Green Lantern #16 by writer Jeremy Adams and artist Xermanico continues the intense action from the Green Lantern Civil Corps Special, delivering part two of this thrilling story arc. This issue ramps up the drama and excitement, providing the payoff fans have been waiting for after the buildup in both the main Green Lantern series and Green Lantern: War Journal. Adams and Xermanico waste no time, kicking things off with the aftermath of a planet-sized collision that sets the stage for even bigger threats. With the Green Lanterns regrouping and DC’s “All In” initiative in full swing, how will they handle the looming danger posed by the United Planets under Durlan control? Let’s break it down.
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In the Green Lantern series, we’ve seen Lord Thaaros demonstrate the ability to control Lanterns and manipulate their powers and colors across the Emotional Spectrum. His use of this power came to a dramatic head at the end of the Civil Corps Special, with a Red Lantern Mogo on the horizon. Green Lantern #16 picks up the pace from there, opening with the shocking destruction of the planet Thanagar. This is where artist Xermanico shines, delivering powerful visuals of lifeless figures drifting in space. Writer Jeremy Adams smartly lets the art speak for itself, avoiding unnecessary narration and allowing readers to feel the weight of the tragedy. The opening scene, focused on the haunting gaze of a Thanagarian soldier, emphasizes the gravity of these events.
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The rest of the issue gives us something that has been missing for quite a while: Hal Jordan and John Steward teaming up as Lanterns. I appreciate the expansion of the Green Lantern franchise, but some of the series have been cumbersome in terms of story and lore. When the New 52 started, we were lucky to have several Lantern series, but when the creative teams changed, they didn’t keep that momentum. When it was Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps series, we were lucky to have multiple Lanterns working together. Adams is tapping into that as it shows us that we care about these specific ring-wielders because of their character.
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I appreciate that Jeremy Adams is trying to capture that in this volume by creating a threat that would need to unite the crazy amount of Earth Lanterns. The evidence is there, as Adams and Xermanico show us Guy Gardner’s side mission of helping Lanterns escape and the banter between him and Jo Mullein. Even though Carol is not a Green Lantern, the story about her journey invests in her character, making her worthwhile in this Emotional Spectrum mess. Even Star Shroud, Varron, from Phillip Kennedy Johnson’s War Journal, is shaping nicely into a deadly part of this story. Seeing these story parts come together from the two series and create more character interaction is excellent. If the momentum from part one to two can continue, then part three will be a sight!
War marches on as the Civil Corps battle rages! Thanagar is gone, putting the heroes in quite the spot. Hal and John team up to show readers why they make a great team, and Carol is starting to blend her skills and powers as her path thrusts her forward. While the characters grow and showcase, the villains and threats keep coming, looking like they will be unyielding. Plus, another character makes their return to the series, and they could be a significant key to success. Jeremy Adams delivers character and drama, while Xermanico packs it with action and style.
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