The Green Lantern #9 // Review
Grant Morrison and Liam Sharp continue to delve deeper into their own cosmic odyssey alongside legendary colorist Steve Oliff. Taking Hal Jordan further into corners unknown and unseen previously, this title continues to continually defy expectations and add a much-needed breath of fresh air to the market. Each issue is denser than the last as Morrison lulls the readers into a false sense of comfort before completely blindsiding them with an unexpected concept or idea. Sharp delivers his absolute best work to date, each page could stand on its own as separate works of art while Oliff ties it all together with his beautiful, lively hues.
On a far off galaxy on the planet Kranaltine, a group of heroes known as the Superwatch fall before an adversary of grand cosmic scale. Seeking the aid of the Green Lantern Corps, Hal Jordan finds himself on his own adventure across Sector 2814. In an ode to the sword and sorcery genre as well as a touch of Dungeon and Dragons, Hal finds himself against none other than Abin Sur. Having watched Abin Sur die before his eyes before taking on the role of Green Lantern, Hal knows this is not his Abin Sur. Hailing from Earth-20, this Abin Sur seeks the aid of Hal Jordan alongside the rest of the Multiversal Green Lantern Corps.
In what can only be described as sheer master class artistry, Liam Sharp continues to elevate the already genre and mythos defining story to even greater heights. Standing apart from any contemporaries on any iteration of the title, Sharp puts his own lens onto this corner of the DCU and ultimately makes it his own. As if straight from the pages of 2000AD this series and Sharp’s work as a whole continue to defy expectations and deliver exceptional work to the table. Legendary Akira colorist Steve Olof continues to absolutely drench each page in sheer beautiful with his astonishing color palettes.
Standing as yet another opportunity for readers to jump onto the title with this brand new story arc, Morrison continues to stray away from the current decompressed style of comic writing, a much-welcomed change. Rather than slowly feeding bits and pieces of the story to a reader, Morrison leaves dense issues for fans to read and read as they await the next. With each read, more information and context can be uncovered, much like any other Morrison, albeit a bit more straightforward with this current run.
While the first season nears its finale, one can only hope this duo will be inspired to carry the title passed the initially solicited 24 issue run. In what has been affectionately coined All-Star Green Lantern, fans support and affinity for this title is at an all-time high with this unique brand of space justice. Morrison and Sharp continue to drive home the modern day classic. Not only a high point for the Green Lantern mythos and DC comics currently, but a series and run that will stand the test of time.
Grade: A+
