After a bit of a slow start, Green Lantern Corps sure has picked up over the last two issues. The action is almost been non-stop and with a very intriguing storyline developing, it looks like things will get worse before they get better for the Green Lanterns.
John Stewart and a handful of other Lanterns were left behind on the planet Xabas at the mercy of a powerful and mysterious new enemy. These new foes are nearly immune to the energy of the corps’ power rings. But what makes them even more dangerous is that they are empowered by their own emerald energy of willpower.
After a disastrous and costly battle, the majority of Lanterns are teleported back to Oa. John Stewart and a few others are left behind. With their rings nearly out of energy, Stewart surrenders to their enemies but instead of killing them, they are taken captive.
Back on Oa, Guy Gardner and Salaak interrogate one of the soldiers they captured during the battle. Their prisoner shows remarkable resistance and Guy finds it increasingly difficult to get any information from him. It is clear that strong measures are in order.
Some of the other Lanterns are finding it difficult to deal with survivor’s guilt at leaving their brothers behind and at the mercy of a ruthless enemy. Isamot Kol and Hannu are having the most difficulty dealing with their feelings and, like some of the other Lanterns, are plagued by nightmares.
John and the others are led through some kind of wormhole to some strange planet or another dimension. There they are forced to march across what the soldiers call “the emerald plains”.
On Oa, Guy Gardner is paid a visit by The Martian Manhunter who agrees to probe the soldier’s mind and find out who and want he is. It doesn’t take long for J’onn to discover who this mysterious new threat is. They call themselves The Keepers and they were once responsible for tending the Corps’ power batteries. He also makes another startling discovery. The Keepers are coming to Oa for the central power battery.
“Where was your Green Lantern Corps when Mars needed you? You Green Lanterns think you’re the ultimate authority in the universe, and I don’t enjoy helping you. But in this instance, we work for the same purpose. These warmongers could eventually threaten my adopted world, which I intend to prevent. I hold a special grudge for world killers.”
As I stated at the beginning of this piece, Green Lantern Corps had a slow but rather intriguing start. I didn’t dislike it but it seemed to drag a little at the beginning. Since the first issue this series has done nothing but get better. With epic battles and lots of ring slingin’ action this is probably one of the better of the Green Lantern titles so far.
I’ve particularly enjoyed the drama and the intricate story associated with these first few issues. Never having been a fan of Guy Gardner I am growing to like him in this title or at the very least I am tolerating him. All in all Green Lantern Corps #4 is a good romp and an excellent read.
Story by: Peter J. Tomasi
Pencils by: Fernando Pasarin
Inks by: Scott Hanna
Colors by: Gabe Elteab
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