Green Lantern (Guy Gardner) Reading Guide

Guy Gardner Green Lantern

Guy Gardner is a prominent character in the DC Universe, known for his role as the 2nd Green Lantern of Earth. He is characterized by his brash personality, confrontational nature, and the iconic bowl cut. Throughout his comic book history, Guy Gardner has undergone various transformations and played significant roles in major storylines.

Tired of stumbling upon unwanted spoilers while researching what to read? Look no further! These carefully curated reading guides are designed with new readers in mind, ensuring you receive top-notch recommendations without sacrificing the element of surprise. My central mission is to provide a spoiler-free experience, allowing you to embark on your reading journey with excitement and anticipation. Say goodbye to accidental reveals and embrace a guide that keeps the thrill of discovery intact!

NOTE: I do provide REVIEWS along the way that CONTAIN SPOILIERS, so proceed with caution.

This guide is by no means comprehensive. Instead it covers what I have read or plan to read, and I will continue to update as I continue on.

Pre-Crisis Reading Order:

Guy Gardner is a Green Lantern from Earth who initially appeared as a backup Lantern to Hal Jordan.

Related Event Guides
Collected EditionStoryIssuesYearAuthor/ArtistReview

Green Lantern/Green Arrow vol. 1
Beware my PowerGREEN LANTERN vol. 2 #871971Dennis O’Neil/Neal Adams⭐️⭐️

Crisis on Infinite Earths Companion Deluxe Vol. 3
Crisis Tie-insGreen Lantern vol. 2 #194–195; #1981985Steve Englehart/Joe Statton & Bruce Patterson⭐️⭐️⭐️
(Review)
Guy Gardner Pre-Crisis Reading Order

Post-Crisis Reading Order:

After the Crisis on Infinite Earths events, Guy Gardner was reimagined as a more aggressive and rebellious character. He was chosen to be a backup Green Lantern to Hal Jordan but eventually became Earth’s primary Green Lantern and an initial member of Justice League International. His tenure was marked by controversial decisions and clashes with other heroes, which led to mixed critical reception. Notable storylines during this period include “The Death and Life of Guy Gardner” and his involvement in the Green Lantern Corps’ battles.

Related Event Guides
Related Team Guides
Collected EditionStoryIssuesYearAuthor/ArtistReview

Green Lantern: Sector 2814, Vol. 3
Guy is RevivedGREEN LANTERN vol. 2 #194-200
(Overlaps with Crisis)
1985Steve Englehart/Joe Statton & Bruce Patterson⭐️⭐️
(Review)
LegendsLegendsLegends #1-61986-1987John Ostrander ⭐️⭐️⭐️
(Review)

Millenium
MilleniumMillenium #1-8, Green Lantern Corps #220-2211988Steve Englehart/
Joe Staton
Skipped

Green Lantern: The Road Back
The Road BackGreen Lantern vol. 3 #1-81990-1991Gerard Jones/Pat Broderick & Bruce Patterson⭐️⭐️
(Review)
BlockedGuy Gardner RebornGuy Gardner Reborn 1-31992Gerald Jones/Joe Staton⭐️⭐️
(Review)
BlockedGuy GardnerGuy Gardner #1-161992-1994Gerald Jones, Chuck Dixion, Beau Smith, William Jacobs⭐️⭐️
(Review)

Zero Hour Omnibus
Zero Hour Tie-insGuy Gardner: Warrior #24, Justice League International #681994Dan Jurgens⭐️⭐️
(Review)
Guy Gardner Post-Crisis Reading Order

Post-Zero Hour Reading Order:

Guy Gardner lost his Green Lantern ring and gained new powers from the Vuldarian alien race. This transformation turned him into a superhero with shape-shifting abilities, known as Warrior. The Warrior persona received a mixed response from fans and critics alike. Guy played a crucial role in various major events, including his involvement in the Justice League and the return of the Green Lantern Corps.

Alternate Collections
  • Geoff Johns Omnibus vol. 1
    • Green Lantern Rebirth #1-6, Green Lantern Corps Recharge #1-5, Green Lantern vol. 4 #1-25, Green Lantern Corps vol. 2 #14-18, Green Lantern: Sinestro Corps Special #1, Green Lantern Secret Files 2005 #1, Tales of the Sinestro Corps: Superman Prime #1 and Green Lantern/Sinestro Corps Secret Files #1
Collected EditionStoryIssuesYearAuthor/ArtistReview
UncollectedGuy Gardner WarriorGuy Gardner: Warrior #17-351994-1995Beau Smith⭐️⭐️
(Review)
Underworld UnleashedUnderworld Unleashed Tie-inGuy Gardner: Warrior #36-371995Beau Smith⭐️⭐️
(Review)
UncollectedGuy Gardner Warrior ConclusionGuy Gardner: Warrior #38-441996Beau Smith⭐️⭐️
(Review)

The Final Night
The Final NightParallax: Emerald Night #1, Final Night #1-4, Green Lantern vol. 3 #811996Karl Kesel/Stuart Immonen⭐️⭐️⭐️
(Review)

Green Lantern: Emerald Knights
Emerald KnightsGreen Lantern vol.3 #99-1061998Ron Marz & Chuck Dixon⭐️⭐️
(Review)

Green Lantern: Circle of Fire
New Journey/Old Paths,
Circle of Fire
Green Lantern vol.3 #129-136, Green Lantern/Firestorm #1, Green Lantern/Adam Strange #1, Green Lantern/Atom #1, Green Lantern/Green Lantern #1, Green Lantern/Power Girl #1, and Green Lantern: Circle of Fire #1-22000-2001Judd Winick & Brian K Vaughn⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
(Review)

Green Lantern by Geoff Johns Book One
Rebirth and RebootGreen Lantern: Rebirth #1-6, Green Lantern vol. 4 #1-32004Geoff Johns

OMAC Project
The OMAC Project (Countdown to Infinite Crisis)OMAC Project #1-62004Greg Rucka, Geoff Johns, and Judd Winick
Guy Gardner Post Zero Hour Reading Order
This is as far as I have read! Beyond this point is what I plan on reading. Stay tuned for Updates.

Post-Infinite Crisis Reading Order:

During this period, Guy Gardner resumed his role as a Green Lantern, abandoning the Warrior persona. He continued to be a member of the Green Lantern Corps and participated in significant events such as the Sinestro Corps War. These storylines had a profound impact on the Green Lantern arcs and showcased Guy’s growth as a character.

Related Event Guides
Collection EditionStoryIssuesYearAuthor/ArtistReview

Green Lantern by Geoff Johns Book Two
Revenge of the Green LanternsGreen Lantern vol. 4 #11-132006Geoff Johns/Ivan Ries & Doug Mahnke

Green Lantern Corps: To Be a Green Lantern
To Be a Green LanternGreen Lantern Corps vol. 2 #1-62006Dave Gibbons/Patrick Gleason

Green Lantern Corps: The Dark Side of Green
Dark Side of GreenGreen Lantern Corps vol. 2 #7-132007 Dave Gibbons, Keith Champagne/Patrick Gleason

Green Lantern by Geoff Johns Book Three
Sinestro Corps WarGreen Lantern vol. 4 #21-25, Green Lantern Corps vol. 2 #14-18, Green Lantern Sinestro Corps Special #1, Tales of the Sinestro Corps: Superman Prime #1 and Green Lantern/Sinestro Corps: Secret Files #12007-2008Geoff Johns/Ivan Ries & Doug Mahnke
Guy Gardner after Infinite Crisis Reading Order

Post-Final Crisis Reading Order:

Following Final Crisis, Guy Gardner remained a prominent member of the Green Lantern Corps. He faced new challenges and conflicts, including his involvement in the “War of Light” storyline. During this period, Guy also became a member of the Red Lantern Corps, adding depth to his character and expanding his impact on the cosmic side of DC Comics.

Related Team Guides
Alternate Collections
  • Geoff Johns Omnibus vol. 2
    • Green Lantern vol.4 #26-52, Blackest Night #0-7, DC Universe #0, Untold Tales of Blackest Night #1-2, Blackest Night Tales of the Corps #1-2
  • Geoff Johns Omnibus vol. 3
    • Green Lantern vol.4 #53-60, Green Lantern: Larfleeze Christmas Special #1, Green Lantern vol. 5 #1-20, Green Lantern Annual #1, Green Lantern Corps #58-60, and Green Lantern Emerald Warriors #8-10
TitleStoryIssues/YearCollectedAuthor/ArtistReview

Green Lantern: Ring Quest
Ring QuestGreen Lantern Corp vol.2 #20-262008Peter J. Tomasi/Patrick Gleason

Green Lantern: Sins of the Star of Saphire
Sins of the Star of SaphireGreen Lantern Corp vol.2 #27-322009Peter J. Tomasi/Patrick Gleason

Green Lantern: Emerald Eclipse
Emerald EclipseGreen Lantern Corp vol.2 #33-392009Peter J. Tomasi/Patrick Gleason

Blackest Night Omnibus
Blackest NightGreen Lantern Corps vol.2 #40-45, Blackest Night #1-82009-2010Geoff Johns & Peter J. Tomasi/Ivan Ries & Doug Mahnke

Brightest Day Omnibus, Brightest Day GL
Brightest DayBrightest Day #1-242010-2011Geoff Johns/Peter J. Tomasi

Green Lantern: Emerald Warriors Volume One
Emerald WarriorsGreen Lantern: Emerald Warriors #1-72010Peter J. Tomasi/ Fernando Pasarin

Green Lantern: War of the Green Lanterns
War of the Green LanternsGreen Lantern Corp vol.2 #58-60, Green Lantern: Emerald Warriors #8-102011Geoff Johns/Ivan Ries & Doug Mahnke

Green Lantern: War of the Green Lanterns Aftermath
War of Green Lanterns AftermathWar of the Green Lanterns: Aftermath, Part One & Part Two2011Tony Bedard & Peter J.Tomasi
Guy Gardner after Final Crisis Reading Order

New 52 Reading Order:

With the launch of the New 52, Guy Gardner’s character underwent changes. He continued to serve as a Green Lantern and was involved in major storylines such as “Rise of the Third Army” and “Wrath of the First Lantern.” Guy’s portrayal during this era received mixed reviews from fans, with some expressing concerns about the direction of his character.

Alternate Collections
  • Rise of the Third Army
    • Green Lantern Annual vol. 5 #1, Green Lantern vol. 5 #13–16Green Lantern Corps vol. 3 #13–16Green Lantern: New Guardians #13–16Red Lanterns #13–16Green Lantern Corps Annual vol. 3 #1
  • Wrath of the First Lantern
    • Green Lantern vol. 5 #17–20Green Lantern Corps vol. 3 #17–20Green Lantern: New Guardians #17–20Red Lanterns #17–20
  • Lights Out
    • Green Lantern vol. 5 #24Green Lantern Corps vol. 3 #24Green Lantern: New Guardians #23-24Red Lanterns #24, Green Lantern Annual #2Green Lantern #23.1: Relic
  • Godhead
    • Green Lantern/New Gods: Godhead #1, Green Lantern vol. 5 #35-37, Green Lantern Corps vol. 3 #35-37, Green Lantern: New Guardians #35-37, Red Lanterns #35-37, Sinestro #6-8 and Green Lantern vol. 5 Annual #3
Collected EditionStoryIssuesYearAuthor/ArtistReview

Green Lantern Corps vol. 1: Fearsome
FearsomeGreen Lantern Corps vol. 3 #1-72011-2012Peter Tomasi/Fernando Pasarin

Green Lantern Corps vol. 2: Alpha War
Alpha War, Rise of the Third Army Tie-inGreen Lantern Corps vol. #8-142012Peter Tomasi/Fernando Pasarin

Green Lantern Corps vol. 3: Will Power
Rise of the Third Army Tie-in, Wrath of the First Lantern Tie-inGreen Lantern Corps vol. 3 #15-202012-2013Peter Tomasi/Fernando Pasarin

Red Lanterns vol. 4: Blood Brothers
Blood Brothers, Lights Out Tie-inRed Lanterns #21-262013-2014Charles Soule/Alessandro Vitti

Red Lanterns vol.5: Atrocities
AtrocitiesRed Lanterns #27-342014Charles Soule/Alessandro Vitti

Red Lanterns vol.6: Forged in Blood
Forged in Blood, Godhead Tie-inRed Lanterns #35-402014-2015Charles Soule, Landry Walker/Jim Calalfiore

Green Lantern: Lost Army
Lost ArmyGreen Lantern: Lost Army #1-62015Cullen Bunn/Jesus Saiz

Green Lantern Corps: Edge of Oblivion
Edge of OblivionGreen Lantern Corps: Edge of Oblivion #1-62016Tom Taylor, Ardian Syaf/Ethan Van Sciver

Convergence: Crisis Book One
Convergence Tie-insConvergence: Green Lantern Corps #1–22015Fabian Nicieza/Criscross

DC Rebirth
DC RebirthDC Rebirth2016Geoff Johns/Ethan Van Sciver, Gary Frank, Phil Jimenez
Guy Gardner New 52 Reading Order

DC Rebirth Reading Order:

Guy Gardner returned to the Green Lantern Corps and resumed his duties as one of Earth’s Green Lanterns. He was a central figure in the “Green Lanterns” series, teaming up with other Lanterns to face new threats. His presence and contributions in this era were well-received, providing a fresh take on his character while honoring his rich history as a Green Lantern.

Related Event Guides
Collected EditionStoryIssuesYearAuthor/ArtistReview

Hal Jordan & the Green Lantern Corps vol. 1
Sinestro’s LawHal Jordan & the Green Lantern Corps: Rebirth #1 and Hal Jordan & the Green Lantern Corps #1-62016Robert Venditti/Rafa Sandoval & Ethan Van Sciver

Hal Jordan & the Green Lantern Corps vol. 2
Bottled LightHal Jordan & The Green Lantern Corps #7-122016-2017Robert Venditti/Rafa Sandoval, Ethan Van Sciver & Jordi Tarragoda

Hal Jordan & the Green Lantern Corps vol. 3
Quest for HopeHal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps #14 to #212017Robert Venditti/Rafa Sandoval, Ethan Van Sciver & Jordi Tarragoda

Hal Jordan & the Green Lantern Corps vol. 4
FractureHal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps #22-292017Robert Venditti/Rafa Sandoval, Ethan Van Sciver & Jordi Tarragoda

Hal Jordan & the Green Lantern Corps vol. 5
Twilight of the Guardians Hal Jordan And The Green Lantern Corps #30-31, #33-362017-2018Robert Venditti/Patrick Zircher & Jack Herbert

Hal Jordan & the Green Lantern Corps vol. 6
Zod’s WillHal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps #37-41.2018Robert Venditti/Rafa Sandoval

Hal Jordan & the Green Lantern Corps vol. 7
Darkstars RisingHal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps #42-50.2018Robert Venditti/Rafa Sandoval, Ethan Van Sciver, Fernando Pasarin & Jordi Tarragoda

Green Lanterns vol. 9
Evils MightGreen Lanterns #50-572018Tim Seeley/Mike Perkins
Guy Gardner DC Rebirth Reading Order

Infinite Frontier Reading Order

Infinite Frontier is the latest reboot of the DC Universe and will be updated in the future

References:

Feature Image Green Lantern vol. 2 #196 cover art by Howard Chaykin

Brett

In my mid-30s, I ventured into the mesmerizing world of comic books, and since then, they've captured my heart as one of my cherished pastimes. With a delightful dance between Marvel and DC, sprinkled with the occasional indie gem, I've immersed myself in this enchanting universe. As a true completionist at heart, my passion for collecting has birthed an abundance of reading lists that I'm thrilled to share with all of you, bringing us together on this thrilling comic journey.

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