Green Lantern #21 – Footsteps In The Dark

Published by DC Comics

Looking to scratch that post-‘Lanterns’ itch, but not sure where to start? Green Lantern Corps #21 provides an open space to bring new ‘Lanterns’ fans into the Green Lantern fold. Bouncing between Allsight, Guy Gardner’s fight with Predator, who has given up the power of love, and John Stewart, who, along with his living construct, El, is on a rescue mission to retrieve Katma and Jo from the clutches of the Darkstars, issue 21 feels like a soft reset that has landed with precision timing. Coming off the success of ‘Lanterns’, this issue provides a great entry point for fans of the show who are looking for more Green Lantern.

For readers coming into the fold, Green Lantern Corps #21 provides a ‘get to know you’ for the cast of characters in the book, as well as setting readers up for success by detailing a bit of the history of the Green Lantern Corps. I am arguably new to the Green Lantern World, having almost no prior knowledge before watching the series. This issue didn’t punish me for my lack of knowledge, but rewarded me with the info I needed to be successful in continuing to enjoy Green Lantern Corps moving forward. The story was compelling and the art magnificent, more than enough to keep readers, new and old, coming back for adventures across the stars.

Creative Team:

Writer: Morgan Hampton
Artists: Juan José Ryp, Vasco Georgiev, and Serg Acuña
Colorists: Arif Prianto and Matt Herms
Letterer: Dave Sharp
Cover Artist: Juan José Ryp
Cover Colorist: Alex Guimarães

Writing:

For those unfamiliar with comics but looking for an entry point, that entry point can seem daunting, leaving readers feeling like they’re behind before they even start. Green Lantern Corps #21 provides the perfect steps into the shallow end of Green Lantern lore. The story introduces and gives background to the various colors and Lanterns that are adventuring through the current storyline while catching them up on the current Lantern Corps affairs. The issue chooses to reward, rather than punish, those for choosing to pick up the book in the first place. Issue 21, for many, will be many readers’ first adventure in what will become a long series of adventures.

READ MORE: REVIEW: ‘Lanterns’ Episode 8; “Dirt and Stars” Season Finale

The welcoming nature of issue 21 is due in no small part to the brilliance of writer Morgan Hampton. Hampton uses the pages of Green Lantern Corps #21 to provide every piece of information that readers need to move forward. Guy Gardner is the Allsight, a religious-esque Lantern who is in the early stages of learning to communicate with the Book of Oa as he fights Predator. John Stewart is working with El, the living construct, to rescue Katma and Jo from the Darkstars. Using those starting points, Hampton was able to weave an engaging and well-thought-out starting point for what will most assuredly be the Corps next great adventure.

Art:

The exceptional storyline presented throughout the pages of Green Lantern Corps #21 is matched in its majesty by the elegance of the artwork held within. Juan José Ryp, Vasco Georgiev, and Serg Acuña splitting the work by storyline creates a level of differentiation that elevates the story while setting them apart visually. The art helps alleviate any confusion that may come as a result of the diverging story. The colors pop and the lines are well orchestrated, leaving the pages clean and unblemished.

WATCH MORE: Morgan Hampton | Green Lantern Corps & Steel Writer

With the bright and vibrant colors presented, the lettering HAS to pop, and at times, it struggled to do so as the greens blended together. Dave Sharp’s presentation of Gardner’s inner monologue was one of the more difficult pieces to read. While this does not detract from the overall quality of the book, it may be hard on the eyes for some readers. For the majority of the issue, however, Sharp’s lettering pops and scrawls across the page as if it’s being written as it’s read, creating an exciting experience for all members of the Green Lantern Corps.

Final Thoughts:

Green Lantern Corps #21 is a beautifully written and gorgeously drawn entry point into the current Green Lantern storyline. The story is compelling and engaging, while the art jumps off the page with pops of bright colors. Issue 21 is perfect for longtime fans of Green Lantern, but also for those looking to join their adventures across the universe. This book is a must-read.

Overall Grade: 9/10

Let me know in the comments what you thought of Green Lantern #21 in the comments below!