Absolute Green Lantern #1: Supermassive Black Hole

Absolute Green Lantern #1 is the next installment in the DCU’s Absolute Universe, written by Al Ewing with art and colors Jahnoy Lindsay. Like the other Absolute titles, this series takes familiar characters and adds a darker twist to both the story arc and familiar characters. Similar to Absolute Flash, this issue begins in the present before going back in time a few days to set the stage for the story being told.

Related: The Comic Watchers – Episode 254: Scott Snyder Goes All-In With Absolute Batman & DC Comics

In the Absolute Universe, Hal Jordan returns to his toy salesman roots with a modern update: John Stewart is still an architect, and Guy Gardner is a local sheriff. We are also introduced to the person who will wear the Lantern Ring, who seems to be Guy’s ex. Ewing does a good job of building Evergreen, the small town in which this story is set and the arrival of the Green Lantern takes place. Readers are also introduced to a very different version of Abin Sur, who makes an appearance with a Lantern symbol construct, although few details are revealed here in the issue.

Comic Watch Reviews:

• Absolute Martian Manhunter #1: Written In Full Color
• Absolute Flash #1: Run Like Hell
• Absolute Batman #6: Cloak of Pain
• Absolute Wonder Woman #6: Journey Through Hell
• Absolute Superman #6: Welcome to Smallville

The issue’s main focus is on Hal, who seems to be leaving death in his wake, following the arrival of the construct, as he wanders along wondering what happened to him and, supposedly, the others. Having Hal set up as the possible bad guy is an interesting move, especially as Black Hand, whose powers seem to also be contained within a ring. The issue is heavy on the symbolism of  “The Ring”  throughout from the Black Ring that seems to have taken over Hal to the Green Lantern bearer being the ex of Guy Gardner.

Lindsay does some interesting things with the art and color work, which work well with the story by setting the overall feeling. The character designs of Hal, John, and Abin Sur are interesting takes for this ABsolute version of Green Lantern, and help build the promise of the story to be told.