The Green Lantern #2 // Review
Embarking on his very own Space Odyssey, Morrison takes the space opera into hyper drive with this mind bending second issue, bringing even more high concept ideas to the table that Grant is known for. Working alongside Liam Sharp on pencils and Steve Oliff on colors, continually proves to be a perfect match with each issue, collectively creating a larger more rich universe to explore outside of simply just Sector 2814. The original ideas previously unseen on the title coupled with the level of stunning artistry brought to the pages, prop this series above anything remotely even resembling a contemporary.
In unmistakable Morrison fashion, his grandiose original ideas deliver the breath of life that both the series and Hal Jordan have desperately needed since Johns’ departure in 2012. Although initially he claimed to have felt writing the title was “out of his comfort zone”, reading these two issues, there is no better writer for the series, it stands to contest even Johns’ legendary run on the title. Morrison is able to cover more in two issues that most writers cover with six while never feeling rushed or taken in a unnatural direction. The galactic setting allows for Morrison to take the DC Universe into amazing and new areas once more.
Continuing his investigation on the murdered Green Lantern, Hal Jordan sets off to the far reaches of space to interrogate a very questionable and unsettling prisoner. Morrison takes the opportunity to not only bring back Silver Age villain Evil Star but also introduce brand new Corps members and build up his original villains behind the scenes. Jordan travels back to Earth, only to stumble upon an even greater mystery leaving him no choice but to come face to face with, The Slave Lord of the Stars.
The establishing shot of Oa alone will be remembered for decades to come in the Green Lantern mythos. Liam Sharp shows yet again why he was the best artist to work with Morrison for this title. From his unorthodox panel layouts to his ability of accentuating every single detail in his stunning almost vintage imagery then being able to reel back to bring more personal character moments and delivering the high emotions are all true testaments of Sharp’s dedication to the craft. Steve Oliff stands as the unsung hero of the series yet again, tasked to painstakingly color Sharp’s exquisite pencil work and bringing the pages into life with his vibrant colorwork is a feat in and of itself.
With Morrison penning this modern masterpiece, the series is undoubtedly on a course to influence the DC Universe as a whole for decades to come. Coupled with the sheer level of artistic skill from Liam Sharp and Steve Oliff, fitting with the eccentric scripts of Morrison immaculately bringing his ideas off the script and into unforgettably breaktaking pages. Whether a new reader to Green Lantern and Grant Morrison or long time fan, this series has a place for everyone.
