Written by Grant Morrison
Art by Xermanico
Published by DC Comics
“Mu had a plan and some kind of weird purity. You Countess? All you have to offer is a hunger that can never be satisfied.”
The resolution of Grant Morrison’s three part, through-the-looking-glass Green Lantern: Blackstars epic is as intriguing as it is unexpected.
Of course, we know that Hal Jordan, now Blackstar Parallax, is sure to triumph over the insidious totalitarian vision of Controller Mu and his right hand, Countess Belzebeth. After all, victory is baked into the ending of any good hero story.
And we all know that Hal Jordan has ever been one to challenge authority.
No, the real question is how that triumph is realized. And what exactly that triumph involves.
Indeed, after the brilliantly realized smorgasbord of meaningful allusions and other cultural significances that were peppered throughout last month’s issue, Hal’s extrication from Controller Mu’s fever dream (and Belzebeth’s clutches) could easily be counted upon to be the only thing left of any real interest in this story.
Well, that, and a war with Earth’s superhumans, a (possibly) full deployment of the arch-demons of Ysmault, and a little inter-generational angst to work off… with a few sobering consequences. All beautifully rendered with the excellent artistry of Xermanico, and colors by the great Steve Oliff.
In the end however, Earth is converted to the Blackstar cause. Which is… exactly what Hal Jordan planned on?
Forget what you think is true. Strange as it seems, Hal begins this issue, just as he started the first one – as a proud Blackstar captain devoted to Controller Mu’s cause.
Moreover, don’t be surprised if Controller Mu’s dream of Utopia doesn’t have more legs than you’d imagine. With just a few more surprising reflections to offer us.
Still and all, Mu is dead now. And with his death, events were set into motion that saddled Blackstar Parallax with divided loyalties. Cracks in the firmament.
And we all know what happens when Hal Jordan is placed in impossible situations.
He responds by doing the impossible himself.
Leave it to Grant Morrison and Hal Jordan to salvage a dream of freedom from the illusionary security of absolute control. Not too surprising, perhaps. Darkstar Parallax may believe in a dream of order through force, but Green Lantern Jordan has always known that the only true control we ever really have is choice.
Indeed, there’s one message that comes through loud and clear, on all fronts, as this remarkable story draws to a close –
Be careful what you wish for.
And be careful how.
Now, repeat after me: There’s no place like home. There’s no place like home..
Next Issue: The Green Lantern returns, for Season 2!
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