The Green Lantern #7 // Review
As Hal Jordan finds himself lost within his own Power Ring, Grant Morrison takes the opportunity to bring about a beautiful issue in prose with help from the gorgeous artwork of Liam Sharp. This stunning stand-alone issue bridges the gap from the first story arc into the next. Editor Brian Cunningham is already preaching the Eisner potential, after reading this spectacular issue, it is easy to see why. With each new chapter, the series continues to stand ahead of the competition and miles above their predecessors. Even only seven issues in, this series has already turned into an absolutely legendary run in comics.
While protecting the planet Rann in threat of Controller Mu’s U-Bomb detonation, Hal Jordan is aided by the Central Power Battery in stopping the blast before making the ultimate sacrifice. As his ring floats in the far reaches of space, Hal Jordan finds himself within the Emerald Sands and locked inside of his own Power Ring. A tale is told of a terrible wizard ruling over the land, a wizard by the name of Myrwhydden. As a mysterious young girl finds herself at the clutches of the Wizard’s forces, Hal Jordan comes to her rescue in the nick of time. While they travel through the Emerald Sands, the world begins to fall apart around them. Hal knows what must be done to save both himself and the world within his ring.
It’s impossible to imagine another artist paired with Morrison for the series. This issue further cements Liam Sharp into the Green Lantern mythology. While the legendary Steve Olof departs from the title, it leaves the perfect opportunity for Sharp to take on color duties as well. From his original and imaginative panel layout to the sheer attention to detail, everything about the series pours with high art. Outdoing himself with each new issue, Liam Sharp delivers to fans new and old a Green Lantern comic, the likes of which have never been seen before.
With a layer of prose not seen since his “Clown at Midnight” Batman issue, although not as long-winded, Grant Morrison delivers a poetic chapter across the Emerald Sands within Hal Jordan’s Power Ring. In what is essentially a stand-alone issue, Morrison not only delves into the ring itself but into Jordan’s psyche as a whole putting his emotions and motivations entirely on the table. Through the use of prose, he can further explain while simultaneously add an even more esoteric nature to this series as he begins to keep his hand close to his chest.
With the first act complete, the best is still yet to come. As the next issue promises to reunite the Hard Traveling Heroes, Green Arrow will make his long-awaited return back onto the title on a team up with Hal Jordan. More secrets are still yet to be uncovered as this series continues to defy all expectations and produce something truly magical.
Grade: A+
