Green Lantern # 17

Green Lantern # 17: Wanted: Hal Jordan - Chapter 4

Geoff Johns/Ivan Reis/Oclair Albert/Moose Baumann/Rob Leigh/Elisabeth V. Gehrlein/Peter Tomasi
April, 2007 (released: February 28, 2007)
DC
$2.99

Plot Highlights: Amon Sur concludes his quest for his father's burial site. A Sinestro Corps ring seeks a bearer on Earth.

I have been following this series since # 1, pleased to have quality fairly regular Green Lantern adventures to read.

The cover to this issue sets up the expectation, or at least the possibility, that Amon kills Hal and gains control of his Green Lantern ring, the very ring that Amon's father bore before giving it up it to Hal as he died long ago.

Inside, the rediscovery of Abin Sur's burial site and what follows from that makes this an issue that fans of Green Lantern history will want to own. The appearance and actions of the yellow power ring from the developing Sinestro Corps are the highlights of the issue and should engage most general super-hero readers as well. The story gains ground on several fronts in exciting ways.

That said, a couple of the plot points, especially the insignificance of Ungaran head injuries to long term health and the details of a certain undercover operation, are best not examined too seriously and just accepted for the sake of the story or taken as humorous. Where is the Ungaran brain, if it isn't in the head? And if it is in the head, does it just grow back if obliterated? Is the undercover character known for the kind of skills required for that mission? It seems like a tough task. Never mind.

Still, Amon is surely boasting when he claims he has wiped out his former criminal organization by killing thousands, as that course of action does not make much practical sense. Why go to all that trouble and risk even if deranged and self-aggrandizing? Something happens later that encourages belief in his statements as true, but I am doubtful.

Artistically, there are quite a few splash pages and character close ups in this issue. I'm quite sure these will be popular with readers as they are mostly striking and enjoyable. Nevertheless, I feel a few of these shots could be pulled back a bit or given reduced page space. Some feel uncomfortably zoomed in while reading. While clearly intended to add reactions, drama and emphasis to the events, which they do well, some visceral impact is diminished because of their frequency. Overall, the issue works, so it is hardly worth mentioning. At least not to this guy, as he has other more pressing concerns:


Green Lantern consistently provides good action and art, and thoughtfully constructed story lines that seed and develop over time. I recommend this issue.