Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps #44 // Review
Homicide has occurred within Iron Heights at the hands of the Darkstars, as the Green Lantern Corps are forced to find allies in unexpected places in hopes of taking down this rogue group of space cops. As writer Robert Venditti and artist Brandon Peterson continue picking up steam and creating a larger, more grand feel to this final story arc, past plot threads finally come together, from not only Venditti’s own run but even all the way back to the classic ‘Crisis on Infinite Earths’. As each Corps member of Sector 2814 sets out on their own quest for help, the stakes get higher as new foes step into the light to stand in their way.
While Rafael Sandoval’s art has always been an easy selling point for the series, Brandon Peterson’s pencil work continues to bring the high level of artistry the title has been known for. Peterson’s exceptional detail shows not only with the vast characters he works with, but also by his ability to distinguish each different location, portraying its own separate feel from one to another. The vibrant color work of Ivan Plascencia stands out most, helping to elevate Peterson's pencils and adding to distinguish between each area for the reader. Never cutting corners, Peterson is another great artist to have of the title and the final story arc.
This issue does an excellent job of attention to continuity while also managing to also be a great jumping on point for newer readers to the title. Spread out through the cosmos of the DC Universe, the Corps gather old friends and old foes within the mythos and the current run, highlighting important characters of the past. After the last two issues reintroduced the Darkstars, this feels like the true beginning towards the end of the run as everything begins to ratchet up. Adding to the overall run as a whole, this final arc looks to be the epic finale this series deserves.
Over the years, with the vast number of Green Lantern issues Venditti has worked on, his characterization and dialogue have always been the high point for the series. Venditti can juggle numerous fan favorites in any given issue, giving each one with their very own different attitudes and traits making them distinct from one another but still remaining true to character is quintessential to the series. As everything comes closer together for the finale in the next months to come, Venditti and team are sure to make it absolutely epic and grandiose.
