Warning! Spoilers ahead for Absolute Green Lantern #1! The Absolute Universe now includes a Green Lantern, but can humanity truly place their faith in the enigmatic Abin Sur who has arrived on Earth? After considerable anticipation, Absolute Green Lantern has debuted, ushering in significant shifts within the DC Comics landscape, including the introduction of a potential harbinger of doom.
In the first issue, penned by Al Ewing and illustrated by Jahnoy Lindsay, the seemingly tranquil town of Evergreen is disrupted by the emergence of a massive structure that resembles the emblem of the Green Lantern Corps. Hal Jordan, Jo Mullein, and John Stewart investigate the bizarre, alien-like form, and Jo spots an unusual four-armed alien hovering nearby.
Later, during a discussion at a diner, Hal shares that the alien’s name is Abin Sur. He also reveals that Abin provided him with a formidable weapon – a mysterious black energy that targets and absorbs anyone perceived as a threat.
Abin Sur Transforms Hal Jordan into a Living Weapon
What Makes Hal’s Predecessor So Threatening in the Absolute Universe?
For long-time DC fans, Abin Sur is well-known as the predecessor to Hal Jordan, revered as one of the finest Green Lanterns in Sector 2814. However, his downfall stemmed from an obsession with a dire prophecy predicting his ring would fail him at a crucial moment. In a tragic turn, Abin Sur sustained severe injuries and crash-landed on Earth; before his demise, he instructed his ring to find a worthy successor, leading to Hal’s selection. Although Hal never met Abin personally, he often heard tales of Sur’s legendary prowess as a Green Lantern.
The question arises: if Abin Sur was indeed a commendable Green Lantern, why does he present himself as a potential threat and grant Hal a weapon that he struggles to control? It’s essential to remember that the Absolute Universe is steeped in the energy of Darkseid, creating a darker and more formidable environment for its heroes. This context raises the possibility that some characters could become corrupted. At this point, it remains unclear whether Sur is a genuine antagonist or merely challenging Hal and his comrades to prove their worthiness as true Green Lanterns.
Abin Sur Aims to Assess the Earthlings’ Resolve to Wield the Green Lantern’s Power
Hal, Jo, John, and Others Face an Unprecedented Trial
The Absolute Universe is not fundamentally flawed; rather, it presents extreme challenges to its heroes. In light of this, the Green Lanterns are required to demonstrate immense effort to master their extraordinary powers. Given the pervasive influence of Darkseid, it’s plausible that Abin Sur could have succumbed to corruption, thus intensifying Hal’s trials. Nevertheless, Abin is evidently taking a more active role in this universe, and regardless of his true intentions, he is determined to push the Green Lanterns to their limits.
The first issue of Absolute Green Lantern #1 is currently available from DC Comics.