Kyle Rayner is Earth’s fourth Green Lantern. Introduced in 1994, he was the first new Green Lantern to be chosen after Hal Jordan’s fall from grace. As a freelance artist, Kyle’s creative background added a unique perspective to his approach to wielding the power ring. Over the years, he has evolved from a novice hero to a seasoned veteran, navigating through various challenges and playing a pivotal role in major DC events.
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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.
Post-Crisis Reading Order:
Kyle Rayner was introduced as the new Green Lantern leading into Zero Hour, chosen by the last surviving Guardian of the Universe. His arrival brought a fresh perspective to the Green Lantern Corps, and he embarked on numerous adventures, facing both cosmic threats and personal struggles. Despite some initial skepticism, Kyle’s character quickly gained popularity among readers, primarily due to his relatable nature and innovative constructs created with his power ring.
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Post-Zero Hour Reading Order:
During this period, Kyle Rayner’s role as Green Lantern continued to evolve. He faced challenges such as the loss of his power ring and later becoming a member of the New Titans. Rayner also played a significant part in major DC events, including Final Night and Infinite Crisis. These storylines showcased his growth as a character, highlighting his determination and resourcefulness in the face of overwhelming odds.
Related Event Guides
Related Team Guides
- New Titans
- JLA
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 | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  Kyle Rayner Vol.1 | New Dawn | Green Lantern vol. 3 #56-57, New Titans vol. #116-117 and R.E.B.E.L.S. #1 | 1994 | Ron Marz/Darryl Banks | ⭐️⭐️ (Review) |
  Kyle Rayner vol.2 | Parallax View: The Resurrection of Hal Jordan, The Siege of the Zi Charam | Green Lantern #58-65, Guy Gardner: Warrior #27-28, New Titans #124-125 and Darkstars #34 | 1995 | Ron Marz/Darryl Banks & Romeo Tanghal | ⭐️⭐️ (Review) |
| Underworld Unleashed | Underworld Unleashed Tie-in | Green Lantern vol.3 #68-69 | 1995 | Ron Marz | ⭐️⭐️ (Review) |
  Green Lantern: Emerald Allies | Emerald Allies | Green Lantern vol.3 #76-92 (Intermittent) | 1996-1997 | Ron Marz & Chuck Dixon | ⭐️⭐️ (Review) |
  The Final Night | The Final Night | Parallax: Emerald Night #1, Final Night #3-4, Green Lantern vol. 3 #81 | 1996 | Karl Kesel/Stuart Immonen | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Review) |
  Green Lantern: Emerald Knights | Emerald Knights | Green Lantern vol.3 #99-106 | 1998 | Ron Marz & Chuck Dixon | ⭐️⭐️ (Review) |
  Day of Judgement | Day of Judgement | Day of Judgement #1-5, JLA #35 | 1999 | Geoff Johns/Matt Smith | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (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 #1-2 | 2000-2001 | Judd Winick & Brian K Vaughn | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Review) |
| Joker’s Last Laugh | Joker’s Last Laugh Tie-in | Green Lantern vol.3 #143 | 2001 | Judd Winick | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
  Green Lantern: Power of Ion | Power of Ion | Green Lantern vol.3 #142-150 | 2001-2002 | Judd Winick | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Review) |
  Green Lantern: Brother’s Keeper | Brother’s Keeper | Green Lantern vol.3 #151-155 | 2002 | Judd Winick | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Review) |
  Green Lantern: Passing the Torch | Passing the Torch | Green Lantern vol.3 #156-161 | 2003 | Judd Winick | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Review) |
| Uncollected | Conclusion of the third series | Green Lantern vol. 3 #165-181 | 2003-2004 | Ben Raab & Ron Marz | ⭐️⭐️ (Review) |
  Identity Crisis | Identity Crisis | Identity Crisis #1-7 | 2004 | Brad Meltzer/Rags Morales | |
  Green Lantern by Geoff Johns Book One | Rebirth, NoFear, & Recharge | Green Lantern: Rebirth #1-6 | 2004 | Geoff Johns | |
  Rann-Thanagar War | Rann-Thanagar War (Countdown to Infinite Crisis) | Rann-Thanagar War #1-6, Infinite Crisis Special #1 | 2005 | Dave Gibbons/Ivan Ries |
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:
After Infinite Crisis, Kyle Rayner played a pivotal role in the Sinestro War storyline, where he demonstrated his bravery and determination in the face of the formidable Sinestro Corps. This storyline garnered critical acclaim for its epic scope and exploration of fear versus willpower. Throughout Final Crisis, Kyle remained an integral part of the Green Lantern Corps, contributing to the larger narrative of the event.
Related Event Guides
| Collected Edition | Story | Issues | Year | Author/Artist | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncollected | Ion | Ion #1-12 | 2006-2007 | Ron Marz | |
  Green Lantern by Geoff Johns Book Three | Sinestro Corps War | Green Lantern vol. 4 #21-25 and Green Lantern Sinestro Corps Special #1 | 2007-2008 | Geoff Johns/Ivan Ries & Doug Mahnke | |
  Countdown to Final Crisis | Countdown to Final Crisis | Countdown #33-1 | 2007-2008 | Paul Dini | |
  Final Crisis Requiem | Final Crisis Tie-ins | Final Crisis: Requiem #1 | 2008 | Peter J. Tomasi/Doug Mahnke |
Post-Final Crisis Reading Order:
Following Final Crisis, Kyle Rayner continued his adventures as a Green Lantern, contributing to the rebuilding of the Green Lantern Corps and exploring new frontiers alongside his fellow Lanterns. Notable storylines during this period include the War of the Green Lanterns and the Flashpoint crossover event. Kyle’s character remained an integral part of the DC Universe, garnering praise for his development and contributions to the overarching narrative.
Related Event 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 | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  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 #40-57, 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 Corps: Revolt of the Alpha Lanterns | Revolt of the Alpha Lanterns | Green Lantern Corps vol.2 #47-52 | 2010 | Tony Bedard/Ardian Syaf | |
  Green Lantern Corps: The Weaponer | The Weaponer | Green Lantern Corps vol.2 #53-58 | 2011 | Tony Bedard/Tyler Kirkham | |
  Green Lantern: War of the Green Lanterns | War of the Green Lanterns | Green Lantern Corp vol.2 #58-60 | 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, the DC Universe underwent a reboot, and Kyle Rayner’s character experienced significant changes. As part of the Green Lantern series, he joined the larger Green Lantern Corps in a new capacity, taking on challenges that tested his abilities and resolve. While the New 52 era received mixed reactions from fans, Kyle’s presence in the Green Lantern mythos continued to be a key component of the larger DC Universe.
Related Event Guides
Related Team Guides
- Omega Men
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 | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  Green Lantern: New Guardians vol. 1: The Ring Bearer | The Ring Bearer | Green Lantern: New Guardians #1-7 | 2011-2012 | Tony Bedard, Tyler Kirkman, & Batt | |
  Green Lantern: New Guardians vol. 2: Beyond Hope | Beyond Hope | Green Lantern: New Guardians #8-12 | 2012 | Tony Bedard, Tyler Kirkman, & Batt | |
  Green Lantern: New Guardians vol. 3: Love and Death | Rise of the Third Army Tie-in, Wrath of the First Lantern Tie-in | Green Lantern: New Guardians #13-20, #0 | 2012-2013 | Tony Bedard/Aaron Kuder | |
  Green Lantern: New Guardians vol. 4: Gods and Monsters | Gods and Monsters, Lights Out Tie-in | Green Lantern: New Guardians #21-27 | 2013 | Justin Jordan/Brad Walker | |
  Green Lantern: New Guardians vol. 5: Godkillers | Godkillers | Green Lantern: New Guardians #28-34 | 2014 | Justin Jordan/Brad Walker | |
  Green Lantern: New Guardians vol. 6: Storming the Gates | Storming the Gates, Godhead Tie-in | Green Lantern: New Guardians #35-40 | 2014-2015 | Justin Jordan/Brad Walker | |
  Convergence: Zero Hour Book Two | Convergence Tie-in | Convergence: Green Lantern/Parallax #1–2 | 2015 | Ron Marz/Mike Manley | |
  DC Rebirth | DC Rebirth | DC Rebirth | 2016 | Geoff Johns/Ethan Van Sciver, Gary Frank, Phil Jimenez |
DC Rebirth Reading Order:
During the DC Rebirth initiative, Kyle Rayner’s character was reintroduced with a renewed focus on his role as a Green Lantern. He became a member of the Green Lantern Honor Guard and played an instrumental part in various storylines. His return was generally well-received by fans, who appreciated the homage to his legacy as a Green Lantern and his continued growth as a hero.
Related Event Guides
| Collected Edition | Story | Issues | Year | Author/Artist | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  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 A New Dawn – Green Lantern vol. 3 – art by Darryl Banks
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