REVIEW: ‘Green Lantern,’ Issue #4

Green Lantern #4 is published by DC Comics, written by Jeremy Adams, art by Xermanico, colors by Romulo Fajardo Jr, and letters by Dave Sharpe. There is a backup story titled “Wayward Son,” written by Peter J. Tomasi, art by David LaFuente, colors by Tamra Bonvillain, and letters by Rob Leigh. As Hal’s oldest enemy returns to plague Coast City, he may require the help of an old friend to save it.

This is a plot filled with both danger and excitement. Adams is returning to core elements of Green Lantern stories, and so much of that is evident here. The opening scene sets the premise of the issue nicely, with a dangerous threat that almost seems too drastic, but then it draws Green Lantern into a real challenge. History and legacy come back to bite Hal, and that first scene is brilliantly tense. But that history also comes with a benefit, as he is soon reunited with The Flash. That is where the fun flows. Two heroes who haven’t seen each other in a while are teaming up to stop a disaster. The pacing of this part of Green Lantern #4 is excellent, moving as quickly as the speedster. 

The writer also succeeds at ensuring that this team-up isn’t fleeting, with so much within it. While the book has an extremely nostalgic feeling, the stories are all new, and the only direction it travels in is forward. Barry is used to advance the plot and be a brilliant partner in crime fighting. There are different scenarios within just one issue, and all of them are ultimately connected through a wider thread of Sinestro’s plan. The ending is satisfying and rounds the team-up issue nicely.

This comic has some gorgeous dialogue based on various relationships that have been built over several years. The one that warms the heart is the friendship between Hal Jordan and Barry Allen. It was refreshing to have the duo alongside each other, combining their abilities and knowledge to solve problems. Adams succeeds at ensuring that it’s not just the camaraderie of the superheroes that are demonstrated but the men themselves. They are practically family and speak like old friends. The premise of suddenly calling in a friend for help is fun and adds spontaneity to the story.

The dialogue between the two heroes is lovely. Using history, the two have to have poignant and long conversations about their personal lives. But, as Sinestro has re-emerged, Flash isn’t the only old associate that Green Lantern encounters. It is Hal’s former mentor that creates the need for Flash’s aid in the first place. Their conversation in the bar at the beginning of the issue is fantastic, filled with hatred and malice. Sinestro’s arrogance and unwavering menace are terrifying. But it’s also interesting to see how far both of the former Lanterns have fallen. Sinestro doesn’t have a ring. Hal’s got one that’s intermittent. Those who were once the leaders of their Corps are now alone and more desperate, and how that changes their personalities is fascinating.

The art is stunning—the cleanliness of Xermanico’s art style is phenomenal. There is a pristine clarity to every panel with immaculate details added. When characters are sat down talking, the facial expressions and the design of the locations provide Green Lantern #4 with so much life and emotion. The action scenes are energetic and interesting due to the combination of superpowers on display. The energy constructs and the super-speed are combined, leading to clever uses of both powers. The Flash and Green Lantern costumes are flawless under the pen of Xermanico. But as with the dialogue, the comic looks brilliant when Hal and Barry are dressed in normal clothes. Coast City also looks spectacular. The threat that Sinestro makes puts the whole city at risk, so the artist must establish a variety within the street.s

The colors are amazing. There is a stunning, natural look to the world that Green Lantern inhabits, apart from the abnormal elements that have invaded Coast City. The green and red of the superhero costumes are not as vibrant as they could be, but they stand out against the other shades. The same idea can be expressed about Sinestro’s purple skin hidden under hoodies. The lettering is very clear, and the placement in the long conversations is very effective. 

The backup story is crucial to the future of Green Lantern comics. A plucky young kid fights for his survival on an alien planet. It’s fast-moving, and the character is brimming with energy. The art creates a colorful world, and the design of the kid is great. The expressions are phenomenal, with big facial features that intensify his emotions.

Green Lantern #4 brings The Brave and The Bold back together. This whole series has a refreshing return to classic Green Lantern stories, and this issue expands that idea. Those classic characters are returning and starting again, but that shared history has not gone anywhere. The Flash and the Green Lantern is a friendship that should be cherished and used more in modern-day books, as it has fuelled whole events before. 

Green Lantern #4 is available now wherever comics are sold.