DC Comics has launched their big Rebirth story arc, and the individual titles are starting to launch. The various Green Lantern series have been pared down to 2, and they both have launched with their first issues.

The Green Lanterns series follows the two new Green Lanterns of Earth, Simon Baz and Jessica Cruz. These characters have been side players in the universe for a while now, but they’re taking center stage in this new series. From what I can tell from the first couple issues, Simon will be the brash, take-em-all-on type of character, whereas Jessica will temper him with more diplomacy. At least, that’s the direction that it seems to be going from my perspective.

The first couple of issues have them facing off against a threat from the Red Lanterns who have returned and want to turn Earth into a new Hell. Jessica is a mess of anxiety disorders, and barely knows how to use her ring, but they need to figure out how to save the planet and everyone they love from the overwhelming rage of the Red Lanterns and Atrocious.

Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps is launching much later than Green Lanterns, and so the first issue only came out Wednesday. I’ve had a chance to read it, and it’s a fun piece, setting the stage to tie up the other loose end from the past couple of years, Sinestro. The Yellow Lanterns have taken over as the dominate police force in the universe and Sinestro has led them through amazing struggles. Hal has returned and in many ways he’s being re-invented for this series. A hero so strong in his willpower that he will undoubtedly be the leader of the corps for a long time.

I’m excited for the direction that things are moving, however, I still wish Guy Gardner was leading the Red Lantern corps, and bringing it under control. I really like Guy’s character when he’s not a Green Lantern, and feel that he’s always struggled to fit into the intergalactic police force. Perhaps there is more in store for him in the future.

Happy reading!