Absolute Green Lantern #12 – Al Ewing, Writer; Jahnoy Lindsay, Sid Kotian, Pressy, Artists
Ray – 10/10
Ray: Threats have been coming at the Green Lanterns from all angles, starting with Hal Jordan being possessed by the Black Hand before Jo even understood the power she was holding. That same dark power has now been harnessed by Hector Hammond into the Obsidian, a hulking monster powered by Todd Rice and driven by the villain himself – as it attempts to hunt down everyone with the power and everyone helping them. It’s already claimed the life of Agent Kari Wisom and sent the other Lanterns running, as Jo and Cameron continue to try to sort out their complex feelings for each other in the wake of their nasty divorce. I really like how messy all the relationships are in this book, including a flashback this issue that illustrates why things are still a little awkward between Jo and Hal. It makes everything feel more real as they face down increasing levels of cosmic threats.
This book’s take on Hector Hammond is pretty interesting, as it’s obvious that he’s going down the same path of playing fast and loose with his own body and mind, leading to mutation. But this version is much more sadistic, seeming to take joy in puppeting others. Each character here seems to have plenty of layers and secrets tucked inside them, and there’s a great reveal this issue about exactly what gift was left behind in Hal after he was freed from the Black Hand. The end of this issue brings in a major new player we’ve been seeing, and the reveal of his goal adds another huge element from Green Lantern lore – one that will likely have eldritch implications given this universe’s general tone. All the Absolute books do an amazing job of raising the stakes each issue, but grounding the story in phenomenal lead characters that are extremely easy to get invested in month after month.
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GeekDad received this comic for review purposes
