Written by: Robert Venditti
Art by: Rafa Sandoval and Jordi Tarragona
Publisher: DC Comics
Another week, another new #1. That may sound slightly rude at first, but I only mention the fact because DC has been cranking out these new issues at an astounding rate. Most of them have been pretty great. The latest issue released is Hal Jordan #1, which follows a new adventure with the best member of the Green Lantern Corps.
Hal Jordan #1 is all about the mysterious disappearance of the Green Lantern Corps. Almost the entire group is just gone, and Hal Jordan is the only survivor. Unfortunately, this disappearance has also created an absence of power that the Sinestro Corps Is only too quick to fill. Although this latest iteration of the SInestro Corps starts out as a mostly peaceful group that is focused on doing good throughout the galaxy. Most of this is owed to Sinestro’s old age and trick back, as well as his good-willed daughter.
This being a story about the Green Lantern Corps, things just have to go badly at some point. A routine beatdown of bad guys turns into a frightening close call as Hal experiences something quite terrible. This menace is entirely new, yet slightly familiar, and it pushes the story along fairly well.
Hal Jordan #1 is a fairly straightforward comic without too much special going on, but the story is still pretty enjoyable. Key themes like fear are very familiar, and yet Robert Venditti mixes things up just enough to keep it interesting. It definitely helps that Hal Jordan is the best Green Lantern outside of Kilowog, and it’s nice to see a story stay focused on him. The most popular character in this series has always been well written with a decent amount of humor in his personality. This lightheartedness definitely helps even when the worst things imaginable are happening.
One aspect that truly helps out Hal Jordan #1 is the art. Rafa Sandoval and Jordi Tarragona have a very specific art style that I love, and they easily differentiate between the different Lanterns and their colors. Plus, there is a whole segment with Sinestro that is quite impressive.
At first, I was pretty ho-hum about the whole issue, but I actually came around on Hal Jordan after about three reads. Most of the characters are solid, minus Lyssa, and Venditti’s story is solid. The helpful part is that there are a few details that you only notice after reading the issue multiple times. Hal Jordan #1 is worth reading, especially after you see the ending.
