The JSA’s greatest hero faces his greatest villain in a powerful story of courage showcasing DC’s original Green Lantern in an all-new light! Read what The Comic Book Spot has to say in this review of Alan Scott: The Green Lantern.
Alan Scott: The Green Lantern Trade Paperback
Written by: Tim Sheridan
Art by: Cian Tormey
Inker: Cian Tormey, Jordi Tarragona, John Livesay
Colorist: Matt Herms, Chris Sotomayor, Hi-Fi
Cover: David Talaski
Page Count: 144 pages
Release Date: September 24, 2024
Alan Scott: The Green Lantern by writer Tim Sheridan and artist Cian Tormey is a terrific reimagining of DC’s first Green Lantern that shines a light on public heroism and personal struggle. This compelling series not only showcases Alan Scott’s incredible powers as a member of the Justice Society of America, but it also dives deep into his emotional journey as a closeted gay man in the 1940s.
The Green Lantern is arguably the most powerful member of the Justice Society of America, but his personal life is a well-kept secret. Both his public and private life are threatened when he’s framed by a mysterious killer, whose victims are people from his past! Without the assistance of the JSA, Alan (and his wise-cracking Brooklynese cabbie, Derby) will have to solve these murders to track down the real killer and clear his name. As Scott gets closer to the center of the mystery, he begins to unravel a thread that leads him to the deepest parts of his own past. Paired with flashbacks to 1936, we see his time in the armed forces, part of a top-secret mission codenamed Project Crimson… and his illicit burgeoning romance with a fellow soldier, Johnny Ladd.
What sets Alan Scott: The Green Lantern and its titular character apart is its courageous exploration of identity and acceptance in a time when such themes were often taboo. The impact of having a homosexual superhero as the lead character is profoundly significant, especially set against the backdrop of the 1940s. In an era when LGBTQ+ identities were largely marginalized and often hidden, Alan Scott’s journey offers a bold representation that challenges societal norms. DC Comics lore and the shameful sides of American history are cleverly commingled in brand new ways that stretch the canon –– like sending Scott to Arkham Asylum for violent and archaic gay conversion therapy. Even the opening of the story finds Director of the FBI J. Edgar Hoover confronting Green Lantern with a file of secrets he’d rather keep hidden, including his past relationships and secret identity –– another fictional twist to true events. His struggles with identity and acceptance resonate deeply, showcasing the internal conflicts many faced during that era, and some still face today.
But equally as important is defining Scott by more than his sexual orientation; he is a friend, a soldier, and a superhero. He’s also emotionally wounded. The true theme of the story is something much more grounded than superpowered jewelry: trusting others when you’ve been hurt before. In the years since his military service and the untimely death of his romantic partner, Alan has become isolated and withdrawn, even as a world-famous superhero and supposed member of a team. By the climax of the story, Alan realizes just how much he’s hidden from the world that he’s also hidden from himself.
The narrative is a powerful blend of action and introspection, masterfully exploring themes of love, fear, and courage. Alan’s confrontation with his past and the mysterious Red Lantern creates a gripping storyline that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Sheridan’s writing captures the essence of Alan’s character, making his challenges and triumphs resonate on a deeply personal level. Cian Tormey’s artwork complements the storytelling beautifully, bringing dynamic visuals to Alan’s battles and emotional moments alike. Green Lantern stories often justify using vibrant colors, and this is no different: battle scenes play out like Lite Brites.
Collecting issues #1-6, plus a short story from DC Pride: Through the Years, this volume is not just a celebration of a superhero’s legacy but also a testament to the enduring power of love and courage. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the JSA or new to Alan Scott’s story, this series is a must-read that redefines what it means to be a hero.
