Green Lantern: War Journal #1

Graphic Policy

Green Lantern: War Journal #1 is a fantastic start to the series that tugs at heart strings and gives us even more reasons to love the character. It also delivers an ominous threat that is intriguing and interesting with a cinematic setup that’s memorable and delivers amazing action. The comic is a damn near perfect package.

ComicsOnline

I’ve been anxiously awaiting to see the bigger picture plans John Stewart since the release of Green Lantern #1’s “Homecoming: Part One“. The exploration of John’s attempt to leave the GL Corps, and the subsequent PTSD that came from his service, is a truly interesting concept. When you’ve had the creative power of a Green Lantern Power Ring at your disposal for years, it seems like it would be extremely traumatic to give that up. I imagine that it would feel like you are moving underwater, feeling the weight of the world on you with every action you take. Johnson handles these elements with care, as John struggles to return to a life and family that he left behind. I also loved the interactions with his mom, especially his approach to helping her through her mental struggles. Montos’ art style continues to impress with each passing page, and Lucas’ color choices perfectly complement the bold tone of the book. These two are a visual dynamic duo and I can’t wait to see how they play with constructs and the new villain in subsequent issues. Also, Sharpe deserves a shout-out for the wonderful lettering of Lantern Varron, as the unique creative choices helped to set the tone and further differentiate this new character from the other lanterns.

Geek Dad

After a controversial previous run and a surprisingly long hiatus, the Green Lantern line is finding some real momentum again. And the interesting thing is, it’s being done with a status quo that doesn’t actually involve the Corps right now.

Comic Watch

Green Lantern: War Journal #1 firmly roots the John Stewart character in a familiar and relatable status quo, while also setting up a new, threatening villain. The art and writing blend well for a great jumping on point for new readers.

But Why Tho?

Green Lantern: War Journal #1 expands the story into something much bigger. The book is intensely creepy and atmospheric, with the overriding feeling that something awful is about to happen. This feels like the last moments of peace for John before bringing him into the action.

Lyles Movie Files

It hasn’t been uncommon in DC to have multiple Green Lantern titles playing out at the same time and this is a very strong start for hopefully a long run of War Journal.

The Super Powered Fancast

The Story: An engaging, exciting and thrilling mystery. Kennedy Johnson offers a new and unique take on John Stewart as well as a new mission that seems to be specifically about him. I liked the issue a lot and the drama both with missing his old life as well as the complications with his mother. There is some great action in the issue as well and I look forward to seeing where the story goes next. The Art: Montos delivers some great art in the issue. I love the visual style and how it plays into the dramatic and horrific elements of the plot.

AIPT

Green Lantern: War Journal #1 is the start of a well-crafted character study about John Stewart that aims to put him back into the spotlight. If you've been asking for John Stewart to have a bigger role in the DC Universe, this is the comic for you. It also helps that the creative team has a genuine love for the character, and a desire to drive him to greater heights.

ComicBook.com

John Stewart is arguably the most popular Lantern in the pop culture world and so him receiving his own comic book series once again seems like a slam dunk. Luckily, Stewart is given a rather interesting hook to work with in his premiere issue as the Green Lantern Corps is a quite different regime these days. As John attempts to find himself, he finds himself harassed by a new ring wielder as an interesting B-Plot plays out in the stars. War Journal feels like a great new introduction to John Stewart while working with a new status quo for the Lanterns that ups the ante for the superhero.

Weird Science DC Comics

Green Lantern: War Journal #1 sets up a Jon Stewart-centric story that puts his life of quiet retirement on the back burner. There's plenty of creative ring-slinging, and the art is strong, but readers who missed the backups from the main Green Lantern title may feel a little left behind.