***Contains Spoilers***
The stretch of Green Lantern Vol. 3, spanning issues #59-75, follows Kyle Rayner, the last Green Lantern, as he wrestles with the responsibility left to him after the destruction of the Green Lantern Corps. This arc, which includes the Baptism of Fire storyline, dives into Kyle’s growth as both a hero and an individual, culminating in a cosmic finale where he saves the planet Rann. Along the way, we see Kyle forge relationships with other DC heroes, most notably Donna Troy, while struggling with the legacy of Hal Jordan and the immense burden of wielding the last Power Ring.
What stood out to me was the character work, especially in the Baptism of Fire arc, which serves as a major turning point for Kyle. This storyline not only tested him but also solidified his position as a legitimate Green Lantern in his own right. Seeing him endure self-doubt, make mistakes, and gradually earn the respect of his peers felt both authentic and rewarding. His relationship with Donna Troy was another highlight for me. Their chemistry brought a human and emotional layer to the story, grounding the larger-than-life cosmic narrative. The two shared moments of vulnerability and understanding that felt real, and Donna’s role as a supportive yet independent figure gave the story a much-needed anchor.
The team-ups sprinkled throughout the run were also enjoyable. They showcased Kyle’s place in the wider superhero community and how others responded to him as he grew into the Green Lantern mantle. These collaborations often highlighted Kyle’s humility and willingness to learn, making him an easy character to root for. The climax on Rann, where Kyle fully embraces his fate as a hero and saves the planet, felt like the culmination of his journey through these issues. While predictable, it provided a satisfying end to his arc of self-discovery.
However, there were several aspects that held this run back. For one, the pacing often felt uneven. The Baptism of Fire storyline had some strong emotional beats, but the momentum was interrupted by uneven plotting in subsequent issues. The balance between cosmic, high-stakes action and quieter, introspective moments wasn’t always seamless, and the tonal shifts sometimes felt jarring. Additionally, while Kyle’s development was well-handled, many of the supporting characters outside of Donna Troy felt underutilized or reduced to plot devices, which left the world around Kyle feeling somewhat hollow. Even the Rann storyline, despite its significance, felt rushed and lacked the emotional weight that earlier arcs like Baptism of Fire had delivered.
In conclusion, Green Lantern Vol. 3, #59-75, and particularly the Baptism of Fire arc, offered some solid character development and emotional moments, especially for Kyle and Donna. However, its uneven pacing, tonal inconsistencies, and lackluster treatment of supporting characters held it back from being a truly memorable run. It’s worth reading once for Kyle’s journey, but it’s not something I would revisit. I’d rate it two stars—a decent arc with some highlights but ultimately not enough to stand out.
Feature Image Green Lantern #59 cover art by Romeo Tanghal and Darryl Banks