Tales of the Green Lantern Corps, Vol. 1, No. 1

Tales of the Green Lantern Corps #1

by Mike W. Barr

Hal Jordan of Earth is the greatest hero of the Green Lantern Corps, the intergalactic force that keeps the peace throughout the cosmos, but there are thousands of other Green Lanterns, most of whom are not even human. This new graphic novel gathers some of their stories in one volume for the first time, in which these heroes face both the evil of those who would stand against them and their own inner conflicts.

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Dc Comics, Fiction, Superheroes, Graphic Novels Comics, Comic Book

Comic

First published March 3, 2009

About the author

Mike W. Barr is an American writer of comic books, and mystery, and science fiction novels. Barr's debut as a comics professional came in DC Comics' Detective Comics #444 (Dec. 1974-Jan. 1975), for which he wrote an 8-page back-up mystery feature starring the Elongated Man. Another Elongated Man story followed in Detective Comics #453 (November 1975). He wrote text articles and editorial replies in letter columns for the next few years. By mid-1980 he was writing regularly for both DC and Marvel, including stories for Marvel Team-Up, Mystery in Space, Green Lantern, and various Batman titles.

Legion of Super-Heroes #277 (July 1981) saw him take on editorial duties at DC, while writing issues of DC's Star Trek comic, for whom he created the native American character Ensign Bearclaw and a pacifist Klingon named Konom. In December 1982, he and artist Brian Bolland began Camelot 3000, a 12 issue limited series that was one of DC Comics' first direct market projects. In August 1983, Barr created what may well be his most enduring work, the monthly title Batman and the Outsiders with art by Jim Aparo. Barr wrote every issue of the original series, and its Baxter paper spinoff, The Outsiders.

His other comics work includes Mantra and Maze Agency as well as the 1987 OGN hardcover book Batman: Son of the Demon (with art by Jerry Bingham), proceeds from which reputedly "restored DC Comics to first place in sales after fifteen years." This title, and Barr's work on Batman with artist Alan Davis have been cited by Grant Morrison as key inspirations for his recent (2006) run on the Batman title.

In 2007, he wrote a two-part story for the pages of DC's JLA: Classified (#47-48, Jan-Feb 2008), returned to the Outsiders with Outsiders: Five of a Kind—Katana/Shazam #1 (Oct 2007), contributed to Tokyopop's Star Trek: The Manga, and relaunched Maze Agency at IDW Publishing. He has also scripted many of Bongo Comics' Simpsons titles, including a Christmas story for 2010.

In May 2010, the Invisible College Press published Barr's science fiction/fantasy novel, Majician/51, about the discoveries of a scientist working at Area 51.

Reviews

[Sophia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actual rating 3.5 stars.
When I first began reading this collected edition, I wasn't entirely sure where it would end up. I did NOT expect there to be so many casualties!
(They weren't even up against that many yellow clad enemies!)

Anyway, the only interesting parts (for me) were the beginning where they recapped Oa’s origins and when Nekron first appeared.
Oh and that moment where the deceased Green Lanterns join forces to attack Nekron all at once!

[M. J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first volume of Tales of the Green Lantern Corps is a diverse mix of stories, writers and artists, therefore it suffers with inconsistency, ranging from pure comic book awesomeness to painfully boring and cheesy plots. The first story is the longer one and it works well at first, synthesizing the legacy of the GL Corps and showing what they are capable of together, sadly the plot gets a tad convoluted by the third part, dragging on until its conclusion (there's a tiny subplot of redemption here that honestly made me cry, I'm a sucker for gentle aliens).



It took me a few months to finally finish this volume and the stories written by Paul Kupperberg with artist Carmine Infantino are probably to blame, the art looks unfinished and the stories are plain and unimaginative, occasionally a spark of interest would materialize only to be quickly muffled by the dull writing. Those five short-stories by Kupperberg (including the origin story of Ch'p, arguably the cutest GL) felt endless, but there's a reward for those brave enough to get through them. Written by Todd Klein with art by Dave Gibbons the volume ends with four short and sweet tales, interesting enough to make me look for Todd Klein other works. So I googled him and apparently he's mostly famous for his work as a letterer (having worked on titles such as Sandman and The Invisibles), but not a very prolific writer. Fortunately some of his writing works made it into this compilation and are certainly my favorite ones here, you can just tell there is heart and thought put into these stories. Gibbons' art and Nansi Hoolahan's colors contributes to amplify that wholesome feeling. A pleasant surprise after an overall mediocre collection.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A really interesting book. I've decided to try and read my way through as much Green Lantern as possible, and the early '80s seemed like a good place to start. I really want to see how the story and universe of GL grows and expands. This book was an excellent place to start as it gives us, not only a story with a major villain, but also several mini-stories highlighting other GLs across all of space. This really reminds the reader that GL isn't a superhero--he's one part of a much larger corps. Definitely worth reading if you're a fan, though the storytelling and writing is definitely much less refined and more "old school" in comparison to modern comics.

[Cybernex007 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Foreword note: I’m not exactly if this is the correct book to be marking as read. I read tales of the green lantern corps issues 1-3c by Len Wein and Mike W. Barr

While reading through Bronze Age comics I keep looking for sections of characters and groups that give a good glimpse into where they currently are instead of going and reading 200+ issues of one comic run. And these tales certainly deliver. It gives good Quick Look’s into the major storylines that have defined Hal Jordan and what he has come across.

But there are some things that confuse me as personally I’ve had a struggle of a time following the green lantern history. For example why is Gardner wheelchair bound and a former teacher? And why is Stewart a former lantern now architect? It’s still interesting to see that’s what was going on during this run, but it perplexes me.

What also is crazy to me is how condensed of a story this is but to have a story that should have major repercussions. I did overall enjoy the story, but we had the return of Krona and his desire to see the beginning of the universe. Which is a nice compliment that Crisis on Infinite Earths builds on later. And to mention with Krona he wipes out a ton of the green lantern corps members. Which does ultimately lead to an amazing fight with Nekron in the 3rd issue. OH DID I FORGET TO MENTION. The first appearance of Nekron of all people. That is crazy I had no clue going in. Personally I haven’t read blackest night yet. But I recognized the name enough and saw his power in this to be scared for when I do get to that storyline.

But back to what I was mentioning. I absolutely loved that even in death the green lantern cause lives on in those former lanterns souls. It was quite a “triumphant” victory, and overall was a good snippet into this era of the green lantern corps.

[Josh · Rating 2 out of 5]

A comic of two halves. The beginning three part miniseries by Len Wein is great. This was the first pre-2000's Green Lantern story that I have read that has really felt like what Geoff John's work came to define Green Lantern as. The corps is all here, not just Hal piddling around on Earth tripping over himself every time something is yellow, and they fight a big cosmic thing that builds upon something in the past. Case in point, this story could be seen as the original Blackest Night, much in the same way as the original clone saga for Spider-Man. I look forward to giving Wein's short run on the main GL title a read.

As for the rest of the book, it is a bunch of perfectly servicable short stories that you will forget before you finish the next one.

[Adam Stone · Rating 2 out of 5]

After an underwhelming story about Hal Jordan and some lesser known Lanterns battling a series of villains who pour out of a portal to reign destruction by killing even lesser-known Lanterns, we get a series of short vignettes about somehow even lesser known Lanterns. Apart from some Carmine Infantino art, there isn't much worth reading here. You do get a peek at Nekron, who will be an important character down the line, but the story isn't interesting enough to make this a Must Read book.

If you love the minutae of Lantern lore, this might be your jam. I think I've read this twice now, and apart from Nekron, the only thing I remember is that it involves a chipmunk lantern.

[Tim Taylor · Rating 2 out of 5]

Even a Green Lantern die-hard would struggle with this. The core story was a lot of rehashing, a terrible idea for a “fresh” miniseries. Even Joe Staton’s art felt sub-par, and I think the world of him.

None of the backup tales captured here are of any memorable significance. Dave Gibbons’ art saved some of them.

[Nabil Hussain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good enough collection of Green Lantern tales.

This graphic novel is OK. It is adequately satisfying and proved to be an interesting read. Overall, it was not remarkable but a good book to pass the time.

[EscaPe iNTo thE PaGEs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome!! I love the Corps!!

[Rizzie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like all anthologies, this is a mixed bag. But if you're a GL fan, I think this (and the second volume) are definitely worth it.

[Lucas Peres · Rating 5 out of 5]

Na maioria das vezes histórias do lanterna Verde são horríveis. Mas.... MAS.... nesse volume tem uma escrita pelo Alan Moore que salvou tudi

[Johnny Andrews · Rating 3 out of 5]

A mix bag. The main part is pretty good. Then a lot of shorts which is good as it shows diversity in styles and characters but also can go from that was a really good read to well that was...filler.

[Zintulo Deyuno · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clásicos DC presenta: Relatos de los GREEN LANTERN CORPS.
Edición española de Planeta.

[Nick (LackingZones) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just throwing this out there, DC: I'd totally read a comic centered around Katma Tui.

[The_Mad_Swede · Rating 4 out of 5]

This volume collects the Tales from the Green Lantern Corps three-issue mini-series from 1981, plotted by by Mike W. Barr and scripted by Len Wein, with art by Joe Staton and Frank McLaughlin. It is the story of the Green Lantern Corps needing to face the renegade Guardian Krona, who is back from the dead and threatening the entire universe. And Green Lantern Hal Jordan of Earth is at the centre of the fray.

The rest of the volume is made up of short (around 8 pages) back-up pieces focusing on the Corps, and its various members, originally published in Green Lantern in 1982 and 1983.

There are five pieces written by Paul Kuppenberg: an untitled piece from GL #148, with art by Don Newton and Dan Adkins; "E'sprit de Corps" and the two-parter "Paradise World" and "The Choice" from GL #151-153, with art by Carmine Infantino (and some additional art by Frank Chiaramonte in #153); and finally another untitled piece from GL #154, with art by Paris Cullins and Rodin Rodriguez. All of these are enjoyable in their own right. Kubbenberg has a good grasp of the character, and art by Infantino is never wrong.

These stories are followed by "Storm Brother" from GL #161, written by Robin Snyder and wonderfully drawn by Dave Gibbons, who is art on art duty for the remaining five entries as well. After Snyder's story, however, Todd Klein is the credited writer for the remaining pieces: "Apprentice" from #162, "Hero" from #164, the two-parter "Green Magic: Test of Will" from #165-166, and finally an untitled piece from #167.

All of the material, apart from the three-issue mini-series, is short, but nevertheless investigates different aspects of the Green Lantern Corps in interesting way. The material by Dave Gibbons is a definite highlight, but then I am a definite fan of his art.

I was happy to discover this volume at my local library, as it gave me the chance to explore some classic '80s, pre-Crisis Green Lantern material, and in particular stories focusing on the lore of the Lantern Corps itself.

[M · Rating 2 out of 5]

Tales of the Green Lantern Corps is a fascinating volume that allows other members of the galaxy's peace-keeping forces to shine. The opening arc does focus on the famous Hal Jordan, as new Lantern Arisa and the entire Corps must unite against the universe-ending threat of Krona. Featuring appearances by popular and lesser-known Corps members (and an early look at eventual Blackest Night threat Nekron), the first few issues are a fun romp through the Silver Age. Individual stories populate the remainder of the tome. Ch'p saves his homeworld's enemies and sets up a peace treaty, while Quarzz Teranh rescues ships from a black hole at the cost of his life. The peace-loving people of Glirell must deal with the fine line between violence and self-defense as they ask their Lantern member Jeryll to defend them from invaders with non-violent tactics. Now old men, two former foes - Lantern Harvid and villain Ghanrik - explore how time changes past enmities. An apprentices tries on a GL ring, the weather plays a key role in an arrest attempt on pirates, and the desire for improving on history are found in the concluding tales. Anyone who enjoys the varied history of the Corps should enjoy this volume, which reminds comic readers that there are 3600 different Lanterns to explore in the DC Universe.

[A.L. · Rating 3 out of 5]

The art is fun and will likely make readers nostalgic for late Silver Age (early 80's) art. The stories and characters are groaningly campy, but overall, it's an enjoyable, quick read. A highlight was reading the origins (even if they're cheesy) of many GL Corps members.

This is also an interesting collection because it features some of Dave Gibbons pre-WATCHMEN art, and even art by Flash veteran, Carmine Infantino. Early Brian Bolland art is also featured in this collection.

[Thongglomeration · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting compilation of early 80s Green Lantern stories, which provided me with background knowledge of this particular hero's story. The age of the comic exposes its lack of the 'super-cool' subtlety of modern comics, but there is also great artistic value in some of the panels and storylines. I think it would have been an interesting era to have been writing these strips. I bet they felt that the sky was the limit

[B · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is like a science fiction anthology without any particular twists or, really, interesting set-ups. There's one big story at the front that really fails to build suspense relative to the story it sets out to tell.

Then there are a series of short stories that show why short stories are so deceptively hard to write. (Mostly for reasons involving deception, I think.)

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

don newton art. robin snyder story. and a dave gibbons panel that previews rorscach(?) from watchmen. these are stories of other-world green lanterns and of the only one from earth, hal jordan. from when the series was still fun to read

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

I tend to prefer Green Lantern stories when they involve the whole corps - when writers decide to make Earth's GL the only GL, I get bored. This is a nice collection of the first few GLC stories from the early 80s. Not all winners but you get some great Dave Gibbons art.

[David · Rating 1 out of 5]

Picked this up at random just to see if it would and it did… put the nail in the coffin for silver age comics for me. I just can't bring myself to like anything about them other than (occasionally) the artwork. I just can't see how any of these are good without the rose-colored light of nostalgia.

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

No longer in DC continuity because of the Hall Jordan / Krona story, this was an unspectacular but enjoyable read. I liked the concept of tales from unknown GLs.

[Phil · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was the best of the trilogy

[Josh Freeman · Rating 2 out of 5]

a decent main story.. but the GL "origin" shorts towards the end were borderline stupid.