Green Lantern: Emerald Warriors #1 – Review

by Peter J. Tomasi (writer), Fernando Pasarin (artist)

The Story: Green Lantern Guy Gardner convinces the Guardians of the Universe to assign him the task of exploring the Unknown Sectors of the Universe, while at the same time, the cantankerous space cop must also deal with a clandestine partnership he’s formed with former Guardian Ganthet and Red Lantern Atrocitus.

What’s Good: Tomasi’s script is a solid one.  There are many engaging story threads to be enjoyed here as we follow Guy Gardner, who heads into the DC Universe post-Blackest Night.    Guy Gardner is a likable protagonist, and while the first thought that came to mind when hearing about this title’s launch was of the horrible Guy Gardner: Warrior series form the 90’s,  his attitude and machismo have been toned down enough that the character is relatable.  I’m glad that Tomasi has given the title a reason to exist, as well.  With the main Green Lantern series covering a GL on Earth, and the GL Corps title concentrating on the Corps guarding the rest of the universe, Emerald Warriors really needed a mission statement to make it stand out from the pack.  Having Gardner tasked with exploring the Unknown Sectors fits that bill nicely, and also opens up this series to an infinite number of story avenues.  This is also a fair explanation as to Gardner’s absence from the GL Corps title, which has been his home for the last few years.  The inclusion of Atrocitus and his fellow Red Lantern Bleez and new GL Ganthet to the cast promises some interesting interactions in the future.  Speaking of the future, Tomasi also drops some tidbits for future stories, ranging from Gardner’s secret pact with Ganthet and Atrocitus to Sodam Yat’s return to the possibility that something of the Red Lantern still exists within Gardner.  I can’t wait.