Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps #2

by John White on August 11, 2016

Written by: Robert Venditti
Art by: Rafa Sandoval
Colors by: Tomeu Morey
Letters by: Dave Sharpe
           
            The Corps are back, or are they? As issue opens all the joy from their reappearance at the end of issue #1 quickly begins to wane as we learn just how dire their circumstance is. Meanwhile Hal Jordan, still unaware of his friends return, continues his one-man war against the universe’s new protectors, the Sinestro Corps and a rejuvenated Sinestro begins to wield his power in full. All the while we are treated to more of the supporting characters that were promised when this series was announced. These characters are not only essential to telling a better story but one that is worthy of the expansive history that the Green Lantern franchise has built over the past few decades.  With Rebirth we were promised a return of familiar faces and great story telling, and with Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps #2 Venditti delivers that and more.
           
          The issue is divided into three sections that focus on Hal, Sinestro, and the recently returned Corps. Although Hal’s story is the most traditional (space cop fights space criminals) it far from the most exciting with Sinestro’s hinting at growing discord within his own family and Corps’ telling a story of hope triumphing in the face of desperation.  The return of Guy Gardner and Jon Stewart really make the issue and the inclusion of their dynamic proves the point that an expanded cast makes for better storytelling. One can only hope that as the series progresses the story will focus more on the Green Lantern Corp as a whole rather than just treating them as a supporting players in Hal Jordan great space adventure.
           
        Besides the no longer missing Green Lanterns, another character who really shines in this issue is Soranik. The one team Green Lantern, now Yellow Lantern, and daughter of Sinestro has long been a compelling character but was often relegated to a supporting role. In this issue we are finally shown her motivations for joining the Sinestro Corp and the betrayal she feels at her father’s revitalization. As it happens she may have been the only person who actually thought the Sinestro Corps could be a force for good in the Universe, and the realization that her good nature was used to further her father’s nefarious goals nearly breaks the young Korugarian, that is until she receives word of a old acquaintances return.
           
       Robert Venditti hits his stride in this issue with dialogue that is not only captivating but also true to the characters that speak it. Bolstered by the as always excellent art and colors by Rafa Sandoval and Tomeu Morey respectively, this issue cements this teams place as the right one to tell great Green Lantern stories. Anyone who is a fan of drama, intrigue, and colorful space adventures who be foolish to not pick up Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps today.
 

Our Score:

7/10

A Look Inside