Green Lantern #41

It has become apparent that I don't love this series for the Green Lanterns. Heck, I didn't even really like Hal Jordan until he started his struggles with the Blue Ring. No, this series is one of the best out there because of the other Lanterns. The origins and relationships between the Lanterns and the emotional spectrum is what I love. Thankfully, there is plenty of that in Green Lantern #41.

Hal continues to have trouble with his Blue Ring. He's never been much of a thinker. He's a man of action, so the idea of hoping for something is beneath him. Because of this, he can't harness the power of the Blue Ring. Not only that, but it disrupts his ability to use his Green Ring. Hal shouldn't have to worry about that after Larfleeze's solution at the end of the issue though, which may or may not further relate Hal Jordan to his arch enemy.

Now that I've mentioned Larfleeze, I guess I should talk about him a little bit. Geoff Johns writes a great villain to the Green Lantern Corps. We find out his origin this issue and how he got the Vega system all to himself. This part was a little lacking for me. It seems that the Guardians have always feared the power of the Orange Light and just decided to bargain with Larfleeze when he found it. It all seemed a little forced to me.

Larfleeze, himself, kicks major butt though. The way his constructs work tie directly into his greed so perfectly. This method of battle is particularly effective too, because his corps are just constructs of his ring. They are intangible and thus, can't be touched, but they can dish out the pain. Larfleeze's power is a threat that no one can overcome...except the new Violet Lanterns.

I guessed it last issue. The Violet Lanterns of Love conquer the Orange Lanterns of Greed. I'm thinking the idea that if there is love in your heart, there is no room for greed is the reasoning behind John's hierarchy of power here. This issue is just an introduction to the Violet Lanterns though. We don't actually get to see how their power works and how they harness Love, but that introduction sure was cool. I can't wait to find out more about the Violet Lantern Corps.

Philip Tan also continues to shine in this series, shine being the operative word. His depiction of the different lights of the Lanterns is amazing. From the constructs, to the lack of light, to the light surrounding every member of a corps, his work is beautiful. Tan's depiction of Larfleeze is appropriately menacing and the look on Hal's face on that last panel perfectly matches what I think my face would look like in that situation.

The Agent Orange arc is probably my favorite one of the Green Lantern series. Larfleeze is coolest villain to the Green Lantern Corps and I can't wait to see how he matches up with a Violet Lantern. It is those match-ups and relationships that make this series work so well and they have always been a major part of it and looks to be one for the foreseeable future.