REVIEW: ‘Green Lantern: Fractured Spectrum’ Issue 1

Green Lantern: Fractured Spectrum Issue 1 is published by DC Comics. Written by Jeremy Adams, art by V. Ken Marion, colors by Romulo Fajardo Jr and letters by Dave Sharpe.

The Green Lantern Corps is reborn, with old enemies making new trouble on Oa.

This one-shot refreshes the Green Lantern Corps at the peak of their power. They are back on Oa and have returned to protecting the universe. The first part of Green Lantern: Fractured Spectrum Issue 1 is extremely positive, explaining how the new systems work without Guardians or the systems that were there before. It begins with the latest Central Power Battery put into its place on Oa. This signifies the statement of the new era, and Jadestone, the Amazo robot that turned good, will now protect and care for it.

There is still trouble in the universe, stemming from scars that Hal and Carol both had a hand in causing. They were in the background in the previous series, but now there’s no ignoring them. Multiple storylines come together to enrich the one-shot whilst launching many more. The last chapter dips into the mythology of the Corps, trying to add something else to the spectrum of colors that could disrupt the whole universe.

Green Lantern: Fractured Spectrum Issue 1 brings all Corps members back together. It’s refreshing to see the characters happy and confident again instead of fearful or on a war footing. Oa is their home; they are there to protect it and build it up again. Hal and John have prominent leadership roles, But Jessica Cruz stands at the head of the whole thing. It is no longer scattered, and it is fantastic to see Adams play with old relationships and find new avenues to take them.

Many of the most famous Green Lanterns get a moment to shine or talk. It feels like a team effort. Even when the villain enters the picture, there is a relative calmness. The villain’s dialogue is sensational, filled with dread and a nefarious personality. It festers in a character who was so innocent and kind, making the storyline more interesting. There is now another voice within that body, which is terrifying to read.

The art gloriously resurrects Oa into a place you want to spend time in. No longer is it a depressing dystopia; it is a place built for hope and willpower. All of the intergalactic locations look phenomenal, featuring gorgeous details. Green Lantern: Fractured Spectrum Issue 1 starts with Hal but quickly expands to show most of the Corps. The energy is high as he soars through the galaxy, encountering aliens and spaceships and looking carefree.

Marion’s art style is perfect for this iteration of the DC Universe, making everything look cartoony and fun. When the Lanterns are together, there are so many references and details as fan favorites make their return. The Corps is working together, rebuilding their lives, and they look proud of it. There are smiles and laughter everywhere, which is beautiful to see.

The book’s first half brushes off the heaviness of the war that encased most of the previous issues and series. But when the villain arrives, the action erupts, and the issue changes tack. Seeing how the enemy moves and uses their abilities is fascinating, and the battle is sprawling and enthralling. The constructs are back, yet they don’t seem to do much against such a powerful being.

The colors in Green Lantern: Fractured Spectrum Issue 1 are stunning. Green Lantern has always been one of DC’s most colorful books, and Oa has become that once more. The green is bright and captivating, shining across the planet without restraint. But the enemy of the issue brings a much darker and more oppressive color. It’s a mixture of black, grey, and white, none of which will bode well for the Lanterns in the future. The lettering is extremely comfortable and easy to read.

Green Lantern: Fractured Spectrum Issue 1 celebrates the return of the Green Lantern Corps. The issue radiates positivity and a thrilling sense of renewal. Even though it restores the status quo, it has many brand-new elements. Like the Justice League, the Corps has freedom to operate and roles for all of its most important members.

This one-shot is a launchpad for both the Green series and the new Corps book, so it has to shatter the revelries with something dangerous to put the Lanterns in flight again. A whole new mythology is being written, and what’s coming could fracture the entire spectrum.

Green Lantern: Fractured Spectrum Issue 1 is available where comics are sold.