Change is hard, even for superheroes. While Kyle is settling into his role as Green Lantern of Earth again, Hal is readjusting himself to being an intergalactic outlaw (who didn’t do anything wrong). Sure, Kyle has been Green Lantern of Earth before, and Hal isn’t actually a wanted criminal, but change is hard! No one expects to suddenly be suddenly thrust into a change in their routine. And let’s be clear, they aren’t the only ones who have to readjust to things. Odyssey got a job! Well, here, Jeremy Adams, Ig Guara, and Montos all band together to delve into the next chapter of the Green Lantern mythos.
DC
While Jeremy Adams’ run on The Flash played into a bit of the nostalgia factor, this issue takes things into a different direction. Instead, this issue took an opportunity to lay the groundwork for where this series is headed. Sure, we could instantly jump into Kyle and Odyssey’s next threat they face, this issue takes its time grounding the pair. While Hal’s time on Earth was spent on him and Carol re-establishing themselves (before Absolute Power and onward), this issue focuses on building up this pair’s life too. Specifically, despite this being issue #34 in the series, it wound up feeling like a #1. Adams’ delivered an issue establishing what direction Kyle and Odyssey’s time on Earth might take as well as having Hal Jordan get into a bit of trouble. While there isn’t a lot of action that Kyle and Odyssey get into, I appreciated how low-key this issue was because it allowed for a gentle breather to recalibrate the series a bit.
DC
IG Guara and Montos did a great job blending styles together. While the two stories being told happen on literally different planets, the pair do a splendid job making their transitions feel seamless. This might not seem that important, but it can be incredibly jarring when multiple artists collaborate on the same story and utilize different styles of linework. The pair have a fluidity between their stories that helps reinforce the pacing of the issue, so it remains one of a steady, easy pace. Additionally, the colors provided by Romulo Fajardo Jr. are just spectacular. What better way to welcome Kyle back to California than with an issue full of bright colors to illustrate how cheerful things seem to be in Beverly Hills? The colors also help add a bit of depth to the intergalactic aspects of the story. Although some of the linework of character’s faces feels a bit jagged, the issue overall has nice art to help add life to the story.
Green Lantern #34 reads like a #1 in the best way possible. If you’ve been on and off from the title or have been hesitant to pick it up given how much back reading feels required, this feels like a solid jumping on point. While some background knowledge is still required to familiarize oneself with Odyssey, Hal’s predicament, and why Kyle is on Earth, these issues don’t cause the story to feel too jarring. Instead, Green Lantern #34 starts off the next arc quite well and offers some curious revelations readers will be eager to see unfold!
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