This review is based off a volume that collects Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps: Rebirth #1 and Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps #1-7
Although Green Lanterns continually astounds while charting new territory and focusing on rookies Simon Baz and Jessica Cruz, Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps is more so for those who prefer a steady diet of meat and potatoes as it were; this is a series that takes familiar concepts and expands upon them. In other words, if you’re looking for a kickass story featuring your favorite ringslingers, you’re certainly in the right place.
Facing the daunting task of picking up where the New 52 left off, writer Robert Venditti reignites the Hal Jordan-Sinestro rivalry as the latter has now occupied Warworld, placing it at the center of the universe where Oa once stood. Yes, you will eventually reacquaint yourself with the likes of John Stewart and Kilowog, but seeing the Corps overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles before being able to reunite is part of the fun.
You know, you might want to go through the book one more time after reading just to take in the beautiful, hyper-detailed images. It’s a given that Green Lantern books usually have a lot going on and this one is no different. Add to that the fact that Ethan Van Sciver lends his pencils to a fair amount of this volume and you have yourself a winner. In addition to him, Rafa Sandoval offers up some pretty impressive visuals, which are strengthened by one of DC’s current favorite go-to colorists, Tomeu Morey.
Getting back to the story at hand, the opening two chapters do a fine job of catching up readers both new and lapsed, as well as showing men on both sides of the coin getting their groove back: Hal, who does what was once thought impossible by forging a new green ring of his own through sheer will, and Sinestro bringing himself back to full strength by harnessing the full power of Parallax. In short, it’s simple yet spectacularly powerful stuff.
Not surprisingly, some of the more compelling parts of the book come from the interactions between members of the Green Lantern Corps themselves. With their numbers greatly dwindled after the events of Edge of Oblivion, they find themselves in an unprecedented state as John Stewart tries to put the pieces back together.
And, seriously, what’s with villainous Lanterns as of late? First, the Red Lanterns erect the Hell Tower and drop a Rage Seed into it over in Green Lanterns while the Sinestro Corps build a Fear Engine in this book. It’s like they’re cosmic Bond villains. In case you’re wondering, the Fear Engine is every bit as, um, fear inspiring as you would think: Imagine the Matrix if the Scarecrow were running the show. Long story short, it harnesses the fear of living things in order to power the yellow rings. Gnarly, huh?
Something that I admire about this book is that it never feels like it’s in a rush, despite being action packed and juggling so many characters. Remember, there are three personal journeys being embarked on here: Hal Jordan’s, Sinestro’s and the rest of the Green Lantern Corps. It’s entirely possible that another writer would have pulled everyone together in the first issue, but, thankfully, everything occurs organically here.
As for the final chapter, it left me with mixed feelings, but not in a bad way. The big showdown between Hal and Sinestro was pulled off incredibly well; it had tremendous buildup, a definitive sense of finality and the dialogue was pitch perfect. Really, no memorable confrontation between these two is complete without Sinestro trying to recruit his former protégé before attempting to kill him. It’s what makes their dynamic what it is.
Continuing that thought, the book’s cliffhanger left me wanting more. Yes, I know that’s their function, but once you get there, you’ll see what I mean. This is a perfect example of when a “Volume One” truly feels as such. You’re really left with the feeling that you’ve received only the beginning of story, so I hope other readers aren’t put off by the seemingly abrupt ending.
Here’s the deal: You know when you come across a book that thoroughly entertains you but didn’t totally blow you away? Well, that’s how Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps Vol. 1: Sinestro’s Law was for me. Still, I give it a high recommendation as it is one of Rebirth’s best science fiction offerings.
Good
Simply put, Sinestro's Law is for those looking for a kickass story featuring their favorite ringslingers.
Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps Vol. 1: Sinestro's Law Review