So here we are, the first issue of Green Lantern proper not written by the man who redefined the Green Lantern mythos or better known as Geoff Johns. In steps veteran writer Robert Venditti along with artist Billy Tan to take the on the challenge of following one of the most memorable runs in recent comics history. Are they up for the challenge? Well lets dive into issue 21 shall we?

Venditti does a wonderful cold open as the Green Lantern Corps seem to on the ropes against a unknown enemy. Hal is immediately established as the veteran leader with needless exposition of captions that veer into the mind of our esteemed emerald warrior. Combine the exciting opening with a ominous double page spread of a depleted power battery and you have a recipe that should hook new readers and quite possibly maintain interest of long time readers (but most likely not). However once the next page is turned, the writing takes a quick down hill turn.

Here is where Venditti can lose the reader, we are treated to a scene with Hal and Carol Ferris, two love birds reuniting after life altering events? No, instead we are treated to Carol complaining to Hal that he can’t manage his time and that maybe she only loves him, but she is not in love with him and just wants to keep her Star Sapphire ring. It’s not exactly clear if Venditti did this to clear Carol from the playing field or is simply retreading Hal and Carol’s relationship of yesteryear. The scene itself just seems really for both characters.

What follows next is even more unusual, the idea of this issue revolves around Hal assuming leadership of the Green Lantern Corps. An interesting idea and one would hope is actually explored in the next several months and won’t simply become a forgotten plot element. Venditti ends our issue with Larfleeze invading Oa under no explanation. It would seem that the intent to use Larfleeze is simply there because new readers might recognize the character thereby give basic motivations themselves for Larfleezes reasons for attacking (wanting something). Venditti does bring a bit of intrigue by introducing four new recruits to the corp and each seem reluctant to join, therefore giving the reader something to come back for next month.

Billy Tan isn’t the best artist in the industry, however he isn’t the worst exactly. In the eyes of some readers Billy Tan is next to Greg Land on the artist totem pole. While Billy Tan isn’t the greatest artist when it comes to rendering, his story telling is top notch. You will never be lost from panel to panel and everything has a flow to the issue. Tan excels at the action sequences, while bringing nothing new they are still fun to look at for a few minutes.

Overall Green Lantern #21 is a mixed bag, some interesting characters choices and bold ideas in combination with average art at best.

Green Lantern #21 receives a 3/5

 

Review by Ben Castruita