This issue of Green Lanterns does a great job of intriguing readers to Jessica’s past, but this gets slightly buried under unnecessary plotlines.
The last arc of Green Lanterns started with a creepy dating app and ended with fighting a cult. As weird as it sounds, one of the better parts of the issue was when Simon helped Jessica through an anxiety attack. That’s what I think is the best part of the series: the leads. The villains can be one dimensional, but these two interacting always puts a smile on my face. Both have relatable personalities, but Jess’ background is shrouded in mystery. All we know is that three friends were murdered when they went camping. Who was it that caused Jessica Cruz to shut herself away until Her destiny came a knocking?
**Some Spoilers Below**
Story:
It has been around a year since Jessica has started to see a therapist. While it has helped her anxiety, which helps her as a Green Lantern by extension, there has been a topic she has been avoiding: the night her friends were murdered. That incident is what started her down the path of becoming a superhero, as, without it, she wouldn’t have been given the Power Ring back in Forever Evil. Before the therapist gets any headway on the topic, Jessica is called away for a mission. Simon informs her that Singularity Jain, a villain from earlier in the run, has come out of hiding. The pair goes after her, but Jessica can’t help but linger in the past.
The story of Jessica confronting her past is an exciting premise, and it’s only elevated when they see how Jain plays a role. The problem with this issue can be equated to the problem of the movie Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. There’s an interesting story for one character, but the others have to do something, so the writers throw in an unnecessary plotline. The plotline in this issue comes in the form of a transforming robot that Simon has to fight. It has absolutely no connection to Jessica’s past and was apparently added for action sequences. Hopefully, as the story progresses, we’ll focus more on the intriguing topic at hand instead of padded out fights.
Art:
While I just mentioned my grievance with the action, it is one of the best looking parts of the book. Ronan Cliquet illustrates the issue, and some creative designs make the book feel alive. The robot Simon has to throw down with walks a line of being threatening yet still look emotional enough to sympathize with. Also helping the issue feel alive is the expert color work of Hi-Fi and Ulises Palomera. The team works well together, and I can’t wait to see more.
Conclusion:
There is some good stuff in this issue, but it is a bit irritating to have unnecessary plots forced in. We have an exciting story laid out for Jessica, but every time we cut to the other, it detracts from the issue. To its credit, however, the art team knock it out of the park and keep things interesting. This opening is a good read and promises a fantastic arc is coming.
