WARNING: This article contains SPOILERS for Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps #45
In a shocking twist, Guy Gardner has betrayed the Green Lantern Corps. He’s just become the deputy of the Darkstars, brutal enforcers who believe in taking criminals out with extreme prejudice.
Created by the Controllers, the Darkstars believe the Green Lantern Corps has been too soft on the universe’s criminal elements. They were created in the aftermath of the Dark Nights: Metal event, with potential Darkstars fusing with powerful mantles that give them unprecedented power and tactical capability. The Darkstars have launched their own campaign for “justice” across the cosmos, with even a rogue Green Lantern, Tomar-Tu, joining their ranks.
In Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps #45, the Corps suffer another defection. Tomar-Tu actually approaches Guy Gardner with the chance to become a Darkstar. He offers Guy the opportunity to exact “lethal justice” against those who have wronged him in the past, offering Guy a very personal first mission; he must seek out his own father.
Guy doesn’t even hesitate, accepting Tomar-Tu’s offer without a second thought.
As abrasive a character as Guy Gardner may be, he’s one of the most popular Green Lanterns of all time. He’s one of the central members of the current Green Lantern Corps, working alongside Hal Jordan, John Stewart, and Kyle Rayner. To see one of the leading Green Lanterns defect to the Darkstars is a devastating blow to the Corps, especially given the Darkstars are slaughtering any Green Lanterns who get in their way.
But has Guy really switched sides? The same issue sees John Stewart advance his plans to assemble a strategic force against the Darkstars, even seeking an alliance with General Zod. Stewart is a master tactician, and he’s clearly got a plan in mind to deal with the formidable threat of the Darkstars. Getting a man inside would be a smart move… getting that insider to be the deputy of the Darkstars would be a real coup. And if anyone would be willing to take on the mission, it’s Gardner. Guy may push back against the rules on occasion, but he’s never been the kind to betray his friends.
Whatever Stewart’s plan may be, every second’s delay sees the number of Green Lanterns diminish. This issue alone sees another Green Lantern die when he refuses to turn a prisoner over to the Darkstars. “The Green Lantern Corps was warned not to interfere,” the Darkstars declare, and cut poor Weggett down before he can fire a shot back. How many Green Lanterns can John Stewart afford to lose before his plans fall apart?
And the most frightening question of all: what if Guy’s recruitment isn’t a deception at all?
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Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps #45 is on sale now on ComiXology and DC Comics.
