Genre: Superhero | Writer: Ron Marz | Release Date: 2017
Publisher: DC Comics
Young artist Kyle Rayner is unexpectedly chosen by Ganthet to wield the last power ring, plunging him into a galaxy of responsibilities, legacy burdens, and battles he never imagined facing.
Writing
Volume 1 captures a pivotal moment in DC Comics history, rebooting the legacy of the Green Lantern Corps through a fresh, relatable protagonist. Written by Ron Marz, this volume serves as both a redemption arc for the Green Lantern brand following Emerald Twilight and a bold character-driven narrative introducing Kyle Rayner—a young, creative, and untested man suddenly burdened with unimaginable power.
Marz’s writing is brisk yet layered, focusing on Kyle’s inexperience and emotional vulnerability while crafting compelling stories that allow for substantial growth. Kyle isn't just another costumed hero; he’s a struggling artist given cosmic responsibility, and Marz does a strong job exploring the psychological toll and moral ambiguity that come with that power. Unlike Hal Jordan, Kyle has no legacy to lean on—his journey is one of trial and error, which makes him easy to root for. The writing oscillates effectively between grounded, human drama (his relationship with Alex is a standout) and larger-than-life superhero conflict.
Supporting characters like Superman and Alan Scott help contextualize Kyle's position within the wider DC Universe, giving readers a sense of the weight he's expected to carry. The scripts, while occasionally reflective of their 90s era, still hold emotional resonance and character insight. Marz wisely sidesteps overly convoluted cosmic lore in favor of intimate storytelling. The result is a volume that celebrates legacy while forging a path entirely its own, solidifying Kyle as a worthy Lantern in his own right.
Rating: 4 out of 5Art Style
Visually, Volume 1 is a quintessential 90s superhero comic, but it’s elevated by strong, expressive artwork that matches the emotional and thematic tone of the writing. Artists Darryl Banks and others like Paul Pelletier and Jamal Igle contribute heavily to the visual consistency of the volume. Banks in particular deserves praise for crafting Kyle Rayner's iconic look—sleek, modern, and distinct from Hal Jordan, reflecting the shift in tone and character.
The panel layouts are clean and accessible, never overcrowding the page with excessive visual noise, which allows Kyle’s internal journey to remain front and center. The ring constructs are dynamic and creative—often echoing Kyle’s artistic background—and give readers a visual cue that he approaches Green Lanterning differently than his predecessors. Action sequences are fluid, colorful, and full of kinetic energy, but they never overshadow the more introspective character moments. This balance is key to making Kyle's world feel both dangerous and deeply personal.
Colorists and inkers do a commendable job bringing vibrancy to the pages, especially during sequences in space or where Kyle engages in ring-slinging combat. The green energy pulses with life, and the contrast between cosmic backdrops and Earthbound locations is handled with tonal precision.
From a stylistic standpoint, the artwork reflects its era but doesn’t feel dated. Instead, it offers a strong sense of identity and cohesion. The artistic team works in tandem with the narrative to create an immersive, emotionally resonant reading experience that helps define Kyle Rayner's era as something truly special.
Rating: 4 out of 5
The Verdict
In the end, Green Lantern: Kyle Rayner, Volume 1 is a compelling relaunch anchored by sharp writing from Ron Marz and bold, expressive art by Darryl Banks and company. Kyle Rayner’s story is heartfelt, relatable, and filled with strong character development, making this volume a must-read for fans of reinvention arcs and emotionally grounded superhero tales. Green Lantern: Kyle Rayner, Volume 1 gets 4 out of 5. A great introduction to one of my favorite DC characters.
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