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Sep 28, 2011 Web Exclusive By Kyle Lemmon

Apparently, not all the Green Lantern books are steaming ahead with the old continuity. Tony Bedard (Blue Beetle, R.E.B.E.L.S.) and Tyler Kirkham (Green Lantern Corps, Ultimate Fantastic Four) are working up a slightly reconfigured origin story for Space Sector 2814’s Kyle Rayner. He’s still confronted in a dingy alleyway by a Guardian named Ganthet and the character is still a snarky cartoonist, but there’s no sign of his girlfriend from the ‘90s run. Also, six multi-hued Lanterns want to skin Rayner’s hide for unwittingly “stealing” their compatriots’ power rings.

It’s a thrilling setup for a story arc, but not much else beyond that cliffhanger. Longtime Rayner fans (this reviewer included) have seen a very similar iteration of this origin narrative before. New fans can hop on for the ride with little to no exposition. It’s smooth sailing in that respect.

The fluorescent art is bold and adventuresome. The technical details can get a little rubbed out in the backgrounds and facial details of secondary characters. Despite this, inker Mike “BATT” Banning (Green Lantern Corps) and colorist Nei Ruffino (Green Lantern Corps, Supergirl) keep feeding the reader eye candy during the splash pages. The two-page spread of Rayner saving a construction worker in particular is really well done. The cartoonist GL’s gargantuan constructs are always so scrupulous and imaginative.

This inaugural issue also has a whip-smart sense of humor that’s a touch knowing for veterans. (I really enjoyed the bit about a New York City kid likening the design of Rayner’s costume to a “big green bib.”) Green Lantern: New Guardians was light fun. Nothing revelatory, though. I look forward to checking in on Rayner’s adventures from time to time. He deserves more attention. I’m glad my second favorite GL has his own comic again. (www.tylerkirkham.com)

Author rating: 6/10