Green Lantern Dark #3 finally comes here, and it brings a range of improvements from the last issue. Created by Tate Brombal, Werther Dell’edera, and Giovanna Niro, #3 introduces more of the Rina world. Along the way, they provide insight into what rarely makes this whole new Green Lantern tick. Unfortunately, Lina doesn’t seem to have an answer to herself.
Before going into the details of the issue, it is important to address the elephant-sized lanterns in the room. Maintaining a connection with monthly comics can be difficult enough, but the two-month gap between Green Lantern Dark #2 and Green Lantern Dark #3 is particularly dark. The initial problem was acceptable, but this could have been easily standalone. However, in question #3, it gets tiring. This book is certainly fun, but the gap is a great way to kill momentum.
DC Comics
The lack of momentum could be a real issue as the next issue is ready for a late April release. Before readers begin to entrust this series to the trade mountain, DC needs to put this together. Those who want to read the next question should reread the first two if they just remember the details of the story. This book does not attempt to provide a summary of previous issues. It is entirely with the reader. This is a lot to ask after a series of two months of delays.
With real-world issues out of the way, it’s time to finally revisit Lina’s story. As always, Lina is an absolute joy. She offers a unique look about what the Green Lantern is and does not sway in lore. Her personality is the driving force behind the story (even if she claims it is Lunet).
Speaking of Lunet, there was a major improvement in her character in Green Lantern Dark #3. It was nice to see her admitting her personal mistake, where she felt she had incredibly preached the last question. It’s a model for what Lina needs to be, and it makes her a lovely mirror. The antagonists in this issue serve the same function, and it’s great to see three different characters pointing to each of Rina’s flaws.
DC Comics
The art of Green Lantern Dark #3 remains spectacular. Even the first three pages alone create an entire world of action, with just the jagged lines and images of grotesque monster beings. This is a great way to showcase the issue that is completely focused on fighting the supposed monsters. It also serves as a great way to foresee the big twist in question. It may be easy to miss out on someone getting messed up to find the Green Lantern Dark hero, but it’s a great opener.
Additionally, this style is very unique, mixing simple styles with dark coloured shocks. All the battle scenes are incredible and the character designs remain top notch. Monsters in particular are as simple as they are effective. Certainly there are some points where the style leans a little too much in the sketchwork. The characters appear in two dots and circles on a full-size panel. But overall, the art fully conveys the chaotic nature of the Green Lantern Dark World.
DC Comics
Unlike the previous question, this was also not standard. The twist has been made before, but it is interesting to play with Green Lantern refusing to use her will. Procuring power from others, Lina is also an attractive element for any character chosen in the ring. In such a devastated world, finding light to others rather than to the self presents an immeasurable challenge. This is a great character decision that will undoubtedly lead to fascinating storytelling.
Of course, there are still other issues. The art is extraordinary in the place, but it feels very rushed to others. Some backgrounds are not defined at all, and characters fight in limited spaces. Some panels are difficult to read, especially if the text covers most of the available space. Even the monster transformation was hurt by the lack of space to truly show what was going on outside the brand’s morphing.
Green Lantern Dark #3 continues to prove why the book is an exceptional read. The world was the greatest characters, and creators worked diligently to ensure that even background stars remain important players. The art is incredibly unique, but lacking in some important places. This issue is definitely worth reading, but it will be much better read in trade.
“Green Lantern Dark” #3 Review
Green Lantern Dark #3
Green Lantern Dark #3 continues to prove why the book is an exceptional read. The world was the greatest characters, and creators worked diligently to ensure that even background stars remain important players. The art is incredibly unique, but lacking in some important places. This issue is definitely worth reading, but it will be much better read in trade.
Lunette reads this question much better and finds it to be totally interesting in reality.
Lina stands out. That hasn’t changed a bit!
It’s so much fun to watch this world slowly develop the cast.
There are many places where art appears to be in a very hurry.
A two-month delay between problems is painful.
