Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews

Green Lantern #32
DC Comics
Johns, Reis & Albert

Green Lantern’s origin retelling rolls right along with the introduction of Sinestro and the expansion of Carol involved with Hal and the making of the villain Hector Hammond. This issue has an awful lot going on and on the surface provides an enjoyable and visually wonderful read. However, some points within this story still make for a patchy origin. When you consider this story was supposed to be the definitive origin then why do I keep finding glaring oddities?

Let me get past the whole feeling that I read all of this before. Between Emerald Dawn, Rebirth, Secret Files and a half of dozen other Requiem type issues I feel like all of this has been covered. I understand that some of this is needed for Blackest Night. That’s fine. I also don’t mind classic stories being retold with updated art and dialogue.

The issue starts with Hector Hammond messing around with Abin Sur’s ship and its engines. This, of course, backfires.

Next, Hal finds out the whole company is on strike because of the takeover by Ferris Air. Hal marches into Carol’s office (her father abandoned her to avoid the dirty work) and resigns in person. Carol breaks down and begs Hal to come back, but as a pilot. Hal can’t resist.

Next is the creature, Atrocitus, who killed Abin Sur, eating some corpse and laying the ground work for the black lanterns. He utters the name, “William Hand.” I don’t have a clue as to what that means.

The issue concludes with Hal and Sinestro meeting and having an ego filled discussion. Actually, it ends with the drooling Hammond entering into the lives of Carol and Hal, but the Hal and Sinestro interaction is the real cliffhanger as to whether they become buddies or fight each other.

As stated, on the surface this issue is a fast read. It’s got really great character interactions. It’s got some good seeds planted for future arcs. It also has excellent art. Seriously, good stories are made great with the art. This issue gives both. The depiction of Sinestro fits the ego perfectly. I can’t gush enough about the art.

Now for the complaints. Taking this arc as the baseline for Hal’s origin it has holes. Sinestro is the greatest Green Lantern. He has a massive ego. He has ultimate control of his sector and his ring. Why would he put up with any of Hal’s crap? Even if he sensed the rogue in Hal as it’s in himself, wouldn’t he put Hal on his ass? Wouldn’t Sinestro assert himself to show his ego? I think he would. Chatting is fine, but Hal flashed some major attitude and I think Sinestro would beat him senseless for it.

Hal has had a whole week of training. Even with him to become the greatest Green Lantern, it was clear that Oa had many Green Lanterns up to and above the task of taking him to school. Why would Hal take the exact same attitude with another Green Lantern? He’s already been proven that there is a whole new world out there with beings who can knock him into next week. Sinestro shows up and he goes right back to square one of egomania. You might feel this is consistent, but I find it unimaginative and it leaves the character of Hal Jordan to be one dimensional with no progression.

Ah, but for this review of this particular comic I probably shouldn’t complain about all the things I just mentioned. I only drag it up because this is supposed to be the real origin of Hal Jordan and in that regard I’d like it to be. On its own, this comic is really good. It’s not perfect as it does leave something to be desired in the action department, but it’s a really good issue.

You get some great artwork, a lot of Sinestro and a lot of Carol Ferris. Add in a sprinkle of Hector Hammond and this issue has a solid hold on the Hal Jordan universe. I would think any Green Lantern fan would be pleased with this issue. A new fan just might add this title to their pull list.

4 out of 5 geek goggles


Green Lantern #32