Chopping Block Review: Green Lantern #0 (2012)

Review by Nolan P. Smith-Pastrami Nation

Writer: Geoff Johns

Artist: Dough Mahnke

Publisher: DC Comics

Website: www.dcomics.com

To many who know me, it is no secret that I am a HUGE Marvel fan. But when the New 52 started last year for DC, I gave it a shot, and after a few issues I dropped all the titles. I loved Animal Man and Aquaman, but this semi re-imagining of the DC Universe was too much for me to stay on board with. So, with this month’s round of zero issues, which supposedly make a great jumping on point for new readers, I had to give a few books a shot to see how they fared. First up was Green Lantern #0: so how did the emerald ring-slinger’s #0 measure up for an old DC/current Marvel fan?

Geoff Johns, the architect of this new 52 movement, really knocks it out of the park with this stand alone issue. There’s no Hal Jordan, no Sinestro (save for a page at the end showing where the duo is at right now), this is about the much talked about new Muslim Green Lantern of Earth: Simon Baz. The story shows an imperfect guy, a guy who’s made plenty of mistakes, and who’s world changed the day the towers fell on 9/11.

Caught in the worst of situations, Baz is faced with some tough situations, with seemingly no way out, until a certain emerald ring shows up. Johns and artist Dough Mahnke craft a great start to a new chapter in the world of Green Lanterns. Baz reminds me of Jordan in the regards of being a hothead, and honestly I think a new Green Lantern isn’t a bad thing. This type of reboot I can deal with: Jordan is still around, but the focus is placed squarely on the new up and comer. A terrific start and jumping on point, I recommend everyone to scoop up this issue and get ready for an all new adventure that’s looks to be ready to impress. Highly recommend, I give Green Lantern #0 a @@@@ out of FIVE.