Absolute Green Lantern Introduces Batman Character & Classic DC Hero

by

The new Absolute Universe is gradually bringing back well-known characters from DC’s primary Earth-Prime universe. The latest installment, Absolute Green Lantern, continued this pattern by featuring a hero strongly linked to Batman, as well as a classic hero from the Golden Age of comics. Interestingly, both characters appear in very different roles than fans might expect.

Issue #8 of Absolute Green Lantern, written by Al Ewing and illustrated by Jahnoy Lindsay, is the most direct and easy-to-follow installment in the series yet. Up until now, the series has been building a new foundation for the Green Lantern universe. While familiar faces like John Stewart and Guy Gardner have shown up, they haven’t had much chance to grow as characters – some have only made quick appearances. This latest issue, which tells the story of how Sojourner “Jo” Mullein became a hero, is a welcome change of pace.

What DC heroes did Absolute Green Lantern introduce?

The latest issue of Absolute Green Lantern starts with a flashback to Jo’s childhood, showing her moving to Evergreen, Nevada with her father. It reveals how she became friends with Hal Jordan during school. The story then jumps forward to when Jo joins the police force and meets a fellow officer named Renee Montoya.

Fans of Batman will likely recognize Renee Montoya. She first appeared as a police officer in the animated series, and was later added to the comic books in 1992. Eventually, she became a detective with the Gotham City Police Department in both the animated series and the comics.

As a huge fan of the Green Lantern comics, I’m really fascinated by Renee Montoya’s impact on Jo Mullein’s story. She’s a pivotal figure in Jo’s life, constantly pushing her to broaden her horizons beyond Evergreen, even though their paths don’t always align – Renee doesn’t end up following Jo to Gotham. And it’s Renee who shares Jo’s first kiss, which is a really sweet moment. But their connection is complicated, and years later, they have an affair that ultimately leads to the end of Jo’s marriage. It’s a really complex and compelling relationship that adds so much depth to the whole narrative.

Absolute Green Lantern #8 features flashbacks that bring back a legendary character: Alan Scott, the very first Green Lantern. While originally depicted as a railroad and radio engineer who became a broadcasting tycoon, this version of Scott owned a diner in the Absolute Universe. After Scott’s time, his son, Todd Rice, took over running the diner.

This issue features the first actual look at Alan Scott within the main universe, though it’s just a brief appearance. He shows up in a single panel as a resident of Evergreen being shaken down for money by a corrupt ex-police chief. His presence was hinted at earlier, with the local diner being named ‘Alan Scott’s Atom Bomb Café & Diner’.

Absolute Green Lantern #8 is now available at comic shops everywhere.

Read More

2025-11-05 21:17