"Green Lantern: Blackest Night" #45 Reviewed!
"Green Lantern: Blackest Night" #45
Written by: Geoff Johns
Art by: Doug Mahnke
There is not a lot I haven't liked about " Blackest Night," thus far, but I will admit that this was not my favorite book that came out this past week. It was good, but Geoff Johns has written far better. Enough of the negativity though, let's focus on what was great about this issue! We open up to Green Lantern John Stewart hovering over this massive black planet with a Black Lantern symbol emblazoned on it's surface. The image is pretty compelling, and speaks volumes; but what, exactly, does it mean? Unfortunately we do not find out in this issue, as there is a digression away from this scene which we never return to. This particular issue is primarily about Carol Ferris, which is pretty neat if you are looking to learn more about her. I feel Ferris' character is often underestimated as well as undermined; but Johns depicts her as being pretty powerful. Love hurts, and you can tell that Carol knows all about that. It is an emotion that can empower as well as cripple you, and Johns really captures that aspect of Carol's character. She is clearly seen as being very powerful, which is noted in the way she overrides the commands of her ring; but the fact that her motivation is Hal Jordan can be considered a weakness. We open to her inner monologue which focuses on her relationship with Hal Jordan. This scene she really emphasizes the importance of Hal in her life, and that the primary reason why she is a Star Sapphire is because she wants to help him. While I commend her character for being selfless in that she wants to put another person's life before her own, why does he have to be her motivation? Why can't Carol love being a Star Sapphire and appreciate all that it represents? You have all the power in the world and the only reason you roll out of bed in the morning is because you're crazy about this man who doesn't love you anymore? PSSHH, girl that's weak; not to mention a bad example for little girls everywhere.
There is a great scene in this issue that showcases Carol's power and really delves into the more sensitive side of Sinestro; (I know, I didn't think he had one, either). It is hinted toward the end that the Indigo Tribe will hold a pretty prominent role in the upcoming issues, and that they will play a major part in the Blackest Night story arc. As I previously stated, this issue does a fantastic job showcasing Carol's power and I really enjoyed that. While I feel that it was a fun read and for the most part really well written, I am unsure whether it is essential to your reading of Blackest Night. What did you think?