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to the Beginning, A Second Time:
Green Lantern: Emerald Dawn II
DC Comics trade paperback review
By
Troy Brownfield
Writers:
Keith Giffen (plot), Gerard Jones (script)
Art: M.D. Bright, Romeo Tanghal
More
Info: www.dccomics.com
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In
my recent review of DC's "Emerald
Dawn" re-release, I discussed how that mini-series
helped rewrite the (comic) book on Hal Jordan's past. The
re-released Emerald Dawn II continues where the first
left off, giving us more insight into Hal, a wider panorama
of action, and the definitive post-Crisis origin of Hal's
greatest enemy, Sinestro. This is fine, old-school super-hero
storytelling, weighing the issues of Hal's new responsabilities
versus Sinestro's failures with the same.
The
art of ED2 is easily one of its best features. The lines are
clear and expressive, and the action scenes are filled with
motion and momentum. Bright and Tanghal's depiction of Sinestro
is beautifully handled throughout. The man moves from pompous
and arrogant GL to presumptive dictator to bitter, angry criminal,
and the journey is etched on his face. The team also does
a terrific job of handling the sci-fi confines of Oa, the
alien Guardian and Corps members, and the more everyday settings
of a bank and a prison.
Perhaps
what I enjoyed most was not only the hero's journey of Hal,
but the tragic fall of Sinestro. This move toward villaindom
is counterpointed by the origin of Katma Tui, herself fated
to wear the ring and meet a tragic fate. In fact, the whole
tale is rife with portents; Giffen and Jones take some time
to set up the seeds of what would be the Invasion!
conflict by showcasing an potential alien alliance.
As
I've noted in the past, reading a good Hal Jordan tale is
almost sad in a way. The character had been put through some
rough changes at DC. Still, the fact remains that the original
stories of the character, while often exciting, neglected
to give him much depth. Here then is a story that makes Hal
more human, and makes him seem more heroic by overcoming the
pitfalls that others in his position could not. It's got action,
it's got style, and it's a definite prize for any Green Lantern
fan.
Troy
Brownfield is the Editor-in-Chief around here. He liked Hal,
but he likes Kyle, John and Guy too. He's an equal opportunity
GL reader. Email him at psikotyk@aol.com
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