***Contains Spoilers***
Green Lantern (Vol. 3) #1-8: “The Road Back” by Gerard Jones, Pat Broderick, and Bruce Patterson follows Hal Jordan as he struggles with his identity and role as Green Lantern. After leaving the Corps and returning to Earth, Hal attempts to live a simpler life but keeps getting drawn back into action, mainly due to Guy Gardner’s antics. Meanwhile, John Stewart wrestles with the guilt of his role in destroying Xanshi during Cosmic Odyssey. The three Lanterns reunite on Oa to face a rogue Guardian, and as the Guardians return to rebuild the Corps, Hal finds renewed purpose, overcoming his existential crisis.
I appreciated the focus on Hal Jordan’s personal struggles. His “mid-life crisis” of trying to walk away from Green Lantern responsibilities while still holding onto the ring felt authentic and relatable. The story highlights the pull between personal desires and duty, a theme I’ve always enjoyed in superhero tales. John Stewart’s subplot, dealing with the fallout from Cosmic Odyssey, adds emotional depth and weight. The conflict with the rogue Guardian and the eventual return of the Guardians provide a solid climax, uniting Hal, John, and Guy in a way that highlights their distinct personalities and approaches to heroism.
While the themes were strong, the pacing of these earlier modern-era stories didn’t really resonate with me. Hal’s internal conflict dragged at times, making certain issues feel repetitive. Though entertaining in small doses, Guy Gardner became grating as his over-the-top antics overshadowed some of the more serious moments. The art, while serviceable, lacked the dynamic energy I expect in a Green Lantern story, and the visual depiction of space often felt underwhelming. Lastly, while the resolution ties things up neatly, it felt rushed; Hal’s sudden declaration of reclaiming the Green Lantern mantle lacked the buildup needed for a truly impactful moment.
The Road Back is a solid exploration of what it means to carry the weight of responsibility as a hero and a person. While it has moments of emotional resonance and exciting team-ups, it’s bogged down by uneven pacing and lackluster art. Hal Jordan’s journey from aimless wanderer to renewed Green Lantern is satisfying, but I wouldn’t call it a must-read. For me, this earns two stars— a story I enjoyed for its themes and character dynamics but wouldn’t revisit.
Feature Image Green Lantern: The Road Back cover art by Alan Davis and Mark Farmer
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