Green Lantern: War Diary No. 12 – Phillip Kennedy Johnson, writer; Montos, artist; Adriano Lucas, colorist
Ray – 9.5/10
Beam: John Stewart has been a prominent member of the GLC for decades—some would say the most prominent member—but has always had a problem with solo stories centered around him. His most famous series to date is no longer in print due to the creator, and other attempts to give him solo stories have met with mixed responses—until this one, from the author of the Warworld Saga, which takes John into a year-long cosmic mystery, balanced by some deeply personal stories about his deceased younger sister and his mother’s battle with dementia. Now, as he faces off against the Revenant Queen—now revealed to be the mad spirit of a murdered girl from times past—his mother and the being created from his ring as a simulacrum of Ellie are fighting for survival on Earth against twisted creatures from another world. So the stakes for the final chapter are sky high.
It’s no great surprise that John triumphs over the villain in the end and returns to Earth, but the method he uses to do so shows how John blends a fine balance of practicality and compassion that heroes often lack. While he’s ruthlessly protective of his fellow heroes, he never forgets that this villain is also a victim. But as phenomenal as Montos’ art is, it’s the second half of the issue that has the biggest emotional impact. This will feel all too familiar to anyone who had to say goodbye to a parent all too soon, and it’s a fascinating dose of wish fulfillment for those who wish they could still get advice from that loved one. This series has left some surprising permanent status quo changes for John – ones that will likely stick around as long as Johnson continues to write the character. And we know there’s at least one reinforcement coming in the next few months – but a teaser suggests there could be more to come.
Reviews of all DC issues can be found under “DC This Week”.
GeekDad received this comic for review purposes.
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