While “Fractured Spectrum” continues shaking up the Emotional Spectrum, Green Lantern Corps #4 takes a welcome detour to spotlight some sidelined fan favorites, like Guy Gardner, Simon Baz, and Teen Lantern (Keli Quintela). If you’ve been missing their unique energy, this issue delivers a fun, character-driven romp through the cosmos, Lantern-style. Writers Morgan Hampton and Jeremy Adams team up with artists V. Ken Marion and Amancay Nahuelpan to craft an adventure that feels like a post-crossover breather. This issue prioritizes personality over plot, and gives the cast room to stretch. These are the moments where legacy heroes shine, and the creative team cleverly uses that space. There’s heart, humor, and just enough weirdness to keep the pages turning.
DC
Guy Gardner steals the spotlight early with some classic Lantern comedy, getting assigned rookie alien Lantern Narf for field duty. The buddy-cop hijinks are fun, especially once Evil Star shows up to shake things up. Marion and Nahuelpan’s art blends seamlessly, so much so that you may not even realize there are two artists at work until the credits. Their expressive character work sells humor and tension, particularly with Guy’s over-the-top reactions and Narf’s alien eccentricities.
DC
Meanwhile, Simon and Keli’s side mission introduces the mystery of a Psionic Battery and the “mind maze” it unleashes. It’s a clever narrative device that gives us insight into both Lanterns’ pasts without relying on exposition dumps. The emotional beats hit well, especially as Keli continues to emerge as a curious, capable young Lantern who’s still figuring things out. Her presence makes me want to go back and check out her Young Justice (vol. 3) debut, while Simon’s inclusion offers a subtle reintroduction for newer readers or those who missed his earlier appearances.
What’s great here is that the story doesn’t fall into the trap of Lantern one-upmanship. Instead, it makes you care about these characters and the different things they bring to the table. Rather than ask who the “best Lantern” is, this book reminds you why they all matter.
This light, entertaining issue strengthens the broader Green Lantern narrative while standing solidly on its own. It’s character-focused, emotionally resonant, and opens the door to intriguing developments, without getting bogged down in heavy continuity. Whether you’re here for cosmic road trips, deep cuts from Lantern lore, or good old-fashioned superhero bonding, this one’s worth your ring charge.
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