GREEN LANTERNS #26
Written by Sam Humphries
Art by Ronan Cliquet, Ulises Arreola, and David Sharpe
Published by DC Comics
Released: July 5, 2017

Every once in awhile the Green Lantern stories require massive exposition and backstory. It’s necessary with a history and backstory that stretches over eons. This is one of those issues: the history of Volthoom, Rami, and the gritty details providing yet another chapter in the creation of the Green Lanterns.

This issue expands on ideas of just how the Guardians, creators of the Green Lantern rings, went from an emotionless society to wielding forces that have cornerstones in emotion. Ronan Cliquet and Ulises Arreola create a lived in world for the Guardians’ society.

There is also an emphasis on what I can only call, the “cosmic drama” elements: stars, emotional spectrum lightning and lights, fire and explosions. There is a rhythm to the layouts, weaving in and out between borders and page edges. It and the specific use of color, as Volthoom masters his ring, emphasis the loss of control he and Rami seem to be experiencing throughout the story.

Sam Humphries usual lighthearted quips or jabs are not found here. It is clear that everything is from Rami’s outlook, which is more on the emotionless side of things. Short by succinct journal entries and only what Volthoom is willing to directly say provide insight.

David Sharpe has each of these strategically placed to not only no interfere with the artwork, but make the reading order feel very organic with the layouts of the page.

Those looking for Jessica and Simon dynamics, or even an answer to what has happened to them in issue 25, will have to wait. This is an issue built for those who are fascinated by the mind of a villain. What drives someone to become so ruthless? As with many cases, Volthoom’s motives are heartbreaking but become twisted over time. Rami’s role shows how just because you reject emotion, doesn’t mean that pride and curiosity can still not be your demise.

The Verdict: 8.0/10