5 Reasons You Should Be Reading Hal Jordan And The Green Lantern Corps
There was a time where Green Lantern was one of DC's biggest properties. Actually, it was not that [...]
The Rebirth Of Hal Jordan
It's hard to argue the importance of Hal Jordan within the Green Lantern mythos, but until Geoff Johns came along in the original Rebirth series, it was also hard to peg down what was so great about him.
Johns infused the character with a much-needed personality, sitting nicely between the other earth Lanterns. Picking up the baton has been writer Robert Venditti, who's Jordan is a perfect example of composure in tight situations with just the hint of cockiness. He doesn't think he's the best for the job, he knows it, and that has flourished under Venditti's pen.
John Stewart: A Born Leader
Even more so than Hal, this series highlights the best parts of Hal's friend John Stewart.
After leading what remains of the Corps from one side of the universe to the other, Stewart displays composure in all circumstances. Whether it's against a squadron of Sinestro Corps Lanterns or against a crazed Larfleeze, Stewart is able to adapt on the fly and make decisions that might be unconventional but are always effective.
Stewart was always a great leader, but now he's getting a chance to show why.
Integrating The Spectrums
One of the coolest parts of the Green Lantern mythos is a relatively recent one, that being the 6 other emotional spectrum Lantern Corps.
These include the Fear (Yellow), Love (Violet), Rage (Red), Avarice (Orange), Hope (Blue), and Compassion (Indigo) Corps. The concept made perfect sense once it was introduced, but in the lead up to Blackest Night and afterward, the concept again wasn't allowed to breath, and it seemed like all of the Corps were always battling in every big series.
Fast forward to this series, and the Corps are still playing a substantial role, but the use of them is doled out in a much steadier way. The Sinestro Corps is used heavily in the first arc, but now it's been changed up in a new and fresh way going forward, courtesy of the Avarice Corps. Meanwhile, the Hope Corps is just now being brought in at issue #14, and Indigo and Love have solely merited a mention.
They'll be introduced later to be sure, but this series is about taking its time and focusing on the characters that drive the Corps, and not the other way around.
Attention To Character
Segueing off of that last point, the reason the emotional spectrums are thriving these days is because Venditti focuses on what makes each one special, and not just power wise.
Take the Green Lantern Corps for instance. One of the highlights of the first arc was when Guy Gardner got himself captured by Sinestro. Sure there was something epic in motion involving the fear engine, but the best part was their conversation, highlighting what makes Gardner such a fan favorite.
It turns out Guy's ring was charged just enough to keep his uniform intact, so when goes to use it, the ring sputters out, taking his costume away. Of course, it's probably not surprising to find out that Gardner does not wear anything under his uniform, but Sinestro is surprised, and he literally has to stop his long speech to ask how on earth the Guardians let him in the Corps.
There are many of these character moments, and they all continue to build what makes this all work. Constructs are great, but characters will always win in the end.
Fresh Ideas
Green Lantern lore can be at times overwhelming, but that rich history is part of why fans love the franchise so much. It would be easy to just ride the coattails of old storylines, but the new series isn't afraid to add its own spin on things.
Whether it's the Green Lantern version of heaven (called the Emerald Space), Hal Jordan forging his own Lantern ring, or the Sinestro and Green Lantern Corps working together under the same umbrella, there have been some fantastic new additions to the Lantern archives, and the creative team doesn't show any signs of slowing down.
While they add new layers, they also reference what has come before, building on classic storylines in new and interesting ways.
If you've been waiting to return to your favorite ring slingers, now is the time.
