Green Lantern #28: Funny and New

Adams puts “The Strabreaker Supremacy” in the rear view mirror with Green Lantern #28, an easy to read transition issue. The issue picks up a few threads from the last extended story, apparently laying the groundwork for the next big storylines. The most significant of these are the recovery of the Book of Oa, an artifact that played a minor role in “The Starbreaker Supremacy,” and Krona’s continued plotting. Adams isn’t subtle with either of these story threads, clearly telegraphing their importance.

Green Lantern #28 isn’t a character oriented issue by any means, but both Hal and Guy get some nice moments. Adams showcases Guy’s intellectual side–a fascination with history–which is seldom on display. Of all the characters that could study the Book of Oa, Guy is probably the most surprising. Hal’s big moment comes in the issue’s final pages as he reunites with Carol. Their interaction is brief, but after an issue’s worth of humor and mild irreverence, it is very welcome.

That humor is what drives much of Green Lantern #28. At times the issue reads like a superhero situational comedy. Hal is at the center of most of it, beginning with a “tour” through Coast City that he gives to a captured villain who had intended to terraform the area. Back on Oa, Kyle, Kon, and Odyssey are testing how long it takes Kyle to recharge after using his white lantern powers. The seemingly critical experiment is replete with almost nonsensical aspects such as arguing over the meaning of the word “zargnods” and Odyssey interrupting conversations to keep counting how long Kyle is powerless.

Marion’s tendency toward minimal facial detail plays well into the Green Lantern #28’s humorous aspects. The vast majority of character facial expressions come via their varying mouth shape. This is especially true of Hal and Kyle whose masks prevent much detail around the eyes. That said, Marion doesn’t lean on overly exaggerated mouth shapes–they’re never disproportionate. But character smiles are not subtle, and they reinforce the humor. This is especially the case during the Hal Jordan “tour” sequence early in the issue and the panels where Guy studies the Book of Oa.

These facial expression choices also point toward Marion’s overarching style which incorporates some manga inspired elements. This is especially noticeable in the scenes featuring the Guardians. Their generally rounder heads, rounded eyes, and disheveled spikier hair hints at that style. While these style choices do push characters toward a younger look, it is a breath of fresh air for the series.

This art style definitely makes an impact on Fajardo Jr.’s work, which is less nuanced. Coloring in Green Lantern #28 is bright with very little subtlety in shading changes. Non-shaded areas are mostly one shade while shadowed areas are mostly another. But while Fajardo Jr.’s work might seem less complex here (an unfair critique), it is a perfect accompaniment to Marion’s art.

The introduction of new plot threads results in multiple text heavy pages and panels. Sharpe does a good job keeping everything organized and out of the way of Marion’s art. His wow moment comes on a splash page where Kyle uses his white lantern powers. Sharpe fills the top and right side border with a huge sound effect. Combined with the huge burst of color Fajardo, Jr. makes radiate from the impact, it’s a good visual expression of Kyle’s power.