Of all the absolute books published by DC, the absolute Green Lantern may be the most unexpected plot twist. Not only does it present very different versions of Hal Jordan, Joe Muellin and John Stewart, but it may actually be the first time that Hal Jordan has actually been interesting as a character, but it presents the idea of Green Lantern like the epic of a superhero of the universe, rather than the epic of a universe horror. The Absolute Green Lantern #3 keeps it up even with a bit of brakes.
Like previous installments, Absolute Green Lantern #3 starts with a series of dark abstract images containing sketchy white rings surrounded by what appears to be endless darkness. It calls John Stewart’s name and tells him to be afraid…but Stewart struggles to come up with ways to break the dome surrounding his town. What he came up with is unexpected, but it is given an absolute twist and returns to the important weakness of the Green Lantern shape. And I absolutely love it.
I also love that Al Ewing continues to tackle the myth and historical themes of his comics. Ewing writes a monologue in which John talks about the stone of the philosopher. Considering that John’s wedding ring is a recurring image throughout the comic, it makes sense, but also tied to the changes Joe and Hal went through. Myths are repetitive elements of Ewing’s comics, including the immortal Thor, and only makes sense to appear in the absolute Green Lantern. This is a man who knows the power of stories.
DC
I also continue to fall in love with Janoi Lindsay’s artwork. Lindsay captures the wonders and horrors of the Green Lantern, especially in the sequence of battles between Hal and Joe. Owned by the power of the black hand, Hal forms it into a gun and fire. The effect is like a black hole that swallows the page. In contrast, Joe summons all her powers, forming the enormous green fist, the emerald energy, surrounding her body. John’s “test” at the Dome is literally filled with explosive moments, all the way to the final page.
These pages are where the stories are ordered. Up until that point, the absolute Green Lantern #3 was a rather slow burn in the story. But then things go in a scary direction. What makes this moment work is how unexpected it is. It reminds us that we are at a crisis rather than a shocking moment that involves readers. There is a real risk here that doesn’t match any other absolute books, but that’s why it makes them all unique and I’m glad that this continues to run.
Absolute Green Lantern #3 continues to dive deep into the horrors of the universe. This piece is a much slower burn than the last two, but it’s not so shocking. Ewing and Lindsay are creating something special here, and I’d like to know what it will turn out.
“Absolute Green Lantern” #3 is burned a little slowly until the end
Absolute Green Lantern #3
Absolute Green Lantern #3 continues to dive deep into the horrors of the universe. This piece is a much slower burn than the last two, but it’s not so shocking.
Ewing’s gift for exploring the power of myths and stories remains unparalleled.
Lindsay’s artwork provides equal anime-style battles and universe horror.
In its true absolute form, the tradition of the Green Lantern is a great surprise, and there is a huge twist that makes a lot of sense.
The burns were slightly slower than the last two.
