Broken Frontier

Sins of the past continue to confront Hal Jordan, while the other Green Lanterns rally by his side.

We’re almost nearing the conclusion of this historic series revitalizing Hal Jordan’s return as the Green Lantern, and this issue was no exception as the drama continued to unfold. Much of it was dominated by Hal Jordan’s first full issue wearing the classic green and black once again from start to finish. It also didn’t hurt to have Kyle Rayner and the rest of the GL Corps showing up for good measure. So with the supporting cast set for another go-around, the fifth issue started off with a confrontation and set up an even bigger one for the last issue.

Now this confrontation is the inevitable one with the DCU’s long list of heroes, but I won’t spoil which ones for you. You’ll have to pick up next month’s conclusion to find out the answer. Anyhow, the events in the issue start off with a bang as Hal faces his greatest arch-nemesis Sinestro in a battle that is finally settled once and for all. Hal is a bit rusty at first, but it doesn’t take him long to get the feel of using the power of the ring as he wields it with ease against Sinestro. The really interesting aspect to this battle is the fact that Hal refuses to get gimmicky with the ring’s power base, and instead illustrates a more efficient use of power with the gracefulness of a pro golfer’s swing. It made for an entertaining battle throughout the issue and after it was said and done there is no doubt Hal is the greatest Green Lantern of all.

Again, much of this has to do with the brilliance of Geoff Johns. His writing here is top notch and I was especially touched with the brief exchange between Hal and Kyle. He really knows how to pull the heart strings and I thought it was a very touching moment, considering the lack of confidence Kyle seems to be having lately. It was truly a great shot in the arm for Kyle and I am also inclined to believe that Ethan Van Scriver has given us the same shot in the arm with his dazzling artwork. I couldn’t find any flaws with his work, and it keeps getting better with each issue. Ethan really knows how to handle and set the action up so expertly, and the tussle between Hal and Sinestro is played out in life or death fashion. You can’t get any better with work of this caliber, and if I have any complaints with Ethan it lies in the fact that he won’t be the regular artist on the ongoing series when it commences in late May.

So with all the big moments taking place in this landmark series, one can only wonder how many big moments can happen in this series given the next issue is the last one. I will be eagerly awaiting the conclusion of the series, and I suspect most of you devoted GL fans feel the same way too.

-Kenneth Gallant