GREEN LANTERN

A young Green Lantern discovers how to envision the future.

Thirteen-year-old Tai Pham wakes from a dream to see his grandmother’s jade ring by his side. Confused, Tai learns from Bà Nội that the ring has chosen him—and then the next day she’s passed. Suddenly, the Coast City junior high schooler is introduced to the existence of the Green Lantern Corps, an “intergalactic peacekeeping force.” Not only was his bà secretly a “space cop,” but she was “probably the best among [them].” Under the tutelage of fellow Green Lantern Iolande and his new Corps mentor, John Stewart, Tai learns how to wield the green ring as the planet’s next guardian. In this Green Lantern installment, Lê blends traditions old and new alike. Familiar faces and references that will please established Green Lantern and DC Universe fans abound. Like Tai’s interpretation of the Green Lantern uniform, his hero’s journey both hits all the comic-book beats and is intertwined with his experience as a first-generation Vietnamese American. Tong’s energetic panels, dominated by greens, oranges, steel blues, and purples, keep the visuals dynamic, and cultural details are a delight. In this diverse Coast City neighborhood battling impending corporate redevelopment, Tai entrusts his secret identity to his two best friends, Tommy, who presents white, and Serena, a brown-skinned Latina.

Community and compassion combine in this fresh take on comic-book tradition.