Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps #47 // Review
As this epic run races towards its final conclusion, Robert Venditti, accompanied by artist Fernando Pasarin, pits Hal Jordan in a mental war against Hector Hammond, while, across the galaxy, Kyle Rayner finds himself trapped on New Genesis with the Space Cabbie. Meanwhile back on Earth, Guy Gardner has been subjugated to the will of the Darkstars, and Arkillo must use force in order for Guy to see through the madness. While the main focus remains on Hal, this issue does a fantastic job of revisiting old threads previously left by Venditti while also exploring the dynamic of this ensemble cast of characters in these final issues before all out war ensues.
Once again, Venditti lands yet another outstanding artist to pencil his scripts. Fernando Pasarin brings the high level of detailed artistry needed for this title, adding a grander scale to each scene and the series as a whole. His attention even down to the smallest nuances of each scene, as well as his character design, leave such a strong visual impact from one page to the next. The color work of Jason Wright is put to task with the intricate pencil work of Pasarin, but made into perfection with stunning colors. Pasarin is another addition to the roster of amazing artists to have worked on not only this run but Green Lantern as a whole.
Although his run may be coming to its ultimate conclusion, there is never a loss of love felt for these characters from Robert Venditti. Hal Jordan takes center stage, shining brightest throughout this issue, but Venditti still manages to fit moments for the rest of the Earth Lanterns, ultimately allowing each member the chance to shine as well. While treading back to plot threads hanging since the very first issue of this series, Venditti continues to drive the story forward and take a more natural course, without feeling rushed or bloated as conclusions often can. With three issues remaining, one of which will be double sized, the series is still left with so much yet to accomplish, as Venditti’s bittersweet farewell looms around the corner.
“Hal and Pals,” as it’s affectionately been dubbed by fans, yet again adds another beautiful issue to the library of the Green Lantern mythos. One chapter draws one step towards its end, but the next chapter has yet to even begin.
