Green Lantern: New Guardians #27 – Review

By: Justin Jordan (writer), Andrei Bressan (artist), Hi-Fi (colors)

The Story: The Kalimawans prepare to revenge a string of brutal attacks on their planet. There’s only one problem: their enemies are physically incapable of warfare and unless Kyle and Exeter the Keeper can unravel the mystery an entire species could be wiped out.

The Review: It’s hard to deny that Green Lantern, as a franchise, would not be what it is today if not for Geoff Johns. From the beginning, but especially from “Sinestro Corps War” onward, Johns created a new world for the Lanterns to inhabit. I doubt I would be anywhere near as much a fa of Green Lantern if not for the introduction of the Emotional Spectrum. And yet, even as Green Lantern prepares for another universe-spanning war and the other corps find their place in the DC universe, I find myself longing for solid, old-fashioned sci-fi tales of the classic Green Lantern and Green Lantern Corps. Luckily New Guardians is all too happy to scratch that itch.

Once again, Justin Jordan has crafted a short sweet SF thought experiment for us. It lacks some of the philosophical complexity of his previous arc, but substitutes in more memorable characters and tighter plotting.

Exeter the Keeper has returned, after an extended absence from the title, and Jordan wastes no time endearing him to the reader. The character is not a terribly original one in this day and age but he’s loads of fun and his dedication to his duties help to provide the moral backbone that differentiates him from similarly direct heroes. Indeed, the concept of the Keeper is an interesting one and, in its simplicity, raises questions about what it means to protect something.

Meanwhile Kyle Rayner retains the charm he’s had throughout Jordan’s run. It’s nice to see a protagonist who is simultaneously highly relatable and prone to mistakes or being overwhelmed. Too often superhero stories are pure power fantasy, but Kyle provides a nice balance. That said, the Templar Guardians are beginning to become a little too good at saving the day.