Warning: SPOILERS for Green Lantern #2Green Lantern and Batman‘s long-running feud continues thanks to Hal Jordan’s new construct. Hal will never be the real Dark Knight, but he sure knows how to play the part.
Green Lantern Hal Jordan takes a major play out of Batman’s playbook in Green Lantern #2 by Jeremy Adams, Xermánico, Romulo Fajardo Jr., and Dave Sharpe. On a “test flight” around town, Hal comes across a crew of construction-themed goons called the “Demolition Team” infiltrating a graveyard, and they’re obviously up to no good. Instead of ambushing them, the setting immediately makes him think of Batman’s favorite strategy: using fear and superstition against criminals. And, using his new power ring, Green Lantern does just that.
After quoting one of the most iconic Batman lines of all time — “What is it that Bruce always said… Criminals are a superstitious and cowardly lot” — Green Lantern corners the Demolition Team. But instead of confronting them head-on, Hal uses his ring to create a massive construct made of spooky green ghosts. The goons run directly into the police as Hal calls after them: “I am vengeance! I am the niiiiiiight!“
Green Lantern Knows When Batman Is Right
Green Lantern and Batman have a long history with each other; though they’re Justice League colleagues and teammates, they have often been at odds in the past, especially given the differences in their temperaments. But perhaps time and distance have made Hal Jordan more willing to appreciate Batman’s strategies, considering the recent disbanding of the Justice League — not to mention the massive shake-ups with the Green Lantern Corps status quo, which includes Hal being grounded on Earth. However, nothing keeps Hal Jordan down for long, and this issue opens with him testing out a new power ring that he formed himself out of pure willpower and the remnants of Oan energy.
Green Lanterns are known for being resourceful — it’s no surprise that Hal has managed to create his own personal power ring — but it’s still surprising to see Hal of all people quoting from and relying on Batman’s playbook. Batman often utilizes fear and even manufactured chaos to corral his “suspicious and cowardly lot.” Green Lantern, on the other hand, tends to confront his threats head-on. Not only is Hal’s spin on Batman’s famous strategy a sight to see thanks to Xermánico’s art and Fajardo’s colors, it’s also a nice nod to the heroes’ playful rivalry.
What’s Next for Green Lantern?
Beyond even that, Green Lantern’s massive spectral construct serves as an underhanded prologue to the character’s next terrifying adventure, which takes place in Knight Terrors: Green Lantern this summer. The Knight Terrors event promises a season of horror for the DC Universe, but that doesn’t mean Green Lantern can’t put the fear of Batman into some low-level goons first.
Check out Green Lantern #2, available now from DC Comics!
