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Green Lantern by Minh Lê #1
Green Lantern: Legacy
The owner of the Jade Market has a secret--one that will soon change her grandson's life.
Thirteen-year-old Tai Pham lives in the apartment above his grandmother's store, where his bedroom is crammed with sketchpads and comic books. But not even his most imaginative drawings could compare to the colorful adventure he's about to embark on.
When Tai inherits his grandmother's jade ring, he soon finds out it's more than it appears. Suddenly he's being inducted into a group of space cops known as the Green Lanterns, his neighborhood is being overrun by some racist bullies, and every time he puts pen to paper, he's forced to confront that he might not be creative enough or strong enough to uphold his ba's legacy.
Now Tai must decide what kind of hero he wants to be: will he learn to soar above his insecurities or will the past keep him grounded?
Thirteen-year-old Tai Pham lives in the apartment above his grandmother's store, where his bedroom is crammed with sketchpads and comic books. But not even his most imaginative drawings could compare to the colorful adventure he's about to embark on.
When Tai inherits his grandmother's jade ring, he soon finds out it's more than it appears. Suddenly he's being inducted into a group of space cops known as the Green Lanterns, his neighborhood is being overrun by some racist bullies, and every time he puts pen to paper, he's forced to confront that he might not be creative enough or strong enough to uphold his ba's legacy.
Now Tai must decide what kind of hero he wants to be: will he learn to soar above his insecurities or will the past keep him grounded?
144 pages, Paperback
First published January 21, 2020
27 people are currently reading
2627 people want to read
About the author
Minh Lê
36 books230 followersMinh Lê is the author of Drawn Together illustrated by Caldecott Medalist Dan Santat and Let Me Finish! (named an NPR Best Book of 2016) illustrated by Isabel Roxas (both published by Disney-Hyperion). He is also writing Green Lantern: Legacy, a graphic novel (illustrated by Andie Tong) for the new DC Comics middle grade imprint, DC Zoom. As a member of the kidlit consortium The Niblings, he writes about children's literature at Bottom Shelf Books and for a variety of publications, including the New York Times, The Horn Book, and HuffPost.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 313 reviews
January 9, 2020
Tai is a Vietnamese-American living in Coast City with his multigenerational family. He inherits a Green Lantern ring and all that entails. The art is vivid and bright and full of that signature green. Tai, his friends, and his Grandmother are all well-rounded, fully developed characters.
This is the best title from DC Zoom yet. What I really liked about it is that it embraced the Green Lantern history. If this is my introduction to DC comics, I can go and buy some other Green Lantern comics without getting confused. Both John Stewart and Sinestro are introduced in the book. DC's mythology hasn't been changed or ignored unlike other DC Zoom and Ink books. This is about a new Green Lantern in the larger DC universe and that's how these comics should be. They should be written for middle schoolers but still be part of the larger DC universe, acting as a gateway to DC as a whole.
Received a review copy from DC and NetGalley. All thoughts are my own and in no way influenced by the aforementioned.
This is the best title from DC Zoom yet. What I really liked about it is that it embraced the Green Lantern history. If this is my introduction to DC comics, I can go and buy some other Green Lantern comics without getting confused. Both John Stewart and Sinestro are introduced in the book. DC's mythology hasn't been changed or ignored unlike other DC Zoom and Ink books. This is about a new Green Lantern in the larger DC universe and that's how these comics should be. They should be written for middle schoolers but still be part of the larger DC universe, acting as a gateway to DC as a whole.
Received a review copy from DC and NetGalley. All thoughts are my own and in no way influenced by the aforementioned.
January 26, 2020
"Are we on the . . . ?" -- Tai Pham, Earth's newest Green Lantern
"Dark side of the moon? Yes - are you a Pink Floyd fan? (amused pause) Your parents would get the reference." -- John Stewart, Earth's veteran Green Lantern
Delightful and spirited graphic novel intended for the middle-grade set - though certain references (see quotes above) make it just as entertaining for those of us nearing middle-age - Green Lantern: Legacy is the latest book from DC's 'Zoom' imprint, centered on main characters approaching their teenage years. Protagonist Tai Pham is an average kid from 'Coast City' (a Seattle or San Francisco amalgam), humbly helping out in his family's food market with his dignified grandmother 'Ba Noi.'
With Ba Noi's peaceful, age-related passing Tai soon finds out a big and surprising secret - she was a longstanding and respected member of the legendary Green Lantern Corps. On the heels of that discovery comes yet another surprise - the ring chooses Tai to fall into line as Ba Noi's successor! Accompanied by a couple of first-rate 'second banana'-types (his dependable friends Serena and Tommy), Tai sets out to earn his keep as a 'GL' and then take on a local villain in this fun adventure.
"Dark side of the moon? Yes - are you a Pink Floyd fan? (amused pause) Your parents would get the reference." -- John Stewart, Earth's veteran Green Lantern
Delightful and spirited graphic novel intended for the middle-grade set - though certain references (see quotes above) make it just as entertaining for those of us nearing middle-age - Green Lantern: Legacy is the latest book from DC's 'Zoom' imprint, centered on main characters approaching their teenage years. Protagonist Tai Pham is an average kid from 'Coast City' (a Seattle or San Francisco amalgam), humbly helping out in his family's food market with his dignified grandmother 'Ba Noi.'
With Ba Noi's peaceful, age-related passing Tai soon finds out a big and surprising secret - she was a longstanding and respected member of the legendary Green Lantern Corps. On the heels of that discovery comes yet another surprise - the ring chooses Tai to fall into line as Ba Noi's successor! Accompanied by a couple of first-rate 'second banana'-types (his dependable friends Serena and Tommy), Tai sets out to earn his keep as a 'GL' and then take on a local villain in this fun adventure.
June 17, 2020
Tai Pham's grandma is a tough old lady living a double life. What will happen when Tai inherits her strange jade ring...?
My son's birth in August has had me keeping my eyes out for comics I might thrust upon him once he's old enough to read. I saw an article about Green Lantern Legacy and pre-ordered it as soon as I was able, long before my son was actually born.
Before I get into the meat of this, young adult graphic novels like this are probably what will keep the genre alive, pulling in younger readers instead of dropping them into the deep end and forcing them to navigate half a century of comics history. I want my son to be able to enjoy super hero comics, not have decades of continuity weighing him down when he starts reading them.
Tai's family isn't much like my family at first glance but I identified with him right away. I was fortunate to have both of my grandmothers still living into my 30s and they were both tough old broads so I liked Kim Tran right away. Tai also draws quite a bit, something I did a lot when I was thirteen. Also, pho was mentioned a couple times and I would eat pho every damn day if I could.
The Green Lantern mythos is simplified and refined. John Stewart and other Lanterns are in the supporting cast but it's Tai's show. Sinestro is mentioned, as are the Yellow Lanterns. No Guardians of the Universe but this is only the first volume. Tai's supporting cast is introduced, complete with a nemesis. I nerded out a little when Tai recited The Oath for the first time. Some people might gripe about Hal Jordan not being Tai's mentor but this book isn't for them. This is a YA book for new readers.
The writing is pretty slick. While it's a Young Adult book in that the main characters are young adults, I don't think the writing was dumbed down in the least. Tai's neighborhood has a sense of place and the relationships all felt real to me. Andie Tong's art was more to my liking than a lot of what is out there. The figures aren't over-rendered and the coloring isn't dominated by computer effects.
When my son comes of age, I will be happy for him to experience Green Lantern for the first time through the pages of Green Lantern: Legacy. 4.5 out of 5 Power Batteries.
My son's birth in August has had me keeping my eyes out for comics I might thrust upon him once he's old enough to read. I saw an article about Green Lantern Legacy and pre-ordered it as soon as I was able, long before my son was actually born.
Before I get into the meat of this, young adult graphic novels like this are probably what will keep the genre alive, pulling in younger readers instead of dropping them into the deep end and forcing them to navigate half a century of comics history. I want my son to be able to enjoy super hero comics, not have decades of continuity weighing him down when he starts reading them.
Tai's family isn't much like my family at first glance but I identified with him right away. I was fortunate to have both of my grandmothers still living into my 30s and they were both tough old broads so I liked Kim Tran right away. Tai also draws quite a bit, something I did a lot when I was thirteen. Also, pho was mentioned a couple times and I would eat pho every damn day if I could.
The Green Lantern mythos is simplified and refined. John Stewart and other Lanterns are in the supporting cast but it's Tai's show. Sinestro is mentioned, as are the Yellow Lanterns. No Guardians of the Universe but this is only the first volume. Tai's supporting cast is introduced, complete with a nemesis. I nerded out a little when Tai recited The Oath for the first time. Some people might gripe about Hal Jordan not being Tai's mentor but this book isn't for them. This is a YA book for new readers.
The writing is pretty slick. While it's a Young Adult book in that the main characters are young adults, I don't think the writing was dumbed down in the least. Tai's neighborhood has a sense of place and the relationships all felt real to me. Andie Tong's art was more to my liking than a lot of what is out there. The figures aren't over-rendered and the coloring isn't dominated by computer effects.
When my son comes of age, I will be happy for him to experience Green Lantern for the first time through the pages of Green Lantern: Legacy. 4.5 out of 5 Power Batteries.
August 14, 2022
Reading a couple of these middle grade books in quick succession, you do start to see the formula. The ones I've read do all taste a bit samey. I wonder if it's possible to veer away from that, and it remaining a children's book with a positive message.
(And why do baddies always do that dumb secret anagram thing..? Whyyyy would you want to do that to begin with..)
The one sentiment I did really like, and it connects to Tai's background, is the idea that you not only protect your legacy, but your legacy also protects you.
(And why do baddies always do that dumb secret anagram thing..? Whyyyy would you want to do that to begin with..)
The one sentiment I did really like, and it connects to Tai's background, is the idea that you not only protect your legacy, but your legacy also protects you.
July 27, 2022
Hal Jordan is my favourite GL and yes this book is written with younger readers in mind, but I don't care I thought the book was great.
I have noticed the more multicultural elements and people in comics. I always go back to Stan Lee's said. If you want multicultural character. Make one. Do not just chande an established characters, nationality or orientation. Make a new character and establish it. I think this was done very well here.
The story and art work are great. I also like the background story that superheroes do not just beat up the bad guys, but also help out the community in the small things as well, this is also something we can all do. A very enjoyable quick read. Great old and new fans of any age group.
I have noticed the more multicultural elements and people in comics. I always go back to Stan Lee's said. If you want multicultural character. Make one. Do not just chande an established characters, nationality or orientation. Make a new character and establish it. I think this was done very well here.
The story and art work are great. I also like the background story that superheroes do not just beat up the bad guys, but also help out the community in the small things as well, this is also something we can all do. A very enjoyable quick read. Great old and new fans of any age group.
July 12, 2022
This was so good omg!
We get to see the origin of the new GL Tai Pham and we see how its connected to his grandmother and how she was a former GL and the whole adventure of self discovery and how he emerges as a hero is so awesome and going to OA and all was awesome and in the civilian life seeing the whole twist with Jade market and what it says about "legacy" in particular for the immigrants is awesome and I love the way it happens and the fight with Xander Griffin and the twist with him was awesome and the foreshadowing of whats to come too!
One of the best GL stories I have read, its a fresh take and Tai is such a fascinating character and its really well done here. They take a few liberties with the GL mythos but it works overall and I like the panels with John and Iolande which was fun and the art is too cute. This book is perfect for YA and for new readers to get into GL! I highly recommend it!
We get to see the origin of the new GL Tai Pham and we see how its connected to his grandmother and how she was a former GL and the whole adventure of self discovery and how he emerges as a hero is so awesome and going to OA and all was awesome and in the civilian life seeing the whole twist with Jade market and what it says about "legacy" in particular for the immigrants is awesome and I love the way it happens and the fight with Xander Griffin and the twist with him was awesome and the foreshadowing of whats to come too!
One of the best GL stories I have read, its a fresh take and Tai is such a fascinating character and its really well done here. They take a few liberties with the GL mythos but it works overall and I like the panels with John and Iolande which was fun and the art is too cute. This book is perfect for YA and for new readers to get into GL! I highly recommend it!
February 27, 2020
My interest in the Vietnamese American protagonist and his grandmother could not offset the dull, abbreviated, and obvious storytelling. And yet another Earth-based Green Lantern? What's the headcount nowadays?
And instead of another American male, I really would have loved it if the book had just been about the grandmother's life as a Green Lantern in Vietnam. That could have been something . . .
And instead of another American male, I really would have loved it if the book had just been about the grandmother's life as a Green Lantern in Vietnam. That could have been something . . .
October 14, 2020
This was fantastic! I absolutely loved the genuine representation of Vietnamese culture. And it was beautifully illustrated.
Once again, the downfall here was how short it was. It felt a lot like the first 2 issues of a series, like half a story. I would've loved to see this as a full blown comic series, it has so much potential. And I've got a feeling there are plans for a second book because that ending was very open...
Once again, the downfall here was how short it was. It felt a lot like the first 2 issues of a series, like half a story. I would've loved to see this as a full blown comic series, it has so much potential. And I've got a feeling there are plans for a second book because that ending was very open...
December 13, 2019
Tai discovers the power of the Green Lantern when his grandmother passes on her jade ring to him. With very little training from the other Green Lanterns, Tai tries to stop vandalism in his neighborhood. But there is an even bigger threat hiding right under his nose, and Tai will need his friends support while he learns to harness his new powers.
I loved this comic from start to finish!
Tai is such a deep and complex character. His close relationship with his family is at the heart of everything he does, and there is a huge emotional aspect to his story that really drew me in. Tai is Vietnamese-American, and his family heritage is important to him. I loved seeing the rich Vietnamese culture, and the traditions of kindness and generosity in his family.
The artwork is vibrant and colorful, with that signature green standing out in contrast to the other colors. I like the sharp lines and clear panels, with lots of expressive reactions from the characters.
The plot has plenty of action, backstory, mystery, and even comedy. Tai and his friends are a hilarious trio, and I loved their fun dynamic. There are some very serious and tragic scenes, some heart-warming happy moments, and some funny one-liners that had me chuckling as I read. It's an excellent blend with a strong story-telling style!
I really enjoyed this comic/graphic novel! It's perfect for middle grade or teen readers, but adults will enjoy it too!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
I loved this comic from start to finish!
Tai is such a deep and complex character. His close relationship with his family is at the heart of everything he does, and there is a huge emotional aspect to his story that really drew me in. Tai is Vietnamese-American, and his family heritage is important to him. I loved seeing the rich Vietnamese culture, and the traditions of kindness and generosity in his family.
The artwork is vibrant and colorful, with that signature green standing out in contrast to the other colors. I like the sharp lines and clear panels, with lots of expressive reactions from the characters.
The plot has plenty of action, backstory, mystery, and even comedy. Tai and his friends are a hilarious trio, and I loved their fun dynamic. There are some very serious and tragic scenes, some heart-warming happy moments, and some funny one-liners that had me chuckling as I read. It's an excellent blend with a strong story-telling style!
I really enjoyed this comic/graphic novel! It's perfect for middle grade or teen readers, but adults will enjoy it too!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
January 25, 2020
Green Lantern Legacy is another graphic novel for the YA line in DC. This might be the first I've read and I can see why it's so popular, even if it's not aimed for me.
This is the story of Tai and how he becomes a Green Lantern. Through his grandmother, he learns what it is to be a hero. While balancing home life, friends, and a new villain who, you guessed it, is using a yellow Ring, Tai must learn how to bring balance in the world and in his life.
This is pretty cool to see, and I like Tai a lot. He's both funny and charming and a good lead for the Green Lantern. The art is charming, with plenty of great designs (Tai's design is especially cool) and moves at a fast and fun pace. I didn't get super connected to the story as it is aimed at probably more the 13-17 crowd. It also plays it a bit safe, and easy to tell what'll happen. Saying that, great jumping on points for teens or even new Green Lantern fans. Way better than Earth 1 Green lantern.
A 3 out of 5.
This is the story of Tai and how he becomes a Green Lantern. Through his grandmother, he learns what it is to be a hero. While balancing home life, friends, and a new villain who, you guessed it, is using a yellow Ring, Tai must learn how to bring balance in the world and in his life.
This is pretty cool to see, and I like Tai a lot. He's both funny and charming and a good lead for the Green Lantern. The art is charming, with plenty of great designs (Tai's design is especially cool) and moves at a fast and fun pace. I didn't get super connected to the story as it is aimed at probably more the 13-17 crowd. It also plays it a bit safe, and easy to tell what'll happen. Saying that, great jumping on points for teens or even new Green Lantern fans. Way better than Earth 1 Green lantern.
A 3 out of 5.
January 27, 2020
Green Lantern has been around since the Golden Age of super heroes. I grew up with the Silver Age heroes, and it wasn't until recently that we got any diversity amongst any of these said heroes. Oh, we would sometimes get some people of color, but they were often side kicks.
So it is great to see Tai Pham, who is of Vietnamese decent, become the next Green Lantern of Earth. And, even cooler than that, he inherits this ring from his grandmother, who was a defender in Vietnam, before she escaped to the United States, after the war ended.
Pretty amazing entrey, to have Tai be Vietnamese-American, as well as only 13 years old. Very good way to tell the story, and very enjoyable origin story. I look forward to more stories about Tai.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
So it is great to see Tai Pham, who is of Vietnamese decent, become the next Green Lantern of Earth. And, even cooler than that, he inherits this ring from his grandmother, who was a defender in Vietnam, before she escaped to the United States, after the war ended.
Pretty amazing entrey, to have Tai be Vietnamese-American, as well as only 13 years old. Very good way to tell the story, and very enjoyable origin story. I look forward to more stories about Tai.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
May 12, 2020
This was a cute, wholesome comic. Although this falls under the "DC Graphic Novels for Kids" label, it has a pretty broad appeal. Just because something is made with kids in mind doesn't mean everyone else can't enjoy it.
It's nice being able to pick up a book and not have to worry about years of continuity, this being standalone. But at the same time I like the idea behind it. Thirteen year old Tai Pham inherits his grandmother's ring, only to discover she was a Green Lantern, a superhero and now it's his turn.
I have never been a huge Green Lantern fan, but I love that their power comes from their mind, their creativity, their willpower rather than some other brute strength. So it works here having a child inherit that power, it's very much in the spirit of those '80s and '90s films where a kid gets a crazy power and has to learn how to harness it.
I love that Tai is American born to Vietnamese parents. It forms a big part of his identity and the story doesn't shy away from the racism that still plagues our western world.
I think it's a shame that Tai exists in his own little world, it would be nice to get this kind of representation out in the larger DC universe.
It's nice being able to pick up a book and not have to worry about years of continuity, this being standalone. But at the same time I like the idea behind it. Thirteen year old Tai Pham inherits his grandmother's ring, only to discover she was a Green Lantern, a superhero and now it's his turn.
I have never been a huge Green Lantern fan, but I love that their power comes from their mind, their creativity, their willpower rather than some other brute strength. So it works here having a child inherit that power, it's very much in the spirit of those '80s and '90s films where a kid gets a crazy power and has to learn how to harness it.
I love that Tai is American born to Vietnamese parents. It forms a big part of his identity and the story doesn't shy away from the racism that still plagues our western world.
I think it's a shame that Tai exists in his own little world, it would be nice to get this kind of representation out in the larger DC universe.
September 11, 2020
My knowledge of the Green Lantern universe is extremely limited, so this book was perfect for a newbie like me. The Green Lantern Corps are neatly introduced, as is the Green Lantern power set and those villainous Yellow Lanterns. Plus, the young, new Lantern is primarily tasked with saving his grandmother's Vietnamese grocery from gentrification. A simple, reasonable task that doesn't read as heavy-handed as it sounds.
Unlike some of the other DC Ink/Zoom books, Green Lantern: Legacy sticks to action, family, and a hero learning the ropes. There's no dumb school stuff, love triangles, or unnecessary dramatics. If anything, the book was too short - I'd happily read a whole series centered around this new Green Lantern.
Unlike some of the other DC Ink/Zoom books, Green Lantern: Legacy sticks to action, family, and a hero learning the ropes. There's no dumb school stuff, love triangles, or unnecessary dramatics. If anything, the book was too short - I'd happily read a whole series centered around this new Green Lantern.
April 16, 2025
This YA version of Green Lantern is good. It’s a bit obvious but then it’s aimed at 12-year-olds, so you can’t really expect narrative complexity from kid stories. Like Ms. Marvel focusing on a Pakistani-American teen, this is about a 13-year-old first-generation Vietnamese-American who inherits his grandmother’s Green Lantern ring. From there the story unfolds predictably but, as I say, it’s for kids. The diversity is nice and the theme of community is one we all need to hear these days.
January 30, 2020
All I can say is 💚
July 16, 2020
This was an average read. Better than most of the DC Kids content I have read.
June 24, 2022
This is the story of Tai Pham is a 12-year old boy, and the son of Vietnamese immigrants. He has a special connection to his ba (grandmother.) As the family store is attacked, and his beloved grandmother passes away, her green ring finds its wat to Tai, where he learns of her legacy as a Green Lantern and protector of the community. Meanwhile, Tai is balancing the loss, his friends, school, while learning to become her successor, even as things deteriorate further in the neighborhood. The plot seems simplistic and the villain obvious. 2.5 stars, rounded up.
April 12, 2020
Green Lantern is one of the few “main” superheroes I don’t know much about so Green Lantern Legacy was such a treat! Though I am not as familiar, I do have some sense of the Lantern universe. I appreciate how close this story stayed to the original universe. This might be my fav of the middle grade novels!
Lanterns aren’t born but chosen, so imagine Tai’s surprise when the ring chooses him. I love that Minh chose for Tai to inherit the ring from his grandmother, honoring the family legacy. It’s easy to read the cultural subtext here.
This book is full of complex characters and stories, from the larger universe (Sinestro and John Stewart) to the local story (ending vandalism). I highly recommend it for the everyone but especially for reluctant readers. With its bright art and charming characters, it’s sure to be a hit with the middle grade age group.
Lanterns aren’t born but chosen, so imagine Tai’s surprise when the ring chooses him. I love that Minh chose for Tai to inherit the ring from his grandmother, honoring the family legacy. It’s easy to read the cultural subtext here.
This book is full of complex characters and stories, from the larger universe (Sinestro and John Stewart) to the local story (ending vandalism). I highly recommend it for the everyone but especially for reluctant readers. With its bright art and charming characters, it’s sure to be a hit with the middle grade age group.
April 9, 2020
This is the best DC graphic novel for kids! It basically touches on a little everything but it doesn't feel crowded. This book was inspirational and a pure enjoyment for all ages. I really love what they did with the Green Lantern mythos and introducing this new Green Lantern character. I hope to see more from Tai the Thirteen-year-old Green Lantern.
January 23, 2021
THE ART IS SO AMAZING?!?!?!? also love how its focusing on a southeast asia setting - DC needs to have more of these!
however, the story was quite predictable + halfway through it gets a bit confusing. would be recommending more if people are looking for some good art > plot. still a decent read as a whole.
however, the story was quite predictable + halfway through it gets a bit confusing. would be recommending more if people are looking for some good art > plot. still a decent read as a whole.
December 27, 2019
Hello Again!
It's currently almost midnight when I am writing this review but things have been kind of crazy with the holidays and all the other things. However, here I am up late because I have started staying up late because I am off of work for a little while and I am just messing my sleep schedule all up. But I just finished vacuuming my bedroom, making a gallon of tea, and doing some other housework and was like I am going to write some reviews! Once I start wrecking my sleep schedule and staying up super late I get either really productive and get a lot of work done or play all the games (mostly a lot of sims). Tonight, it's really productive on the work side and this graphic novel was on my list to review (because I finished reading it a few weeks ago and I have been itching to write some thoughts on it).
SPOILERS AHEAD
Tai is a 13-year-old living with his family above his grandmother's store, things are not perfect but he likes his life and he loves his family and friends. There is a lot of trouble in Tai's neighborhood. One day Tai inherits his grandmother's Jade ring and turns into a Green Lantern. However, Tai has no idea what that is, what his powers, are, what is going on, or why his Grandmother left this ring to him. After her recent death, he has so many questions and no real answers until he meets another Green Lantern and begins to learn more about the ring and his grandmother's life as a Green Lantern. However, on his way to learning to be a Green Lantern Tai will have to decide if he will become a hero or if he will join the other side of this fight?
I have to say I went into this knowing literally nothing about Green Lantern. I had never even seen the movie. Having said that, I think this graphic novel did an amazing job teaching my all about Green Lantern and sharing that universe with me. The illustrations in this graphic novel were beyond amazing and I was constantly staring at them and going back and looking them over even after I finished reading the story. Additionally, I am super hyped to read the next graphic novel in this series because I just want to know more about the Green Lanterns in general and Tai's journey. I think if you are like me and know little to nothing about the Green Lantern this is the perfect graphic novel to jump into the universe with. I am giving this graphic novel five stars on Goodreads!
**I was given an E-ARC copy of this book on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
It's currently almost midnight when I am writing this review but things have been kind of crazy with the holidays and all the other things. However, here I am up late because I have started staying up late because I am off of work for a little while and I am just messing my sleep schedule all up. But I just finished vacuuming my bedroom, making a gallon of tea, and doing some other housework and was like I am going to write some reviews! Once I start wrecking my sleep schedule and staying up super late I get either really productive and get a lot of work done or play all the games (mostly a lot of sims). Tonight, it's really productive on the work side and this graphic novel was on my list to review (because I finished reading it a few weeks ago and I have been itching to write some thoughts on it).
SPOILERS AHEAD
Tai is a 13-year-old living with his family above his grandmother's store, things are not perfect but he likes his life and he loves his family and friends. There is a lot of trouble in Tai's neighborhood. One day Tai inherits his grandmother's Jade ring and turns into a Green Lantern. However, Tai has no idea what that is, what his powers, are, what is going on, or why his Grandmother left this ring to him. After her recent death, he has so many questions and no real answers until he meets another Green Lantern and begins to learn more about the ring and his grandmother's life as a Green Lantern. However, on his way to learning to be a Green Lantern Tai will have to decide if he will become a hero or if he will join the other side of this fight?
I have to say I went into this knowing literally nothing about Green Lantern. I had never even seen the movie. Having said that, I think this graphic novel did an amazing job teaching my all about Green Lantern and sharing that universe with me. The illustrations in this graphic novel were beyond amazing and I was constantly staring at them and going back and looking them over even after I finished reading the story. Additionally, I am super hyped to read the next graphic novel in this series because I just want to know more about the Green Lanterns in general and Tai's journey. I think if you are like me and know little to nothing about the Green Lantern this is the perfect graphic novel to jump into the universe with. I am giving this graphic novel five stars on Goodreads!
**I was given an E-ARC copy of this book on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 24, 2020
I had 0 expectations for this one and was very pleasantly surprised! Green Lantern: Legacy follows a boy named Tai who loves to draw and spend time with his grandmother at her store. When his grandmother passes away, Tai discovers that she was one of the protectors of earth, known as the Green Lanterns, and now this responsibility has passed onto him.
This did a great job creating a wholly new character that feels like an actual teenage boy struggling with this massive power and responsibility. It's middle-grade so the villain is pretty telegraphed and the morals are surface-level, but it works for this age range. The story also heavily features immigration narratives and how small acts of kindness can have a profound impact on someone else.
For those completely unfamiliar with any Green Lanterns story - don't worry, you can jump into this one without any knowledge. It's set up as an origin story and doesn't tie into the main DC universe at all, so no history lesson required.
If you are familiar with Green Lanterns, take this as a non-canon story. As a certified Hal Jordan Hater™ I can't tell you how much it filled me with joy that this is completely Hal-less. Instead we have John Stewart which is a massive upgrade. John and Tai had a great mentor/mentee relationship as well.
Trigger warnings/squicks: Death, some distressing scenes (refugees fleeing on a ship)
Representation: Main character is Vietnamese-American (3rd generation immigrant). Author is of Vietnamese descent. Artist is of Malaysian descent.
This did a great job creating a wholly new character that feels like an actual teenage boy struggling with this massive power and responsibility. It's middle-grade so the villain is pretty telegraphed and the morals are surface-level, but it works for this age range. The story also heavily features immigration narratives and how small acts of kindness can have a profound impact on someone else.
For those completely unfamiliar with any Green Lanterns story - don't worry, you can jump into this one without any knowledge. It's set up as an origin story and doesn't tie into the main DC universe at all, so no history lesson required.
If you are familiar with Green Lanterns, take this as a non-canon story. As a certified Hal Jordan Hater™ I can't tell you how much it filled me with joy that this is completely Hal-less. Instead we have John Stewart which is a massive upgrade. John and Tai had a great mentor/mentee relationship as well.
Trigger warnings/squicks: Death, some distressing scenes (refugees fleeing on a ship)
Representation: Main character is Vietnamese-American (3rd generation immigrant). Author is of Vietnamese descent. Artist is of Malaysian descent.
March 3, 2020
A triumph.
This is my favorite DC Zoom! title so far. 'Green Lantern: Legacy' understands what a superhero story needs to be, while grounding it in a theme of legacy and acceptance, complete with honest characters. The artwork is a perfect match for the material as well. I forgot I was reading a comic toward the end; this tale flows like a cartoon.
I hold out hope for sequels.
This is my favorite DC Zoom! title so far. 'Green Lantern: Legacy' understands what a superhero story needs to be, while grounding it in a theme of legacy and acceptance, complete with honest characters. The artwork is a perfect match for the material as well. I forgot I was reading a comic toward the end; this tale flows like a cartoon.
I hold out hope for sequels.
June 7, 2021
Ja li pelo fato de ser lanterna verde e por mais que seja dc kids é literalmente para todas as idades
É maravilhoso o modo como inserem a mitologia lanterna dentro dessa história sobre família e amizade com certeza quero ver muito mais de Tai como lanterna espero q entre para cronologia pois o meu carinho já temm
É maravilhoso o modo como inserem a mitologia lanterna dentro dessa história sobre família e amizade com certeza quero ver muito mais de Tai como lanterna espero q entre para cronologia pois o meu carinho já temm
March 20, 2020
4.5 stars; not a big fan of superhero comics but I loved this one!
November 1, 2022
I really tried to enjoy this. I think the idea was solid, but the execution felt too slow.
June 26, 2023
This was really fun to read!! And the art was cool too!! I don’t read a lot of graphic novels and picture books so it was a nice change of pace. Almost cried at one part lol
September 4, 2020
Love the continuation on the legend
August 21, 2020
Tai and his Vietnamese immigrant family are struggling to keep the family store open despite bricks through the window and feeling unwelcome in the neighborhood. Things change when Tai inherits his grandmother's jade ring.
Read
April 5, 2021Se me hizo muy actual, muy adecuado a la situación social en E.U. en estos momentos. Pienso que la perspectiva de los cómics puede hacer accesible este tema a muchas personas.
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