The last few years have not been kind to the Green Lantern Corps and Emotional Spectrum as a whole. The latest event, Civil Corps, left the Emotional Spectrum fractured even as the Green Lantern Corps finally made their return. With the universe in such an unknown state can the Green Lantern Corps return to their former prominence? Let’s find out with Green Lantern: Fractured Spectrum #1.
CREATIVE TEAM
Writer: Jeremy Adams
Artist: V. Ken Marion
Colorist: Romulo Fajardo Jr.
Letterer: Dave Sharpe
GREEN LANTERN: FRACTURED SPECTRUM #1 SOLICITATION
“Following the events of the Civil Corps, a new era in Green Lantern mythology begins! Once again, Oa has become the epicenter of the Green Lantern Corps, bringing justice to the furthest corners of the galaxy.
But a new threat has emerged: beings that manifest uncontrolled parts of the emotional spectrum have randomly appeared throughout the universe. Dubbed Fractal lanterns, Hal and a reformed Green Lantern Corps set off to police this strange new phenomenon while uncovering a sinister plot that could eliminate the very essence of sentient life.” – DC Comics
REVIEW
Green Lantern: Fractured Spectrum #1 plays two very important roles. It is a reset for all the characters involved while also moving things forward to what their futures will be. This is not the easiest balance to hit on but Jeremy Adams and V. Ken Marion are able to manage. They manage it to such a degree that a strong, new foundation is established for the franchise.
Getting the chance to have a reset is something that you immediately get the feeling is what these characters have wanted for a while. The last few years, if not decade, things have been chaotic for the Green Lantern Corps. While not an outward celebration, there is certainly that feeling of Hal Jordan, John Stewart, and the others feeling refreshed by finally have a chance to reset things for themselves.
The biggest example of this refresh is the change in the Green Lantern Corps structure. Specifically, Jessica Cruz now stepping to a more leadership role after she proved herself in the last year she is best for this. It became clear Hal Jordan, John Stewart and other veteran Green Lanterns are carrying to much baggage to step into that role. With this new era there does need to need to be a new leadership voice. Helping this is that we do see Hal, John, and others give there full support and show pride in seeing Jessica as she makes her speech.
takes on Nathan Broome in his Sorrow form in Green Lantern: Fractured Spectrum #1. Credit: DC Comics
The one aspect of this that is going to be more wait-and-see is the role the new Guardians will play in Green Lantern. The Guardians taking on more of an advisory role is something we’ve seen before. This has always led back to the Guardians getting back into their normal form of control. Hopefully we don’t see that predictable angle and this new generation of Guardians look to not make the mistakes of their predecessors.
While it was good to see the Green Lantern Corps enter a new era not everything was pure excitement. The real impact of the Civil Corps War is seen through the fact the rest of the Emotional Spectrum has been fractured. That means most of the Lantern Corps are no more and because there is not that Power Battery structure for the entire Emotional Spectrum its caused a new power struggle in the universe. That power struggle is coming from people across the universe have gained powers through the Emotional Spectrum.
This new status quo made the appearance of Nathan Broome be important. Nathan Broome as the Sorrow is a strong example of how big of a threats the Green Lantern Corps will be facing with the chaotic state of the Emotional Spectrum. Seeing Nathan as the Sorrow dominate Guy Gardner and the others sets the tone for new villains that will be instant threats.
Adding in the hook of their being multiple versions of the Book of Oa based on the original Lantern Corps is an intriguing angle. This could lead to a new version of the Brightest Day, Darkest Night angle we saw in the 2000s. What this means for the other Lantern Corps will certainly be interesting to see.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Green Lantern: Fractured Spectrum #1 does its job setting a new foundation for the franchise. There is an entire vibe that we are entering a new era for the franchise that will be positive for the characters involved. The format of this one-shot also worked as an entry point for new fans to have a place to start reading the Green Lantern series.
Story Rating: 8 Night Girls out of 10
Art Rating: 7 Night Girls out of 10
Overall Rating: 7.5 Night Girls out of 10
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