WARNING: Contains Spoilers for Absolute Green Lantern #1! In an unexpected twist that has fans buzzing, DC Comics explores the concept of symbiotes within the Absolute Universe through a bold iteration involving none other than Hal Jordan, the iconic Green Lantern. This time, Hal finds himself as the host of a creature reminiscent of Marvel’s beloved Venom.
Fans of both comic universes likely didn’t envision a scenario where Green Lantern would interface with a symbiote-like being in 2025, making this narrative a shocking and thrilling development.
In Absolute Green Lantern #1, crafted by Al Ewing, Jahnoy Lindsay, and Lucas Gattoni, readers are plunged into a world where sci-fi horror intertwines with the emotional depth of DC’s Green Lantern Corps. The issue sets a compelling tone from the outset, hinting at dark themes and thrilling encounters.
Hal Jordan: The Host of a Sinister Entity in the Absolute Universe
Cover B: Juliet Nneka Variant for Absolute Green Lantern #2 (2025)
The narrative kicks off with Hal Jordan enjoying a meal with fellow Green Lanterns John Stewart and Sojourner Mullein at a cozy restaurant, only for a mysterious forcefield to suddenly engulf their town. Driven by curiosity, Hal reaches out to touch this enigmatic barrier, and the storyline swiftly propels the reader through time jumps that portray Hal’s increasing distress.
As the story unfolds, Hal meticulously hides his hand inside his jacket, eventually leading to a dramatic confrontation with another diner. In a moment of shock, the intruder forcefully reveals Hal’s hand, which transforms into a hand-shaped black void. This unnerving transformation triggers chaos as the entity lashes out, resulting in a fatal encounter.
The entity quickly escalates the situation by unleashing chaos within the diner, striking out with tendrils that morph and writhe, akin to Marvel’s symbiotes. However, unlike their counterparts, these appendages do more than ensnare; they robustly digest their victims, making them disappear entirely, as though consumed by a profound abyss. Additionally, this creature boasts remarkable regenerative capabilities, such as healing Hal from a bullet wound sustained in its midst. While its origins are shrouded in mystery, there are hints linking it to Abin Sur, an alien presence from Hal’s past that may hold the key to understanding this new power.
Green Lantern: A Surprising Parallel to Venom in the Absolute Universe
Cover I: 1:25 Martin Simmonds Variant for Absolute Green Lantern #1 (2025)
Though there are notable distinctions between Hal’s mysterious entity and Marvel’s Venom, the visual associations are strikingly clear. This evolution in the Absolute Universe positions DC to embrace its own interpretation of the symbiote theme. The ongoing question remains: does this parasitic being possess a unique consciousness akin to Marvel’s symbiotes, or does it solely react to perceived threats, as it has yet to articulate its intentions? While most fans certainly didn’t predict a bond between Green Lantern and a Venom-like entity, there’s an undeniable exhilaration surrounding this plot twist.
Absolute Green Lantern #1 is now available from DC Comics, offering readers an exploration into uncharted territories of superhero narratives!