In Absolute Green Lantern #6, Al Ewing and Jahnoy Lindsay deliver a much-needed soft landing for a series that has been a rollercoaster of emotions. This issue provides long-awaited answers and begins to build a solid foundation for the Absolute Universe’s unique take on the Green Lantern lore. While not a perfect issue, it successfully wraps up the first volume while leaving readers hungry for more.
The issue opens with a familiar face, Agent Chase, and her impatience is almost palpable. Waiting in a stark office, she’s a no-nonsense career woman who clearly doesn’t suffer fools, and her need for chain-smoking cigarettes provides a moment of relatable, if slightly tense, humor.
The real meat of the story, however, comes from John Stewart. Having evolved with a new yellow light energy, he provides a crucial exposition dump that redefines everything we thought we knew. We learn that Abin Sur isn’t just a fallen hero but a “judger of worlds” who chose Evergreen as a testing ground for potential light wielders. The visual of these “chosen” floating in a multi-colored void is a striking and memorable image from Lindsay, who consistently delivers impressive visuals throughout the issue.
Ewing’s world-building takes center stage as we’re introduced to the four levels of light: Qard, Rao, Sur, and Aur. The names themselves are a linguistic puzzle, with “Abin” meaning “adept” or “guardian,” revealing Abin Sur’s true purpose as a guardian of the green light level. The emotional spectrum has been completely replaced by this new light-based hierarchy, with “Red” representing restraint, a fascinating subversion of its traditional meaning. It’s a lot of information to process, but it’s presented in an engaging and intriguing way.
The opposition, the Black Stars, is also introduced. They draw power from the “dark” or “Abin Qard,” wielding it as “The Weaponers.” Mogo, a Blackstar World, is presented as an appropriately menacing threat, rendered with a dark, foreboding color palette that makes it stand out. The use of color is a highlight of this issue, with green, red, yellow, and black all popping off the page, giving each scene a distinct and vibrant feel.
The dynamic between Jo Mullein and Hal Jordan is a highlight, and their friendship is a refreshing anchor in the midst of all the cosmic lore. Jo’s unwavering loyalty to Hal is heartwarming, and Lindsay’s art captures this beautifully. Jo’s mint-green glow bathes the pages in a cleansing light, creating a visually stunning contrast to the darker elements of the story.
The issue is packed with more surprises, including the introduction of Absolute Simon Baz, with a gimp mask that cleverly reinterprets his iconic look. However, the biggest surprise of all is the revelation that Cameron Chase is Jo Mullein’s ex-wife, a twist that redefines their relationship and adds a new layer of personal stakes to the narrative.
Absolute Green Lantern #6 is a successful course correction. While the series has had its ups and downs, this issue provides the much-needed context and world-building to make the narrative cohere. It’s a solid conclusion to the first volume that leaves readers with a clear sense of direction and the promise that with all the exposition out of the way, Ewing is finally ready to unleash the full potential of his reimagined Green Lantern Corps.
‘Absolute Green Lantern’ #6 Review: The Answers You’ve Been Waiting For
Absolute Green Lantern #6 is a successful course correction. While the series has had its ups and downs, this issue provides the much-needed context and world-building to make the narrative cohere.
