An encyclopedia of characters
caveat lector- The other reviews that were done on this issue are fantastic, and this is not meant to disprove them in any way. Rather, as is the case with this entire series of reviews, is meant to remind possible Green Lantern initiates as to the quality of this arc as well as die hard comics fans of its timelessness.
In Brief- Hal goes on a trip to Oan bootcamp. Meanwhile back on terra firma Hector and Atrocitus start mucking things up.
The Writing- Okay, so far we have noticed how great the characterization of Hal Jordan has been. The everyman, the normal guy, the thoroughly human, fallible character who has job problems, family problems, and never really expected anything fantastic to happen to him. Due to the fact that this character and the relatively normal, workaday world that he inhabits was so well described in the first issues when he leaves Earth and heads to Oa it is that much cooler. Again, like the previous issues, his reactions are so verisimilar its uncanny. Hal is so human, so relatable, that his reaction to these amazing experiences really brings to mind what our reactions would be.
Also, as has been the case with this entire series thus far really, this is not a high- action issue. Not a lot of tension, not a lot of explosions, this is more of an introductory episode. The only 'action' part of the story happens in one page when Atrocitus ambushes a group of hapless soldiers. But, that being said, this is not a bad thing. Actually, rarely are slower, character- based issues a bad thing. If every issue were as thrill-packed and morally ambiguous as, say, Batman or as universally portentous as Superman then we would constantly be reading the same material and would likely wish for our own painful deaths. But no, this is a 'breather' issue, and they are wonderful. We meet great characters (Kilowog, Tomar-Re, Ke Haan, Salaak, Sinestro), are introduced to fantastic locales and key plot points (Sinestro is on his way to earth, Hal becomes an official Lantern) even if we are not completely blown away by how traditionally exciting it is.
The Art- great stuff. The best part of the entire issue and Reis' work is our first glimpse of Oa. The scale, the color, the magnitudinous of it all. We get the sense just how out of place Hal is in this world, surrounded by more experienced Lanterns and unfamiliar architecture (this makes his bravado and punkishness with Kilowog all the more hilarious/impressive). I mean, just to see how great this art and coloring is compare and contrast the earth panels with the Oa panels. Note how the entire feeling changes, how earth is more dull, more muted and a little 'dirtier' in terms of the lines and shading. Then take a look at Oa- pristine, smooth, sleek, clean. Makes Hal's transition more meaningful, adds to the thematics of the thing (Hal is out of place in this alien world, how can he ever succeed? How can he not be afraid?)
The Star of the Show?: Kilowog! By far the most interesting character that we are introduced to at length in this episode. Here is the introduction; Hal just gets fast-tracked to this alien world, completely out of his element, everything is surprising, and his ring drops him in the mud right in front his friends (I mean, this is almost like a high school movie). Who is the first person that he meets? The most imposing Green Lantern in existence. Just look at the scale! When Kilowog taps Hal with his finger his (Kilowog's) hand is bigger than Hal's head! Of course right after this Hal decks him with a boxing glove (go Hal!) but Kilowog responds in kind. Cooler still is the fact that in this completely alien environment Hal finds someone familiar- a drill sergeant (brilliant touch by Johns). Kilowog is the ultimate drill sergeant, he is tough but you immediately like him. Whenever he comes on the scene from here on out, I feel a bit happier.
Overall: A slower comic, but a very necessary one. Lots of great characters, just fun. And there is nothing wrong with fun.
