Green Lantern: Emerald Dawn # 1 - The Sign

Captain Harold “Hal” Jordan, a down on his luck test pilot for Ferris Aircraft has lost his flight clearance, his air force career, his dignity, and his woman. Still haunted by the heroic death of his legendary father, and with his life spiraling out of control, Jordan turns to alcohol to drown his problems.

While driving his friends back from the bar, Jordan is overwhelmed by the memories of his recent failures. Increasing his speed with each flash of shame the drunken Jordan misjudges a sharp turn around a nearby billboard. Jordan’s jeep rolls, leading to injuries to all; the most devastating, the paralysis of Jordan’s close friend Andy.

Awaking in the hospital Jordan faces criminal charges and the end of his life as a pilot. While discharged from the hospital and on limited simulator duty, Jordan is engulfed by a glowing green light. The simulator is ripped from its moorings and drawn to the desert. During the impossible journey, Jordan is bombarded with images of a universal peace keeping force; the Green Lantern Corps.

Finally landing, Jordan meets Abin Sur the mortally wounded Green Lantern of Space Sector 2814. Chosen for his “ability to overcome great fear” Jordan is bequeathed the aliens power ring. The alien dies amazed at a human joining the ranks of the Corps.

Filled with a renewed sense of bravado yet still unaware of the full scope of this power, Jordan takes flight and focuses his pent up rage on the yellow billboard he blamed for his crash. Intent on destroying it, Jordan slams into the billboard without effect; knocking himself cold. Jordan’s problems are just beginning as the creature responsible for Abin Sur’s death is coming.