The planet Xudar was recently invaded by Starro with Larfleeze behind it all and without the aid of the Green Lantern Corps they would have surely perished. Then again, the planet was only attacked to trap the Green Lantern Corps, but that’s another conversation entirely. This issue focuses on Xudar years later as a reaction to the attack from Starro–is it good?
Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps #13 (DC Comics)
So what’s it about? The summary reads:
“HEROES”! See the majesty and heroism of the Green Lantern Corps from the point of view of a planet in desperate need of their power. Set far in the future, this issue is packed with clues about what’s around the corner for Hal Jordan and the rest of the Corps!
Why does this book matter?
Robert Venditti writes a done in one issue focused on the people of Xudar, which is a wonderful way to flesh out its people. With the aid of artist K. Ken Marion, they aim to add a bit of nostalgic good vibes in how the Green Lanterns make the universe a better place.
Fine, you have my attention. What’s good about it?
Earth needs more jet packs.
This was a surprise issue considering Venditti has been rolling the story along at a fast clip, but it serves as a way for the series to take a breath and honor what the Green Lanterns do. Told via a grandmother telling her grandkids the story of when Starro took over the world, Venditti captures the respect the people of Xudar have for the Green Lanterns, but also the amazing thing they did to save their people. As the grandmother tells the bedtime story the issue recounts what happened over the last few issues. There’s also a fun reveal of what is to come for the Green Lanterns (with a few big surprises) as this story is told from the future. This serves as a recap of sorts and it comes complete with a sweet ending that’s hard not to respect.
Marion draws a good issue with great inks by Paul Neary and Dexter Vines. There’s an attention to detail throughout the book, from the kitchen the grandmother is washing dishes in to the grotesque Starro face huggers. The eyes of the grandma in some scenes are fantastic as Marion peers into the character’s personality. Considering how many panels and pages host the grandmother and her grandchildren, it’s important to establish their very real looking lives.
It can’t be perfect can it?
Serving largely as a recap, the issue doesn’t host much entertainment value for those who read the last story arc. It’s certainly nice to see how the Green Lantern Corps help the average person, and see how they are respected, but the issue feels like it’s more for a new reader jumping in than anything else. It’s a sweet story and it is very self-contained, but it doesn’t feel necessary either.
It’s also somewhat misleading to sell this as Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps. Save for a quick scene or two (which recap the last few issues) there isn’t much action to speak of. It’s largely about the grandmother telling the story.
Sweet detail in this kitchen.
Is It Good?
This issue is certainly a good done in one issue that shows how the Green Lantern Corps are very important in the universe. The story is a nice way to reflect on what the Lanterns did, though it recaps what just occurred, which makes its purpose questionable.
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