In Absolute Green Lantern #5, writer Al Ewing and artist Jahnoy Lindsay continue their slow-burn, horror-inspired reimagining of the Green Lantern mythos. The central conflict of the series gets a huge boost, thanks to a big showdown between Jo Mullein and Hal Jordan, who’s been transformed into something truly terrifying. It’s a standout moment, but after four issues that have followed a pretty similar beat, you can’t help but wonder: where exactly is this series headed?
The heart of this issue is a high-stakes confrontation between Jo Mullein and a radically transformed Hal Jordan. Gone is the man we once knew; now, he’s a hulking, terrifying menace consumed by the power of the Black Hand. This fight isn’t just about punching; it’s about the philosophical and emotional cracks that have been widening between these two characters from the start. Jo, still grappling with her own past pain and newfound powers, is forced to face a twisted version of a man she once knew. The visuals for this fight are incredible, with Jo’s lime-green blasts and Hal’s all-black form with glowing red eyes giving off a surreal, otherworldly vibe that feels straight out of an anime like Dragon Ball Z.
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This issue also gives us some much-needed insight into Hal’s descent. In a flashback, he unloads his gun on Abin Sur, who is still spouting the same vague warnings about fear. The chaotic gunshots, paired with the art, perfectly capture Hal’s mental state and his fury. This moment is what leads to him being gifted the Black Hand, setting the stage for the terrifying conflict in the present.
The issue ends on a major cliffhanger, with Jo taking Hal into the giant Lantern-like structure that fell over the town. Inside, a new, game-changing player is revealed: John Stewart. He’s been incubating inside the structure and has emerged with his own yellow-colored light powers. This reveal is a huge moment for the “Absolute” universe and promises to shake up the status quo.
Jahnoy Lindsay’s art is the star of this issue. His dynamic style amplifies the horror elements, using anime-inspired visuals to create dramatic expressions. The panels are visually stunning, especially the image of the “Black Hand” chasing Jo with a menacing, teeth-filled silhouette that feels genuinely terrifying.
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While the art and action are top-notch, the series still suffers from some major storytelling issues. The pacing feels disjointed, and characters often speak in such a roundabout way that it’s tough to get a clear grasp on what’s happening. Jo feels like a blank slate, Hal’s erratic behavior lacks a clear cause, and Abin Sur’s vague warnings leave readers more confused than intrigued. This lack of clarity can make for a frustrating reading experience, as the teases for future conflicts don’t land with the awe they should.
Overall, while the art and action of Absolute Green Lantern #5 are a definite highlight, the comic is held back from its full potential by ongoing issues with pacing and unclear character motivations.
‘Absolute Green Lantern’ #5 Review: Great Fight, Frustrating Read
While the art and action of Absolute Green Lantern #5 are a definite highlight, the comic is held back from its full potential by ongoing issues with pacing and unclear character motivations.
