As it begins to explain its mythology, the Absolute Green Lantern series has exposed a key problem of DC’s Absolute Universe. The new series has drawn its mysteries out for too long, killing much of the momentum of its story. This has been an issue with other comics in the Absolute line, further confounded by the Green Lantern revamp being steeped in cosmic horror rather than space opera.
Absolute Green Lantern opens in the town of Evergreen, Nevada. The town is trapped within a green dome by an alien being who introduces itself as Abin Sur. It explains that it has come to judge them.
It is revealed that “Abin” is a title for those who achieved a certain level of enlightenment. Additionally, various people presumed killed by Abin Sur (such as Guy Gardner and John Stewart) had joined the Spectrum of Light as “Ain”, or Initiates. Guy and John eventually explain this to their friends, Jo and Hal, who had become “Tomar” — are anomalies who acquire power from the Light without understanding it.
Classic Green Lantern powers explained
This idea of the Absolute Green Lantern powers being based on enlightenment rather than emotion is a major change. In the DC Universe, the Green Lantern Corps are one of several groups who draw power from the Emotional Spectrum. Specifically, the balancing force of Will, which lies at the Spectrum’s center.
Every Corps has unique powers and weaknesses, which are countered by other forces on the spectrum. For instance, the Blue Light of Hope can bolster the Green Light of Will. However, Blue Lanterns also require the presence of a Green Lantern to be truly effective. Hope is powerful and can reenforce Will, but also requires Will to effect change.
How Absolute Universe changes Green Lantern powers
Absolute Green Lantern changes this significantly, introducing five colors that are tied to their steps of enlightenment. The highest level is Gold, or “Aur”, which is tied to total understanding. It grants total invulnerability, but the wielder must remain passive for it to work.
The second highest level is Red, or “Rao”, which is tied to restraint. Guy Gardner is an Ain of Rao, which gives him the ability to mold his body into whatever he needs, including weapons. The Red Energy also allows for the creation of complex constructs.
The third level, Green, or “Sur”, is called the power of “correct action.” It grants the classic Green Lantern powers of object construction and energy projection. Supposedly, it is a lower level than Red/Rao. However, this doesn’t stop Jo from using it to resist the Red power of Tomar Re.
The lowest level, Black, or “Qard”, is tied to chaotic action. Those who wield the Black Light, also known as Blackstars, reject any philosophy or limits. They believe in unbridled Will, and impose their ideal order upon the universe. There is also a variant of Qard which generates a violet light that has somehow been tapped by Hal Jordan.
This is a fascinating change from the classic Green Lantern mythology. However, it took over a year and many confusing issues for all this to be made clear. This is, unfortunately, symptomatic of many of the Absolute Universe titles, which feature heavily decompressed storytelling. While this might work in a graphic novel, it is maddening in a monthly comic. As such, many frustrated Green Lantern fans have already abandoned the series.
Absolute Green Lantern #15 is now available at comic shops everywhere.
