Visionary creators Al Ewing and Jahnoy Lindsay take Green Lantern to cosmic new heights in Absolute Green Lantern #1. Imagine a Lantern without his Corps, without his power ring, without even his defining willpower. From this void emerges the Absolute Green Lantern. But what truly powers this new entity? Let’s dive in!
Acclaimed writer Al Ewing (Immortal Hulk, 2000 AD) brings his signature style to DC’s Absolute Green Lantern, part of their successful ‘Absolute Universe’ initiative. Alongside artist Jahnoy Lindsay, Ewing crafts a standout story featuring suspense, alien horror, and anime-influenced action, giving the classic Green Lantern a fresh and exciting take.
The story opens with Hal Jordan in a rough spot, trudging solo down a lonely highway. Things go south fast when a state trooper stops him, leading to a confrontation with dark consequences. Right away, Ewing plunges you into the thick of it, and Jahnoy Lindsay’s art sells the tension brilliantly, especially with some intense facial expressions.
Later, Hal walks into a diner, and we learn about a huge green construct landing near Evergreen, Nevada. This kicks off a lengthy flashback packed with dialogue that drags a little. But it’s almost redeemed by that fantastic biker scene (you’ll know it when you see it!), which really ramps up the energy. What comes next is a reveal that’s genuinely startling and creepy – featuring a design I haven’t quite seen before. Props to Jahnoy Lindsay for channeling some Hunter x Hunter meets Dragon Ball Z vibes in a way that absolutely works. The comic wraps up with another major twist that looks set to redefine this Absolute Universe. It leaves you hanging and hungry for whatever comes next.
DC Comics
Al Ewing and Jahnoy Lindsay take us on a truly alien journey, and I mean that in every sense of the word. They flip everything we thought we knew about Green Lantern, leaving us guessing what’s next. You see this in the wild redesign of a classic Green Lantern member. Seriously, if they hadn’t said his name, I’d have assumed he was a brand-new character. This ‘Absolute’ design is scary, reminding me strongly of villains like Frieza from Dragon Ball Z or Hunter x Hunter’s Meruem – you just know they’re dangerous on sight.
Switching gears to the art, Jahnoy Lindsay nails the facial expressions. Jo’s look when Hal asks about a wedding ring? Hilarious! You can instantly see she’s ticked off, and Lindsay draws it perfectly. His art is super expressive and has this cool anime vibe, which really works. That said, some readers might find the human character designs a bit plain or too similar. The other minor gripe is that the story drags a little at the start. Much time is spent in a diner, which isn’t exactly the most exciting place for Lindsay to let loose with his artwork.
DC Comics
Lindsay’s colors significantly enhance this issue. The greens pop, the alien’s white design looks suitably menacing, and Hal’s hand radiates cosmic danger with its deep black hue – clearly something not to be touched. Letterer Luca Gattoni’s KROOOMMM effect, as the biker splatters against the construct, is brutally effective and unexpectedly funny, catching me completely off guard. His lettering overall ensures a smooth, easy-to-follow reading experience.
Al Ewing and Jahnoy Lindsay’s Absolute Green Lantern #1 is a bold, cosmic reimagining of the Green Lantern Corps that explores a suspenseful, alien-horror story with anime-influenced action. Despite some initial pacing issues, the issue excels with Jahnoy Lindsay’s expressive, anime-inspired artwork and a startling, universe-redefining beginning.
‘Absolute Green Lantern’ #1 Review: Anime Action Meets Alien Terror
Al Ewing and Jahnoy Lindsay’s Absolute Green Lantern #1 is a bold, cosmic reimagining of the Green Lantern Corps that explores a suspenseful, alien-horror story with anime-influenced action. Despite some initial pacing issues, the issue excels with Jahnoy Lindsay’s expressive, anime-inspired artwork and a startling, universe-redefining beginning.
