Al Ewing and Jahnoy Lindsay are truly building something special with Absolute Green Lantern #4. This series continues to be a compelling, cosmic horror experience, easily one of the most intriguing and important Green Lantern stories we’ve seen in a long time. This issue marks a significant turning point, as it begins to dismantle the mystery of the giant construct covering Evergreen and the twisted machinations of Abin Sur.
Al Ewing, the mind behind comics like Immortal Hulk, is known for his intricate plots and philosophical depth, and he expertly toys with our conventional notions of heroes and villains. Here, Jo Mullein and Hal Jordan, two Lanterns with completely different ways of thinking, team up to face Abin Sur and free Evergreen. But the genius of Ewing’s writing lies in the growing dread that their actions might be playing right into Abin Sur’s larger plans.
This isn’t the noble, self-sacrificing Abin Sur we all know from classic Green Lantern lore. Ewing has brilliantly reimagined him as a visionary whose desires are otherworldly, beyond our understanding. The connection between Abin Sur and Evergreen is finally clarified in a twist that completely reframes the entire arc, introducing some deep metaphysical ideas about how living systems and Lantern law converge.
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The dynamic between Jo Mullein and Hal Jordan is a definite highlight. Their arguments over ethics are just as captivating as any action scene, written with a textured respect despite their underlying distrust. This friction not only moves the plot forward but also offers a fascinating look at what it means to be a Green Lantern in this new universe.
We also start to get some solid information about what Abin Sur has been up to, and knowing that Abin Sur isn’t traditionally evil, the reveal that he transported Guy, John, and others to Oa is an expected but very welcome surprise. Plus, that line, “God is not ring of light. It’s black zero… a dark circle around everything,” is just chillingly good, and the reference to Black Star is a cool nod for long-time fans.
One thing to note is that the series still jumps around with its plot, and it doesn’t always do so smoothly. One moment, Hal is good, and then suddenly he’s covered in black, evil, and trying to kill Jo. It creates a jarring reading experience at times.
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Jahnoy Lindsay’s artwork, while not always perfectly consistent in character portrayal, delivers a visually distinct and impactful experience. His style gives the characters, especially Abin Sur, a majestic quality, often making him look like a fallen god. Lindsay’s action sequences are sparse but incredibly impactful, focusing on tension, reaction, and emotional beats that evoke an anime-like quality when things inevitably get punchy. His art has improved from previous issues, largely because he now has so much more to work with. The action looks great, the colors are fantastic, and the cover is incredible.
Overall, Absolute Green Lantern #4 effectively escalates the tension and introduces some intriguing philosophical questions. Despite some erratic pacing, Ewing and Lindsay continue to deepen the unsettling atmosphere, building significant intrigue for what lies ahead.
Absolute Green Lantern’ #4 Journey into Cosmic Dread
Absolute Green Lantern #4 effectively escalates tension and introduces intriguing philosophical questions. Despite some erratic pacing, Ewing and Lindsay continue to deepen the unsettling atmosphere, building significant intrigue for what lies ahead.
