Dennis (Denny) O’Neil (writer) and Neal Adams (penciler) don’t tread lightly when it comes to tackling issues of the day in their early 1970’s run on DC’s Green Lantern (vol. 2) (commonly referred to today as Green Lantern/Green Arrow). During their time on the title they address the issues of racism, drug use, child abuse, cult followings, and more. Seems simple enough today, but back in the 70’s the industry had never seen this type of raw expression before in comics!
This issue kicks off with disaster as an earthquake results in a bus taking out Guy Gardner, the reserve Green Lantern. When Hal learns that Guy will be hospitalized for at least six months, the Guardians inform him their selection for Gardner’s replacement has been made; enter the first appearance of John Stewart! After stating why he won’t wear a mask, Stewart is trained by Hal who assigns him his first mission: to serve as body guard to prejudiced senator, Jeremiah Clutcher!
Denny O’Neil’s theme in this issue is racism and prejudice. He is very liberal with his writing and to some sensitive individuals, this issue may offend as certain words and topics are no longer acceptable in our censored society. For instance, the aforementioned prejudiced senator gets covered in oil and John Stewart remarks, “Hey, baby… haven’t I seen you picking cotton someplace?”, and that’s only the first example. Regardless of how one perceives it, O’Neil’s writing is reflective of 70’s society in America, and that’s just fact.
This is the first time in the O’Neil/Adams run where both Green Lantern and Green Arrow get their own, separate, stories. Although dealing with different subject matter, Green Arrow’s story is equally intense as he does some serious introspection. Ollie tries to figure out who he is as person by evaluating his past, and in doing so, he gets disgusted with his present. Meanwhile, the mayor of the city decides he wants out, and important people think that Ollie should replace him…
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