Green Lantern/Space Ghost Special #1
Writers: James Tynion IV and Christopher Sebela
Artist/Colorist: Ariel Olivetti
Letterer: A Large World Studios
Publisher: DC Comics
A review by Greg Brothers
Over the last few years, DC has started to introduce new more modern day versions and tales of the classic Hanna-Barbara characters. Add that into the idea that the whole DC universe was reborn almost a year ago and you have the perfect opportunity of some crossovers between these new versions of Hanna-Barbara and the Rebirth DC characters. Of all the team ups that are happening, the one that makes some of the most sense is the team up of Green Lantern and Space Ghost. Both the Green Lantern and Space Ghost have been tasked with traveling the corners of space to protect innocent people and defeat evil wherever it may dwell.
Green Lantern/Space Ghost Special #1 starts with Hal Jordan as he flies across space answering a distress call from a far away and uncharted galaxy. As Jordan shows looking for the distress can for help he comes upon an Orange Lantern. As the same time, Space Ghost has arrived getting the same distress call, and finds his arch nemesis Zorak. Being a modern-day superhero team up book of course our two heroes get a few good punches in on each other before realizing they are on the same side. Eventually the two find the true source of the distress call and attempt to help those in need while forming a bond between the two heroes.
The script and the dialogue for Green Lantern/Space Ghost Special #1 is at times predictable and familiar but done so in a way that is satisfying for the reader. Tynion and Sebela do an excellent job of making the reasoning as to why these superheroes find themselves in the small corner of the universe believable as they both are fulfilling their mission statement. The misunderstanding that leads to a showdown between the two characters is predictable, however it does not dominate the overall story. Throughout the book comedy bits are sprinkled in that keeps the book light while keeping the preachy feeling to a minimum, and the two heroes play off each other in a way that does not feel forced at all. The underlying story of xenophobia and oppression helps create a book that feels like it serves a greater purpose while sharing truly touching moments throughout.
Olivetti’s art is inspiring and engaging throughout Green Lantern/Space Ghost Special #1. The panel layout uses a nice combination of tradition and originality. I particularly like how Hal Jordan’s constructs will flow from one panel to the other making it easy for the reader to follow their path. The colors pop and the contrast between the blacks, blues and purples of space versus the lush greens and light blues of the planet they visit is particularly eye catching. Although it is a space adventure the characters including the residents of the alien planet are drawn realistically enough to help keep the story grounded.
The Verdict
Buy it! Green Lantern/Space Ghost Special #1 is perfect for several diverse groups. If you are a fan of either one of these characters you are going to find a highly satisfying story that keeps the characters very close to their current versions. The underlying story adds meaning and feeling to the overall experience of the book. You feel as if you are being taught a valuable lesson about understanding and trust of those that are different than you. Yes, you might start to roll your eyes as the old standby of superheroes coming to blows rather than talking out their differences, but quickly that passes as the story takes a different turn. After reading the book if this same creative team wanted to create a regular monthly team-up with these two then I would be one of the first to add it to my pull list.
