Green Lantern Corps #35- Godhead Act 1, Part 3: No blame, no shame

Writer: Van Jensen
Artist: Bernard Chang
Publisher: DC Comics
Released: 8th October 2014

I’m thoroughly enjoying this Green Lantern ‘Godhead’ crossover arc, and Part 3 of the story does not disappoint. I’ve read and reviewed a couple of truly depressing books this week, so I was in dire need of something to cheer me up. Green Lantern Corps #35 is an organic, vegan feast in comparison to what can only be described as Punks #1 and Wytches #1 genetically modified McCrap sandwich.

What I’m looking for in my comic books is a strong sense of personal/moral responsibility that is tied in with the no-harm principle and narratives that resonate with the real world of 2014. Green Lantern Corps #35 was a winner in my eyes because it explores what happens when people in positions of power think that they can operate with no regards to the universal principles of moral/natural law. This book demonstrates how real-life villains are the individuals who do terrible things, but take zero responsibility for the consequences of their actions.

Does this sound familiar to you?

John Stewart (of the Green Lantern Corps)- “You willingly destroyed a civilisation! You're murderers....butchers."

Uggha (of The New Gods)- “Watch what you say about the Gods, mortal. It did not work as planned. The flaw lies in your rings, not in us. For we’re Gods”

Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, Syria.

George Bush, Tony Blair, Condoleeza Rice, Colin Powell, Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, David Cameron.

Edward Snowden, Julian Assange, Bradley Manning.

Do you get my point? The ‘New Gods’ of our age are the political elite’s who order the slaughter of millions of innocent people, yet never take responsibility, and never pay any consequences for what they have done. Instead, they are handsomely rewarded for their butchery. That is the world that we live in. That is the world that we have created for ourselves.

But why do these monsters get away with what we all know they have done?

Because they are Gods, and we mortals must never question the wisdom of the Gods. Expose their crimes and you better pack your suitcase to Russia or to the Ecuadorian embassy, because the Gods will not tolerate mere mortals exposing their crimes to the sleeping, statist God worshipping masses.

That is the truth, like it or not. If you don’t like it, then do something about it. And remember. You cannot break down a wall by joining it.

Green Lanterns Corps #31 has the narrative to back-up its strong moral centre. Things are explained, the story is advanced, a mysterious lady makes an appearance and the elusive White Lantern is built up, and made to look like a huge, exciting deal. This is really good stuff. The villains have been fleshed out, the story has been explained in satisfactory detail and there’s plenty of action for those who just enjoy the fisticuffs.

Act 1, Part 3 of the arc finishes it’s lap with an impressive sprint, baton in hand, ready to hand it over to the next runner.

Green Lantern- New Guardians #35 is out next Wednesday 15th October 2014.

Get it.

If it’s anywhere near as enjoyable as Green Lantern Corps #35 it’s going to be a pretty bloody good book.


Rating: 8.5/10


What is the ‘No harm principle?’ Start here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRgoE5G_OJM