Here's proof that any comic book can be rescued by an infusion of good ideas and strong writing. The Green Lantern comic book is now one of DC's brightest stars, thanks to Geoff Johns rescuing Hal Jordan from comics purgatory. Hal had been stricken by a series of ill-considered character modifications, which began with Hal being turned into a mass murderer, then into the creature known as Paralax, then into the Spectre.
With the "Rebirth" miniseries, Johns brought Hal back to life, put him back in the green and black and white uniform, and restored the Green Lantern Corps to its original concept - an interplanetary police force.
The supporting cast was restored, including Guy Gardner, John Stewart, Kilowog, Salaak and many, many others. But rather than repeat the mistake of trying to crowd all those characters into GL's comic, they were farmed out into their own title - and a darned good one it's been, especially during the Sinestro War (which, if you missed it, was the best "epic" storyline in recent years for any comics company).
The latest issue of GLC tells the grim story of a serial killer (or group of killers) who is (are) targeting the families of rookie Green Lantern recruits. To get to the bottom of the mystery, Lantern Saarek is called in to use his unique gift - and it's an ability that obviously has ramifications on the upcoming storyline, "In Darkest Night." (Yep, he sees dead people.)
With a solid story by Peter Tomasi (including some nice moments with Guy Gardner) and strong art from Luke Ross and Fabio Laguna, this is a good effort and a prelude to bigger things.
If you can only buy one Green Lantern comic, stick with the original - but if you enjoy it, Green Lantern Corps is a good companion title, and gives you a little more green for your bucks.
Grade: B-
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