***Contains Spoilers***
This stretch of Green Lantern follows Kyle Rayner as he continues to find his place as the universe’s lone Green Lantern. Teaming up with Connor Hawke’s Green Arrow, Kyle grapples with being a hero, balancing personal relationships, and confronting the responsibilities of wielding the most powerful weapon in the universe. The series takes a “story-of-the-week” approach, with Kyle facing new challenges in each issue, but the heart of the run lies in its exploration of his character and relationships.
What I appreciated about these issues was the fantastic character work. Kyle Rayner was written with an endearing sense of humanity. He’s not perfect, and that makes him relatable. I especially loved seeing his dynamic with Connor Hawke. As the new Green Arrow, Connor brought a calm and centered counterbalance to Kyle’s more impulsive, emotional personality. The two made a surprisingly strong team, even if their team-ups felt less like epic adventures and more like smaller-scale, personal stories.
Kyle’s relationship with Donna Troy was another highlight. Their chemistry was palpable, and it was refreshing to see a superhero couple with so much mutual respect and support. Donna, already a seasoned hero, provided stability for Kyle as he figured out how to shoulder the Green Lantern mantle. But their romance wasn’t just a sweet side plot; it was central to Kyle’s journey, which made the shocking tragedy that struck Donna’s life hit even harder. When Donna lost her ex-husband, her son, and her stepdaughter in a car accident, I was floored. The emotional weight of this event fractured their relationship in a way that felt raw and deeply human. Kyle’s inability to fully support Donna during her grief showcased his flaws but also made him feel more real.
Another standout dynamic was Kyle’s mentorship under John Stewart. Though their interactions weren’t as frequent as I’d hoped, whenever John showed up, he brought a sense of gravitas. Watching John guide Kyle, not only as a veteran Green Lantern but also as a man of principle, was one of the most rewarding aspects of the run. Their bond added layers to Kyle’s growth as a hero, even if it was often overshadowed by the lighter moments of the series.
That said, the overarching storytelling left much to be desired. The “story-of-the-week” format didn’t provide the compelling narratives I hoped for. Many conflicts felt formulaic, and the stakes often didn’t carry much weight. While the focus on character-building was excellent, it came at the expense of the larger, cosmic storytelling that makes Green Lantern such a beloved franchise. I kept waiting for something big and memorable to happen plot-wise, but it never really materialized.
In the end, while I really liked the characters and the relationships explored here, the actual stories weren’t engaging enough to make this a run I’d revisit. For that reason, I’m giving this a 2-star rating: I liked it, but I wouldn’t read it again. If you’re a fan of Kyle Rayner and character-driven narratives, it’s worth checking out, but don’t expect anything groundbreaking.
Feature Image Green Lantern #92 cover art by Terry Austin and Darryl Banks