Welcome to an all-new edition of Parlay Points, the comic book review blog to the ODPH Podcast!
For this entry, we’re following along the light of one of DC Comics’ first superheroes! Spinning out of the Justice Society of America mythos, Alan Scott has claimed his own spot with fans as being the first Green Lantern! Now featured in a solo story of his own, the emerald hero blazes a new trail that fans won’t want to miss.
ALAN SCOTT: THE GREEN LANTERN #2 by Tim Sheridan, Cian Tormey, Matt Herms and Lucas Gattoni dives further into a mystery of Alan’s past. Let’s take a deeper look and see what’s happening now, shall we?
ALAN SCOTT: THE GREEN LANTERN #2 by Tim Sheridan, Cian Tormey, Matt Herms and Lucas Gattoni (Credit: DC Comics - Cover David Talaski)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Being one of the most powerful heroes in the 1940’s Alan Scott is on the US Government’s radar. Being pressured to have a higher profile with the JSA is one of those gifts and curses Scott endures. Scott has his own reasons of past experiences to keep a distance from working with others.
Readers witnessed a happier time with him and US Army solider John Ladd. Their happiness is cut short during a previous mission in 1936 known as Project: Crimson. During that mission, Ladd was killed by a mysterious red energy.
Fast forward back to 1941 and Scott appears to a disturbance at a bank. With being credited with saving some hostages, Scott senses something isn’t right. Further complicating matters is the body of Ladd has re-appeared. Before anyone can breakdown more, Scott wakes up in a frightening place: ARKHAM ASYLUM!
This issue begins back in New York City 1941. Scott and his trusted ally Charles Dickles are breaking down what has happened. However, this is all leading to a flashback from earlier as he now awakens in Arkham. Scott wakes up and sees his roommate Billie.
This leads to a moment of group therapy amongst Arkham residents. Readers see Scott was sent to Arkham as a form of “discharge” after Project: Crimson exposed his relationship with Ladd.
This becomes the start of a journey into Scott’s soul as he navigates being who he is and how he loves. Readers follow along as he faces the challenges of society in the 1940’s and where his story takes him into becoming a beacon of hope with the Emerald Flame. All the while, readers witness a final vision that gives a sense of what is really unfolding in Scott’s world and causing his misfortunes/ Get ready for a highly emotionally charged read of one of DC’s best heroes.
ALAN SCOTT: THE GREEN LANTERN #2 by Tim Sheridan, Cian Tormey, Matt Herms and Lucas Gattoni (Credit: DC Comics - Cover Travis Moore)
Sheridan delivers readers a story of triumph over overwhelming odds. Scott’s struggle to survive in Arkham is a very powerful moment in which conforming never is an option.
The interactions with him and Billie tell a bigger tale of heartache as Scott comes to terms with the loss of Ladd. Its’ fallout defines his character through tragedy.
The tale takes a heroic turn with its’ direction from here. Readers clearly see that through his actions, Scott was the perfect choice to wield the power of the Emerald Flame. The pacing gives enough breaks to tie it back to the current 1940s timeline and further cement Scott’s pledge to defeat this evil.
Sheridan’s writing is excellent in making that connection with the audience. It really made this issue stand out more for the feeling and emotion. Scott proves you don’t need powers to be a champion for good, you just need to live it in your actions. \
Tormey, Herms and Gattoni bring to life the true horrors of Scott in Arkham. The brief moments with Billie come across as pleasant and only lead to what transpires as a terrifying experience.
The struggles Scott faces inside Arkham pop off the panels through his expressions of frustration and sadness. This is on full display with the “Goodbye Now” portion.
The fallout brings things back into a more adventurous part of the story. The creative team builds up these panels into a superb full-page panel where Alan Scott becomes what he was always meant to be: a Hero and symbol of strength for those who need it.
This plays into an excellent parting visual of where things are currently. However, without the great work bringing the past to life, readers would be missing out on the full impact of this tale.
ALAN SCOTT: THE GREEN LANTERN #2 by Tim Sheridan, Cian Tormey, Matt Herms and Lucas Gattoni (Credit: DC Comics - Cover Stephen Byrne)
FINAL POINT: 9 OUT OF 10
Through the powerful writing of Sheridan, Alan Scott’s journey into becoming a hero instantly wins over readers with this issue. The creative team of Tormey, Herms and Gattoni bring out the intense will of Scott as he presses forward even when society tries shoving back.
Don’t miss your chance to get this story into your collection on New Comic Book day!
Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know your thoughts on Alan Scott: The Green Lantern #2. Thanks for reading!
