Green Lantern #13 – Jeremy Adams, Marc Guggenheim, Writers; Fernando Pasarin/Oclair Albert, Matthew Clark, Artists; Romulo Fajardo Jr, Matt Herms, Colorists
Ray – 9.5/10
Ray: This series has become a high-flying space adventure as Hal returned to Oa – but things turned very down-to-earth last issue as he reunited with Carol and the two of them sorted out their relationship, just in time for Amanda Waller to capture him as part of her shutdown of all superheroes. Now working with Thaaros, Waller wants answers about Hal’s unique ring – but she might not be planning to turn it over. Hal is trapped in a torture device, manned by King Shark, and finds himself pulling off a desperate gambit to escape. But that just leaves him without a weapon and behind enemy lines in the heart of the biggest anti-superhero operation the DCU has ever seen. No problem, right?
The rest of the issue is split between…well, everyone as they plan their next moves on Earth and Oa. Kyle Rayner continues to unravel as he attempts to maintain control of the entire emotional spectrum, while Jessica Cruz pushes past her fear to lead the resistance. Then there’s Alan Scott, who is working with the JSA as Task Force VII attacks – and Alan discovers that he may have a unique key in the Starheart to stop them. And then there are the villains, including Thaaros and Sinestro, all of whom have their own agenda – but they’re joined by a surprising figure who might just become one of Hal’s most personal enemies and the first new addition to the emotional spectrum in years. So much going on here, all of it great.
Then there’s the backup, which focuses on Thaaros – the sadistic Durlan premier of the United Planets. A flashback shows him as a child on the wrong side of a planetary coup, taught early that strength is the only thing that matters and that cruelty is to be admired. This could make him a sympathetic figure – except that he takes it so far that he becomes even more monstrous than his tormentor, displaying both a horrible sense of sadism and a growing madness that makes him a strong addition to Hal’s rogues gallery.
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GeekDad received this comic for review purposes.
