Green Lantern #1

I have to preface this review with a quick message. I'm an unbiased Green Lantern geek thanks to Geoff Johns. If you haven't read any of what was happening before The Flashpoint, I plead and beg that you collect the Green Lantern Trade Paperbacks and read those before starting this series. My recommendations are to read Green Lantern: Secret Origin, Rebirth, The Sinestro Corps War, Agent Orange, Rage of the Red Lanterns, Blackest Night, Blackest Night: Green Lantern, Blackest Night: Green Lantern Corps, Green Lantern: Brightest Day, and Green Lantern: War of the Green Lanterns. Yes, the DC 52 is a relaunch but not with Green Lantern. Every thing prior has been retained. Geoff Johns story lines are huge, epic, and continuing. This isn't a good issue for someone who hasn't read anything previous, so that's why I beg of you to do yourself a favor and read everything prior!

Following the War of the Green Lanterns, Hal Jordan has been kicked out of the Green Lantern Corps and the Corps' biggest enemy and traitor, and once mentor to Hal, Sinestro has been chosen by the ring to be a Green Lantern again. Sinestro is reluctant to join, but agrees to overlook his sector, which is being enslaved by his former Yellow Sinestro Corps. Meanwhile, Hal is back on Earth and after not having taken off the ring in a long time, has lost touch with everyday life and people. He's powerless, he can't get a job, can't pay his rent, he pisses off his ex-girlfriend, and he bungles an attempt to rescue a suspected person in need.

Yes, this issue is really two tales but they are great seeing the comparisons and contrasts between Sinestro and Hal. It's another classic tale of a hero being down on his luck and feeling powerless and a foe who gets a chance at retribution. Johns continues to make Sinestro a kick butt anti-hero and really makes us feel bad for Hal, who has been busting his butt saving the galaxy. It's an interesting take to see these two characters have their worlds flipped upside down and the ending makes you eager to see where it goes next.

Doug Mahnke's art really shines in outer space settings and on OA but is a little lacking while on Earth. There's a full one page piece of Sinestro versus Korugar that looks simply beautiful! And the colors are amazing as well!

Geoff Johns' Green Lantern is amazing and epic and he continues that trend. It's a great new story line for long time fans but new readers will probably be most certainly lost. If you're already a fan and have read the previous story lines, you'll be really pleased and looking forward to what's next. Anyone who reads comics, or simply likes sci-fi or great epic storytelling shout stop whatever they are doing and dive into Geoff Johns' Green Lantern trade paperbacks! Green Lantern continues to shine in the blackest night!