REVIEW: Green Lanterns #51

Fresh off of a well-received run on Action Comics, Dan Jurgens has taken the reigns as the writer of Green Lanterns, as of the previous issue, #50. As a fan of Jurgens work since his days working on Booster Gold and later, the triangle numbered years of Superman, I was eager to see what Jurgens would do with Green Lanterns. While he doesn’t get the fanfare of other creators of his stature, Jurgens can always be relied upon to create compelling, logical superhero stories that rely on solid storytelling.

I thought the previous issue was well executed but felt slightly overwhelming. The main villain was built well and the mysterious tone was spot on, but there was a lot of world and character building that had to take place. It was a lot to digest, but it was intriguing enough, especially with how it ended, that I knew I would continue reading the series. This issue was different as it jumps right into the action. We follow-up directly with the Lanterns attempting to save Kada Sal, one of the Guardians (he doesn’t make it, it’s right on the cover…) as the Lanterns attempt to unravel what is happening. I don’t want to give too much away. However, you get the sense that the Lanterns feel overwhelmed and the nearly impossible death of a Guardian has them reeling. The issue has a lot of emotional character moments mixed in nicely with the action and you get the feeling that the stakes have been raised. Jessica Cruz, in particular, is given a lot of focus. She is one of the newer Lanterns, so she gives the reader insight into how the powers are used and how experienced and revered the other Lanterns are within this world.

Mike Perkins’ art is outstanding. The attention to detail is staggering and a joy to look at. The color work (by Hi-Fi) is also well done and elevates the art with nicely saturated green glows, ring blasts, layered rain, etc. As you would expect from a Green Lantern title, the sense of scale is tremendous and the Sci-Fi locations are varied, from underwater scenes to rain-filled moments on Mogo. In harmony with the darker tone and serious moments of the issue, the Lanterns are often rendered in shadow.

This issue continues to set up a major nemesis for the Lanterns and a huge sense of chaos looms over them. As a new-ish reader to this title, the sense of mystery was well executed. This issue along with the previous one are also good jumping on points for new readers. Having a familiarity with these characters helps, but we are learning about these heroes as we go along. Jurgens does a great job of showing their heroism through actions and it all feels very natural. They work as a team but don’t have to be lead. They are faced with struggles and leap to action as great heroes do. Each Lantern felt well-defined and ‘right’ the whole time. The characters are facing a serious threat and they behave as such. I appreciated that humor wasn’t added for humor’s sake.

Dave Sharpe’s lettering work is also deserving of praise. He has to deal with inner character monologue, various species dialogue, etc. Under less capable hands, this could be a mess, but it’s handled beautifully and I never had to consciously re-orient myself to who or what I was reading.

I give this issue 4 stars. It’s a well-executed issue with a lot of mystery and intrigue as well as gorgeous art. “Evil’s Might” is turning out to be a great storyline for new readers as well as existing fans to thoroughly enjoy.

[yasr_overall_rating size=”large”]

Written by Dan Jurgens
Art by Mike Perkins
Color by Hi-Fi
Letterer: Dave Sharpe