Jeremy Adams and Xermanico are back with another exciting issue of Green Lantern, and this time they’ve thrown Hal Jordan into the deep end, literally! Green Lantern #23 sees our fearless hero venturing into the fiery depths of hell on a crucial mission: snagging a component needed to fix the Green Lantern Corps’ busted Central Power Batteries. This isn’t the typical spacefaring adventure we’ve become used to, but honestly, the change of scenery works wonders.
This issue is a wild ride from start to finish, and the opening pages drop us right into the chaos. We find G’nort in hell, bless his oblivious heart, completely missing the memo about the inherent dangers. But there’s no time for him to get his bearings because, as the comic wisely points out, the locals aren’t exactly welcoming.
Meanwhile, back in space, Kyle Rayner and his team are still dealing with the fallout from the last issue. A Reach ship is hot on their tails, and a giant space monster throws its hat into the ring. Thankfully, Xermanico’s artwork shines during this high-flying escape. Seriously, that monster is something else, all kinds of gnarly.
Then comes the real curveball: a blast from Hal’s past, the demon Aidia. We get a glimpse of him visiting Aidia to retrieve a necklace, a transaction Aidia is less than thrilled about. And then, bam! The Spectre himself shows up, and things get a little serious. Green energy clashes with spectral might as Hal conjures his emerald armor and shield for a spectacular showdown that hints at a potential new host for the Spirit of Vengeance? Color us intrigued!
Credit: DC Comics
Adams’ writing continues to be a highlight. He masterfully juggles the high stakes of Hal’s hellish mission with his trademark witty banter. The interactions between Hal and the ever-clueless G’nort provide some genuinely funny moments that keep the story zipping along. Even amidst the fire and brimstone, Adams manages to inject levity, preventing the story from becoming too dark and gloomy.
Xermanico’s artwork is, as always, a visual treat. His depiction of hell is suitably hellish, filled with all sorts of demons and oppressive landscapes. The contrast between this infernal setting and the ethereal presence of the Spectre is striking. His dynamic action sequences and the expressive way he draws the characters continue to elevate the storytelling, making every page a joy to look at. Romulo Fajardo Jr.’s colors are the perfect complement, seamlessly shifting between the fiery reds and oranges of hell and the spectral greens associated with the Spectre and the Lanterns.
Now, a couple of things felt a little off. Even though Hal’s trip to hell was fascinating, the whole sequence seemed to move pretty quickly. They got the necklace and were out of there with hardly any resistance. And I’m still scratching my head about how G’nort survived in hell without his ring and doesn’t even realize where he is. It’s a head-scratcher, but it’s a comics; you can’t always overthink these things.
Credit: DC Comics
Anyways, Green Lantern #23 is another strong and entertaining chapter in Jeremy Adams and Xermanico’s run. It throws a beloved character into a completely unexpected and dangerous situation, introduces a compelling new conflict with the return of the Spectre, and delivers it all with sharp writing and stunning visuals. This comic proves that even in the DC Universe’s darkest corners, the Green Lantern’s light can still shine and thoroughly entertain.
‘Green Lantern’ #23 Review: A Hell of a Good Time
Green Lantern #23 is another strong and entertaining chapter in Jeremy Adams and Xermanico’s run. It throws a beloved character into a completely unexpected and dangerous situation, introduces a compelling new conflict with the return of the Spectre, and delivers it all with sharp writing and stunning visuals. This comic proves that even in the DC Universe’s darkest corners, the Green Lantern’s light can still shine and thoroughly entertain.
