Green Lantern #34

It seems almost redundant to do a review of this book anymore.  We all know how fantastic this book is.  Since the Sinestro Corps War, Geoff Johns has kept the ball rolling by revamping Hal Jordan's origin story into a direct tie-in to the much-anticipated Blackest Night.  Much of this story has been the introduction of Hal and Sinestro to each other and the situation of Atrocitus, head of the Empire of Tears and future founder of the Red Lanterns, and hi quest to find the keeper of "The Black," William Hand. 

As last issue left off, Hal and Sinestro were left powerless against Atrocitus, a dilemma that's wrapped up quickly this issue.  In the battle, Hal manages somehow to affect the yellow tractor Atrocitus is holding, showing some of the first signs this greenhorn may be something special though Sinestro doesn't believe him.  Speaking of Sinestro, in past "pre-evil" stories of the man, you always had the feeling that it was no big surprise he went AWOL: his unwavering arrogance, his fanatical obsession with order, the cold aloofness.  Here, I thought Johns did a very good job showing that Sinestro was more altruistic and good natured from his genuine advice ("falling back is a military tactic... not a sign of fear") to his comforting Hal after confronting Carl Ferris (who turns to be not a colossal douchebag as well.)  Naturally, this is going to make things all the most harsh when Sinestro is reprimanded next issue, pushing more towards the dark side.

With the beautiful pencils of Ivan Reis accompanying, Geoff Johns has mixed hard-hitting action with truly heartfelt drama in this issue that proves him to be a master of his craft.  Johns once again shows himself to be the number one man at the DC stable with Green Lantern heading off as his standard bearer of titles.