“Green Lantern” #31 launches into a new crossover storyline, ‘Uprising,’ which blends “Secret Invasion”-esque infiltration with tried and true space-operatic action. After months of build up, Venditti and Tan may be onto their best “Green Lantern” work yet.
Written by Robert Venditti
Illustrated by Billy Tan“UPRISING” part 1! Rebellion has spread across the universe as former allies join forces with the Durlans, Khund and Outer Clanns to overthrow the authority of the Corps. It’s an all-out assault on Mogo, but will the greatest threat come from without – or within? The outcome of the battle, the survival of the Corps and the future of the universe itself rests on the shoulders of Hal Jordan – and after a bruising start to his tenure as Corps leader, he is more than ready for a fight! This new epic continues in this month’s GREEN LANTERN CORPS #31!
“Green Lantern” goes Star Wars. Can’t you almost see that solicit sliding up a screen in yellow text? That cover certainly meshes with the evocative and iconic poster style.
While ‘Uprising’ is officially a 6-part crossover between “Green Lantern” and “Green Lantern Corps,” these titles have been heavily intertwined since the conclusion of ‘Lights Out,’ late last year. As such, ‘Uprising’ is essentially the continuation, or perhaps more appropriately the culmination, of the story that has been building over the past half year. Venditti and co-conspirator Van Jansen have spent that time planting seeds of dissension against the Green Lantern Corps. The armies of the Khund, Durlan, Clann, and others have been amassed, the corps has been infiltrated, and the galaxy has turned against them. “Green Lantern” #31 is the firing shot.
However, before the action kicks off, Venditti spends some time developing the extended cast of characters that have grown up around Hal Jordan. Venditti’s run has felt starkly different from prior runs, due mostly in part to the quirky cast and unique status quo. Both of these factors manifest themselves in interesting ways over the course of the issue.
For instance, we see Hal continuing his diplomacy with the growing sect of lanterns that refuse to use their rings. Relic’s revelation that the emotional spectrum is a finite reservoir was a major shift for the franchise. However, that revelation wasn’t a static plot point. Venditti has continued to develop the notion, giving it more nuance than one might expect. Faced with the reality, these characters have been forced to seriously reconsider their entirely purpose and livelihood. Furthermore, Relic’s beliefs came with no proof, sparking a religious/faith aspect to the viewpoint. The fact that Venditti continues to expand on what could have been a one-off plot point is commendable, as is the newfound roles it opens for well-established characters.
Later, one of the book’s newer members, Gorin Sunn, gets the spotlight with a deeper look at his home world and background. Like fellow newbie Two-Six, Sunn has been given a bit of a push in recent issues. The deliberate and emphasis on Sunn, his home, and his nature seem to indicate a degree of importance in the proceedings to come. It’s great to see new characters working closely with the old guard, something we didn’t see as much toward the end of the previous runs.
Gorin Sunn is also a a great example Tan’s terrific character designs. His sense of design is put on even grander display when the battle between the Lanterns and the oncoming enemy armies heads into full swing. After the issue’s brief calm, two consecutive pages showcase the respective armies, with a zoomed out rearview of enemy ships descending on Mogo leading into a heroic charge by the dwindling Lantern Corps. Even with a smaller cast, Tan packs his panels with detail, characters, and action. Tan delivers the kind of sweeping and dynamic imagery one expects from a Lantern title. Likewise, Alex Sinclair, colorist for much of the Johns’ era of “Green Lantern,” lends his distinct tone and visual flair to the constructs, beams and blasts erupting amidst the backdrop of stars and debris.
The reveal of the Durlan invasion, a plot point that has been building for months, is one of the issue’s strongest points. While the reveal isn’t handled with quite the gravity of the previously mentioned “Secret Invasion,” it’s still a major blow to the corps, especially in light of all that has occurred over the last few issues. In the vein of Bendis’ “Daredevil,” Venditti’s tenure as Lantern “show runner” has been defined by a complete dismantling of the Green Lantern Corps, and one has to wonder just how much more he has in store at this point.
Continued belowSomewhat disappointingly, the issue’s high stakes fizzle out dramatically in the final pages. While the developments make some sense from a plot standpoint (who wants to go up a against what is essentially a Green Lantern Death Star?), it does kill much of the momentum, a major problem for the first issue of a six part story. The cliffhanger, while interesting, doesn’t exactly inspire a strong drive to seek out the next issue.
While it doesn’t quite stick the landing, “Green Lantern” #31 reaps several long germinating plot threads, while continuing to build on Venditti’s long game. While the Green Lantern line’s state of constant crossover may be a deterrent to some, ‘Uprising’ is off to a simple but highly enjoyable start.
Final Verdict: 8.6 – Buy.
