Are we finally finding out what gave Hal his Blackened Arm? Are We finally finding out what happened to the people of Evergreen? And who exactly is this somewhat familiar character? Strap in – We find out in this review of Absolute Green Lantern #4
ABSOLUTE GREEN LANTERN #4
Writer: AL EWING
Art and Main Cover: JAHNOY LINDSAY
Variant Covers: JULIET NNEKA, ALEX ECKMAN-LAWN, NIMIT MALAVIA
Page Count: 32 pages
Release Date: July 2, 2025
This review contains spoilers
In Absolute Green Lantern #4, we are finally getting the information that we’ve wanted for so long. Answers and a potential direction regarding Hal and his Blackened Hand, what happened to the people of Evergreen & what happened immediately after the dissapearance of said residents of Evergreen. We’re also introduced to a well known villain of the Green Lanterns, but he has taken a slightly different form.
Back in 2019 Grant Morrison (Batman:Arkham Asylum) brought to the Green Lantern Mythos the “Black Stars”. These were essentially a Sinister Cult that took over the Green Lanterns once they had been wiped out. Now, after reading this issue of Absolute Green Lantern #4, I believe Morrison’s story back in 2019 plays a somewhat vital role of this new Absolute Green Lantern Universe. This is because simply, the Black Stars are referenced on the very first page. Hal is also depicted in a suit somewhat similar to that of the Grant Morrison Mini-series 4 pages in. It’s so good to finally have some solid speculation of what it is that’s exactly happened with Hal.
Now that we’ve finally gotten some solid references to what’s going on with Hal, Hal & Jo find themselves having a slight disagreement that leads to a physical altercation regarding the events in Evergreen. We flash back to the night where they realised they (Hal & Jo) were among the last survivors in Evergreen. Jo decides she’s going to call to Abin Sur and get some answers.
Abin Sur joins her on the ground and begins to explain that the people of Evergreen haven’t been harmed. He then begins to explain that all the death that happened was merely by accident. Recounting those actions in a flashback, in a flashback – an inception of Flashbacks if you will. Confused by this notion Abin Sur reassures her that the people of Evergreen have merely moved on to the second stage of Judgement on the Planet OA (Home of the Green Lantern Corps at least in every other iteration of the Green Lantern Mythos.)
After Jo and Abin Sur finish their conversation, Abin begins his usual transformation into a ball of light to return to the Giant Green Lantern in the Sky. However, Jo instinctively reaches out—with her golden wedding ring on—and makes contact. This unexpected touch allows her to glimpse Abin’s past and glimpses of the future, pulling him back into solid form and clearly unsettling him. In that moment, Jo absorbs the Green Lantern’s light, triggering the massive Lantern in the sky to come crashing down to Earth.
It’s after this that we’re finally introduced to the character that is a key character in the regular Green Lantern Mythos. Though he looks fairly different to that of the way he has been previously depicted in different iterations of the Green Lantern Corps. I won’t spoil who it is, but I’m very much looking forward to what it is that’s going to happen from here on out. Make sure to pick up your copy this week!
Ewing has masterfully paced this story, keeping us hooked with just enough mystery to spark speculation and ensure we return each month. Lindsay’s art is consistently strong, using varied perspectives and layouts to keep things visually fresh. His contrast of bright colors for the Green Lanterns and darker tones for characters like Hal Jordan enhances the theme of light versus dark. Great work all around—this series is a must-read! If you haven’t started yet, catch up now—you won’t regret it.
