Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps #9 (2016) – Comic Overview
Genre
đ Superhero, Science Fiction, Action, Cosmic Adventure
This issue blends classic superhero action with interstellar warfare, emphasizing themes of unity, inner strength, and resilience.
Main Characters
-
Hal Jordan – The fearless and rebellious Green Lantern, known for his unwavering willpower.
-
John Stewart – Tactical and resolute, he serves as a strong leader within the Corps.
-
Guy Gardner – The brash, tough-as-nails Lantern who brings intensity and grit.
-
Kilowog – A powerful alien Lantern and seasoned trainer for new recruits.
-
Starro the Conqueror – A classic DC villain, the telepathic alien starfish wreaking havoc with mind control.
-
Xudarians – Peaceful alien citizens under siege, notably featuring Xudarian Green Lantern, Somar-Le.
Writer
✍️ Robert Venditti
A veteran DC Comics writer known for revitalizing Green Lantern lore with high-stakes cosmic storytelling and emotionally grounded character work.
Artist
đš Rafa Sandoval (Pencils)
Known for dynamic, clean linework and expressive action sequences that capture the cosmic scale of the Lantern universe.
đ️ Jordi Tarragona (Inks)
Adds weight and depth to the visuals, enhancing dramatic shadows and movement.
Editor Details
đ Andrew Marino – Assistant Editor
đ§ Mike Cotton – Editor
Both editors ensured a consistent tone and compelling pacing across the arc, keeping the tension tight and characters sharply written.
Publisher and Brand
đ DC Comics
đ·️ Published under the “DC Rebirth” banner, which sought to blend legacy storytelling with modern character development and continuity.
Release Year
đ️ 2016
Part of DC’s post-New 52 Rebirth initiative, aiming to restore the emotional core of its characters and repair continuity gaps.
Brief Plot Summary
đ„ “Bottled Light – Part Two” finds the Green Lantern Corps trapped in the Xudarian capital, under siege from the mysterious villain Larfleeze, who uses stolen light and bottled cities as weapons. Amid the chaos, Starro the Conqueror makes a surprise assault, spreading psychic control. To make matters worse, the villain’s power actively suppresses willpower, rendering the Lanterns' rings nearly useless. With hope fading, the Corps must rely on their unity, ingenuity, and inner strength to survive this cosmic onslaught. đ«đą
Notable Arcs or Storylines
-
“Bottled Light” Arc: A crossover-style conflict bringing the Green Lanterns into direct conflict with Larfleeze and the concept of willpower suppression.
-
Starro’s Return: Reintroduces one of DC’s oldest alien threats in a fresh and terrifying way, highlighting the stakes of intergalactic warfare.
Fan Theories or Interpretations
đ§ Some fans theorize that Starro’s appearance foreshadows future mind-control-based conflicts within the Corps, potentially connecting to larger threats like Brainiac or Darkseid. Others suggest that Somar-Le’s prominence in this arc is setup for her eventual rise as a pivotal Lantern in future continuity.
Review Summary
⭐ Art: The visuals by Rafa Sandoval are crisp and energetic, masterfully capturing both quiet moments and explosive action. Starro’s psychic attack is particularly haunting in its portrayal.
⭐ Story Quality: Venditti balances large-scale cosmic peril with strong character-driven beats. The looming threat of lost willpower adds an emotional twist to the usual power-ring battles.
⭐ Character Depth: Hal Jordan and John Stewart shine with leadership and resilience, while the vulnerability of the Xudarians adds genuine emotional weight. Somar-Le’s courage is a highlight.
đŻ Final Verdict: A high-octane, visually stunning issue that showcases the strength of unity under pressure, while delivering a thrilling space opera experience. đđąđ
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)
