‘Green Lantern Corps’ #2 Review: John Stewart Faces Off Against Atrocitus’s Fury

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In Green Lantern Corps #2, Jeremy Adams, Morgan Hampton, and Fernando Pasarin plunge us into the shattered ruins of Thanagar, where the Green Lanterns, now joined by Hawkwoman, face a double threat: the raging fury of Atrocitus and the perplexing power of the Fractal Lantern. Could Thanagar’s destruction hold the key to the Fractal Lanterns Saga? Let’s find out! 

Arriving through Hyperspace, John Stewart, Kilowog, Razer, and Hawkwoman arrive at a desolate Thanagar, the result of Thaaros’s manipulations of Mogo. They see Atrocitus’s ship drilling the planet, seeking Nth Metal. They encounter former Red Lanterns Bleez, Nite-Lik, and a simian ally outside. Stewart and Shayera infiltrate the ship, facing Dexstarr and navigating personal tensions. Meanwhile, Kilowog and Razer track the Red Lanterns to the planet’s surface. 

Down below, Bleez’s team unearths their Nth Metal prize. Atrocitus, alerted to the intruders, sounds the alarm. Hawkwoman, pressed for time, smashes through to the control room, revealing a surprising captive Red Lantern, powering the ship. Atrocitus attacks with rage constructs, engaging them in a fierce battle. On Thanagar’s surface, the Sorrow Lantern attacks, draining Bleez, Nite-Lik, and Razer. Kilowog counters with brute force and improvised defenses. A massive discovery marks the end of the issue, its nature unknown.  

Credits: DC Comics

Jeremy Adams and Morgan Hampton’s Green Lantern story delivers familiar beats with a refreshing cosmic twist. I was particularly struck by Shayera’s observation about enemies feigning sympathy while reveling in your downfall—a poignant reflection of real-world cynicism. Adams and Hampton handle this with a quiet understanding, a subtle yet powerful moment. Their innovative use of Nth Metal and the Emotional Spectrum is also a welcome treat. 

Fernando Pasarin’s artwork is sharp and detailed. The full-page depiction of Thanagar’s destruction evokes a genuine sense of sorrow. Describing all the impressive pages would be impossible, but let me highlight a few! Atrocitus’s ship design is phenomenal—massive, intricate, and reminiscent of a Star Destroyer, yet uniquely its own. It instantly communicates the power and personality of its owner, prompting an immediate “Yep, that’s definitely his ship” reaction. Pasarin’s interpretation of Atrocitus himself is a bit more restrained, but the black armor and vibrant pinkish-red skin work perfectly.

The reveal of that captive Red Lantern is another visual triumph. Pasarin portrays him trapped within a device siphoning his energy, which is both a menacing and agonizing scene. His face, rendered with every wrinkle and shadow by colorist Arif Prianto, becomes the focal point, pulling the entire image together. I also appreciated Pasarin’s depiction of John and Shayera in the broom closet—appropriately awkward. While I’m a little hazy on the nuances of John’s relationships with Shayera versus Kendra, Adams and Hampton effectively plant the seeds of sexual tension, and I’m eager to see where it leads. Finally, the fight scenes are excellent: dynamic, fluid, impactful, and brimming with emotions in every strike.

Credits: DC Comics

Arif Prianto’s vibrant colors are the glue that holds this Green Lantern comic together. As expected from the series, it’s a visual feast. Prianto masterfully blends striking greens, reds, golds, and blacks against a subtly rendered grey metal backdrop, making each element truly pop off the page.

Dave Sharpe’s lettering adds a delightful layer of sound to the action. The distinct ‘FFFSSSSSHHHH’ as John Stewart cuts open and seals the cargo bay is perfectly evocative. Equally charming is the quick ‘TPTPTPTP’ of Dexstarr’s hurried footsteps. And when Hawkwoman breaches the control terminal door with a resounding ‘CRRRUUNNKHH!’, the impact is palpable. Finally, Kilowog’s hammer construct delivers a satisfyingly powerful ‘SMASH!’, a testament to the art and lettering.

Green Lantern Corps #2 delivers a visually stunning and emotionally charged narrative, blending familiar superhero action with poignant character moments and innovative cosmic elements. The dynamic artwork and vibrant colors, coupled with impactful lettering, elevate the engaging story, making it a compelling read for fans of the Green Lantern universe.