Green Lanterns Rebirth + Green Lanterns #1-6

Green Lanterns Rebirth + Green Lanterns #1-6

Originally released in 2016

Written by Sam Humphries (Rebirth + #1-6), Geoff Johns (Rebirth)

Art by Robson Rocha (#1-6), Ethan Van Sciver (Rebirth), Ed Benes (Rebirth, #5), et al.

I've covered a lot of Green Lanterns (as the list of tags will make clear), and this story focuses on the two earthbound Green Lanterns that I haven't covered yet - Jessica Cruz and Simon Baz.  Though for all I know, DC's made more human Green Lanterns since the release of Far Sector in 2019 - given that most sectors have one or two Green Lanterns, it seems strange for a single planet, Earth, to have seven (Alan Scott isn't part of the Corps.), but then again, a lot of threats to the universe/multiverse either start on or wind up on Earth.

Both Jessica and Simon are new recruits to the Corps., though they have significant flaws that make them less effective members - Jessica is recovering from anxiety so severe that she didn't leave her apartment for three years (she was chosen for her ability to overcome great fear), while Simon is impulsive and has a major chip on his shoulder due to facing Islamophobia (to the point where he's tempted to leave Earth entirely), along with lacking trust in his ring. (he carries a gun as a back-up)

Hal Jordan arrives for just long enough to test them and, when it's clear that they're lacking, merges their Lanterns into one, which will only recharge the ring if they both use it at the same time, so they're forced to work together.  Given their vastly different personalities, this isn't ideal; they try to get along, though their internal monologues tell a different story.

Meanwhile, the Red Lantern leader Atrocitus is planning on making Earth into a new homeworld for the Red Lanterns, as he intends to bring about a prophesized event known as "Red Dawn".  To that end, he creates a Hell Tower that infects ordinary people with rage, and with the experienced Green Lanterns off-world and seemingly unavailable, it's up to Simon and Jessica to set things right.

Of the two of them, Jessica seems to be the more popular, and I can see why; aside from her anxiety (bordering on agoraphobia) being something that you don't see often in superheroes, it took a surprisingly long time for a Green Lantern from Earth to be a woman. (Hal Jordan's been around since 1959, so the human Green Lanterns were all men for over 60 years, which seems like an unusually long time)  Plus, her dynamic with her sister and with her ring is great.

That's not to say that Simon Baz isn't interesting. His concerns about his family are compelling, while drawing on serious issues that have impacted America since 9/11, which his young nephew is still suffering from.  The main difference (at least, going by these issues) is that his personality seems very similar to Guy Gardner at times (though much easier to get along with), making him feel less unique among the human Green Lanterns in comparison to Jessica.

Naturally, by the end of the first six issues, Jessica and Simon are in a much better place regarding their teamwork, though they still have flaws that they're struggling with. (aside from her anxiety, or because of it, Jessica has a tough time with making constructs)  As well, the Red Lantern's plans for Earth are still in motion, even with the Hell Tower destroyed, and a rogue Guardian of the Universe has arrived on Earth, seeking the protection of a Green Lantern, even if he's a little out of date.

I thought it was a solid start to these two Green Lanterns, and I intend to continue with this series another day.  While I'm not sure of the in-story reason for why there are so many Green Lanterns from Earth, I can see why when it comes to a writing perspectives - the origin of the Green Lantern is a "one size fits all" premise that can be used to cover a wide variety of backgrounds and personalities, since the only prerequisite is being able to overcome fear.  The Green Lanterns don't need to come from the planet Krypton, or be billionaire playboys, or start out as clay statues that were given life by gods and goddesses - they just need to be brave when their instincts are telling them to get to safety.