Genre: Superhero | Publisher: DC Comics | Release Date: 2018
Writer: Marv Wolfman, Michael Jan Friedman, Ron Marz, Tom Joyner
Artist: William Rosado, Mike Collins, Darryl Banks, M.D. Bright
After inheriting the last Green Lantern ring, Kyle Rayner faces the cosmic threat of the Zamaron enchantress Teris and the Star Sapphire Corps, forcing him to confront his emotional spectrum and doubts. As interstellar conflicts ignite and old allies return, Kyle must redefine what it means to be a Lantern and protect reality itself.
Volume 2 of Green Lantern: Kyle Rayner continues to build on the strong foundation laid in the first collection, with Ron Marz again at the helm for most of the writing. The volume explores Kyle’s evolution as a Lantern, shifting from raw recruit to someone beginning to grasp the scope of what it means to be a galactic protector. Marz deepens the narrative by placing Kyle in increasingly complex moral and tactical situations, showcasing not just his willpower, but his compassion and intellect.
This volume introduces more interactions with legacy characters and other heroes in the DC Universe, helping further establish Kyle’s place within that larger mythos. A highlight is his dynamic with Wally West (The Flash), which brings both levity and heart to the story. The death of Alex still haunts Kyle, and that emotional weight grounds many of his decisions, reminding readers that he remains one of DC’s most human heroes.
The writing emphasizes Kyle's artistic nature and continues to explore how that informs his use of the ring. The constructs are more inventive and symbolically layered, matching his growing confidence. Guest writers occasionally contribute, but Marz’s direction remains central, ensuring a consistent tone. Character voices are distinct, and the dialogue feels natural, if occasionally verbose in the style of the time. Overall, this volume furthers Kyle’s identity as a Green Lantern not just surviving in Hal Jordan’s shadow, but actively shaping a legacy of his own.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Art Style
Visually, Volume 2 maintains the high standards of the first, with Darryl Banks continuing as the lead artist for the majority of the book. His style is clean, emotive, and dynamic—perfectly suited for a hero like Kyle Rayner whose power is based on creativity. As Kyle’s confidence grows, so too does the visual flair of his constructs, which Banks illustrates with imaginative detail. Whether it’s ornate mechs, abstract weapons, or intricate shields, the pages showcase an ever-expanding visual vocabulary.
The volume balances grounded settings with cosmic backdrops, and the artists do a fantastic job making both feel equally immersive. The Earth-based scenes—cityscapes, interiors, streets—are sharp and believable, while space and alien environments are vivid and surreal, helping Kyle’s dual life feel cohesive rather than disjointed. The Green Lantern energy effects are rendered with layered inks and glows that pop against darker backgrounds, creating visual emphasis on Kyle’s power in a way that feels almost ethereal.
Paul Pelletier and other guest artists handle some of the side stories or filler issues, and while their styles differ slightly from Banks’, the transitions are smooth enough that they don’t disrupt the narrative flow. The emotional beats are well-captured in facial expressions and body language, adding depth to scenes of introspection or tension.
Coloring and inking remain strong, accentuating both the mood and momentum of the story. The overall artistic direction feels unified, even with multiple contributors, and reflects the care taken to make Kyle Rayner’s saga not only readable but visually captivating.
Rating: 4 out of 5
The Verdict
In the end, Green Lantern: Kyle Rayner, Volume 2 is a worthy continuation of Kyle’s journey, highlighting his emotional growth, expanding his connections in the DC Universe, and delivering stunning visuals. The writing remains heartfelt and confident, while the art continues to impress with expressive designs and creative power use. A standout superhero collection. Green Lantern: Kyle Rayner, Volume 2 gets 4 out of 5.
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