Who Will Join The Darkstars?

Hal Jordan And The Green Lantern Corps #45

Written by: Robert Venditti

Art by: Ethan Van Sciver

Colors by: Jason Wright

Published by: DC Comics

Price: $2.99

Release Date: 05/23/2018

One of the first comics that I was introduced to when I was younger was Green Lantern. My dad came home from work one day with an issue of the book and instantly I fell in love with the characters and the stories. Green Lantern became my favorite hero and it was something that my dad and I bonded over. Ever since I was a kid, I would find a way to read the books whether it be in single issue or trade paperback form.

Flash forward to modern day and DC Comics is still releasing books about Green Lantern. Hal Jordan And The Green Lantern Corps #45 sees three of earth’s Green Lanterns spread across the universe dealing with not only the threat of the Darkstars (think: cops that will stop at nothing to kill and to serve out “justice”). Hal Jordan is on Earth dealing with a villain that is trying to kill Hector Hammond and Hal is trying to reason with both Skull and Hammond. John Stewart is in the Fortress of Solitude of House Zod where he is about to stand trial for crimes against the House of Zod. Guy Gardner is at a bar on a distant planet with Arkillo (“Ark”) of the Sinestro Corps having a friendly drink. Each one of our heroes is facing death in different ways and it’s up to them to try and figure out a way out of the situation.

If there is one thing I love about the writing from Robert Venditti, it’s that he loves the characters and it shows. He puts them in situations that are suited for their personalities and it shines. I also really enjoyed the back and forth banter between Guy Gardner and Ark during their drink together. You can tell that these two have really grown to respect each other over the years and it pays off in some great comic relief. John and Hal are written perfectly as well and it shows that John has really grown into a man of reason. He also has a lot of compassion and it shows. Hal is written as a diplomat and he really embraces that. Once again I just really love the writing.

Ethan Van Sciver gives the reader a grand scope of adventure in his artwork. I felt that I was reading a space opera at one point and a western the next page. The way he sets a scene with the art is great. The characters have great detail and the backgrounds are gorgeous. The way he draws fire and the aura that surrounds the Lantern members is fantastic. While also talking about the artwork, I cannot forget about the colors from Jason Wright. His colors are bright and bold and serve not only the art but the story and helps bring a sense of fun and adventure throughout the book.

I will be honest: it has been a while since I picked up a Green Lantern book, but I’m glad I picked this one up. Not only are the stakes high but the adventure is fun. The characters are well written and I love it.

5 Power Rings out of 5