Quirky Cat
Written on Sep 10, 2017
I think it’s safe to say that the Green Lanterns are quickly becoming my favorite out of the Rebirth run. There’s just so much going on and it’s exceptionally well done. Additionally there were so many appearances by some of my favorite characters (including Tomar-Re, Ganthet and Sayd). There’s just so much good in this volume.
After all the bad the Green Lantern Corps has gone though, I sort of feel like this was their comeback. And man did they come back swinging! While the corps itself may be limited for now – I fully anticipate that will change over time. Though admittedly I have no idea what happened to the rings – so maybe that belief isn’t actually feasible. Only one way to find out!
Quite a lot happens in this volume, and I’m happy to report that the villains are mostly established characters, even if they’re not overwhelmingly intimidating. Starro and Brainiac 2.0 both make appearances, as well as a third villain. I’m choosing not to name him, because I literally laughed out loud (in a good way) at his revelation, and I do not want to ruin that for anyone. Trust me though, once you see who it is (and how he’s exposed) you’ll probably laugh too.
There are really two main plots occurring in this volume: the Green Lanterns protecting NAME along with the help of the Sinestro Corps (more on that in a moment) and Hal’s plot (which considering the name of the series should surprise exactly no one). Seeing the two different corps working together was actually pretty amazing. Their biases (as well as our own) are constantly being challenge by this relationship. I think it’s a healthy thing to confront, considering any bias has the potential to be negative and thus toxic. Plus, seeing the yellow lanterns do something other than causing the general populace to freak out was pretty cool.
Without going into details (for the same reasons mentioned above) the final fight for NAME’s safety was simultaneously hilarious and interesting. The Green Lanterns, specifically John, knew exactly what to do to set their enemy over the edge and weaken him. The fact that the Green Lanterns were essentially assisting the Sinestro Corps (as opposed to the other way around) was a pretty interesting twist, and one I certainly wasn’t expecting.
I sincerely cannot get over the Emerald Space. It’s so beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time, it takes on an almost eerie quality. I know that Ganthet brings the Emerald Space into question…but I for one would like to believe it actually exists, and the events that occurred to Hal were real.
Speaking of Hal’s plot though, it was so superbly perfect to see Kyle Rainer again. The reason for his appearance becomes quickly obvious, though no less interesting. I’ve always been really fascinated by Kyle Rainer and his ability set, so seeing more of him is always appreciate (side note: anybody else see that he’s getting his own series? I’m so excited!).
I can’t wait to see what volume three (Quest for Hope) has in store! With any luck it’ll follow the title closely, because I adore the Blue Lanterns!
For more reviews, check out Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks