What’s Different: DC’s being super secretive about the GL books. Especially this one. I guess they figure since GL is their top-selling book right now, they don’t really have to tell us anything and we’ll just line up and buy it anyway. And they are probably right.
It’s understandable. Right now all 3 GL books are tied up in the War of the Green Lanterns story line. If there are big changes coming as a result of this story line, they don’t want to spoil them. And if there aren’t, they don’t want to tip readers off that this multi-part arc will just maintain the status quo.
However, there is some indication that perhaps some change might be in the air. Here’s the original announcement for GL #1:
This fall, Johns reunites with artists Doug Mahnke and Christian Alamy, as the series begins anew with GREEN LANTERN #1 with cover by Ivan Reis and Joe Prado. Together they will continue to thrill readers and expand the Green Lantern mythos.
Change is coming. But set aside your fear. It’ll be worth the wait.
I have to admit, the first time I read that I was skeptical. Sounded like more of the same to me. So, I didn’t actually pay a lot of attention to the solicit. Here it is:
The red-hot GREEN LANTERN team of writer Geoff Johns and artist Doug Mahnke introduce an unexpected new Lantern.
Just one sentence. But it does promise a specific change. A new Lantern. I don’t think anyone expects Hal to be replaced on the main book. Hal’s DC’s super star and Geoff Johns’ pet project. We’ve seen him on the cover of Justice League. Hal’s not going anywhere.
But someone is becoming a Lantern. Someone “unexpected”. That suggests its an established character. The way they have been handing rings out these days, I really can’t think of many people who would surprise me at this point. Once Ganthet became a Lantern, they kind of lost the ability to surprise me.
The most obvious candidates in terms of being “unexpected” (making them completely “expected” in light of this info) would be a villain. Sinestro is too obvious and not unexpected at all. Same with any member of his or any other corps. It would take something like Lex Luthor to really surprise me.
What’s the same: It’s still Geoff Johns writing a Hal Jordan book. Aside from starting a new story arc and wrapping up the fall-out of War of the Green Lanterns, I don’t really expect much to change. The GL franchise ain’t broke. So DC’s not going to “fix” it.
Chances for Success: Seeing as how it’s the same creative team and character, I expect GL to remain at the top of the sales chart. This is one of the few sure bets in the relaunch.
Final Thoughts: I’ve got corps fatigue. I hope the new #1 signals a change in direction for this book.
Green Lantern: The New Guardians #1
Justice League International #1
