Catch-Up: Green Lanterns #19-21 (Polarity Arc)

[zapbiffpow]

 

Green Lanterns presents a sobering look at the effects of superheroism (and supervillainy) on their loved ones, and the need of super-criminals for actual psychological help. 

 

Don't worry, I'm posting a less depressing Lanterns story after this one. Check it!

 

Words: Sam Humphries

Art: Ronan Cliquet & Robson Rocha 

 

 

Green Lanterns #19:

 

Simon finds himself at odds with his brother-in-law and best friend, Nazir, whom he miraculously saved from a coma during Baz' Green Lantern origin: 

 

 

 

 

Green Lanterns #20:

 

We get a look at Doctor Polaris back when he was just Neal Emerson, disgraced scientist and failed medical pioneer. 

 

He's rescued from a mob of reporters by his brother, Seth: 

 

 

Meanwhile, in the present, Doc Polaris has trapped our Lanterns at the bottom of the ocean before escaping arrest. Jessica demonstrates her newfound improvement in ringslinging: 

 

 

 

 

 

They go after Emerson's KA's, but the primary one isn't of use to them:

 

 

 

 

 

Meanwhile, we get a look inside Emerson's mind, divided between Seth (sanity) and Dr. Polaris (insanity). 
 

 

 

 

The Lanterns track down Dr. Polaris, but their fight accelerates Seth's condition, causing him to flatline, leading us into...

 

Green Lanterns #21:

 

Baz decides to use the same healing powers he pulled off on Nazir to save Polaris' brother. 

 

 

 

It totally doesn't work, and the last Polaris sees of his brother is inside his mind: 
 

 

 

There's a kickass Save the Day sequence where Baz and Cruz rescue the JLA Watchtower from an enraged Polaris, but page limit. 

 

Here, an in-the-wind Emerson confronts a vengeful Polaris, saying "I don't care..."

 

 

...leading into the inevitable confrontation with the original Lanterns of Sector 2814. 
 

Not gonna lie: this could've gone better, mostly by having Seth be cured and Emerson finally giving up Polaris. I guess status quo mandates keep Dr. Polaris a villain for future use. There's also a possible upcoming problem concerning the Jerkass characterization of the 2814's, similar to Batman during the crossover arc. 

 

Still, this arc made the best of what it had, the true shining moment here being the looks inside Emerson's mind. Aside from the happy moments between the Emersons, it clearly shows how Polaris constantly derails his psyche, showing he's also a victim of his persona...not as much as his poor brother, but a victim all the same. 

 

Also, props for the B Plot of Nazir calling out Baz for not looking for a job! Personal fiscal responsibility isn't a lesson I've seen a lot of books tackle. It's refreshing. 

Comments

[reveen]

Well, I dunno. Maybe Green Lanterns and Justice League members should get, like, a salary?

They can't all be like Superman who has a journo dream job he can just do at superspeed or like Batman who came out of the womb rich.

[zapbiffpow]

Oh no, for sure - all the more reason for our heroes to get out there and look for something.

Salary-wise, the Justice League I can see: with the current smaller lineup, Batman alone could cover cost-of-living expenses for members in need. But the GLC...I don't know what the current exchange rate is for Space Bucks to dollars. I guess they could barter off some of Mogo's produce.

[icon_uk]

The Guardians of the Universe have NEVER reimbursed the Lantern Corps members for their services AFAIK.

[remial]

wait, WHAT? they are space cops with like seriously the toughest job in the universe, and they don't get paid?

AND they have the "no using the ring to resurrect your home town after a villain destroys it" clause?

the Guardians really ARE the worst!

[silverhammerman]

They're working in exchange for something much more important than monetary reimbursement: exposure!

[burkeonthesly]

"We give them the greatest tool in the universe, what more could they want?"

Little blue jerks, they're the biggest tools in the universe.

[lizard_of_aus]

Just so you know, one of the pages here is used twice.

[zapbiffpow]

Hey-o, fixed! Thanks for the heads-up.

[kelira]

That is the best artist ice version on Cyborg that I have ever seen.