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.
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NOTE: I do provide REVIEWS along the way that DO 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 Edition | Story | Issues | Year | Author/Artist | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  Green Lantern/Green Arrow vol. 1 | Beware my Power | GREEN LANTERN vol. 2 #87 | 1971 | Dennis O’Neil/Neal Adams | Read |
  Crisis on Infinite Earths Companion Deluxe Vol. 3 | Crisis Tie-ins | Green Lantern vol. 2 #194–195; #198 | 1985 | Steve Englehart/Joe Statton & Bruce Patterson | Read |
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.
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| Collected Edition | Story | Issues | Year | Author/Artist | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  Green Lantern: Sector 2814, Vol. 3 | Guy is Revived | GREEN LANTERN vol. 2 #194-200 (Overlaps with Crisis) | 1985 | Steve Englehart/Joe Statton & Bruce Patterson | Read |
  Legends | Legends | Legends #1-6 | 1986-1987 | John Ostrander | Read (Review) |
  Millenium | Millenium | Millenium #1-8, Green Lantern Corps #220-221 | 1988 | Steve Englehart/ Joe Staton | Skip |
  Green Lantern: The Road Back | The Road Back | Green Lantern vol. 3 #1-8 | 1990-1991 | Gerard Jones/Pat Broderick & Bruce Patterson | Skip |
| Blocked | Guy Gardner Reborn | Guy Gardner Reborn 1-3 | 1992 | Gerald Jones/Joe Staton | Skip |
| Blocked | Guy Gardner | Guy Gardner #1-16 | 1992-1994 | Gerald Jones, Chuck Dixion, Beau Smith, William Jacobs | Skip |
  Zero Hour Omnibus | Zero Hour Tie-ins | Guy Gardner: Warrior #24, Justice League International #68 | 1994 | Dan Jurgens | Read (Review) |
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.
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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 Edition | Story | Issues | Year | Author/Artist | Read? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncollected | Guy Gardner Warrior | Guy Gardner: Warrior #17-44 | 1994-1996 | Beau Smith | Skip |
  The Final Night | The Final Night | Parallax: Emerald Night #1, Final Night #1-4, Green Lantern vol. 3 #81 | 1996 | Karl Kesel/Stuart Immonen | Read (Review) |
  Green Lantern: Emerald Knights | Emerald Knights | Green Lantern vol.3 #99-106 | 1998 | Ron Marz & Chuck Dixon | |
 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 #1-2 | 2000-2001 | Judd Winick & Brian K Vaughn | |
  Green Lantern by Geoff Johns Book One | Rebirth, | Green Lantern: Rebirth #1-6, Green Lantern vol. 4 #1-3 | 2004 | Geoff Johns | |
  OMAC Project | The OMAC Project (Countdown to Infinite Crisis) | OMAC Project #1-6 | 2004 | Greg Rucka, Geoff Johns, and Judd Winick |
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 Edition | Story | Issues | Year | Author/Artist | Read? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  Green Lantern by Geoff Johns Book Two | Revenge of the Green Lanterns | Green Lantern vol. 4 #11-13 | 2006 | Geoff Johns/Ivan Ries & Doug Mahnke | |
  Green Lantern Corps: To Be a Green Lantern | To Be a Green Lantern | Green Lantern Corps vol. 2 #1-6 | 2006 | Dave Gibbons/Patrick Gleason | |
  Green Lantern Corps: The Dark Side of Green | Dark Side of Green | Green Lantern Corps vol. 2 #7-13 | 2007 | Dave Gibbons, Keith Champagne/Patrick Gleason | |
  Green Lantern by Geoff Johns Book Three | Sinestro Corps War | Green 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 #1 | 2007-2008 | Geoff Johns/Ivan Ries & Doug Mahnke |
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 Event Guides
- Blackest Night
- Brightest Days
- Flashpoint
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
| Title | Story | Issues/Year | Collected | Author/Artist | Read? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  Green Lantern: Ring Quest | Ring Quest | Green Lantern Corp vol.2 #20-26 | 2008 | Peter J. Tomasi/Patrick Gleason | |
  Green Lantern: Sins of the Star of Saphire | Sins of the Star of Saphire | Green Lantern Corp vol.2 #27-32 | 2009 | Peter J. Tomasi/Patrick Gleason | |
  Green Lantern: Emerald Eclipse | Emerald Eclipse | Green Lantern Corp vol.2 #33-39 | 2009 | Peter J. Tomasi/Patrick Gleason | |
  Blackest Night Omnibus | Blackest Night | Green Lantern Corps vol.2 #40-45, Blackest Night #1-8 | 2009-2010 | Geoff Johns & Peter J. Tomasi/Ivan Ries & Doug Mahnke | |
  Brightest Day Omnibus, Brightest Day GL | Brightest Day | Brightest Day #1-24 | 2010-2011 | Geoff Johns/Peter J. Tomasi | |
  Green Lantern: Emerald Warriors Volume One | Emerald Warriors | Green Lantern: Emerald Warriors #1-7 | 2010 | Peter J. Tomasi/ Fernando Pasarin | |
  Green Lantern: War of the Green Lanterns | War of the Green Lanterns | Green Lantern Corp vol.2 #58-60, Green Lantern: Emerald Warriors #8-10 | 2011 | Geoff Johns/Ivan Ries & Doug Mahnke | |
  Green Lantern: War of the Green Lanterns Aftermath | War of Green Lanterns Aftermath | War of the Green Lanterns: Aftermath, Part One & Part Two | 2011 | Tony Bedard & Peter J.Tomasi |
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.
Related Event Guides
- Convergence
- DC Rebirth
Related Team Guides
Alternate Collections
- Rise of the Third Army
- Green Lantern Annual vol. 5 #1, Green Lantern vol. 5 #13–16, Green Lantern Corps vol. 3 #13–16, Green Lantern: New Guardians #13–16, Red Lanterns #13–16, Green Lantern Corps Annual vol. 3 #1
- Wrath of the First Lantern
- Green Lantern vol. 5 #17–20, Green Lantern Corps vol. 3 #17–20, Green Lantern: New Guardians #17–20, Red Lanterns #17–20
- Lights Out
- Green Lantern vol. 5 #24, Green Lantern Corps vol. 3 #24, Green Lantern: New Guardians #23-24, Red Lanterns #24, Green Lantern Annual #2, Green 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 Edition | Story | Issues | Year | Author/Artist | Read? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  Green Lantern Corps vol. 1: Fearsome | Fearsome | Green Lantern Corps vol. 3 #1-7 | 2011-2012 | Peter Tomasi/Fernando Pasarin | |
  Green Lantern Corps vol. 2: Alpha War | Alpha War | Green Lantern Corps vol. #8-14 | 2012 | Peter Tomasi/Fernando Pasarin | |
  Green Lantern Corps vol. 3: Will Power | Will Power | Green Lantern Corps vol. 3 #15-20 | 2012-2013 | Peter Tomasi/Fernando Pasarin | |
  Red Lanterns vol. 4: Blood Brothers | Blood Brothers | Red Lanterns #21-26 | 2013-2014 | Charles Soule/Alessandro Vitti | |
  Red Lanterns vol.5: Atrocities | Atrocities | Red Lanterns #27-34 | 2014 | Charles Soule/Alessandro Vitti | |
  Red Lanterns vol.6: Forged in Blood | Forged in Blood | Red Lanterns #35-40 | 2014-2015 | Charles Soule, Landry Walker/Jim Calalfiore | |
  Green Lantern: Lost Army | Lost Army | Green Lantern: Lost Army #1-6 | 2015 | Cullen Bunn/Jesus Siaz | |
  Green Lantern Corps: Edge of Oblivion | Edge of Oblivion | Green Lantern Corps: Edge of Oblivion #1-6 | 2016 | Tom Taylor, Ardian Syaf/Ethan Van Sciver | |
  Convergence: Crisis Book One | Convergence Tie-ins | Convergence: Green Lantern Corps #1–2 | 2015 | Fabian Nicieza/Criscross | |
  DC Rebirth | DC Rebirth | DC Rebirth | 2016 | Geoff Johns/Ethan Van Sciver, Gary Frank, Phil Jimenez |
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
- Dark Nights: Death Metal
| Collected Edition | Story | Issues | Year | Author/Artist | Read? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  Hal Jordan & the Green Lantern Corps vol. 1 | Sinestro’s Law | Hal Jordan & the Green Lantern Corps: Rebirth #1 and Hal Jordan & the Green Lantern Corps #1-6 | 2016 | Robert Venditti/Rafa Sandoval & Ethan Van Sciver | |
  Hal Jordan & the Green Lantern Corps vol. 2 | Bottled Light | Hal Jordan & The Green Lantern Corps #7-12 | 2016-2017 | Robert Venditti/Rafa Sandoval, Ethan Van Sciver & Jordi Tarragoda | |
  Hal Jordan & the Green Lantern Corps vol. 3 | Quest for Hope | Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps #14 to #21 | 2017 | Robert Venditti/Rafa Sandoval, Ethan Van Sciver & Jordi Tarragoda | |
  Hal Jordan & the Green Lantern Corps vol. 4 | Fracture | Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps #22-29 | 2017 | Robert 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, #33-36 | 2017-2018 | Robert Venditti/Patrick Zircher & Jack Herbert | |
  Hal Jordan & the Green Lantern Corps vol. 6 | Zod’s Will | Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps #37-41. | 2018 | Robert Venditti/Rafa Sandoval | |
  Hal Jordan & the Green Lantern Corps vol. 7 | Darkstars Rising | Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps #42-50. | 2018 | Robert Venditti/Rafa Sandoval, Ethan Van Sciver, Fernando Pasarin & Jordi Tarragoda | |
  Green Lanterns vol. 9 | Evils Might | Green Lanterns #50-57 | 2018 | Tim Seeley/Mike Perkins |
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
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