REVIEW: ‘Absolute Green Lantern’ Issue 2

Absolute Green Lantern Issue 2 is published by DC Comics. Written by Al Ewing, art and colors by Jahnoy Lindsay, and letters by Lucas Gattoni.

This issue is part of the Absolute Universe. Jo and Hal try to understand what happened as a horrific flashback reveals everything.

Green Lantern comics have always been huge space operas. But Absolute Green Lantern Issue 2 is a real space horror. The structure is split between the present day and the past. In the present day, Jo, the new Green Lantern, tries to calm Hal Jordan, who has a deadly Black Hand. The atmosphere of this meeting is slow and tender, with so much trepidation around what might happen.

Any burst of energy or sudden movement could lead to an eruption. In the past, Abin Sur makes contact with the human race. This connection vastly differs from how he landed in the main DC Universe. It’s bloodier and more brutal. It’s startling and shocking to behold, unleashed with a ferocity. What makes it even more surprising is who it happens to, taking important names off the board even before the series had begun. Every part of this series serves to defy expectations.

The characters are fantastic, standing in a noisy issue filled with aliens. Jo gets a chance to show what she’s like as a hero. Calm and assertive, she can approach situations with a desire to de-escalate the threat. This is shown even before she is granted the power. This sets her apart from other figures of authority and cops. The actions of the police raise the tension and lead to further conflict. It is disturbing to see Hal in this iteration. He is fearful and cowardly, with no idea what to do or how to help. He lacks the makings of a hero but is not evil in the slightest. What’s on his hand is preying on his fear.

Causing so much of the commotion is Abin Sur. His dialogue has an emotionless, terrifying tone that is alien and impossible to reason with. It has an intention that can’t be stopped, or at least the humans have no idea how to do so.

The art is sensational in Absolute Green Lantern Issue 2. The conversation between Jo and Hal takes place in the same location for the entirety of the issue. But the morphing powers and the amazing facial expressions make it engrossing and immersive. Hal always looks horrified and frightened. His eyes are so wide, showing how bewildered he is by everything.

Then there is Abin Sur. His design by Lindsay is spectacular. Truly alien, he is enormous, with multiple arms and a stern expression. He looks like a figure from Dragon Ball. And when he starts unloading his power, the results are devastating. There is an unbelievable viciousness to the violence, with blood spurting everywhere and a feeling of helplessness beginning to bloom. It reveals how unrelenting the creatures from space can be, and what else could be out there.

The colors are profound and fascinating. The green is much more prominent and powerful than the previous issue. It appears that multiple techniques are used to apply the green to the page. Jo glows with energy. The green surrounds and radiates from her, like gas flames flickering around her. Other times, it looks like pastel work. The variety of shades and tones, constantly changing, makes the comic visually stunning and gives the lantern energy an alien feel. The lettering is also intriguing. The word balloons for Abin Sur have been swirling inside them, but they are still easy to read.

Absolute Green Lantern Issue 2 removes the safety of the Green Lantern. The light has always been a source of hope and strength, bringing with it protection. But here, Abin Sur brings fear and death. The stories running parallel means the truth has not yet been revealed. There are still unanswered questions and dates that are undecided. And with who has been lost already, it’s impossible to tell who will be left standing.

Absolute Green Lantern Issue 2 is available where comics are sold.