The Green Lantern #4 // Review
As if ripped straight from the pages of 2000 AD, Grant Morrison and Liam Sharp continue to launch Hal Jordan across the galaxy with this epic cosmic odyssey. Bolstering a vintage almost 80’s vibe for the title and setting itself apart from both contemporaries and predecessors, delivers a very unique flavor for readers of any caliber.
Told through a second hand narrator, this issue sets Hal against the Guardians of the Universe as he must now atone for his questionable actions in the previous issue. Continuing with the space cop procedural theme, albeit set in the far reaches of science fictional space, Jordan proceeds with his investigation while risking life and limb to save a Corps member from facing down a Sun Eater. Brand new villain, Controller Mu, works from the shadows as his plans begin to come into light while Hal Jordan makes yet another questionable decision and allying himself with the newly formed Black Stars.
Liam Sharp’s artwork has quickly become synonymous with this series and the title as a whole. His artistic sensibilities lend themselves excellently to the eccentric scripts from Morrison, creating a retro aesthetic not seen elsewhere on store shelves. The sheer amount of detail from Sharp is enough to absolutely pour over, while the colorwork of the legendary Steve Oliff bless the pages and bring them to life. The bombast and grandiose nature expected from Morrison is matched excellently by the exquisite pencil work from Sharp.
The mythical wordsmith continues to leave his mark on the title with yet another outlandish and exciting day in the life for Hal Jordan. Seeped in deep mystery as Morrison still slowly reveals more of his hand with each issue, this chapter seems to set the stage for what Morrison has in store for readers next. Proving to be the perfect match for Morrison yet again, his ability to world build on top of an already insurmountable universe is old hat for this comic god. Morrison continues to write out of his sheer love for the medium and this universe and its shines through once again.
Morrison and Sharp produce yet another absolute must read issue for the series. Their ability to work together and produce something truly magical stands as both testaments to their respective legacies as well as the Green Lantern mythos at large. Whether Morrison fanatic, honorary Lantern Corps member or just a fan of the medium this series expertly delivers something for everyone.
