Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points!
For this entry, we have arrived at the conclusion of the Original Emerald Crusader. During this story, Alan Scott has taken on all challenges. A former lover. A closed minded society. A destiny that cannot be denied. Now with the odds stacked against him, it appears that maybe there will be a light of hope at the end of the dark tunnel.
ALAN SCOTT: THE GREEN LANTERN #6 by Tim Sheridan, Cian Tormey, Matt Herms, Jordi Tarragona and Lucas Gattoni (DC COMICS) brings the action before closing out this chapter in Alan Scott’s legendary career.
Let’s not wait any longer and dive into the finale.
ALAN SCOTT: THE GREEN LANTERN #6 by Tim Sheridan, Cian Tormey, Matt Herms, Jordi Tarragona and Lucas Gattoni (DC COMICS) - Cover: David Talaski
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
The chapter begins in present time with Scott narrating this story to a mysterious figure.
In the past, the relationship between Alan Scott and Vladimir Sokov aka John Ladd is extremely complex. Sokov had been working as a spy. Infused with the powers of a Red Lantern, Sokov has turned his attention to eliminate his former lover.
Plans have not gone as expected. Scott has bested Sokov through all the personal attacks. Unfortunately, this has not won victory. The Crimson Host has arrived to take care of Sokov and Scott. Luckily, Scott has some powerful friends watching his back: the JSA!
The action starts fast as both group throw down. Sokov’s powers are fading fast without a recharge. Scott is doing all he can to fend off the threat. However, Major Blaze halts his progress. Sokov jumps in for the safe but it’s not enough. The powerful figure starts unloading on Sokov and kills him in the process!
Readers watch as the emotions pour out of Scott. The rage is unleashed. Is it enough? A shocking event occurs that enters the battlefield. Its’ result is one that will catch readers off-guard. This sends the story into a more personal reaction as Scott comes to grips with what just transpired. It closes one area but leads to a very strong final act.
After the events that Scott has had to endure, there is still one enemy that he must face alone. The closing pages set that last conflict up with a defiant Scott refusing to back down. Its’ epilogue completes a soul’s journey into becoming what many have seen all along: Scott as a hero and a symbol of strength.
ALAN SCOTT: THE GREEN LANTERN #6 by Tim Sheridan, Cian Tormey, Matt Herms, Jordi Tarragona and Lucas Gattoni (DC COMICS) - Cover: Mateus Manhanini
Sheridan leaves this point of Scott’s life with validation and grace. The conflict with Sokov has had many layers involved. With their last stand, the writing leans into Scott’s feelings and pits them against his duties. The results leave Scott in a much stronger place heading into the close.
The issue’s most powerful moment is one addressing Scott’s conflict with society. Scott handles this issue with powerful words. The dialogue reinforces the emergence of Scott as more than just a hero. Standing up for who is without fear is the most heroic action he can ever take. This leads to a revelation of who’s listening to the story that will please fans. It is a moment that will connect with many. As this unfolds, the closing dialogue solidifies what everyone has seen in this entire series: the emergence of unbreakable will through adversity.
Tormey, Herms, Tarragona and Gattoni waste no pages gifting the action to readers. There’s an incredible two page splash to open up events. The battle with Sokov and Blaze screams of intensity and anger. This is reflected in Scott’s powers unleashed in a half page set-up. Its’ ending is mixed with shorter panels and the former lovers understand the end has arrived.
Panels are also gifted with the pure emotional reactions of Scott’s heart breaking and rebuilding itself. Once the reveal of the figure in present time is completed, the images shine with the release of the building drama. The closing pages tie up loose ends very well. This is all topped off with a full page visual that caps off the epic saga in solid fashion.
FINAL POINT: 10
What makes a hero? That question is definitively answered in this final chapter. Sheridan’s superb writing invokes the grit and determination of Scott’s unbreakable will. Tormey, Herms, Tarragona and Gattoni flood the pages with exciting imagery. Readers will leave knowing no power is greater than love.
Hit me up on ODPHpod social media and let me know your thoughts on Alan Scott: The Green Lantern #6. Thanks for reading.