Greenlantern # 16

Review by Rodney Ford

“Wanted: Hal Jordan (chapter three)”

Writer: Geoff Johns

Penciller: Ivan Reis

Inker: Oclair Albert

Colorist: Moose Baumann

Letterer: Rob Leigh

Cover: Ethan Van Sciver

Assistant Editor: Elisabeth V. Gehalein

Editor: Peter Tomasi

“Pilot Hal Jordan was chosen to represent an intergalactic police force created by the oldest beings in existence -- The guardians of the universe. Protecting earth and all of space sector 2814 from every extraterrestrial threat imaginable. Hal Jordan shines his light proudly as the GREEN LANTERN!”

Characters: Global Guardians, Rocket Reds, Green Lantern, Sentinel, Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Vixen, Black Lightning, Hawk Girl, Black Canary, Arsenal, Red Tornado, Captain Jillian “Cow Girl” Pearlman

Green lantern….. Just reading the title brings out the kid in me, and this issue doesn’t disappoint. Chapter three continues the “Wanted: Hal Jordan” story line, written by Geoff Johns. Once again Johns continues to seamlessly tie multiple characters into a free flowing and compelling story.

This issue continues with Hal trying to escape the faceless hunters and the Rocket Reds, as he tries to find Cow Girl, the justice league arrives to put a lid on the situation. The JLA engages the Rocket Reds as Hal explains what’s been going on. Sentinel confronts Hal, refusing to let him pass until he explains his actions. I won’t go into this much more, but I do want to point out how nicely Johns writes the interactive dialog between the JLA and Hal. This Reveals Wonder Woman’s light hearted attitude since Infinite Crisis and Hal’s guilt over cow girl getting shot down, as he puts it "she would be in this mess if I'd played it safe.”

On the other side of this issue you have Amon Sur attacking Edwards Air force base. I thought this guy was intense when Kyle Rayner took him on before becoming Ion, but I have a feeling Hal is going to have quit a fight on his hand next issue. What I find most interesting is that GL has is own prison where a few of his resent enemies are being held. I look forward to seeing the final show down.

Now I just want to say that I have been reading comics since the late 70’s and I’m happy to see the quality of artwork and printing improve as much as it has in the last 10-15 years. Ivan Reis has done a wonderful job of penciling on this entire run, especially on the full page spreads. I really enjoyed green lanterns constructs; the giant hawk taking on the Rocket Reds was outstanding.

The only complaint I had with this issue was with the inks. For the most part I like the inks, but on some of the panels they seem to dominate the pencils. Now the issue does appear to take place as the sun is setting, which may be what Reis and Albert where trying to pull off in this issue. Over all this is another great issue of Green Lantern and is a definite must have. If you haven’t read issues #14 and # 15 go pick them up, this story arc is worth reading.