The penultimate issue of Green Lantern Dark is finally here, and Green Lantern Dark #6 continues its journey into the terrible darkness. A few months after pushing Lina Mori and her friends into the depths of their practics, the final issue finally introduced a broad sense of hope into the world. But just as Lina was able to finally regain the light in New England, Tate Blombar, Werter del Edera, Giovanna Niro and Tom Napolitano bring her back to Earth.
Where the fifth issue largely explored the ever-growing bond between the six main characters, Green Lantern Dark #6 was designed to tear it apart. The book, which has fulfilled its promise from the previous issue, is particularly impressive considering that all previous issues explore the hell that is already alive.
For the first time since Green Lantern Dark #1, Lunett’s purpose as a symbol of hope was actually really effective. Gar’s fear of her sudden illness feels truly effective as it is not difficult to grieve her rights with him. Tate Blombar’s willingness to sit with emotions allowed the book to feel tragic, without feeling as harsh as the reader rolls his eyes and looks away. It was a careful balance and Blomba pulled it apart here completely.
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Unfortunately, not all of this issue is completely effective. Kane, the brother of Lunett’s One Note, is none of the most surprising traitors after all. The book portrays his betrayal as a major plot, but should not shock readers at all, given that he spent the entire book railing against the Green Lantern. When every character in the book should have seen it come five times ago, it doesn’t stimulate the problem more.
But the other betrayals in this issue are completely perfect. It’s hard to see it coming, but hindsight makes it feel like an absolute necessity. The second traitor was now somewhat incompetent in some issues, but Green Lantern Dark #6 brings the character back to the forefront and certainly belongs. Just sitting in the first reaction to Green Lantern’s latest tragedy and it’s worth pausing after reading its devastating pages.
The twist that Lina may be drawing strength from the Lunet is also attractive. While it may not be perfectly consistent with existing Green Lantern lore, this is a book that features a ghostly version of Batman who happened to fight Merlin. It’s elseworlds for a reason, and that dimension makes this even more effective read.
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Of course, it is not the only drawing of this book. The artwork from Werther Dell’edera remains incredibly extraordinary. Sketch-like quality helps bring a sense of chaos to the world. This makes it even more difficult to see the reality in the universe from the operations of Desdemona. The two-page splash is even more effective as Dell’edera’s stunning bonfire mixes lightning, shadows and classic flames to create a truly unique atmosphere.
This is a truly effective issue that allows you to draw emotional connections to characters that previously felt stagnant. Even Kane, who wasn’t particularly interesting, spent his moment here. This also presents a rather long reading. This can cause other, mostly action-based comics to suffer, as it is difficult to skim problems quickly.
Even readers who have struggled to enjoy their previous issues should give Green Lantern Dark #6 a shot. That should be the penultimate issue for the miniseries. It can bring you the perfect climax. While Green Lantern Dark #7 certainly has an incredible amount of ground (especially with a plot twist at the end of this issue), this was the perfect way to prepare readers for Rina’s final journey into hell.
“Green Lantern Dark” #6 finally brings light
Green Lantern Dark #4
Even readers who have struggled to enjoy their previous issues should give Green Lantern Dark #6 a shot. That should be the penultimate issue for the miniseries. It can bring you the perfect climax. While Green Lantern Dark #7 certainly has an incredible amount of ground (especially with a plot twist at the end of this issue), this was the perfect way to prepare readers for Rina’s final journey into hell.
This is certainly worth the cost, I’ve read a long time.
It ties all the problem elements together with a neat bow, leaving enough material for the finale at the same time.
The book may not fit perfectly with Green Lantern lore, but it asks some notable questions about the Green Lantern Corps.
Kane remains very static and feels more like cardboard than character.
