Green Lantern Corps #20 Review

 

Green Lantern Corps #20 Review

Writer: Morgan Hampton

Artists: Fernando Pasarín, Oclair Albert & Juan José Ryp

Colorists: Arif Prianto, Matt Herms & Romulo Fajardo Jr

Letterer: Dave Sharpe

Cover Artists: Travis Mercer & Romulo Fajardo Jr

Variant Cover Artists: Jorge Fornés & Rian Gonzales

Editors: Jillian Grant, Kathleen Wisneski & Paul Kaminski

Publisher: DC Comics

Price: $3.99/$4.99 Card Stock

Release Date: September 9, 2026

 

Guy Gardner was a screw-up all his life. Then he became the Allsight and forged a relationship with the Emotional Entities. He taught Corps Leader Jessica Cruz to recognize that the Lanterns needed to respect the Entities more, lest they fall into the same trap as the Manhunters. Now, as they work together, Guy and Jessica hope they can prepare the Lanterns for Darkseid's return.

 

Still, John Stewart and Jo Mullein have been struggling lately. After repelling the Manhunter threat, they're taking time off to confront unresolved issues. What difficulties will John and Jo confront during their sabbaticals? How will the Corps on Oa adjust to wielding power from the new Emotional Well? Let's put on our power rings, leap into Green Lantern Corps #20, and see!

 

Story

Life on Oa is changing. Before John Stewart sacrificed himself to protect Oa from the Starbreaker Corps, he helped design new housing districts so Lanterns representing all the colors in the Emotional Spectrum could live together on Oa. Now, Guy Gardner and Jessica Cruz have constructed an Emotional Well. This gives the Emotional Entities a new home on Oa, and helps all the Corps channel the new "Chrome" energy it produces. Yet since the Emotional Entities helped Aya, Guy Gardner, Jessica Cruz, and all the Lanterns repel the Manhunter invasion, one of their number has vanished.

 

While Guy Gardner investigates this worrying disappearance, Green Lantern Corps #20 also follows John Stewart and Jo Mullein as they rest and recuperate away from Oa. As John returns to Earth, Morgan Hampton shows John’s return to his life there from Katma Tui’s perspective. Neither John nor Katma wished to return to Oa. Yet, after his other self died, John returned to help his fellow Lanterns. Katma Tui also feels the tension of having other selves who died in service to Oa. While she enjoys watching John reconnect with his Human heritage, Katma yearns for a purpose when they return to Oa.

 

While the Lanterns attempt to adjust to changes on Oa, and Katma Tui yearns for a more meaningful relationship with her adoptive home, Jo Mullein struggles with leaving Oa. After his mother’s death, John Stewart no longer feels a connection to Earth. Yet Jo Mullein fears returning to the connections on Earth that threaten to imprison her. So, before she returns home, Jo stops off on Zillaboq for a few drinks. Yet, her decision proves both fortuitous and disastrous, as she discovers a new threat to Oa that imprisons her in Green Lantern Corps #20.

 

Art

As Fernando Pasarín, Oclair Albert, and Juan José Ryp show a microspecies swollen to mammoth proportions, the camera zooms inside a bar within the city of towers sprawling across the animal's back. Like the bouncer, the bartender's head suggests his species has long memories. Yet the people his society chose as protectors wear an imperial symbol on their chests. On Earth, Katma clutches onto John, only releasing him when he lays flowers on a grave. A stone angel with widespread wings watches them like another celestial protector.

 

As Arif Prianto, Matt Herms, and Romulo Fajardo Jr lavish a palette of bright, attractive colors on Green Lantern Corps #20, green and blue fill a bar filled with representatives from many worlds. The blue and green link Jo with John and Katma on Earth, and a battle between Lanterns on Oa. The red and silver Blackstars evoke the Manhunters that recently attempted to usurp control of the Emotional Spectrum. Yet Katma’s skin, somewhere between violet and red, and her cybernetic leg also link her with the Blackstars.

 

Dave Sharpe fills white dialogue balloons with black uppercase letters. White letters in black balloons with red outlines and serrated edges signal danger. Katma Tui, Guy Gardner, and Jo Mullein’s thoughts appear in narrative boxes with varying shades of green and white. Colorful and transparent sound effects accompany confrontations, destruction, and an interstellar investigation. Yet enlarged black dialogue provides a clue to a mystery threatening the Green Lantern Corps’ home. Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this story with us.

 

Final Thoughts

While commercial interests bolster Vandal Savage’s attempt to police Gotham, corporations attempt to provide security on other worlds. Omni Omega+ Entertainment Corp bought the bounty hunting industry. Then, its executives assert sole law enforcement duties for entire planets and attempt to trademark the Green Lantern symbol. Now, a new corporation seeks to rule the cosmos with an iron hand in Green Lantern Corps #20.

 

Rating 9.8/10

 

To look inside see Green Lantern Corps #20 Preview.

For what happened last time, see Green Lantern Corps #19 Preview. 

For what happened before that, see my Green Lantern Corps #18 Review. 

For what happened even before that, see my preview of Green Lantern Corps #17. 

For what happened even more before that, see my review of Green Lantern Corps #16. 

For Jo Mullein's fears of returning to Earth, see Justice League: Dream Girls—A DC Pride Event #2 Preview. 

  

Supergirl #16: Kingdom Of Zod Part 1 Review

 

Supergirl #16: Kingdom Of Zod Part 1 Review

Writer: Sophie Campbell & Joe Casey

Artists: Joe Quinones, Paolo Villanelli & Dan McDaid

Colorists: Joe Quinones, Arif Prianto & David Baron

Letterers: Josh Reed, Becca Carey & Troy Peteri

Cover Artist: Guillem March

Variant Cover Artists: Mark Spears, Noobovich, Stephanie Hans & Joe Quinones

Editors: Jillian Grant, Kathleen Wisneski & Paul Kaminski

Publisher: DC Comics

Price: $3.99/$4.99 Card Stock

Release Date: August 12, 2026

 

Despite her best efforts to shine in Midvale, Kara Zor-El has struggled. But after the Science Council’s repressive rule sparked civil war in Kandor, Kara realizes she cannot leave the House of El to fend for itself in Superman's absence. As Lesla-Lar oversees the rebuilding of her miniaturized Kryptonian city, Kara knows her friends on Earth have her back. But will Kara's relatives follow where she leads? And is Kara's Super Force ready for what awaits them in El Caldero? Let’s leap into Supergirl #16: Kingdom Of Zod Part 1 and see!

 

Story

Kara recognizes the importance of leading her friends in a worthy cause. But when she tries to include her Kryptonian relations, Conner Kent objects to Superboy-Prime’s inclusion. Recently, Conner has seen Batman, Wonder Woman, and Captain Marvel ram their Villain Amnesty program down the Justice League’s throats. He objects to protecting the world alongside former criminals and killers. But Conner refuses to have anything to do with the man who killed him, even if that will strengthen the House of El. And especially if that includes the murderer currently filling Superman's shoes.

 

Supergirl #16: Kingdom Of Zod Part 1 begins with a glimpse of past events on New Kandor, as originally told by Joe Casey in Kneel Before Zod. Like Kara Zor-El, Dru-Zod once tried to rebuild the majesty of his House. Instead, his Kryptonian dreams slipped through his fingers again. Then Sophie Campbell transports readers to the present as Kara travels to El Caldero. She senses the battle ahead. Yet the closer she gets, her connection to the Sun Crystal grows. Kara recognizes her responsibility to her team and her Kryptonian heritage. Yet she also recognizes that if she is going to interfere with events in another country, she has a responsibility to its inhabitants.

 

As Sophie Campbell interweaves the events that prompted the mission to El Caldero, Kara also grapples with the demands of leadership. Not everyone on her team is accompanying her. Among those who are, Kara wants to exude confidence and caring, while being forceful when needed to keep everyone in line. One team member tries once again to make amends for a friendship-shattering error in judgment while helping her team survive the dangers of the Kryptonite Kingdom.

 

As Kara Zor-El travels to El Caldero, she also brings with her someone who needs her protection. Superman may currently be missing. But when her cousin returns, Kara knows Kal-El won’t be happy if she allows anyone to harm Lois Lane in Supergirl #16: Kingdom Of Zod Part 1.

 

Art

As Kara stares out the window at the clouds floating over the Pacific Ocean, she imagines recent events through transparent green crystals. A splash page of Kara in Earth’s orbit, with the sun’s rays glowing around her, suggests the leader she wishes to be. As a star forms near the smoke rising from Lois’ apartment, Tomorrow Man and Thundergirl shield people on the streets from falling debris. Then Kara attempts to intervene as Conner and Superboy-Prime tear through the atmosphere.

 

As Dan McDaid conjures a light-blue city rising beneath a red sky, David Baron clothes a white leader in red and black. But yellow and orange invade his world as his civilization collapses. While Joe Quinones and Arif Prianto adorn Joe Quinones and Paolo Villanelli’s art with bright colors in Supergirl #16: Kingdom Of Zod Part 1, they also leave room for darkness. As Conner and Superboy-Prime fight, their red emblems glow, while their blue fades to dark gray. The yellow stars surrounding them evoke Zod's fight in New Kandor, and his inability to bring peace to his troubled world. Greens and blues link Kara's willing and hopeful team. Yet while Lois Lane wears a violet blouse, Zod's Krypto-Knights wear violet armor.

 

Troy Peteri relays the destruction of New Kandor via large white letters in black boxes. Becca Carey fills white dialogue balloons with black uppercase letters that grow bold for intonation, swell for raised voices, and shrink for lowered voices. Kara's thoughts fill cloudy balloons as she ponders what may lie ahead, while white letters in red boxes convey off-panel thoughts. Lois frowns as an orange holographic projection conjures a white balloon with a lightning-bolt arrow, while Kara's sensitive ears pick up transmissions inside white balloons with yellow borders. Sound effects enhance battles in Metropolis and El Caldero as Zod proves he is his own worst enemy. Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this story with us.

 

Final Thoughts

Kara Zor-El has a responsibility to the House of El. But she also has responsibilities to Midvale, Kandor, and the Earth. When she uses Lois Lane's invitation to enter El Caldero, Kara risks an international incident, warfare between the Houses of El and Zod, and being unable to protect the world from Dru-Zod’s master plan in Supergirl #16: Kingdom Of Zod Part 1.

 

Rating 9.7/10

 

To look inside see my preview of Supergirl #16: Kingdom Of Zod Part 1. 

Dark Knights of Steel II: Heir to the Sea #1 Review

 

Dark Knights of Steel II: Heir to the Sea #1 Review

Writer: Tom Taylor

Artist: Riccardo Federici

Colorist: Arif Prianto

Letterer: Wes Abbott

Cover Artist: Reiko Murakami

Editors: Matthew Levine, Andrea Shea & Andrew Marino

Publisher: DC Comics

Price: $5.99 US

Release Date: July 22, 2026

 

It was a historic gathering: a celebration of their friendship, symbolizing the union of their three nations. But as the Queens and their contingents gathered, a threat arose from the deep that threatened to ravage the Island Kingdom of Amazonia. Then he appeared. And he would give his all to protect these rulers who sought to live in peace in their lands above the waves.

 

Who is Arthur Curry? And how did he become Aquaman? Let’s grab our tridents, leap into Dark Knights of Steel II: Heir to the Sea #1, and see!

 

Story

Jonathan and Martha fight under General Grant’s command. After yet another bloodbath, the Waynes order the company to the coastal city of Leguin. The port is key to maintaining international trade and defending their realm. Yet the tides of blood and broken bodies washing ashore warn that another war may threaten their country.

 

In Dark Knights of Steel II: Heir to the Sea #1, warfare is the only life Jonathan and Martha have ever known. As warriors, they fight by each other’s side. They excel on the battlefield. Yet they can’t help feeling that each victory leaves their country poorer than before.

 

Tom Taylor’s story focuses on the human costs of war. It also shows how discrimination and intolerance can tear communities apart. But in Dark Knights of Steel II: Heir to the Sea #1, Jonathan and Martha get a chance to start again. Yet it is not the life of honor that their country upholds.

 

Art

Jonathan and Martha fight in plate armor against opponents clad in cloth and leather. Yet their lack of helmets makes them vulnerable. When a foe clubs a fellow knight with the butt of his axe, Jonathan stays the man's hand and bangs his head into the opponent's face. After meeting with General Grant in his tent, Jonathan and Martha sit side by side in the forest. Their linen shirts link them, while Martha's laces echo her braided hair. Amanda Waller smiles when meeting the Cleavers of Rothfus. But when Jonathan frowns, Martha gazes upon her friend with concern.

 

Arif Prianto bestows a lush, painted appearance on Riccardo Federici’s art in Dark Knights of Steel II: Heir to the Sea #1. While surrounded by greenery, soldiers fight and die beneath barren brown tree limbs. The bluish green evening after the battle links the Wayne contingent and the soldiers in the troubled undersea domain. As they look down from the wall surrounding Leguin, clad in gleaming silver, Jonathan and Martha observe a clash between soldiers wearing plate armor, leather, and cloth. The undersea emperor's red eyes and the strands of red kelp adorning his armor precede the spots of red splashing against the combatants' legs. Jim Gordon's red hair counts him among the casualties of war, while red will color a defining incident in Jonathan and Martha's future.

 

Close-set italicized, uppercase black letters fill beige boxes as Jonathan guides readers through his past. Black uppercase letters in white balloons grow bold with inflection and shrink for lowered voices. Raised voices enlarge words on the battlefield and turn balloons into spiky weapons. Despite all the battles and the soldiers who lay down their lives for their kingdoms, Wes Abbott’s infrequent sound effects usually emphasize the violence that doesn’t lead to death. Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this story with us.

 

Final Thoughts

First, they were heroes. But when they followed their hearts, Jonathan and Martha became criminals. Yet by following their consciences, the knights found the happiness that had eluded them. And in time, their dedication to their cause helped them become leaders among their people and strengthen their kingdom. Still, Jonathan and Martha’s path to a better future begins with an act of faith and compassion in Dark Knights of Steel II: Heir to the Sea #1.

 

Rating 9.5/10

 

To look inside see my preview of Dark Knights of Steel II:Heir to the Sea #1.

 

For how the series begins, see my preview of Dark Knights of Steel II #1.  

Green Lantern Corps #18 Review

 

Green Lantern Corps #18 Review

Writer: Morgan Hampton

Artist: Fernando Pasarín, Juan José Ryp, Will Conrad, Ig Guara, Oclair Albert & Jason Paz

Colorist: Matt Herms & Lee Loughridge

Letterer: Dave Sharpe

Cover Artists: Fernando Pasarín, Oclair Albert & Arif Prianto

Variant Cover Artists: Jorge Fornés & Rian Gonzales

Editors: Jillian Grant, Kathleen Wisneski & Paul Kaminski

Publisher: DC Comics

Price: $3.99/$4.99 Card Stock

Release Date: July 8, 2026

 

Everyone had their expectations of Guy Gardner. And it didn't help that they worshiped him as the Allsight. So, when the Manhunters devastated his team, abducted Aya's body, and used her improved design to stage a takeover of the emotional spectrum, Guy felt like it was all his fault. Reeling emotionally and struggling to respond to the crisis, his life went sideways as he fell into a black hole. But instead of finding all the matter that gravity should suck inside, Guy Gardner confronted himself.

 

Now he's back on Oa. Time has rewound. Can the Green Lantern Corps prevent Oa's sun from going supernova? And will Guy Gardner demonstrate the qualities that drew the emotional entities to him in the first place? Let’s put on our power rings, leap into Green Lantern Corps #18, and see!

 

Story

With the Manhunters approaching Oa, Jessica Cruz wants her Lanterns to host the emotional entities. She orders Guy to hand them over for her disposal. But Guy Gardner, who has interacted with them, insists that Ion, Butcher, and the others are not his to give. As the Allsight, Guy touches her face to help Jessica see things from a different perspective.

 

In Green Lantern Corps #18, Guy Gardner has got his confidence back. But with it comes humility. He recognizes the Corps’ tremendous responsibility to these sentient beings. And he also equates Jessica's attitude with the Manhunters'. But while Guy and Jessica seem locked in a trance, someone must take charge and lead them into battle against the Manhunters.

 

As Morgan Hampton portrays the Corps Leader and the Allsight’s journey into another realm and the Lanterns' defense of Oa, another battle takes place on the planet's surface. Aya exemplifies how the Manhunters would safeguard the emotional spectrum. Yet even though the Manhunters have stolen her body, Aya seeks ways to protect the Corps and her new life on Oa. Once, she was an emotionless entity like the Manhunters. Now, she has friends, a lover, and people she will sacrifice to protect in Green Lantern Corps #18.

 

Art

While the emotional entities hover overhead and the other Corps leaders look on, Jessica Cruz and Guy Gardner argue. As their argument grows more heated, Jessica and Guy move toward each other. Ophidian surrounds them, Butcher and Proselyte hover, while Predator observes the two leaders knock their heads together. Then, Guy touches Jessica's face. As energy suffuses them, their glowing bodies resemble Aya, who also watches in hologram form.

 

As Fernando Pasarín, Juan José Ryp, Will Conrad, Ig Guara, Oclair Albert, and Jason Paz unite to portray a cast of thousands, Matt Herms and Lee Loughridge team up to fill Green Lantern Corps #18 with a palette of bright, luminescent color. As a sea of red and blue Manhunters swims through space, led by their green-and-white leader, they look ahead with glowing orange eyes. When the Lanterns of Oa rise to greet them, a green hologram of Jo’s face appears above the buildings, evoking how the emotional entities hovered above the squabbling leaders. Despite all the colors of the spectrum, the orange, red, and yellow streaks of departing Lanterns dominate the sky. Yet as Guy and Jessica explore the emotional expanse, blue dominates this realm filled with vibrant colors.

 

Dave Sharpe fills round and rectangular dialogue balloons with black uppercase letters. Jessica Cruz, Guy Gardner, and Jo Mullein shout green words, while Aya speaks green letters into white balloons. Jessica and Aya share their thoughts in green narrative boxes. Words grow bold for intonation and swell for raised voices. While the leader of the Manhunters uses white dialogue balloons, black energy radiates from the borders. Amid the battle, sound effects show how effectively the Manhunters fight, while Jo relies on her willpower and imagination for defense. Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this story with us.

 

Final Thoughts

The Manhunters believe they can safeguard the emotional spectrum better than the Green Lantern Corps. Jessica Cruz believes that, if the entire spectrum of the Corps worked together, they could defend the Universe better than ever before. Yet as rival groups compete for the right to safeguard existence, Guy Gardner and Jessica Cruz must achieve a meeting of the minds in Green Lantern Corps #18.

 

Rating 9.8/10

 

To look inside see my preview of Green Lantern Corps #18. 

 

For what happened last time, see my preview of Green Lantern Corps #17. 

For what happened before that, see my review of Green Lantern Corps #16. 

 

 

Poison Ivy #45 Review

 

Poison Ivy #45 Review

Writer: G Willow Wilson

Artist: Leandro Fernandez

Colorist: Arif Prianto

Letterer: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou

Cover Artist: Jessica Fong

Variant Cover Artists: Noobovich, Kyuyong Eom & Manny Vincent Carbonilla

DC Pride Variant Cover Artist: Don Aguillo

Editors: Jessica Berbey, Arianna Turturro & Rob Levin

Publisher: DC Comics

Price: $3.99/$4.99 Card Stock

Release Date: June 3, 2026

 

Poison Ivy was happy in the Green. But Vandal Savage's forces hunted her there. The Parliament of Trees recognizes her contributions to the Green. Yet Bog Venus plotted her downfall. Now, Ivy has ridden her calls for environmental reform into the mayor's office. Still, enemies surround her. Her stalwart supporter, Peter Undine, has cautioned her to choose her battles wisely. Yet everywhere she looks, she sees corruption.

 

Mayor Pamela Isley knows the score. In the war for the planet and the battle to reform Gotham, there's no such thing as safe ground. What enemies will attack Poison Ivy next? And can she build alliances to ride out the ups and downs of the public's fickle favor? Let's grab a mug of Ghost Pipe tea, leap into Poison Ivy #45, and see!

 

Story

Behind her desk, a newscaster shares all the great things happening in Gotham. As Mayor Isley's administration makes the city greener, Police Commission Vandal Savage's TUCO squads are making the city safer. Yet while the news anchor presents the facts as the mayor's office sees them, reporters from other news outlets hound Pamela Isley. Like Vandal Savage and Bog Venus, they hunt for any hint of scandal to attack her with. Yet, Pamela won’t let them get her down.

 

Then she learns that Batman has invaded the sanctity of her home. Like the Dark Knight, Pamela is trying to safeguard the city. Yet like the City Council, Batman remains a thorn in her side.

 

Vandal Savage was her enemy until he convinced her to become his ally. But now that she has given him what he wants, Vandal Savage wants Pamela Isley gone in Poison Ivy #45. And after he viciously attacked her and threw her in jail, Pamela knows what he'll do to her if she resigns. Besides, the public has given her a mandate. Pamela has steadfastly sought to deliver on her campaign promises. Yet reform comes at a price, and no one in government wants to give up the power they wield.

 

In G Willow Wilson's story, Pamela feels isolated and alone. It’s a familiar feeling, having the entire world against her. And she’s exhausted from trying to protect everyone's interests, only to get hampered and attacked at every turn. Still, everyone who has given her power wants something in return. And even when Pamela Isley accedes to their demands, they still attack her in Poison Ivy #45.

 

Art

While the news anchor delivers her story, accompanied by video of Mayor Isley's accomplishments, the woman's smile grows increasingly forced. Pamela Isley looks unassailable in the street as reporters harangue her. Yet as she strides across a polished floor of City Hall, with plants surrounding her and covering the walls, a warning from Janet makes her reverse course. Maturing plants fill Mayor Isley’s office, cluster around her flared planter-like desk, and give her stronghold a lush, tropical feel in Poison Ivy #45.

 

As Arif Prianto lavishes vibrant colors on Leandro Fernandez’s art, green links Pamela Isley’s office, City Hall, and the news studio. Juhi may never have wanted her in office. Yet she looks out for Mayor Isley while wearing a violet jacket. Vandal Savage’s yellow shirt reinforces his bullying manner. Yet perhaps it also signifies his concerns regarding his status within the Torus after failing to apprehend Batman. Orange fills the air as Pamela and Vandal clash, both seeking to govern free from Batman’s interference. And when she meets with someone clad in indigo, it seems like another opportunity for Pamela to accept an olive branch.

 

Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou fills white and colored balloons with uppercase and lowercase dialogue. The letters grow bold for intonation and shrink for lowered voices. White dialogue shines in the darkness, even glowing amid silhouettes. As raised voices enlarge the dialogue, emotional intensity deforms balloons and arrows. Sound effects help readers hear Julie protecting her friend, Pamela expressing her disapproval, and attempts at reconciliation. Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this story with us.

 

Final Thoughts

Pamela Isley knows she walks a fine line between wrong and right. Like the Justice League, she uses villains to protect the world from the forces that threaten it. Yet even if her friends and allies refuse to support her, Pamela Isley once again stands by them in Poison Ivy #45.

 

Rating 9.8/10

 

To look inside, see my preview of Poison Ivy #45.

 

For what happened last time, see my review of Poison Ivy #44.

 

For how this story arc started, see my review of Poison Ivy #42.

 

For more on Vandal Savage's ties with the Torus, see my review of Batman #4.

Green Lantern Corps #16 Review

 

Green Lantern Corps #16 Review

Writer: Morgan Hampton

Artist: Juan José Ryp & Will Conrad

Colorist: Matt Herms

Letterer: Dave Sharpe

Cover Artists: Fernando Pasarín, Oclair Albert & Arif Prianto

Variant Cover Artists: Jorge Fornés & Rian Gonzales

Editors: Jillian Grant, Kathleen Wisneski & Paul Kaminski

Publisher: DC Comics

Price: $3.99/$4.99 Card Stock

Release Date: May 13, 2026

 

A visit to her homeworld should have helped Katma heal. Instead, she and Soranik fought Parallax on Korugar while John faced his fears. Likewise, Aya thought she could assist the rescue efforts on Biot. Instead, she opened her systems to a hostile takeover. Can Aya reclaim her body? And will Guy Gardner insist on working solo after this? Let’s put on our power rings, leap into Green Lantern Corps #16, and see!

 

Story

When the Emotional Entities were reborn, they established a psychic link with Guy Gardner. He’s used to hiding his painful past and deficiencies with swagger. But when people start worshipping him as the Allsight, and the Emotional Entities constantly talk to him, Guy can't ignore his difficult childhood, or that he was initially a reserve Lantern. So, when the Manhunters take over Aya’s body and embark on a crusade to find the other Emotional Entities, Guy feels responsible.

 

As the camera switches between the action on Biot, Oa, and in space, Guy Gardner shares his thoughts with us in Green Lantern Corps #16. Like John Stewart's battle with Parallax on Korugar, Guy sees perfection as unattainable. Although she never takes the spotlight, Jo Mullein rises to the challenge facing the Lanterns. While Jessica Cruz plans and has the final say, Jo spurs the Lanterns to overcome their inadequacies. The stakes demand that everyone give their best.

 

After barely surviving attacks from the Starbreaker Corps and Enquar, Corps leader Jessica Cruz wants to make Oa a stronghold for the Lanterns and the Emotional Entities. She hopes to increase the Lanterns' effectiveness. Yet, the Manhunters also want to safeguard the universe in Morgan Hampton's story.

 

The emotionless androids preceded the Green Lantern Corps. Still, the Guardians of the Universe decided to replace them with emotional beings. After its destruction, the Manhunters rebuilt their world. Then they watched as, for all their supposed superiority, the Lanterns failed to prevent Enquar and the Sun-Eaters’ devastation. With the Lanterns in rebuilding mode and the Emotional Entities up for grabs, the Manhunters want to prove the Guardians wrong in Green Lantern Corps #16.

 

Art

Barred from returning to her body, her energy twin reveals dismay as Aya sees her comrades floating outside the shattered Interceptor. While Guy grasps hold of Jo Mullein, he conjures a giant fist. Yet Aya’s body flies through his hard light construct and descends into a vast cavern. Within Biot, energy crackles between Aya's body and the Manhunters, transforming their features to resemble Aya's. Around them, the towers and buildings glow indigo, a reminder of how they sapped the infant Proselyte to rebuild their world, before setting off to rule the cosmos with compassion.

 

As Matt Herms lavishes a palette of bright, energizing colors on Juan José Ryp and Will Conrad’s art, Razer sits amid Guy Gardner’s team in the Citadel on Malaqyte. The Red Lantern who mourns the loss of Aya’s body sits next to Yrra, whose anger over the loss of her world prompted her to aid Enquar. When Guy Gardner hides within his green robe, Jo Mullein digs her white-gloved hands into the white symbol on his chest. Then the woman with green visors lifts him above her, so that her angled hair points at Guy's overwhelmed features.

 

Dave Sharpe adorns dialogue balloons with black and colored words. Guy Gardner shares his thoughts using white letters in green narrative boxes. Words grow bold for intonation and swell for raised voices. Letters shrink amid Human uncertainty and android resolve. A man with a tortured past speaks into yellow balloons that evoke flames. Amid the confrontations and space battles, a close-up of crackling energy reveals a stream of 1s and 0s in Green Lantern Corps #16. Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this story with us.

 

Final Thoughts

Despite all their accomplishments, heroes like Guy Gardner, John Stewart, and Aya can’t help but feel like failures. As Corps Leader Jessica Cruz and others weigh who is worthy of wielding greater power, heroes and villains fight for control of their minds, bodies, and worlds in Green Lantern Corps #16.

 

Rating 9.8/10

 

To look inside see my preview of Green Lantern Corps #16.

 

For what happened last time, see my preview of Green Lantern Corps #15. 

Poison Ivy #44 Review

 

Poison Ivy #44 Review

Writer: G Willow Wilson

Artist: Jaime Infante

Colorist: Arif Prianto

Letterer: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou

Cover Artists: Jessica Fong, Noobovich, Kyuyong Eom & Manny Vincent Carbonilla

Editors: Jessica Berbey, Arianna Turturro & Rob Levin

Publisher: DC Comics

Price: $3.99/$4.99 Card Stock

Release Date: May 6, 2026

 

Pamela Isley wants justice for the planet. So, when people get in her way, they've got to go. She may no longer be under Gotham City Police Commissioner Vandal Savage's (non-green) thumb. Her polling numbers may be through the roof. But when Harley Quinn fails to turn over a new leaf of respectability, Mayor Isley relegates her to the sidelines.

 

Still, the supporters on the sidelines matter to Pamela. When Janet from HR was dying, and the new leader of the Order of the Green Knight realized that her friend had turned traitor, Pamela still risked everything to save her. Now, a large green visitor with more fearsome teeth than Warren White has come to Gotham. As Madam Mayor plays Judge, Jury, and Executioner, how will the Parliament of Trees rule on Pamela's actions? And after she served Bog Venus on a platter to Janet, will her big green visitor take a bite out of Pamela’s popularity? Let's grab a mug of Ghost Pipe tea, leap into Poison Ivy #44, and see!

 

Story

Just as nature seeks balance, Mr Hill dislikes conflict. The messenger from the Parliament of Trees worries about what they will do if Pamela Isley doesn't apologize for killing Bog Venus to save Janet. But, aided by Juhi’s arcane abilities, Pamela got Xylon to back down when he delivered a similar warning. So, after demonstrating strength, Pamela's not about to back down and beg for forgiveness.

 

Besides, Harley Quinn suggested she could make peace with Dr Bella Garten by apologizing. Instead, Pamela had to wrest the leadership of the Order of the Green Knight from the Gardener. Now, Harley is out of her government. And Great White Shark's position is looking shaky after suggesting Pamela should work with Mr Grasp, whose family allowed toxic spillage to despoil the soil beneath Gotham.

 

Just who Pamela can count on to help her make Gotham more eco-friendly becomes the overriding question in Poison Ivy #44. The people in her inner circle, like Juhi and Peter Undine, urge Pamela to take the slow, methodical approach to leadership. But despite her high polling numbers, Pamela knows popularity doesn't last. She can't forget the incomprehensible maze of leaky pipes that Mr Grasp’s family accumulated in the sewers. Nor can Pamela forget the Shakespearean reminder someone wrote in the underground for her to see.

 

In G Willow Wilson's story, Mayor Isley eyes the people who form public opinion. While Pamela stirs the pot, Juhi and Julie also season the battle with their concerns. Like her assistants, Pamela worries about the precedents she’s establishing. Mayor Isley knows what she wants to accomplish in Poison Ivy #44. People like the family who offered her refuge when the GCPD hunted her for killing Marie Henley voted for her. Gothamites who saw the viral video of Pamela killing Vandal Savage's Crime Prevention Technology Czar also went to the polls for her. So, Pamela believes the citizens of Gotham share her concerns. Yet a dark cloud of tyranny and corruption perpetually hovers over Gotham. And no one, not the city government, the GCPD, the citizens of Gotham, or even Batman, has ever been able to banish it.

 

Art

Poison Ivy and Peter Undine stare up at a green hill with a mouth as a mother pulls her child away. When she stalks away, Mayor Isley refuses to stop for the man with a flower instead of a face. But as she passes a gazebo, Pamela pauses when a man approaches carrying a potted plant in a box. The wrought iron scrollwork arch that welcomes visitors reminds Pamela that this is one of her favorite places.

 

While Jaime Infante charts Pamela Isley’s fight to make Gotham an example for other cities to follow, a battle rages between red and green. Arif Prianto adorns Poison Ivy #44 with a loaded palette that shows the vibrance of Mayor Isley’s domain. Plants fight for dominance along a wall window as Mayor Isley holds court, obscuring the view of the skyline. English Ivy hangs from columns, evoking the Acanthus leaves carved into Corinthian capitals. While Julie wears white after Pamela kills Mr Grasp, green surrounds her at home. Yet Juhi, her interdepartmental liaison who values her medical and dental insurance, wears a pink jacket to work, linking her with Pamela’s blood-red hair, and the brick building that awakens Ivy’s ire.

 

Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou fills white and colored balloons with uppercase and lowercase dialogue. The letters grow bold for intonation and shrink for lowered voices. While white dialogue shines amid the darkness, a black line leads from characters to black dialogue on a white background. As raised voices enlarge the dialogue, emotional intensity deforms balloons and arrows. Sound effects help readers hear doors opening, people typing, and plants doing things that frighten even Vandal Savage. Yet blue letters on a laptop screen could doom Mayor Isley's reign more effectively than the GCPD Commissioner's TUCO squads. Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this story with us.

 

Final Thoughts

Pamela Isley may be the mayor of Gotham. Yet once, like Richard II of England, she was a monarch. Pamela may appreciate it when Vandal Savage's police officers quell an angry protestor. But she's not a career politician who thrives on maintaining the status quo. So, while she has the power, Pamela Isley is determined to wield it on behalf of the planet she loves in Poison Ivy #44.

 

Rating 9.8/10

 

To look inside see my preview of Poison Ivy #44.

 

For what happened last time, see my preview of Poison Ivy #43. 

Poison Ivy #42 Review

 

Writer: G Willow Wilson

Artist: Marcio Takara

Colorist: Arif Prianto

Letterer: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou

Cover Artists: Jessica Fong, Kyuyong Eom, Manny Vincent Carbonilla, Noobovich, Jorge Jiménez & Leirix

Editors: Jessica Berbey, Arianna Turturro & Rob Levin

Publisher: DC Comics

Price: $3.99/$4.99 Card Stock

Release Date: March 4, 2026

 

People struggle to understand Poison Ivy. As Bog Venus told her, “You are not fully Human.” Pamela Isley has hurt her friends. She threatened to kill Janet from HR. While flooded by stimuli from the world around her, Poison Ivy struggles to retain her connections to Humanity.

 

After she attacked a petrochemical company on his turf, Police Commissioner Vandal Savage offered Pamela Isley a way to stay out of jail. But that option went off the table when she killed his Crime Prevention Technology Czar for depriving at-risk neighborhoods of water. After the cellphone video of the fight goes viral, is Pamela Isley too toxic for Gotham? Or might she be the right person to turn the city around? Let's grab a mug of Ghost Pipe tea, leap into Poison Ivy #42, and see!

 

Story

Juhi Prakesh is an interdepartmental liaison for the mayor’s office. When Janet from HR wanted the mayor to help arrange bail, Juhi told her to go away. But spending time in jail proved beneficial for Pamela Isley. Warren White, the crime boss known as Great White Shark, advised her on how to leverage her online popularity. Juhi still struggles to believe that Pamela transitioned from murderer to mayor. But then, Juhi believes that the only thing that separates us from savagery is the law.

 

Pamela Isley knows something of savagery. But her definition involves people abusing the planet more than hurting each other. In Poison Ivy #42, Pamela must negotiate with the Police Commissioner who hit and choked her, and the city council that allows companies to pollute the Earth. She’s not used to having a fixed abode or enjoying widespread popularity. Still, Poison Ivy thrives on wielding power.

 

Recently, Vandal Savage unleashed his private army on Gotham. He looked the other way when abusive police officers rewarded minor crimes with draconian measures. Police use automated surveillance and AI to reorder people's daily lives. With everything in nature constantly trying to kill each other, Pamela Isley recognizes the importance of balance. In G Willow Wilson's story, Pamela aims to reduce Vandal Savage's control over people's lives. Still, she knows that balancing the needs of a large city with nature while maintaining her newfound popularity is no easy task.

 

Art

Seated at her wooden desk, Ivy pinches an American flag, as if reconsidering what it means to her. Plants obscure the cityscape beyond the wall windows, and perch or sprawl across the desk. After their previous encounter, Juhi retreats from the office as Commissioner Savage enters. Both leaders look uncomfortable and reluctant to face each other. Then Vandal and Pamela plant their hands on the desk, lean forward, and glare at each other.

 

Arif Prianto applies a palette of soft, welcoming tones to Marcio Takara’s art in Poison Ivy #42. As Pamela leads her entourage past cheering crowds, Peter Undine and Great White Shark’s black suits and white shirts link with the framing silhouettes of microphones and a film camera. After Pamela rescued her from the brink of death, Janet from HR appears reborn in her glowing white suit. But clad in her green business attire, Pamela’s body language suggests that she’s on high alert.

 

Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou fills white and colored balloons with uppercase and lowercase dialogue. Pamela's thoughts appear as lowercase black letters in green boxes. The letters grow bold for intonation and shrink for lowered voices. Dialogue occasionally shrugs off boundaries to overlay backgrounds and characters. While raised voices enlarge the dialogue, emotional intensity deforms balloons and arrows. Janet from HR may dislike Juhi. Still, the interdepartmental liaison grabs Mayor Isley's attention with vibrant sound effects in Poison Ivy #42. Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this story with us.

 

Final Thoughts

The Green and the Gray, elemental forces that rule nature, appointed Pamela Isley as their representative among Humans. Bog Venus may have infected Janet from HR with a deadly infection and tried to use her against Pamela. Still, Pamela's response breached the bounds of acceptable behavior. As dangers mount without and within, Pamela grows more determined to capitalize on her sacrifices by forging a balance between Gotham and nature in Poison Ivy #42.

 

Rating 9.4/10

 

To look inside see my preview of Poison Ivy #42.