Following the now legendary “celebrity roast” issue last month, Grant Morrison and Xermanico bring the mini-series to a close with this chapter before the second season returns to begin again next month. Feeling like the true finale to the first season, many threads come to a head in this epic conclusion while also leaving a well of potential stories yet to be seen. The series continues to push the mythos further, even with only a minimal three-issue arc.
Filled with dreams of a world beyond, Hal Jordan knows something must be changed. Following the previous issue, a war between the heroes of Earth and his fellow Black Stars breaks out after the induction of one Kryptonian teenager, Jordan pits the two sides against each other as a distraction. Facing against Bezelbeth one final time, Jordan reveals the truth behind his original wish that was the catalyst for this new world before leaving the Vampire queen behind and back to his own.
The change in artists between Liam Sharp on the main title and Xermanico on the mini-series plays into the stark contrasts between the previous and new realities. Xermanico brings a clean sinister aesthetic to this title and plays perfectly into the villain-centric series. From the beautifully choreographed action sequences to the close final moments between Hal Jordan and Bezelbeth, Xermanico sells this series perfectly. While absent from the interiors, Liam Sharp still makes his mark on cover duty with his beautiful triptych spanning over the mini-series while Steve Zoloft continues to lay beautiful colorwork inside and out.
Albeit a far less meta take on this issue, Grant Morrison still manages to work his magic and weave this series into his overarching story he began to build all the way back to his time on JLA. The straight forwarded compressed storytelling allows for much ground to be covered without feeling rushed through these events. Morrison brings his A-game to this conclusion and sets the stage for a glorious return for Hal Jordan, come next season.
Next month presents yet another perfect jumping-on point for any new or curious fans with the release of a new #1 issue. Back on Earth, Hal will find a whole host of new problems to deal with, especially if Grant Morrison has anything to say about it. Albeit getting cut short by four issues, the next season is not one to miss. These creatives bring the work of a lifetime to the pages. With an unforgettable addition to the mythos and continuing to stand head and shoulders above their contemporaries.
Grade: A+
