Writer: Christopher Sebela, James Tynion IV | Artist: Ariel Olivetti | Release Date: 2017
Trapped in a time rift, Green Lantern and Space Ghost face enemies, each other, and a primitive world. Stripped of weapons, they swap powers—while Ruff and Reddy’s tragic comedy origin unfolds.
Writing
Christopher Sebela and James Tynion IV craft a surprisingly sharp and engaging crossover in Green Lantern/Space Ghost Special. Instead of leaning on gimmickry, they dig into the personalities and philosophies of Hal Jordan and Space Ghost, grounding the story in character conflict and mutual misunderstanding. The premise—two iconic cosmic heroes trapped in a time rift and forced to fight before teaming up—is elevated by great dialogue and thematic nuance. Their eventual power-swap is a standout narrative beat, not just for its spectacle, but for the way it reveals deeper traits: Hal’s struggle with restraint, and Space Ghost’s stoic control.
Sebela and Tynion don’t miss a beat when it comes to pacing; the issue is tightly structured, maintaining momentum while still making room for introspection and quiet tension. The writing also nails the voices of both leads, making the clash and eventual camaraderie feel authentic and earned. The Ruff and Reddy backup, also penned by Tynion, veers into dark satire, painting a grim portrait of fallen celebrity culture. It doesn’t mesh tonally with the main feature but has its own tragic charm for readers who enjoy bitter comedy with their capes.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Art Style
Ariel Olivetti’s artwork is the visual engine that powers this crossover. His painterly style, marked by muscular figures, dramatic lighting, and rich texturing, gives the book a cinematic feel that perfectly suits its larger-than-life protagonists. The fight between Green Lantern and Space Ghost is a visual spectacle—each blow and energy blast rendered with clarity and weight.
Olivetti gives every construct and power effect a unique presence, with the ring’s glowing emeralds contrasting beautifully against Space Ghost’s fiery beams. His design work shines particularly during the power-swap segment, where Hal dons the Power Bands and Space Ghost wields the Lantern ring—both transformations look epic and thematically charged. Environments, especially the alien world devoid of interstellar knowledge, are convincingly rendered, creating a sense of cultural claustrophobia and hostility that raises the stakes. Meanwhile, the Ruff and Reddy backup adopts a very different look—more grounded, exaggerated, and somber. While jarring at first, this aesthetic shift underlines the satirical tone and grim subject matter effectively. It's an intentional stylistic contrast that might not be for everyone but shows artistic range.
Rating: 3 out of 5
The Verdict
In the end, Green Lantern/Space Ghost Special is a sweet crossover between two really awesome characters. With sharp writing by Christopher Sebela and James Tynion IV, and cinematic visuals by Ariel Olivetti, it delivers a character-driven cosmic clash that’s both fun and thoughtful. Green Lantern/Space Ghost Special is a high-concept, high-impact one-shot well worth your time, earning 3 out of 5.
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