Review: Green Lanterns #15
By Philip Schweier
January 18, 2017 - 12:36
DC Comics
Writer(s): Sam Humphries
Penciller(s): Miguel Mendonca
Inker(s): Scott Hanna
Colourist(s): Blond
Letterer(s): Dave Sharpe
Cover Artist(s): Tyler Kirkham and Tomeu Morey; variant cover by Emanuela Lupacchino and Michael Atiyeh
In
the aftermath of the Phantom Ring conflict, we take a bit of a breather – if
you can call a JLA battle combined with a handful of minor crises as a
breather. This issue chronicles a day in the life of Jessica Cruz. Despite her
ongoing heroics as a Green Lantern, she continues to struggle with her fears
and anxiety. She makes battling monsters look easy, but often, just crawling
out of bed in the morning is the real struggle.
The established partnership between Jessica and Simon comes to the fore as they become MVPs of the JLA. This level of super-heroism leads directly into the next story, as another hero seeks their help, to be chronicled next issue, and possibly beyond.
Much has been made of Jessica’s psychological issues, so much so that it perhaps becomes tiresome to see it brought up every issue. However, such is the nature of crippling emotional issues: it’s a daily struggle that never rests. To his credit, Simon steps up as a good partner should. It’s almost never a 50/50 balance. True partnerships ebb and flow, with one often lending a greater share of assistance, so that the team is greater than the sum of its parts.
And such is the team that puts Green Lanterns together, issue after issue. New this time around are Miguel Mendonca and Scott Hanna. Together, their work is consistent with the art we’ve seen in prior issues, and I mean that in a good way. Strong rendering, inventive technique, and worthy additions to Team Lanterns.