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to the Beginning, One More Time:
Green Lantern: Emerald Dawn
DC Comics trade paperback review
By
Troy Brownfield
Writer:
Jim Owsley, Keith Giffen, Gerard Jones
Art: M.D. Bright, Romeo Tanghal
More
Info: www.dccomics.com
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Among
the best decisions by DC lately has been the ongoing revisitation
of their older trade paperbacks. They've recently re-issued
the superlative "Great Darkness" saga, and they're
also rolling out four volumes from various stages in Green
Lantern history with a unified trade dress. The first of these
re-releases is "Green Lantern: Emerald Dawn". Originally
published in six issues in 1988 to honor the 30th anniversary
of Hal Jordan, the mini retold Hal's origin in post-Crisis
terms. It introduced some controversial elements to the character,
and set the stage for the future. Of course, no one knew at
the time that said future would include insanity, death, and
Spectre-hood, but it does lend an air of whistfulness to the
reading of the new(old) volume.
As
depicted here, Hal Jordan becomes a more complex figure that
in the shiny Silver Age. A test pilot with dead-father issues,
an attitude, and a propensity for recklessness, Jordan's makes
a terrible mistake early in the story that brings about great
personal cost. Despite his inherent lack of judgment at the
outset, Jordan is nevertheless selected by the ring of dying
Green Lantern Abin Sur to be the next GL of sector 2814. Jordan's
total fearlessness is what draws his selection, but that quality
and his newfound power must be tempered with wisdom, intelligence,
and responsability. It's a great character arc to follow,
and the creative team does it solidly.
The
best scenes in the trade take place on Oa, as Jordan meets
the other alien Green Lanterns and the mysterious Guardians.
His cockiness irritates some, ingratiates others, and makes
the Guardians question his influence on his fellow GLs. Fan
favorites Tomar Re and Kilowog get great scenes, the latter
as the lovably abusive GL trainer.
One thing
that I wasn't totally taken with was the choice of villain.
I realize that Sinestro's history is explained in Emerald
Dawn II, but I would preferred him up front to the yellow-armored
antagonist here. He gets more interesting by the end, but
I do feel that it's a weakness.
Regardless,
"Emerald Dawn" remains a well-told and well-drawn
tale. It's required reading for all Green Lantern fans. If
you're old school, you might enjoy a new take on the legend.
And if you're a recent fan, learn a bit why some fans are
so dedicated to the memory of Hal. Old fan or new, you'll
be entertained.
Troy
Brownfield is the Editor-in-Chief around here. He liked Hal,
but he likes Kyle too. Let the hate mail from H.E.A.T. begin.
Email him at psikotyk@aol.com
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