Warning! Spoilers ahead for Absolute Green Lantern #1!A huge change has happened with theGreen Lanterns, but it may be what they need to survive. The Absolute Universe continues to challenge the greatest DC heroes, now it’s the Emerald Knights' turn to face the adversity of this twisted world.
The Absolute Universe was createdthanks to Darkseid’s energyescaping the Prime DCU and settling on Earth-Alpha. In this world, turmoil reigns supreme and hope is the underdog. But heroes have begun to rise all the same, including the Green Lanterns. They may not have the Corps or any Power Rings, but they’ve got something that will ensure theysurvive the Absolute Universe.
The Absolute Green Lanterns Are Friends Before They Meet in the Corps
They’ve Known Each Other Long Before Abin Sur’s Arrival
InAbsolute Green Lantern #1by Al Ewing, Jahnoy Lindsay, and Lucas Gattoni, Hal Jordan is walking down a highway. He’s spotted by a cop who finds Hal’s behavior suspicious and orders him to raise his hands. Hal complies, and in a flash, the police officer is gone. Hal continues his trek, and he makes his way to a nearby diner to get some water, where he discovers a news report is covering the sudden arrival of a mysterious structure in Evergreen,an object shaped just like the symbol of the Green Lantern Corps.
Five days earlier, Hal is in Evergreen, hanging out and eating lunch with his friends, Jo Mullein and John Stewart. The three discuss their careers and lives as Hal questions why Jo has suddenly come back into town. However, the trio’s conversation is interrupted by a sudden crash and the three friends run outside and discover the glowing, alien structure that’s shown up in their small town. They do a brief investigation before the trio discoversthe alien who brought the Green Lantern to Evergreen, Abin Sur.
…Hal is in Evergreen, hanging out and eating lunch with his friends, Jo Mullein and John Stewart.
Back in the present, Hal accidentally gets the diner patrons into a panic after revealing he was in Evergreen. Hal’s life is threatened and he reveals the ‘gift’ Abin Sur gave to him: Hal’s hand now glows with a mysterious black energy that absorbs anyone unlucky enough to confront it. The energy practically destroys the diner, but Hal is still alive as the energy won’t let him die. As Hal reflects on the curse given to him,Jo Muellin arrives, now glowing with Green Lantern energy, to check on her friend.
The Green Lanterns Have Exactly What They Need to Overcome Abin Sur’s Challenge
The Absolute Universe Can’t Take Away the Lanterns' Greatest Asset
Because this world was shaped by Darkseid energy, the guiding principles are turmoil and strife, and as such, things are harder for what few heroes there are. Batman doesn’t have the wealth he usually relies on while the Flash is the only speedster with no legacy to look towards. That’s not to say that these heroes can’t succeed, they just have to overcome more difficult circumstances without everything their Prime counterparts have. Thankfully,the Absolute DC heroes still have some elements that give them a shot at thriving in this twisted world.
Don’t miss the beginning of the Absolute Universe inDC All In Special #1!
Things admittedly are looking grim for the Absolute Universe’s take on the Green Lanterns. For one, there’s seemingly no Corps to speak of, and while it’s hard to say, Abin Sur appears to be more malevolent than usual (weaponizing Hal with a killer energy). Despite there not being a Green Lantern Corps and everything seeming all topsy-turvy,Hal, Jo, John, and even Guy Gardner (according to the friends' dialogue), have all found each otherand have a bond just as strong as their Prime Universe counterparts.
…Hal and Jo don’t have a Guardian of the Universe or the Book of Oa to explain things, but they’ve got each othe
The Absolute Universe is a harder, more callous world. It’s already putting Hal through the ringer and his story has barely started. But what keeps the Prime Green Lanterns going in their darkest hours is the bonds they have with one another. Sure, Hal and Jo don’t have a Guardian of the Universe or the Book of Oa to explain things, but they’ve got each other. No matter what happens, their friendship is going to be crucial going forward andit’s going to help them, and other Green Lanterns, survive the Absolute Universe.
Friendship is the Green Lantern’s True Might
Things Might Turn Out Okay for the Heroes ofAbsolute Green Lantern
It’s early yet, but this one change to the Lanterns’ personal histories might wind up being exactly what they need to overcome whatever Abin Sur is throwing their way. Whatever these friends are about to face, they’ll face it together and that’s something more powerful than any magic ring. Granted, anything could happen in the Absolute Universe, but no matter what, theGreen Lanternswon’t face this world’s dangers alone.
