Hal Jordan And The Green Lantern Corps #25 Is Everything I Want From A Green Lantern Comic

 
The uneasy alliance between the Green Lantern Corps and the Sinestro Corps is about to fall apart. Tomar-Tu has admitted to murdering Yellow Lantern Romat-Ru. That would have been enough to strain the relationship between the two Corps. Now add to it the fact that Kyle Rayner kept information about the time-traveling villain Sarko from Soranik Natu, specifically that he was their son. What’s that saying about a woman scorned? So much rides on what happens in the next few moments. Will these two forces find a way to work together? Or will they break apart and become enemies once more?

You can cut the tension in Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps #25 with a knife. This is all going down on Mogo and it’s a major powder keg. Hal manages to hold the Yellow Lanterns off from lynching Tomar-Tu, only to see Guy and Arkillo march in with a passed-out Kyle sporting a Sinestro Corp mark branded into his chest. This is not quite an eye for an eye, but fingers are being pointed and rings are drawn.
Although all of this is riveting, Soranik steals the show in every way. She shows up and confesses to branding Kyle, condemning the Green Lanterns, and showing some major similarities to her father, Sinestro. She has fought against her bloodline for so long only to have recent events pull that apple closer to the tree.

Much of this comes through in Ethan Van Sciver’s artwork. Soranik has a commanding presence, standing tall above everyone with the utmost confidence. She’s looking down on the Green Lanterns both literally and figuratively. Jason Wright’s colors complete the package as her eyes glow with a fierce yellow that pierces through the shadows that cover her face. This is what a villain looks like and it is terrifying.
Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps has followed both the Green and Yellow Lanterns as they attempt to find their place in the galaxy once again. They were both pushed out of their comfort zone as they tried to be something different. John Stewart ran his Corps with order, trying to reclaim their status as protectors of the galaxy. Meanwhile, Soranik saw an opportunity to work alongside the Green Lanterns to do some good, having worn a green ring in the past. Even though the yellow ring is powered by fear, it doesn’t mean that energy can’t be used for the benefit of people everywhere. After this issue, that experiment can safely be deemed a failure.

Although I liked this trial period, I’m glad the Sinestro Corps has returned to their evil status. They work far better as villains, especially with the design of the characters. With some exceptions, every Yellow Lantern is horrifying. They were chosen for their ability to create great fear, not for their capability to give awesome hugs. They have been somewhat reserved, acting like a Green Lantern Lite during this series. Now they’re back as a group of frightening bad guys. The big question is what do they do now? Soranik is leading them, but she doesn’t have a mustache to twirl maniacally like her father did. Is she going to lead the Corps like pirates, wreaking havoc across every sector? What’s the larger purpose here?
It’s no surprise that this oversized issue builds to an incredible battle between the two Corps. Van Sciver delivers a helluva fight that’s filled with giant images showcases the might of both the Green and Yellow Lanterns. It is a clash of epic proportions between two forces powered by the strongest weapons in the universe. I only wish it lasted longer, but the conclusion of the battle is fitting and serves as the final nail in the coffin for the alliance between the factions.

The issue has an epilogue of sorts that is not entirely unsuspected because this is a superhero comic. Some things are just bound to happen. It’s just a matter of when. I won’t spoil it here, however, if you’ve been reading Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps from the beginning, you’ve probably been expecting it for some time. After the events of this issue, it will be very interesting how this develops.
Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps is everything I want from a Green Lantern comic. It’s bold and epic, with breathtaking artwork and a powerful character-driven story. Writer Robert Venditti has crafted an amazing space opera that’s shaping up to be a monumental science-fiction tale.
Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps #25 is currently available at your local comic shop and digitally through ComiXology and Amazon Kindle.