This was a fun first issue as it is perfect for DC's dark they have been working on and for Halloween. The team bring Green Lantern Dark #1 to life in a ghastly and yet hopeful way showing that even in our darkest hour there are lanterns of hope! Read Full Review

Green Lantern: Dark #1 is a promising debut that showcases Brombal and Dell'Edera's talent for creating a chilling and atmospheric world. The focus on character development and the exploration of themes of hope and survival make this a compelling read. While the issue leaves many questions unanswered, it sets the stage for a thrilling and suspenseful series. Overall, Green Lantern: Dark #1 is a chilling and promising start to a new Green Lantern series. Fans of horror and post-apocalyptic fiction will appreciate this dark and gritty tale. Read Full Review

Green Lantern: Dark #1's return to Earth-9 and the Tangent Universe is a bold move on the part of DC Comics, and while the issue lays groundwork for this new status quo, it remains to be seen if this Earth's future is as bleak as it appears to be or if the Green Lantern can restore it or die trying. Read Full Review

At the price point and page count, this is an easy addition to your buy pile. Green Lantern Dark presents a world of hopelessness that needs the light of Green Lantern to survive. It's incredibly moody, piercing your heart with hope like only Green Lantern can. Read Full Review

Tate Brombal, Something is Killing the Children's Werther Dell'Edera, and Giovanna Niro tell a tale of hope in utter bleakness in Green Lantern Dark #1. Read Full Review

Green Lantern Dark #1 creates a future Earth on the edge of distinction where the last Green Lantern travels the dark roads to stave off supernatural monsters. Tate Brombal's core concept sounds cool, but the execution is too dialog-heavy and too vague to really hook you. Plus, the art fits the supernatural theme, but it's better suited for indie books well outside the typical DC quality. Read Full Review

I have no idea who any of these characters are or what is happening here.

Can someone explain to me what I need to have read to understand all of this?

I like the premise and Tate is solid as always. Just need a bit more background. Not new reader friendly.

Green Lantern Dark #1 presents an Elseworld tale set in a world devoid of heroes and hope. Amidst the darkness, Rina Mori, a reluctant Green Lantern, wanders across cities and towns to keep evil entities away from innocent civilians.

Brombal's script sets the stage for this new world, introducing a desolate landscape devoid of heroes. While the premise isn't overly complex to establish in a first issue, it provides a solid foundation for the story. The world-building is subtle yet effective, conveying the dire circumstances and desperation of its inhabitants.

Additional characters, such as Lunette, a young tween who steadfastly believes in the Green Lantern, and her family, are introduced. Lunette's unwavering faith serves as a catalyst, while her brother’s skepticism provides contrast. Although they verge on being one-dimensional, fitting into standard character tropes that drive the plot, their interactions serve as a microcosm for the friction amongst the masses.

Regrettably, Werther Dell'Edera's artwork and Giovanna Niro's colors didn’t standout for me. The visual style felt too reminiscent of Dell’Edera’s work in the Slaughterverse. I couldn’t help thinking I was reading a House of Green Lantern or Something is Killing the Green Lanterns book. Additionally, some scenes, like Rina's introduction in a crowded diner, suffer from disjointed visual storytelling, disrupting the flow and limiting the impact.

Despite artistic missteps, Green Lantern Dark #1 still provides a worthy enough exploration of hope in darkness. As the world grapples with uncertainty, this issue's themes feel eerily relevant. With a pivotal US election looming, Brombal's narrative serves as a timely reminder of hope's importance in the face of grilling despair. more