planets are jaw-dropping. But there are again moments when the panel is very busy, which is also intentional. Guy’s situation is supposed to seem chaotic and impassible, so throwing everything at him helps impose that idea.

The colors are stunning. Like with the lineart, there is a cleanliness to the colors, especially on the characters themselves. Around them, on walls and other surfaces, there is more texture, but the smooth shades on Hal and Carol. In the second story, the colors in space are phenomenal. The bright glows radiate from their subjects, utterly gorgeous with the more vibrant colors. Green and purple are the most dominant colors, juxtaposing beautifully. It also intensifies the lines within the energy. Then in the darkness of space behind are these flecks of paint that make the page even prettier to look at. The lettering is extremely easy to read.

Green Lantern #2 has the best of both worlds. It has a Green Lantern story that is distinctly about Hal Jordan. That story is entirely focused on the most famous Lantern, with a plot that’s effortless to latch on to and warm, inviting art. It’s a fresh start that still carries the history of what led to Hal’s departure from the Corps. Then there is the backup story, which has a lot more of the legacy and the universal importance of the Green Lantern Corps. The art is utterly gorgeous but the plot is had to follow. Both of these stories show that there isn’t a wrong direction to travel in a Green Lantern comic. But perhaps splitting them into separate books could benefit both stories as it gives them more time to be told

Green Lantern #2 is available wherever comics are sold.