Green Lantern: 15 Epic Comics That Will Blow Your Mind!
Green Lantern's Greatest Hits: A Deep Dive into the Best Comics
The Green Lantern universe? It’s bonkers, and incredibly imaginative. There’s just so many characters and amazing storylines that have contributed to making DC Comics one of the major creative forces in superhero comics for decades; that makes it exceptionally difficult to choose just some, but we did so nonetheless.
More than a dude with a power ring, Green Lantern represents that evolving identity embraced by awesome heroes! There’s countless stories – from space opera to social commentary and that deep emotional exploration of human flaws – many have had an enormously great influence; demonstrating those kinds of deep influences. If you need to be steered towards some incredible Green Lantern tales, then we've created a list here of 15 of those greatest stories from all eras of the comics. This has it all; that iconic universe is just really well-explored, with many amazing choices of stories to select for the creation of a much needed compilation!
Top 15 Green Lantern Comics: An Epic Ranking
15. Emerald Twilight (1994): Hal Jordan's Fall From Grace
This story is seriously dark. Hal Jordan, devastated after Coast City's destruction, loses it; turning against the Green Lantern Corps in an insane attempt to rebuild his hometown, ultimately creating a compelling arc and tragedy that resulted in this legendary and fan-favorite moment where Hal loses to those deeply human, destructive impulses.
It transformed Hal Jordan into the villainous Parallax, ushering in Kyle Rayner (a brand-new hero who takes the torch; inheriting that role). Many initially disliked the storyline because of that character-centric tragedy. That doesn’t imply that the outcome is somehow bad. The bold direction; this willingness to deconstruct the hero’s narrative itself is compelling. The writer Joe Myrick says "it's certainly the boldest direction DC may have ever gone".
14. The Green Lantern (2019): A Multiversal Police Procedural
This amazing pairing– Grant Morrison (legend) and Liam Sharp (master artist)— creates this insane exploration. Hal Jordan roams the multiverse fighting cosmic threats; solving mysteries and completely demolishing villains; showing amazing diversity across environments, villains, and those ever-challenging quests. The visuals are insanely wild; emphasizing just how different each of those cosmic environments truly was; something made achievable through creative diversity and amazing art.
This unique police procedural? “Too good for Grant Morrison NOT to write", says Andrew Dyce. The blending of genres and humor works insanely well; creating an overall great success that would've not been otherwise achievable without such careful crafting.
13. Flash & Green Lantern: The Brave and the Bold (2000): A Classic Bromance!
This one takes you back to those earlier 2000s showing just how great Hal Jordan and Barry Allen (The Flash) work together. From battles against iconic foes to Green Arrow's surprising disruption, this entire storyline adds those kinds of nostalgic, incredibly funny moments that help re-capture an entire era and re-introduce the charm and joy of this era that made it famous.
Justin Epps states "this book will instantly transport anyone back in time" – nailing the retro humor! Mark Waid and Tom Peyer's writing perfectly balances classic storytelling with modern flare; something made visually apparent through Barry Kitson’s work; a wonderful artistic showcase which should appeal to multiple tastes, styles, and other artistic aspects.
12. Green Lanterns (2016): Simon Baz and Jessica Cruz Take Center Stage
Introducing Simon Baz and Jessica Cruz during the New 52, that creative storyline expansion meant these new Green Lanterns would grow! DC Rebirth gave these characters even greater attention, crafting one fan-favorite series in this particular installment that added both those compelling adventures alongside that deepening relationship development between Baz and Cruz; emphasizing that bond.
Justin Epps calls it a “crucial series”, noting the equal standing alongside veteran Lanterns; which greatly elevated and expanded how much they mattered within the universe.
11. Blackest Night (2009): An Undead Threat to the DC Universe
A pivotal moment in Geoff Johns' Green Lantern saga, it brings back Nekron! This undead threat; an amazingly epic figure that forms the Black Lantern Corps – an unbelievably intense threat, creating those thrilling battles across the multiverse, all centered on those compelling moments.
Justin Epps recalls the unforgettable terror–calling it a must-read event with that amazingly gripping story. Ivan Reis's art adds so much suspense; that gripping story, compelling details and high tension makes this extremely well-remembered and unforgettable, something few Green Lantern stories managed to achieve in that particular timeframe.
10. Far Sector (2019): A Stellar Murder Mystery!
N.K. Jemisin and Jamal Campbell’s Young Animal story presents Sojourner ‘Jo’ Mullein, instantly a modern favorite! Jo investigates a murder (first in half a millennium) on a brand new, bizarre city; and becomes embroiled in a galactic-sized conflict!
Justin Epps calls this amazing title one of the better hits for Young Animal! This awesome blend of genres– that perfect mix of mystery, science fiction, and that added creativity adds another layer of excellence and complexity. That's exceptionally fun. And also adds unique aspects that make it exceptionally valuable!
9. Green Lantern: A New Dawn (2005): Kyle Rayner’s Rise to Greatness
The death of Hal Jordan was pretty tough. The amazing “New Dawn” arc introduces Kyle Rayner; inheriting his abilities. As the last remaining Green Lantern; Rayner's immediate jump into such a powerful and potentially problematic role, shows the importance and legacy left behind through his prior hero; which helped create an immense story arc for the development of the now iconic Rayner! This really highlights the importance of character choices! A powerful choice showing the importance behind these transitions; this makes for those moments where a truly capable character is established and develops within an environment designed to support his continued rise in strength and power!
Justin Epps praises the incredible transition; showing why Rayner was actually perfect for this unique story. This made Kyle an instant success.
8. DC Universe: The Stories of Alan Moore (2006): Exploring Green Lantern's Dark Side
These short stories by Alan Moore include unique, and interesting versions that explore many interesting facets, those moments in the Green Lantern's past. The key aspect here is this story uses creative license for telling truly remarkable plots, focusing on unique aspects often omitted or left unexplored from previous iterations: "Tygers" introduces Abin Sur's arc (Hal's predecessor), and the "In Blackest Night" story focuses on recruiting new members for the F-Sharp Bell Corps! But it gets better. “Mogo Doesn’t Socialize” presents the incredible diversity within the Green Lantern Corps including a surprisingly insightful exploration; showing sentient planets among these many members! It was both fun and shocking for all the reasons shown in these surprisingly short story collections.
This makes it absolutely noteworthy; many interesting tales often go missing, so the retelling of these forgotten moments showcases just why Alan Moore's creative style remains exceptionally valued for the universe he built through writing.
7. Green Lantern Corps: Recharge (2005): Expanding the Corps!
Bringing Hal Jordan back? That wasn’t all that mattered! “Recharge” is key; bringing in Kyle Rayner and Guy Gardner, along with over 7000 new Green Lanterns, emphasizing this expansion which greatly enriched the already established universe! This became an extremely important event, really helping establish Green Lantern's continued identity; focusing on expansion of its reach throughout that expansive, incredibly diverse cosmos that serves as that overarching environment. This became critically important to DC’s vision and demonstrates an interesting take on established superhero universes. This approach to this expanded mythology created an expansive universe far different from typical approaches.
This story wasn’t just about Hal’s return; this emphasized an independent Green Lantern Corps, a large ensemble full of those many characters outside of Hal’s influence; something that Andrew Dyce calls that "most beloved period in Green Lantern history".
6. Green Lantern: War Journal (2023): A Character Study on John Stewart!
John Stewart’s retirement is what sparks this arc; leaving behind his old life to help with his mom, facing challenges of mortality in this key moment and an almost introspective look into this character's mind! That pivotal point showcases many complex thematic and dramatic explorations surrounding that ever-important element: The exploration into family, his commitment toward duty and its impact, and how his heroic path helped affect those around him.
Justin Epps praises Phillip Kennedy Johnson’s writing for this intensely personal study! Xermanico’s artwork complements the raw emotion–and it shows John Stewart’s awesome power!
5. Green Lantern: Secret Origin (2008): A New Take on Hal Jordan’s Origins
This retelling from Geoff Johns and Ivan Reis is outstanding. This amazing, incredibly creative retelling shows a completely revised look on Hal Jordan's beginnings; a deep-space miner who discovers alien forces that trigger an epic journey showing Hal’s path towards heroism; showing several elements rarely displayed and showing Hal’s partnership with his future enemy, Sinestro! This helped establish important plot elements across several key stories in the later years, highlighting that creativity and storytelling choices like these really create massive, lasting impacts upon future narratives!
The review notes that it is "a pitch-perfect introduction", helping redefine Hal Jordan’s start.
4. Green Lantern: Rebirth (2005): Hal Jordan’s Triumphant Return!
Geoff Johns takes over the entire Green Lantern universe and starts this arc showing Hal Jordan's dramatic comeback. This launchpoint is insanely important; creating a total rebirth for the Emerald Knight as the leader in this awesome, creative retelling. This not only reignited the classic storyline but creates those long-lasting effects, totally reshaping this Green Lantern era. This moment marked an entirely new direction for the character himself; creating amazing opportunities.
Justin Epps calls it "one of the most beloved periods in Green Lantern history”, noting this immense impact and influence. It showcases Hal's potential to overcome intense tragedy through the many battles to restore his rightful identity.
3. Green Lantern: Earth One (2018): A Totally Different Hal Jordan
This unique Green Lantern take steps outside standard continuity! Hal's not your typical hero. This story brings Hal’s journey through space, discovering otherworldly threats and his ability to lead this underdog team in this really interesting version that feels surprisingly different! Those incredible character choices make for one surprisingly moving story.
This new take felt “completely different”, according to Justin Epps; creating a much more engaging, raw character who learns and adapts from all the challenging and impossible-to-win events that are thrown at him. This incredibly new creative approach becomes a unique perspective upon that otherwise straightforward origin story. A new narrative angle that might greatly appeal to specific taste.
2. Sinestro Corps War (2007): The Ultimate Battle for Green Lantern Supremacy!
Sinestro – master of fear– creates his own corps. This is an intensely creative attempt for this formidable opponent to take down his enemies. This shows that Sinestro’s revenge was always going to be major! And the battle of the Corps; that incredible showdown against fear vs willpower; the battle creates both intense drama and epic conflict; showing that conflict in a scale few DC Comics stories had presented.
This is a classic according to Justin Epps; and rightfully so; noting the awesome writing which makes Hal and Sinestro’s conflict the central point which made this memorable!
1. Green Lantern/Green Arrow: Hard-Traveling Heroes (1983): A Social Justice Adventure
This incredible series combines that classic superhero storytelling, with raw honesty. Hal and Green Arrow take a hard look at real world issues, showcasing problems beyond battling classic foes! This extremely compelling story made many reconsider their ideas and concepts regarding superheroes!
It's praised for that deep sense of realism in Shaun Corley's review, showing an amazingly great adventure; also focusing on one of the greatest friendships within superhero Comics, showing that such moments matter!
Conclusion: A Universe of Stories Waiting to Be Discovered!
This collection truly is amazing; presenting iconic and also not-so-well-known moments within Green Lantern's incredibly rich, incredibly complex universe. This list of must-read tales includes legendary works alongside new hits. Every single one highlights that the Green Lantern stories deserve that awesome reputation! They showcase exceptional diversity, awesome characters and thrilling narratives that continue to resonate even to this day! These iconic comics are a must for comic enthusiasts of every possible variety.
