REVIEW: ‘Green Lantern’ Issue #10

Green Lantern #10 is published by DC Comics, written by Jeremy Adams, art by Xermánico and Amancay Nahuelpan, colors by Romulo Fajardo Jr, and letters by Dave Sharpe. There is a backup story written by Adams, art by Kevin Maguire, colors by Rosemary Cheetham, and letters by Sharpe. Hal Jordan has arrived on Oa, where the United Planet Lanterns are in charge of locking up dissidents. He joins a resistance movement there to try and disrupt them.

The plot of this issue is not just phenomenal; it’s a rollercoaster of suspense and tension. This arc is a complete departure from the last, transforming the home of the Green Lantern Corps into a hellscape. It’s a state controlled by fascists who are not only looking to attack the power batteries but also the very essence of the Corps. The series has expanded further, introducing many other Lanterns from various Corps. This gradual increase in scale was a masterstroke by Adams. The story gently bringing newcomers to the series while keeping longstanding Lantern fans on the edge of their seats. Green Lantern #10 takes its time and feels massive.

For much of the book, the exposition sets the tone for the underground movement and stresses the importance of not using a Lantern ring. The complication makes the comic even more exciting and robs the heroes of their biggest weapon. The stakes are enormous, and the threat appears insurmountable. As the action erupts, it is more of a smash-and-grab. And the results prove just how challenging the mission will be.

The increase in characters has breathed new life into the series. It’s not just Hal’s voice filling the pages but also that of his friends and allies. Only a handful of trustworthy Green Lanterns, including Jo Mullein and Kyle Rayner, are left on Oa. The real beauty lies in the variety of personalities and their exceptional dialogue.

While his fellow Lanterns respect Hal, his absence has made him the least experienced in this war. Those around him are willing to remind him of that. This leads to heightened tension in a place where quiet is essential. Hal is also a messianic figure, bringing with him news and hope. With a different ring on his finger from the others, each new addition is a big surprise, and each of the significant Lanterns will have a role to play.

The art is phenomenal. The difference between the two artists is mild and easy to follow. After so long on Earth, Green Lantern #10 enjoys bringing the alien creatures back to the book. Both old and new, the designs are impeccable. There are also levels of costumes for the Lanterns. They have their own costumes, which are iconic and instantly recognizable. But then they wear long, green cloaks to blend in. The way those cloaks fit and flow around the Lanterns is superb.

Oa itself looks magnificent but cold. The size of the cities means that you don’t get a proper look at it, but it is jaw-dropping when you do. The iron fist that now governs the planet makes it look empty. The bursts of energy when the action starts are captured beautifully. The choreography requires a remarkable sense of depth and perception of how the characters move.

The colors are amazing. Every panel may have a shade of green, yet the issue is visually fascinating from start to finish. Around the Lanterns, natural colors are used for the fabric of Oa. At the planet’s center is a dome of swirling colors, a mixture of the emotional spectrum that fuels all of the Lanterns. The blending of the rainbow tones is mesmerizing. The lettering is always clear, and some terrific uses of sound effects interact brilliantly with the characters.

Green Lantern #10 puts Hal back home. He may be from Earth and cherish that planet, but Oa is where he belongs. But the world has not been treated with kindness and is now almost unrecognizable to him. The resistance movement leads to fascinating storytelling and adds suspense to the cosmic comic. The art gives the Green Lantern Corps the grandeur it deserves, even at its lowest moments. The book also regularly reminds us that Hal is not the only Green Lantern, and all must work towards liberating the cause they all cherish.

Green Lantern #10 is available where comics are sold.