Green Lantern #39 ( DC – Johns / Tam / Glapion )
“”Agent Orange” Part 1 and featuring an “Origins and Omens” backup tale! As the orange light of avarice erupts in violence within the Vega System, the secrets of the Guardians’ pact with the criminals of the universe that has kept the Vega System off limits is revealed. Hal Jordan comes face to face with the mysterious and immensely powerful Agent Orange in a bizarre confrontation.”
I’m not sure what was wrong with my issue, but I didn’t get the “Origins and Omens” story. So, I actually have no idea that the Guardians made a pact with the criminals of the universe and sent them to the Vega System. Although that would make sense as to why Agent Orange is so damned greedy. I hope this is something that everyone is experiencing and not just me (Chris? Neil?).
Beyond the lacking mini-story, this issue was still pretty good. We see once again that Hal Jordan is a Green Lantern to the core. Even thought he can see the usefulness of a power boost to his ring, he fails to believe that the power of hope can make that much a difference. This will, most likely, be one of the lynch pins on the War of Light. Hal Jordan will need to find the power of hope and the willpower to use it.
The War of Light is rolling, and things are heating up as Green Lanterns are finally ordered to turn up the heat.
Johns is on par, but Tan and Glapion have really turned it up a notch. I can only imagine that penciling a Green Lantern book is a lot like working in Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, but only being bound by your imagination. These guys are coming up with great alien designs! Couple with with the ability to make an elephant man emote, and you’ve got a great team. I can’t wait to see how they do undead Martian Manhunter and undead Superboy (Conner Kent) in Blackest Night.
Grade: B+
