Sinestro has been made into a complex character over the last few years. Originally designed to be a former Green Lantern that decided to abuse his power and rule his planet with a (green) iron fist, he soon became one of the Green Lantern's greatest villains. As his character received updates in the 80s and recently in Green Lantern: Secret Origin, we got to witness more of his time as an actual Green Lantern. We saw that he was indeed a great member of the Green Lantern Corps.
Not satisfied with the emotionless control and direction the Guardians of the Universe insisted on taking, this is when he changed and fell from grace. Recent events in Brightest Day and War of the Green Lanterns has shown that there is more to him than just being a villain dressed in yellow. It's also been made clear that the Guardians haven't always made the right decisions.
Last week's Green Lantern #67 has changed everything. The change is one that many have seen coming but never thought would happen. Regardless, the results are still shocking to actually see and we're left wondering what will be the final fate of Sinestro? (Note: there will be spoilers below).
== TEASER ==In comic books, characters often switch sides. We've seen villains turn into heroes and heroes turn into villains. In some cases, as with Sinestro currently or previously with Hal Jordan, we'll see a hero turn into a villain and then turn back into a hero. Now it is time for Sinestro to undergo another change. The change has been made without him actually realizing it.
In order to deal with the threat of Krona, who had become even more powerful at the end of War of the Green Lanterns, Hal Jordan made a tactical decision in how to resolve the situation. This did not go well for him. What we saw during was a change in Sinestro. He was no longer the one-dimensional villain often seen in the past. The fact that he has been willing to set aside his differences and work with Hal and Carol Ferris during Brightest Day (in search of the White Entity) says something for him. Sinestro isn't a true villain. He just has strong beliefs and thinks he knows the best way to deal with things.
Sinestro has a firm believer in the Green Lantern Corps. He knew inside the potential they possessed and that they could bring order to the galaxy. It was just his methods that needed a little work. At the end of War of the Green Lanterns, something changed in Sinestro. He might have had some respect for Hal Jordan in the past during their numerous encounters but it was here that he finally allowed it to come to the front of his mind. Seeing how far Hal was willing to go for the sake of the Green Lantern Corps reminded Sinestro what the Corps meant to him. This is why he was chosen to become the newest Green Lantern. As was the case before Mogo sent off the rings to new recruits, the ring chose Sinestro to become a Green Lantern.
Heroes turning into villains turning into heroes. How long will this last? Hal Jordan is going to have quite a time adjusting to his new situation. Hal has been seen becoming addicted to the power of the ring and the feeling that he was the only one that could save the universe. Sinestro now has to deal with being a Green Lantern once again. Is this something he can fully embrace? Knowing Sinestro, it's clear that he would not agree with what happened to Hal. While he may not agree with the Guardians and the decisions they make, it would be easy to see Sinestro doing his absolute best to restore the Corps to where he feels it should be. Knowing that he has been chosen and has been given another chance, he will once again become one of the greatest Green Lanterns around.
How long will this last? The Corps has gone through some changes since he was last a member. They now are sanctioned to use extreme force if the situation calls for it. If he can stay relatively close to the guidelines the Guardians wish the Corps to follow, Sinestro shouldn't have a hard time keeping his sector in line. But where will he fit in with the rest of the Universe? What will the members of the Sinestro Corps think? They despise the Guardians and the GL Corps so seeing Sinestro back in green will be interpreted as a sign of betrayal. Who is going to step up into his shoes and lead this Corps? Will this mean more trouble for the Universe to have them running around without Sinestro's focused guidance?
I may not be a fan of villains turning into heroes, Sinestro may be a different case. This is quite a shake up and we all have the feeling that things with him and Hal will return to normal eventually. For now, there is a lot of potential in this. Sinestro is getting a chance to redeem himself even if he didn't realize he wanted the opportunity. Hal and the other GL members will have to deal and accept this change as they wait for Sinestro to crack and revert to his evil ways. Change can be a good thing once in a while. Sinestro as a Lantern will definitely shake things up and give us something a little different that what we've been seeing lately.