The emotional transformation gives life to a new villain in the Green Lantern universe
In the wider DC Comics universe, few concepts have revolutionized superhero stories like the Imaginary Spectrum. In the year Introduced in 2005, this narrative arc enriched the Green Lantern saga by introducing nine different color-based powers, each associated with basic and universal human emotions. From the black light of death to the white light of life, each color adds a rich and complex look to these space heroes. However, in Green Lantern #13, we are introduced to an interesting innovation, the tenth power that adds depth to the known spectrum.
A new color on the spectrum
Written by Jeremy Adams with illustrations by Fernando Passarin, the latest installment immerses us in a series of short stories, primarily related to the “Absolute Force” event, which explores the aftermath of Amanda Waller’s battle with superheroes. However, we find the emotional heart of this issue in the story of Nathan Allen Broome.
Nathan, the self-confident and somewhat boring fiancé of Carol Ferris, ex-lover of the iconic Hal Jordan, lives more in the shadow of his charismatic rival. In a surprise wedding ceremony in Las Vegas, Carol once again becomes Star Sapphire, leaving Nathan alone and unresolved in her love for Hal. This scene not only redefines the relationship between the characters, but also marks the beginning of a dark transformation for Nathan.
The birth of sorrow
The real highlight occurs in the honeymoon suite, when a despondent Nathan contemplates the wedding ring he never wore. It is in this moment of pure vulnerability that a gray mist emerges from the ring, covering it and turning it into grief, a creature that represents the pure power of grief, a new color on the emotional spectrum. The design of the dress and the logo, which combines a teardrop with a downward spiral, deeply express his hopelessness and pain.
This development not only demonstrates Pasarini’s refined art, but also challenges our traditional understanding of villains in heroic stories. Grief is not an adversary born of malice or desire, but a truly broken heart and a great pain that wants to express itself in the world in some way.
Green Lantern #13 is available in comic shops now, and promises to be an essential issue for fans and collectors alike. This number not only expands the emotional spectrum but also invites us to reflect on the nature of our own emotions and how new forms of energy emerge even in low moments. A reminder that sometimes heroes and villains aren’t as far apart as we think.
Colors in green lantern
In the rich Green Lantern universe, the emotional spectrum represents a wide range of human emotions associated with specific colors, each associated with a different set of characters and powers. Green, the central color, symbolizes will, manifesting itself in green lights, guardians of justice. Red, associated with anger, is the power of the Red Lanterns, creatures that feed on anger. Yellow, representing fear, is the domain of the Sinestro Corps, former allies and enemies of the Green Lanterns.
Blue, a symbol of hope, the green face is the power of blue lights that strengthen others. Orange, symbolizing greed, unique, possessed by one individual: Larflez. Indigo, which evokes compassion, and violet, which symbolizes love, are the colors of the Indigo Tribe and the Star Sapphire, respectively. This weaving of power not only adds complexity to the plots, but also provides a visual metaphor for human emotions, making Green Lantern a saga that explores human conflicts and motivations deeply.