Green Lantern #20 features a script that reminds me of the legendary Tales of the Green Lantern Corps, adventures across Outer Space and how the Green Lantern Corps’ involvement affected their day-to-day lives. Sometimes, the stories were about the ring-wielders, the bad guy, or someone random. In this case, it showcases the intersection of a man with horrible luck giving into his emotions, and with the Emotional Spectrum going wild, Rage takes hold. In this offbeat, emotional story, artist Jack Herbert joins current creative team members Jeremy Adams and Romulo Fajardo Jr.
Green Lantern #20
Within our preview of the issue, you can get a glimpse of the situations that trigger Erastus to wield the crimson flame of Rage. Jeremy Adams doesn’t let up on the new character. Instead, we witness how all the aspects of Erastus’ life suck and take advantage of him. While it is a classic setup, creating a “morally grey” character for which we want to root is still a wise choice. The origin situation puts Erastus in league with Atrocitus. It also helps to keep the Red Lanterns as a worthwhile set of characters instead of a group of “Solomon Grundys being mean in space.”
DC
I enjoy that Hal Jordan’s headspace is the thoughts we get. Adams does a great job of showing Jordan’s struggle to try and save Erastus, but when the turning point hits, it does hit hard. Artist Jack Herbert catches onto that and gives us a great, dark panel of Hal Jordan. That scene provides an excellent change in an officer’s mentality, going from serving to protecting. Overall, it is a beautiful tale, and it took me back to the story “Mogo Doesn’t Socialize,” but it has a darker twist. Hopefully, we get more offbeat stories like this during Fractured Spectrum.
DC
The other book portions help level out the somber tale with fun, humor, and hijinx. We get to see what Kyle Rayner, Superboy Kon-El, and Odyssey the Time Bandit do while Jordan is on his solo adventure. Adams gives the characters fun dialogue that helps to lighten the mood and get you back to a happier mindset as Kyle and Superboy compete for Odyssey’s attention. Their task shows off their abilities and gives artist Jack Herbert a chance to flex some skills, showing the heroes in action. All is perfectly wrapped up with a last-page cliffhanger that will make Fractured Spectrum a story you’ll return for.
Green Lantern #20 is an entertaining, suspenseful character issue that speaks to the history and Tales of the Green Lantern Corps. Jeremy Adams and Romulo Fajardo Jr. welcome artist Jack Herbert to the creative GLC and continue Fractured Spectrum. Here, we see the cautions of the Emotional Spectrum granting you abilities when in an uncontrolled state. Luckily, things are not so emotionally tasking as we get Kyle Rayner, Superboy, and Odyssey as they play Raiders of the Lost Ark, which gives lots of laughs and a nice even balance.
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