Review by Win Wiacek

This fabulous compilation gathers Green Lantern’s exploits from late 1965 to mid-1968 along with contemporary guest appearances.

Conceived and delivered by John Broome and Gil Kane (with conceptual input as always from editor Julie Schwartz), opener ‘The Secret Origin of the Guardians!’ was a Green Lantern landmark. The Emerald Gladiator with his Earth-2 counterpart Alan Scott have to stop obsessed Oan scientist Krona, whose misguided attempts to discover the origins of the universe introduced evil into our pristine reality billions of years ago. His actions forced his immortal brethren to become the Guardians of the Universe, protectors of life and civilisation in an unending act of group contrition.

Now Krona’s back and still asking the wrong question, with his efforts also endangering a parallel earth. Happily for creation, that world had its own vastly experienced Emerald Avenger, who pitched in, and was so good at crisis management that the Guardians offered him Hal Jordan’s job.

Simultaneously high concept and all-action, the tale became a keystone of DC cosmology and a springboard for all those mega-apocalyptic publishing events such as Crisis on Infinite Earths. It has seldom been equalled and never bettered…

Thereafter Broome and Gardner Fox produce a string of still entertaining tales, most immaculately drawn by Kane, and augmented by GL’s guest appearances elsewhere, such as a couple of Bob Haney’s Batman team-ups. We also have Hal’s pal Thomas Kalmaku seeking out Stretchable Sleuth Elongated Man to solve the riddle of GL’s abrupt disappearance.

Broome and Fox alternate between smart SF-based mysteries, Hal’s personal life and battles with villains such as Major Disaster, Evil Star and Dr. Polaris. Crossovers are increasingly common as shared continuity expanded and heroes pop up out of their regular jurisdiction. Scott, the Flash, and Zatanna all appear, and the title story features the introduction of Guy Gardner, here very different to the aggressive character he would become.

Action lovers and fans of fantasy fiction couldn’t find a better example of everything that defines superhero comics. This blockbusting book showcases the imaginative and creative peak of Broome, Fox and Kane: a plot driven plethora of action sagas and masterful thrillers that literally reshaped the DC universe.

Roughly the first half of this collection was previously available in hardcover as Green Lantern Archives Volume 6 and Volume 7, and in the second Green Lantern Omnibus. Everything is reprinted in black and white as Showcase Presents Green Lantern Vol. 3 and Vol. 4.