Comics / Comic Reviews / DC Comics

Green Lantern # 40

By Avi Weinryb
April 30, 2009 - 15:07

In Part Two of the introduction of 'Agent Orange', the Guardians of the Universe repeal their ban against Green Lanterns entering the Vega System. This leaves a pile of criminals as easy pickings for arrests and detainment. It also means that Agent Orange can be confronted. He is the wielder of the Orange light - representative of greed. The scope of his power is finally revealed, and it definitely embodies greediness! 

During the confrontation with Agent Orange, Hal Jordan continues to struggle with the blue ring which has affixed itself to his left hand. Only a sincere hopeful thought will unleash its power, and free him from its influence. Meanwhile, Fatality begins her mission to hunt down John Stewart. No, not her usual mission which entails killing him. Now that she has been imbued with the light of the Star Sapphire, she seeks to teach him love and wean him off the Guardian's influence. A backup story presents a Tale of the Orange Lanterns, subtitled 'Weed Killer'.

The prelude to the upcoming Blackest Night storyline continues, and readers can only hope that Blackest Night is as enjoyable as the stories setting up its arrival. The Guardians are all powerful and all clueless as they continue to be manipulated by a corrupted member of their ranks. Hal's introduction to the blue ring continues to perplex him, but makes for an entertaining adventure. It's fun to see the Guardians go out on a field mission as they confront a new villain with a strange power.

The pencils of Philip Tan do a great job of conveying the urgency of battle and the emotions of the characters. His tight, detailed illustrations are ideal for conveying a clear look into outer space skirmishes - and there are plenty of those in this book. When Agent Orange finally makes his appearance, Tan's demonic portrayal of this villain makes me scared.

Green Lantern fans better put on their blue rings and hope the quality of this book continues unabated. Looking back at earlier issues in this volume's run, it is clear that Johns has an organized approach to the ongoing story, and has been setting it up for some time. The pay-off is (hopefully!) just over the horizon.  

Rating: 8.5 /10

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12