REVIEW: ‘Green Lantern Corps’ Issue 1

Green Lantern Corps Issue 1 is published by DC Comics. Written by Morgan Hampton and Jeremy Adams, with pencils by Fernando Pasarin, inks by Oclair Albert, colors by Arif Prianto and letters by Dave Sharpe.

John Stewart heads to Tamaran to deal with an eruption of emotional energy with Sinestro by his side. Green Lantern Corps Issue 1 opens the other side of the Green Lantern storyline. Where the Green Lantern series sees Hal Jordan start his own journey, a whole universe needs help. The Green Lantern Corps is still being rebuilt, and its leadership members are still figuring out the finer details. But fighting crime and keeping planets safe will always be the main objective. Despite the size of the Corps, the plot threads are easy to follow.

Having Adams co-write Green Lantern Corps Issue 1 adds context to the wider storytelling. The fracturing of the emotional spectrum and the emergence of the new villain, Sorrow, are all referenced because they’re crucial for the backstory and upcoming plot. And yet the story being told in this series is self-enclosed and does not require the readers to buy both series to understand what is happening.

The mission takes them to Tamaran (Starfire’s homeworld), where the damage to the emotional spectrum leads to outbursts and aberrations. It’s an exciting adventure that is equally active and inquisitive. It’s got adorable flirting, a longing for hope, and a desire to overcome fear. The solution to the problem is a surprise as it seeks to expand the cast and solidify the themes of the Green Lantern Corps. It’s been a long time since this group has been able to impose itself on the galaxy, and that shows.

Green Lantern Corps Issue 1 is an ensemble cast with main characters. This first issue is led by Jon Stewart, who serves as the narrator. His intelligence and calmness control the book’s pace, keeping it methodical. The important plot points and characters are explained in a way that makes it effortless to catch up. One of the biggest surprises of this first issue is Sinestro. Back in green after years of wearing yellow, the once enemy of The Green Lantern Corps is now Jon’s partner for this mission.

There is always an unease around Sinestro, with concern about how he will talk to people and deal with situations. As a Green Lantern, he is more unpredictable than as a villain. The relationship between Stewart and Sinestro is tense but professional, with Jon keeping a tight leash around his colleague. But without being a direct villain, more of Sinestro’s personality is explored. He’s a noble figure who is dripping with arrogance, but there is also a sense of duty for whatever cause he is fighting for.

There are glimpses at other storylines that begin in Green Lantern Corps Issue 1. Jessica Cruz, now the captain of the whole Green Lantern Corps, is the most notable example of this. She’s already struggling with the weight of the work, which will only get more intense as the series progresses. The other figures, such as Simon Baz and Guy Gardner, are on the periphery. The Corps is one of the biggest organisations in comics, and it’s impossible to include all of them. So, hopefully, there will be a shuffling of the pack to put certain lanterns in the spotlight.

The art is fantastic, capturing the spectacle and chaos. There are so many locations, each with their own identity. Oa and Tamaran are shown at a huge scale, looking lived in and bustling with activity. The characters on those planets are spectacular. The Lanterns are back and brimming with individuality. There are so many figures buzzing around, and the level of detail is mindboggling.

Many of the heroes create a nostalgic feeling seeing them in their costumes, especially Jon, Guy, and Jess. Sinestro has a new costume, but that punchable smirk on his face remains. When it comes to fight scenes, the bodies are spread out, and there’s a terrific sense of drama. Pasarin and Albert find small, subtle moments of personality within the chaos.

The colors are tremendous. Green Lantern comics frequently rely on colours to help tell the story because the emotional spectrum fuels the concept. For a character like Sinestro, switching from yellow to green is more than just a new getup; it changes the emotion he represents. That goes for the rest of Green Lantern Corps Issue 1. But beyond those important facets of the spectrum, the comic is filled with vibrant colors. The lettering by Sharpe has been consistently brilliant in many Green Lantern series and specials.

Green Lantern Corps Issue 1 rejuvenates a lively ensemble cast. The Corps are back and starting to shine their light across the universe again. But this is not the Corps of old. It’s going to take time to rebuild, and that requires Lanterns. Those old, famous voices are back, but there are also new ones to help refill the ranks.

Hampton and Adams make the book look busy, with planets filled with life and a really positive feel to this resurgent staple of the DC Universe. Green Lantern Corps Issue 1 is brimming with references whilst feeling new at the same time.

Green Lantern Corps Issue 1 is available where comics are sold.