I remember, a number of years ago, lying on a bed in a Chicago hotel room, just back from a long day at the Wizard World Convention, reading the first volume of the Green Lantern: Sinestro Corps War hardcover compilation.
My buddy, Denny, was reading the same book, picked up earlier in the day at the con, in the bed next to me, while this website’s Editor-In-Chief, Andy Burns, sat at the corner table, wondering what the hell we were reading that could illicit so many “AW YEAH!” and “OMG!” from our smiling, wide eyed, faces.
Space was the place, you see!
That Green Lantern story might arguably be the best Green Lantern story of them all. At the time, it breathed new life into DC Comics and space-faring comic book stories.
And with the publishing company’s “Rebirth” branded titles a little over a month into their campaign right now, that sense of excitement has got a renewed ground swell.
In many ways, that enthusiasm comes to a head today with the release of Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps #1!
Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps #1
Written by: Robert Venditti
Illustrated by: Jordi Tarrogona and Rafa Sandoval
Published by: DC Comics
Since that Green Lantern: Sinestro Corp War storyline, the GL series of titles (there have been a number of them including monthly, mini, and event titles) have meandered around the entire DC Universe with varying degrees of success.
More recently in story, the Green Lantern Corps has been disbanded. They’ve lost their judicial control over the universe, ceding it to archenemy Sinestro, and his Sinestro Corps, who wield the yellow rings of fear.
And Hal Jordan has been on his own.
DC Comics, of late, have begun to turn their focus on two newly created Green Lanterns: Baz, the gun-toting GL and first starring GL to be of Muslim faith, and Jessica, a fearful woman imbibed with a controlling ring from another universe.
Let it be said that these are great characters who, as Green Lanterns, bring a new sense of purpose and individuality to the term “hero”. They are a welcomed addition to the GL – and indeed – the DC pantheon of superheroes.
Unfortunately, the focus of the Green Lantern Corps themselves, and the miscellany of beloved characters that make them up, have been somewhat shunted to the side during recent years.
Now, during the “Rebirth” of DC Comics, Editorial has seen that they can actually do both: focus on new and old characters in new and exciting ways. And that bring us to Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps #1.
The universe is under the fist of their greatest enemy, Sinestro and his Sinestro Corps. And only title star, Hal Jordan and his Green Lantern Corps can rid the free people of so many worlds of their militaristic oppression. Freedom, and freedom from fear, must be restored!
Hal Jordan is back where he belongs: back at the center of the Green Lantern Corps, in a monthly series full of action, adventure, and heroism, with all manner of characters from all corners of the DC Universe.
Sling your ring and construct yourself a run to your local comic book shop today and pick up Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps #1!
