It might be the Dawn of DC, but Green Lantern #1 also marks the dawn of a new “Emerald Age” for our favorite ring bearers. Jeremy Adams and Xermanico harness the emerald light in their first story set after the events of Dark Crisis. The United Planets have taken control of the GL Corps and decided that Sector 2814 is too great a liability to other worlds. All human Lanterns have been reassigned, but in typical Hal Jordan fashion, our hero rejects this order and returns to Earth in protest. Starting fresh can be challenging, and Hal attempts to find a new direction as he faces a world where he’s no longer a Lantern. When dangerous Manhunter armor is found nearby, Hal runs toward the danger and once again becomes a beacon of light in the darkness. Will the former Green Lantern find a way to save the day?

 

I will admit, Green Lantern has been my favorite hero since I was a kid. I’ve always been intrigued by willpower being the driving force behind the GL Corps. I’ve loved reading the adventures of Hal, John, Guy, Kyle, Simon, Jessica, Jo, and the other Lanterns as they used their creativity and will to save the universe. Green Lantern as a series was able to rise to new heights under the creative vision of Geoff Johns, who crafted unique and daring new elements and pushed the mythology in exciting ways. Since Johns’ seminal multi-year run, we have seen other writers attempt to fill his shoes with mixed reactions. I am pleased to say that Adams and Xermanico have recaptured some of the spark that has been missing from recent iterations of the GL franchise. They demonstrate a keen understanding of Hal and the GL characters right off the bat. 

 

Coming off of his groundbreaking run on The Flash, Adams channels Hal’s voice without hesitation. His previous work on Green Lantern: The Animated Series probably adds to this comfort level, as his characterization is spot on and a return to form for our hero in green. The setup for the latest Hal/Carol dynamic is equally as entertaining and doesn’t just jump to an easy relationship fix. Xermanico’s vivid designs are a welcomed highlight in the first outing, and I am excited to see this unique style in action as the story continues. Additionally, Adams (via social media) has indicated he plans to address some of the lingering plot threads from the previous GL book in his run, giving readers some closure while exploring the new mysteries posed in the opening pages of this story.

 

Writer: Phillip Kennedy Johnson

Artist: Montos

Colorists: Adriano Lucas

Lettering: Dave Sharpe

 

John Stewart arrives on Earth for some quality time with his mom in the first chapter of this new back-up story. Without plans to return to space, the heartfelt Stewart family reunion is a welcome change for John as he tries to figure out the next step in his journey. The reunion is short-lived however, as readers are whisked away to a different universe and time, where an elderly Guy Gardner and his protege face off against an invasion by the mysterious Revenant Queen. Who is the Revenant Queen, and why does she want John Stewart? Readers will learn more as this GL tale continues in subsequent issues, leading to the launch of John’s own title in the coming months. I particularly enjoyed Montos’ art style, especially in the jump to another universe. Adriano Lucas’ color choices expertly complimented his art, painting a bold look at things to come.