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Geoff Johns Steps Down as GREEN LANTERN Writer

After nine years, Johns leaves behind Hal Jordan, Simon Baz, and the expansive world he has created.

Today marks the end of one of the most memorable runs in recent comic book history. Geoff Johns announced he is stepping down as writer of GREEN LANTERN. Johns began his run in 2004 of the mini-series GREEN LANTERN: REBIRTH and rebooted the world of Green Lantern for a new generation of DC readers.

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Geoff Johns took a good character (Hal Jordan) and made him great after Hal's reintroduction into the DC Universe. Johns expanded on the Green Lantern world by creating a plethora of new Lantern characters from the whole spectrum of light and gave us great story lines like the Sinestro Corps War and Blackest Night.

I'm really proud of all the stuff we've built with Green Lantern — from Larfleeze to the different corps...The universe has expanded and will live well past my run. It was more than just telling another story, but really giving back to the character by expanding and adding to their mythology.
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Johns' last issue will be Green Lantern #20, in which he promises a huge issue, which will be drawn by Doug Mahnke. This final story will be a 64-page issue

I was getting to an end point and a story line that made sense for me. I felt like it was time to close my run and focus all my energies on the Justice League corner of the DC Universe...It was a very, very hard decision. I absolutely love these characters but I felt like I had a story line that really made sense and felt emotionally satisfying and felt very big and very epic.

Johns will continue to write JUSTICE LEAGUE and AQUAMAN. Thank to Geoff Johns for an amazing 9-year run on GREEN LANTERN and reinventing this character for a new age.

What do you guys think about this news? What's your favorite Green Lantern story from Johns' run?

Source: Associated Press

190 Comments

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kilowog52

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Three issues of various series written by Johns have been pushed back recently. Aquaman #19 got pushed back one week, while Justice League of America #3 and Green Lantern #20 got pushed back three. The thing that bothers me is- Green Lantern #20 was originally supposed to be released before the #20 issues of Green Lantern Corps and Green Lantern: New Guardians, yet now is being released after both. Should I wait and read these issues after GL#20 comes out, or is the reason DC delayed it so that these stories could be read first? I'm surprised no one at DC has commented on that.

Also just want to do my part so nobody has a heart attack when they go to pick up their pull-list on May 22. They mentioned it will be an extra-sized issue, but that certainly doesn't mean the price will remain constant. Check out the sale price on the DC Comics web-site. This issue alone will put each of us back a whopping $7.99.

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Sy8000

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Edited By Sy8000

It is Geoff that has made green lantern good these last few years. Ever since I read a dusty volume of sinestro corps war and learned about the other corps I was hooked for years. Normally I don't pay any attention to writers. I just ignore their names altogether. But even I noticed his name on the good green lantern stuff. The last few years have made green lantern arguably the most popular series. I mourn the departure of the one writer who's name I know.
Look at it this way, He left something amazing, and it would take the worst writer ever to screw it up.

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TheMess1428

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Edited By TheMess1428
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FanofUltraman

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Edited By FanofUltraman

I'm hoping that with Volthoom released Johns will incorporate him into a Justice League/Crime Syndicate story. :D

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falcon10

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Edited By falcon10

that sucks

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weenman1

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Edited By weenman1

Thank god for Larfleeze!!!!

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FadeToBlackBolt

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Edited By FadeToBlackBolt

Finally. Maybe GL will be worth reading again.

....

Nah, probably not.

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TheCannon

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Edited By TheCannon

Johns, you're a little early for April Fools Day.

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RedheadedAtrocitus

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Combined with the fact that this and practically every other creative person behind the Green Lantern Family titles are stepping down like after issue 20, I must say it seems like dark times ahead....well maybe not totally since it means Milligan is stepping down from Red Lanterns too. Still, real sad to find out about this.

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Avenging-X-Bolt

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Edited By Avenging-X-Bolt

@Lvenger said:

@entropy_aegis: Some of us value what Johns has contributed to the GL universe. And seriously can you think of 5 good non Lantern related villains for Hal? Bet you can't :P

Star Sapphire and Black Hand werent always Lanterns. Major Disaster, Shark, Doctor Polaris, and Replikon were cool. we havnt seen nearly enough of the Mark Richards and Goldface could be revamped in a way similar to the GL:Tas comic version

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Ren_

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Edited By Ren_

@CrashofRhinos said:

I guess they noticed the sales figures for the equally egregious ASM 700 and decided to get in line.

This is exactly what it is. I was actually talking with my boss about it the other day. They're issues that in the past, would have been 4/5.99, but now that they know people will pay more for it, they're gonna charge it.

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TheThe

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Edited By TheThe

I'm not sad to see him go. And i'm pretty curious to see which direction will take the new writer.

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CrashofRhinos

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Edited By CrashofRhinos

Another $7.99 price tag for "special issue" with a bunch of worthless filler material thrown in the back. That's a real nice thank you from DC to fans. Thanks for supporting this title now give us your money. Same crap they are pulling in Detective 19.

I guess they noticed the sales figures for the equally egregious ASM 700 and decided to get in line.

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egudino

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Edited By egudino

Sad to see him leave green lantern seeing as hi was the one who got me back into comics during the blackest night event

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Lvenger

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Edited By Lvenger

@entropy_aegis: It's because he has a thing for 'revitalising' classic villains. Some like Sinestro are a success. Others like Cheetah, not so much.

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MyComicStoreDotNET

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The only issue I've read of Johns' GL run is #0. That said, I plan on reading his run from the very beginning very soon.

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entropy_aegis

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Edited By entropy_aegis

@AtPhantom: @Lvenger: Mind you the classics never lived up to the hype,what did Nekron do? what did Anti-monitor do? what did Krona do?

Johns wrote Mongul and Cyborg Superman combined for ONLY 4 issues,he gets a lot of credit for other writers work.

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Lvenger

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Edited By Lvenger

@entropy_aegis:@AtPhantom: The best one I can think of is Evil Star. And that guy is lame as hell.

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AtPhantom

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Edited By AtPhantom

@Lvenger said:

@entropy_aegis: Some of us value what Johns has contributed to the GL universe. And seriously can you think of 5 good non Lantern related villains for Hal? Bet you can't :P

I can't name 5 good lantern villains either. ;)

EDIT: Damn, Entropy beat me to it.

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entropy_aegis

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Edited By entropy_aegis

@Lvenger said:

@entropy_aegis: Some of us value what Johns has contributed to the GL universe. And seriously can you think of 5 good non Lantern related villains for Hal? Bet you can't :P

I cant think of them even after Johns lol.

Sinestro,Krona,Anti-monitor and Nekron are classic villains,same goes for Mongul and Cyborg Supes,Larfleeze and Atrocitus are hardly villains at this point.

Leaves us with lame fear bug Parallax and this Volthoom guy.

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AtPhantom

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Edited By AtPhantom

@Zeeguy91 said:

@AtPhantom: Yeah, he's really not, though. He used to be my favorite writer a few years ago, but since then, I've had a few favorite writers. I'd say my favorite writer right now is a toss up between Scott Snyder, Brian Azzarello, or Mark Waid. I still respect Geoff John, though, and I respect peoples' opinion of him.

I would honestly say the same if this was news about any writer leaving a title, even if I didn't like him. If Scott Lobdell left Teen Titans tomorrow, even though I hate the direction that title has taken under him, I wouldn't post saying that his run was utter garbage because some fans might get offended. I have no problem with people saying how they feel, I just have a problem with the way they've gone about doing it, which has basically been responding to fans and basically telling them that they liked garbage.

I'll say it again: Nobody died.

I probably seem like a condescending asshole for constantly repeating this, but I'm only doing it because you keep insisting the same rules apply here and on funerals! You don't want to share your opinions on such threads because you don't want to hurt someone's feelings? Fine. I think your political correctness needs a kick in the butt but that's your prerogative. But the idea that I or anyone else can't voice their opinion in this thread because it would be disrespectful to fans is beyond insane. Anyone who feels offended by what was said here and can't handle someone thrash talking their favorite piece of literature should go outside, take a deep breath and set their priorities straight because they're the ones something is wrong with.

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Lvenger

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Edited By Lvenger

@entropy_aegis: Some of us value what Johns has contributed to the GL universe. And seriously can you think of 5 good non Lantern related villains for Hal? Bet you can't :P

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entropy_aegis

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Edited By entropy_aegis

Does this mean we cant have brown lanterns now? LOL I have no idea why people are so bummed,Johns GL has been mediocre since Brightest Day,Rise of the Third Army is garbage.Now I can finally read a GL story where the Lanterns fight proper villains and not rainbows.

Still Geoff did a lot of world building and Sinestro Corps is one of the best cosmic stories ever written.

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entropy_aegis

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Edited By entropy_aegis

YESSSSSSSSS.

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Baberaham_Lincoln

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hmmmm.. PREDICTION!!! Vibe will get cancelled (hope it does -_-, him in JLA is enough already), leaving johns on 3 books!!! JLA, JL, Aquafresh... if he decides on doing a fourth.... PLEASE LET IT BE SHAZAM WITH GARY FRANK PLEASEPLEASEPLEASE ARHHARHAHRHHAH GODD MY FARTHH SMELLS D.....X

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ILLO_29

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Edited By ILLO_29

@Gambit1024: Yay, I touched on that as well. I wonder what is going on? I don't think they would up and cancel every series, I mean if red lanterns is still around then the other books can't be doing too bad.

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Omega Ray Jay

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Edited By Omega Ray Jay

Awesome writer and what a tremendous run, his work made me appreciate The Green Lantern.

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Equonox

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Edited By Equonox

This is a bummer, but the good news is that Johns did SO well in evolving the GL universe that his fingerprints will be all over the GL lore forever. He has really taken the GL mythos over and made it his own, and for that I'm happy. He has really been my favorite writer for the past 15 years (his run on Flash was AMAZING as well), and I'm excited to see where he goes to next =)

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comic_shaun

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Edited By comic_shaun

I thought of something like this already last week. Really nonplused about it, at least he's still writing Aquaman. Who knows? He might be writing something else.

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Squalleon

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Edited By Squalleon

I look on the bright side he said he will concentrate on JL which means we are about to get incredible JL work.

ToA is great until now and his plans with the Grid and the return of Despero looks awesome :-)

Even though i cannot picture GL without Johns :-P

He has been the writer for GL since before i read DC

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deadpool25mm

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Edited By deadpool25mm

@darkrider said:

noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

@The Stegman said:

Wow....just...wow....I did not see this coming at all.

@Icarusflies said:

NOOOO!!!!

@doordoor123 said:

This is bullish*t.

And this list just go's on and on... But I'll add too : NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOooooooooooooooooooooooo!!

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johnkmccubbin91

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Edited By johnkmccubbin91

Although it's time for someone else to have a shot at Green Lantern, I will still miss Geoff Johns on this series, as he got me into Green Lantern, and I can't thank him enough for the brilliant stories he's produced over the years.

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xtremekidx

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Edited By xtremekidx

really going to miss this guy on GL but i thin this is the right decision....better to leave on an exceptionally high note than to ruin a perfect run...

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JohnnyGat

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Edited By JohnnyGat

@alex6166 said:

First the Pope, now this. Strange days.

Geoff Johns eyeing for the position of Pope confirmed

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alex6166

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Edited By alex6166

First the Pope, now this. Strange days.

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TitanTempest

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Edited By TitanTempest

This is crazy. At one point I heard Johns say in an interview that he had a five year plan for GL. I hope he passes down some of his ideas to the next writer, so some material can live on. I started really reading comics with GL trades, so I wish for good things to come to the Green Lantern titles

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skooks

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Edited By skooks

Time to move on I guess but even so... :'(

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SoA

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Edited By SoA

:'(

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ReadItNow

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Edited By ReadItNow

I will need months of therapy !!! Thanks for the great run ---wipes

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jstndmnd

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Edited By jstndmnd

I am so glad he isn't leaving Aquaman! The best comic I have in my pull. I was just thinking the other day if Johns were to leave Aquaman I was most likely going to stop getting it! Sorry all you GL fans.

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Zeeguy91

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Edited By Zeeguy91

@KnightRise said:

NOOOOO! I was hoping Simon would be his new baby :((((((((((((((((((

Its been real. Thank you, BasedGeoff.

He'll still be Baz in JLA. I'm looking forward to it.

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Ren_

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Edited By Ren_

I think it's a good thing. Regardless of whether or not you like this work, there gets to be a point where a writer has told all of the stories they have on a character/mythos without rehashing stuff and growing stagnant. I think it's better for people to step out when they've told their stories and allow others to take charge.

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Zeeguy91

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Edited By Zeeguy91

@AtPhantom: Yeah, he's really not, though. He used to be my favorite writer a few years ago, but since then, I've had a few favorite writers. I'd say my favorite writer right now is a toss up between Scott Snyder, Brian Azzarello, or Mark Waid. I still respect Geoff John, though, and I respect peoples' opinion of him.

I would honestly say the same if this was news about any writer leaving a title, even if I didn't like him. If Scott Lobdell left Teen Titans tomorrow, even though I hate the direction that title has taken under him, I wouldn't post saying that his run was utter garbage because some fans might get offended. I have no problem with people saying how they feel, I just have a problem with the way they've gone about doing it, which has basically been responding to fans and basically telling them that they liked garbage.

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spiderbuck1

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Edited By spiderbuck1

NOoooOooOoooooOOOO00OO00!!!!

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KnightRise

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Edited By KnightRise

NOOOOO! I was hoping Simon would be his new baby :((((((((((((((((((

Its been real. Thank you, BasedGeoff.

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Cavemold

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Edited By Cavemold

wow crazy

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MadeinBangladesh

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Edited By MadeinBangladesh

Welllll He is writing GOD DAMN 5 DC titles!!!! He is crazyy. I respect his work ethic

Mad Respect

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brightstarr731

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Edited By brightstarr731

Well, I may be a dolt, but I think the Green Lantern mythos has grown too "epic".

I miss the days when he was just a space cop. I really don't like the Jesus Christ persona Hal has now. I really don't like the long ongoing stories. I miss the one shots that were just fun to read. I think the rainbow of different corps is pretty dumb too.

I think it is just an example of the disconnect in DC stories in general. Earth seems petty and dull compared to all the events in GL - until you act like GL doesn't exist. Then the DC universe is cool again.

I love Hal, but he died and should have stayed dead.

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Gambit1024

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Edited By Gambit1024

Guys, it's not just Geoff Johns. It's everyone working on GL titles:

GREEN LANTERN #20

Written by GEOFF JOHNS

Art by DOUG MAHNKE and CHRISTIAN ALAMY

Wraparound cover by DOUG MAHNKE

1:25 B&W Variant wraparound cover by DOUG MAHNKE

On sale MAY 1 • 64 pg, FC, $7.99 US • RATED T

Combo pack edition: $8.99 US

It’s the final battle against the First Lantern and the Guardians in this, the extra-sized finale of Geoff Johns’ historic run on the title! Plus, don’t miss a special retrospective on Geoff’s run on GL!

Retailers: This issue will ship with three covers. Please see the order form for more information.

This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digitaldownload of this issue.

GREEN LANTERN CORPS #20

Written by PETER J. TOMASI

Art by FERNANDO PASARIN and SCOTT HANNA

Cover by ANDY KUBERT

1:25 B&W Variant cover by ANDY KUBERT

On sale MAY 8 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

“WRATH OF THE FIRST LANTERN” epilogue! In the aftermath of their battle against the First Lantern and the Guardians, it’s up to Guy Gardner, John Stewart and the other survivors to try to put the Corps back together, or decide if there should even BE a Corps anymore. Join Peter Tomasi and Fernando Pasarin for the epic conclusion of their run!

Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for more information.

GREEN LANTERN: NEW GUARDIANS #20

Written by TONY BEDARD

Art by ANDRES GUINALDO

Cover by AARON KUDER

1:25 B&W Variant cover by AARON KUDER

On sale MAY 15 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

“WRATH OF THE FIRST LANTERN” epilogue! As a White Lantern, Kyle played a crucial role in the battle against the First Lantern and the Guardians. But a loss they suffered in the battle has left Kyle devastated, throwing off the control he had over the entire emotional spectrum. Has his time as a White Lantern ended before it’s truly begun? Find out in the conclusion of Tony Bedard’srun!

Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for more information.

RED LANTERNS #20

Written by PETER MILLIGAN

Art by WILL CONRAD

Cover by MIGUEL SEPULVEDA

1:25 B&W Variant cover by MIGUEL SEPULVEDA

On sale MAY 22 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+

“WRATH OF THE FIRST LANTERN” epilogue! Following the battle against the First Lantern and the Guardians, for the first time in centuriesAtrocitus feels peace. What could possibly calm his legendary rage? And more importantly, what does that mean for the Red Lanterns? A surprising turning point for Atrocitus and the Red Lanterns in this, the conclusion of Peter Milligan’s run!

Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for more information.

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QuantomMan

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Edited By QuantomMan

NNOOOOOO!!!!!