Written by Gerard Jones
Art by Pat Broderick; Bruce Patterson; Anthony Tollin; & Albert T. De Guzman
Cover Art by Alan Davis; Mark Farmer; & Dave Stewart
SUMMARY:
With initially different cover art, DC Comics released this 192-page paperback compilation in 2003. The publication information indicates that a first release may have occurred as early as 1992. Collecting Green Lantern # 1-8 from 1990, this series re-launch was inspired by the popularity of Hal Jordan’s Green Lantern: Emerald Dawn prequelmini-series. With all but one of the Guardians of the Universe departing this dimension, planet Oa lays desolate and in ruins. Only three Green Lanterns remain: Hal Jordan, John Stewart, & Guy Gardner.
Gardner is a bored degenerate assigned to the less-than-thrilled Justice League. In hiding, an emotionally distraught Stewart is tormented by mass tragedy, as well as the heartbreaking murder of his wife, Katma Tui. Seeking answers from the ‘Old Timer’ on Oa, Stewart is abducted upon realizing this lone Guardian is homicidally insane. Deliberately living off the grid (aside from a short visit to the Justice League), a melancholic Hal Jordan seeks to regain a sense of his own humanity as a drifting laborer. Gardner’s annoying intrusions further entrench Hal’s resolve. Despite multiple setbacks, Hal seems content in semi-retirement from his emerald ‘curse.’
After cities from Hal’s past vanish from Earth, his disillusionment is put on hold. Hal realizes that it’s up to him to confront ‘The Old Timer’ and save John Stewart. Even Hal’s formidable willpower isn’t enough, as he must reluctantly summon Gardner to Oa, as well. To free the Guardian’s captives (including a young mother and child that Hal has bonded with), the three Lanterns face a grueling showdown. Ultimately, the future of the Green Lantern Corps is at stake.
Note: Events from the first Emerald Dawn mini-series are briefly referenced.
REVIEW:
Nicely refreshened, the art squad’s above-average visuals are easily The Road Back’s best asset. Unfortunately, the tiresome premise that writer Gerard Jones relies upon to continue the franchise misfires from the get-go. Revisiting the vintage 1970’s ‘Hard-Traveling Heroes’ concept (where Green Lantern, Green Arrow, & occasionally Black Canary explored the down-to-Earth U.S.), Jones’ sequel is frankly a bore to read.
Aside from aging Hal Jordan far too much (which infers his fellow JLA buddies are all now 40-ish, too), Jones generates far too little magic re: Hal’s legacy as DC’s definitive Green Lantern. By teasing Hal’s suicidal clifftop dive on the first page alone, The Road Back instead digs itself a deep hole.
Given this lackluster brand of storytelling, it’s no surprise that DC would controversially opt to introduce Kyle Rayner come Issue # 50. Conveniently, writer Geoff Johns later transformed this era (i.e. Hal’s graying temples) into the retroactive beginning of Hal’s secret corruption by Parallax. In reality, Johns’ energizing 2004 Green Lantern: Rebirth served as the antidote to DC’s inexplicable, post-Crisis bungling of Hal Jordan’s storylines dating back to the mid-80’s. Reading Green Lantern: The Road Back serves as proof enough.
Parental Note: Though not explicitly illustrated, a red alert is an unnecessary sequence where Gardner blatantly (in costume, no less) scopes out pornography in an XXX-rated shop.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
The series’ assistant editor, Kevin Dooley, pens a single-page introduction written back in 1992. As exact full-page duplicates, Pat Broderick & Mark Nelson’s eight covers are included.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 4 Stars
