Broken Frontier

Hal Jordan has his hands full while finding himself thrust in the middle of a dispute between two Manhunters.

I must say that I am totally enjoying the return of Hal Jordan as the Green Lantern of sector 2814. This issue marks the conclusion of his first major story arc in nearly ten years, and I must say I found it quite satisfying for several reasons. Not only did Hal stop a dispute between two Manhunters, but he also managed to get himself back onto the United States Air Force. So indeed his accomplishments here were far reaching.

His efforts began while attempting to stop the rampage of a new and improved Manhunter roaming around Edwards Air base. The struggle with this enigmatic machine started last issue, and Hal was seen getting kicked about like an old rag doll. Luckily for him an old prototype of the Manhunter showed up and joined the fracas, but it ultimately made things more difficult for our hero in green. The battle between all three raged on, spilling out from hangar 44 and eventually taking to the skies above Coast City. Hal eventually managed to subdue the new and improved Manhunter, before returning back to Edwards Air base in lieu of attempting to get his spot back on the U.S.A.F. roster. But while all this is happening, a foul plot is hatching in an unknown sector that I am sure will have greater ramifications for the Green Lantern in futures issues.

I think there is no doubt about the importance of this issue. Writer Geoff Johns has a long term plan in mind and he’s carefully laid his plans here. It will be interesting to see where he goes with this plot thread involving the Manhunters, but I am sure it will result in a cataclysmic space battle. I also found his dialogue refreshing, and it shows how good of a handle he has with the characters. The other interesting aspect here besides the writing, is the solid artwork of Carlos Pacheco. It looks like he’s finally hitting his stride here, and so far this issue is the best out of the three he has done. I wasn’t too keen with his work previously, but after seeing how crafted the action sequences with Hal grappling in the skies with the Manhunter– it’s made a believer out of me! You should check out this fantastic splash page about halfway through the issue that just totally knocked my socks off! It indeed appears that Green Lantern is back in action and he’s playing for keeps.

So if you enjoyed Hal’s return in Rebirth, then I think the same should apply here with the ongoing series. I know it’s only three issues in, but so far I am enjoying the long term story slowly unfolding in these pages. I can’t wait to see where the creative team goes with this, so why don’t you pick up a copy and come along for the ride? It’s going to be cataclysmic!