Green Lantern Vol. 2 #76

Also subtitled as No Evil Shall Escape My Sight!, Green Lantern Vol. 2 #76 was a bonus comic that came with the Retroactive Green Lantern '70s issue. This is the book that sees the beginning of Green Lantern and Arrow's decade long journey across America tackling social problems. It all begins with Lantern flying through Star City and stops what he believes are street thugs from harassing a helpless old man. After being told off by both onlookers and Green Arrow, Hal learns that the older man was a slumlord who wants the inhabitants of his building to vacate into the streets. After being lambasted by an older black man for not doing anything to those lesser than him, especially colored on Earth, he goes to see the slumlord to intimidate him. After nearly threatening his life, Lantern is summoned by the Guardians of the Universe for abusing his power and have him divert meteors from Saturn's moon. Dissatisfied with this task and knowing Oliver will go after the slumlord, Lantern abandons Saturn and helps Arrow defeat him. Angered for going against their decision, the Guardians would have punished his subordination had Oliver not chastised them for not understanding what it's like to not be perched so high up and the experiences of a normal human being. In turn, the Guardians send one of their own to travel the country with the two green dressed superheroes to better understand humanity. While much of Vol. 2 #76 may seem dated in how it tells its message, one must remember how daring this story was when it was released in April of 1970. Yes, it's a little silly and on the nose to say that Jordan works for blue-skinned aliens and has helped orange and purple-skinned but never came to help the black-skinned on Earth, but it's a message that is as prevalent today as it was back then. Dennis O'Neil's writing is really good, especially in showing the different beliefs of the two heroes despite both wanting the same goals. With Lantern's conservative view of things being done over time and through the system while Arrow's more direct action approach you may think they don't get along as friends, but O'Neil makes it work. Although there are times when in trying to send a message, like Arrow verbally berating the Guardians, that feel like it could have been toned down. The artwork by Neal Adams, combined with Frank Giacoia's inking and Cory Adams's coloring, is breathtaking and manages to help this issue in letting you know how somber and melancholy it can be, but with some sparkle of hope by the end. While a little spotty at times, Green Lantern Vol. 2 #76 is an important moment for DC Comics whose legacy is still as impactful as any other big crossover or event that it has ever had. Over all: 100%

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1. Green Lantern Vol. 2 #76

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