Written by: Geoff JohnsWhile there will always remain this perplexing dichotomy between the purpose of the new 52 and the Green Lantern universe – seeing as how the wielders of the light didn’t partake in the reboot – Geoff Johns finally makes this title exciting!
The jungle presents a lot of challenges, at least it seems that way in the plethora of films, stories, and books where the jungle is the main setting. From it rises a series of moments involving the divine and humility, where the characters involved reveal the deep, dark secrets plaguing their minds. Here, we find Sinestro and Hal going at it in a jeep construct through such a place. It’s interesting to watch this conversation play out with no denial from either one while they listen to each other talk about why the other person’s wrong. Yet, in their faces, we see a hint of understanding; Sinestro seems to be figuring out that his methods aren’t necessarily a welcome aspect, while Hal never denies Sinestro always being “right.”
And then conversation leads to the discovery of an Indigo Tribe member who looks amazingly like an old, worn out Guardian. It’s been too long since the two worked together as a team, and Sinestro accepts Hal’s reasoning that FEAR isn’t the correct course of action in saving the day.
But there’s definitely a bigger mystery to be solved here which deals with the longevity of Sinestro’s cooperation. And the Indigos aren’t going to let him go without some reassurance that Hal can “save” Sinestro from his fear mongering and murderous ways. Of course, I highly doubt that Sinestro will make a complete move away from his Corps, (or what’s left of it anyway) to come back to the one that fathered his light wielding abilities. But this is an interesting question, can Sinestro become a hero again?
This issue leads us to believe that Sinestro DOES in fact have a sense of justice lingering somewhere inside; he has convictions, and a strong sense of doing what MUST be done for a cause. The Indigos seem to have almost lost all hope in that idea, but not completely and are willing to free Sinestro from their control if Hal can make that change occur. It took 10 issues, but we’re finally seeing the purpose behind this arc…a change is about to occur within one of the title’s key players that will alter this title for good. What that IS is hard say, but it is coming, and I’m pumped to see how it ends!
Doug Mahnke blows it out of the park despite the lack of support on the colorized front. If anything were to be lacking in this story, color shouldn’t be it. Thank goodness for the final pages where Black Hand rises, (again) receiving his black ring once more after the purple one left to find a suitable replacement. Black Hand was so loyal to the Black that he was willing to die to escape the oncoming Indigo ring. Whether or not he KNEW he would rise as a Black Lantern is another story.
This is a great issue finally deeming itself worthy to be titled “Green Lantern.” Keep up the good work Johns!
9 out of 10 stars
