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Green Lanterns
Green Lanterns, Vol. 2: The Phantom Lantern
They’re the newest recruits to the Green Lantern Corps, but learning to trust each other is the hardest challenge Simon Baz and Jessica Cruz may ever face! Their pasts, their personalities, their hidden fears and deepest secrets-the gap between them is hard to overcome…and it just might make them the greatest partners the Corps has ever seen.
Buried in the deepest recesses of the universe by the immortal Guardians is a weapon of colossal power: the Phantom Ring, capable of controlling the entire Emotional Spectrum that fuels Lanterns of every color. And a sinister figure from the Lanterns’ past has placed the ring in the hands of a human who’s singularly unfit to wield such an awesome responsibility.
Can Simon and Jessica come together and defeat this nearly omnipotent foe? Or will the fractured light of the Phantom Lantern be the last thing they ever see?
Find out in GREEN LANTERNS VOL. 2: THE PHANTOM LANTERN, from the acclaimed creative team of writer Sam Humphries and artists Robson Rocha, Ed Benes and Eduardo Pansica-blazing forth from the blockbuster DC Universe Rebirth event!
Collects: Green Lanterns #7-14.
Buried in the deepest recesses of the universe by the immortal Guardians is a weapon of colossal power: the Phantom Ring, capable of controlling the entire Emotional Spectrum that fuels Lanterns of every color. And a sinister figure from the Lanterns’ past has placed the ring in the hands of a human who’s singularly unfit to wield such an awesome responsibility.
Can Simon and Jessica come together and defeat this nearly omnipotent foe? Or will the fractured light of the Phantom Lantern be the last thing they ever see?
Find out in GREEN LANTERNS VOL. 2: THE PHANTOM LANTERN, from the acclaimed creative team of writer Sam Humphries and artists Robson Rocha, Ed Benes and Eduardo Pansica-blazing forth from the blockbuster DC Universe Rebirth event!
Collects: Green Lanterns #7-14.
192 pages, Paperback
First published May 2, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews
March 23, 2026
(B+) 76% | Good
Notes: On facing fears in new careers, it's awful hit-and-miss, good middle array, then fiddles away, and closes with a twist.
*Progress updates: Preamble ◦ Issues #7-8 ◦ Issues #9-11 ◦ Issues #12-14
Notes: On facing fears in new careers, it's awful hit-and-miss, good middle array, then fiddles away, and closes with a twist.
*Progress updates: Preamble ◦ Issues #7-8 ◦ Issues #9-11 ◦ Issues #12-14
May 16, 2023
"I humiliated you, I tried to kill you . . . I pulled your worst fears out of you and used them against you. Why help me?!" -- Frank Laminski, a.k.a. Phantom Lantern (the villain of the piece)
"Well . . . helping people is what we do. Even when it gets hard." -- Green Lantern Simon Baz
"It's pretty much our jam. That's what being a Green Lantern is all about." -- Green Lantern Jessica Cruz
After a superfluous-seeming first chapter a funny thing happened with Vol. 2: The Phantom Lantern - it shed the debut volume's stiffness (which featured way too much squabbling between our newly-christened super-heroic title character duo in their initial adventures) and came to life courtesy of a unique antagonist. The 'bad guy' here is Frank Laminski, a military test pilot but sadsack-type whose once-sincere dreams of being a Green Lantern eventually lead to a psychological break or disconnect of sorts. (A scene where he is almost granted said wish but it is then quickly snatched away from him was particularly stinging.) So the guy is the perfect puppet candidate for an arriving evil alien - he certainly has no love for the Green Lantern Corps - who will bequeath him a multi-spectrum wildly super-powered ring in which each of the seven colors represents a good or bad sentiment. Taking flight over the U.S. as the Phantom Lantern, Laminski at first tries to do some good but it is soon readily apparent that his actions are completely self-serving, leading to a moment where our two Green Lanterns confront him on a live TV newscast . . . and things go downhill from there. (Batman is watching the coverage from the Batcave, and even mildly face-palms over their bungling of said encounter.) With making Laminiski all-too-human in his desires and unskilled handling of the ring's variety of super-powers helped make this volume a cut above the usual graphic volume fare by DC.
"Well . . . helping people is what we do. Even when it gets hard." -- Green Lantern Simon Baz
"It's pretty much our jam. That's what being a Green Lantern is all about." -- Green Lantern Jessica Cruz
After a superfluous-seeming first chapter a funny thing happened with Vol. 2: The Phantom Lantern - it shed the debut volume's stiffness (which featured way too much squabbling between our newly-christened super-heroic title character duo in their initial adventures) and came to life courtesy of a unique antagonist. The 'bad guy' here is Frank Laminski, a military test pilot but sadsack-type whose once-sincere dreams of being a Green Lantern eventually lead to a psychological break or disconnect of sorts. (A scene where he is almost granted said wish but it is then quickly snatched away from him was particularly stinging.) So the guy is the perfect puppet candidate for an arriving evil alien - he certainly has no love for the Green Lantern Corps - who will bequeath him a multi-spectrum wildly super-powered ring in which each of the seven colors represents a good or bad sentiment. Taking flight over the U.S. as the Phantom Lantern, Laminski at first tries to do some good but it is soon readily apparent that his actions are completely self-serving, leading to a moment where our two Green Lanterns confront him on a live TV newscast . . . and things go downhill from there. (Batman is watching the coverage from the Batcave, and even mildly face-palms over their bungling of said encounter.) With making Laminiski all-too-human in his desires and unskilled handling of the ring's variety of super-powers helped make this volume a cut above the usual graphic volume fare by DC.
May 15, 2022
This was like really good and I just love it!
So Simon and Jess meet the exileg guardian Rami and have to deal with him while also having to deal with Halloween and their own doubts and fear and anxiety and what happens when a guy named Frank Laminski comes and takes the Phantom ring they been trying to protect? Plus whose the guy telling him these things and its so much drama there, I just love it! Seeing the origin of the new villain and his fight with Simon and Jess was awesome and you see the danger of these rings and how corrupt they can make the bearer of it, its just awesome! Plus the way the fight ends and the tease of things to come is just brilliant1
I like the way the big threats happen but its those character moments that this volume captures makes me love it more. You see the anxiety and doubts of Jess and how she is trying to overcome it and whatever Simon is going through and all that. And how they come off better after this story .. especially when in that scene they get that Phantom ring and resist it.. its kinda awesome seeing it and Volthoom.. plus the art is so good, one of the best things about the books that makes you come wanting for more!
So Simon and Jess meet the exileg guardian Rami and have to deal with him while also having to deal with Halloween and their own doubts and fear and anxiety and what happens when a guy named Frank Laminski comes and takes the Phantom ring they been trying to protect? Plus whose the guy telling him these things and its so much drama there, I just love it! Seeing the origin of the new villain and his fight with Simon and Jess was awesome and you see the danger of these rings and how corrupt they can make the bearer of it, its just awesome! Plus the way the fight ends and the tease of things to come is just brilliant1
I like the way the big threats happen but its those character moments that this volume captures makes me love it more. You see the anxiety and doubts of Jess and how she is trying to overcome it and whatever Simon is going through and all that. And how they come off better after this story .. especially when in that scene they get that Phantom ring and resist it.. its kinda awesome seeing it and Volthoom.. plus the art is so good, one of the best things about the books that makes you come wanting for more!
August 24, 2025
Where vol. 1 was more focused on Jessica Cruz (that's ok, I love her character), this one sheds some more light on her Lantern partner, Simon Baz.
The two of them go up against "the Phantom Lantern", some dude obsessed with becoming a Green Lantern, so he decides to steal a ring made by an exiled Guardian of the Universe---that's a whole thing, so I'll stop there, but all you need to know is it was an enjoyable read, much like the first volume.
Highly recommended. This really helps scratch that Green Lantern itch after finishing Geoff John's run a few years back.
The two of them go up against "the Phantom Lantern", some dude obsessed with becoming a Green Lantern, so he decides to steal a ring made by an exiled Guardian of the Universe---that's a whole thing, so I'll stop there, but all you need to know is it was an enjoyable read, much like the first volume.
Highly recommended. This really helps scratch that Green Lantern itch after finishing Geoff John's run a few years back.
June 5, 2017
Our two rookie Lanterns stumble through life as they try and learn the ropes on how to be a Green Lantern. This is the part Humphries really shines at. Neither of the Lanterns have really been trained and have to figure out how to both get past their own insecurities and physically figure out how to do their jobs.
Rami, a rogue Guardian has shown up at Baz's doorstep hiding a weapon of great power. The Phantom Ring, a power ring that anyone can wear, not just those that are chosen. And it has the powers of the entire emotional spectrum. Will Baz and Jessica be able to defeat the Phantom Lantern when the ring is stolen?
Received an advance copy from DC and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Rami, a rogue Guardian has shown up at Baz's doorstep hiding a weapon of great power. The Phantom Ring, a power ring that anyone can wear, not just those that are chosen. And it has the powers of the entire emotional spectrum. Will Baz and Jessica be able to defeat the Phantom Lantern when the ring is stolen?
Received an advance copy from DC and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 21, 2024
The one where both Simon and Jessica get to cement themselves as Green Lanterns. Whilst it's still early days, it touches on why they were both chosen to join the Corps, why they work well as a team, and their own insecurities when it comes to executing the job. Furthermore, the villain gimmick allows for a lot of introspection and character development. A pair that may not be as iconic as past protectors, they do a good job at standing out from those that came before whilst maintaining what it means to be a Green Lantern.
June 13, 2018
Während Hal Jordan mit dem Green Lantern Corps weiß der Henker wo mit weiß der Henker was beschäftigt ist, sind Jessica Cruz und Simon Baz die neuen Green Lanterns der Erde. Simon hat eine nicht ganz astreine Vergangenheit und Jessica leidet unter einer Angststörung, aber als GLs müssen sie sich zusammenraufen und bekommen es mit der Phantom Lantern Frank Laminski zu tun.
Laminski wollte schon immer eine GL werden, wurde aber nie vom Ring gewählt. Doch nun bekommt er von der abtrünnigen ersten GL, Volthoom, die Chance, den Phantom Ring zu tragen, den einzigen Ring, der seinen Träger nicht selbst wählt und alle Farben des Spektrums bedient. Tatsächlich gelingt es, den Ring dem auf der Erde exilierten Wächter abzuluchsen. Aber Laminski hat nicht das Zeug zum Helden, sein zerrissener Charakter macht ihn zur Gefahr für die ganze Welt.
Die Story hat sich gut gelesen, wenn sie auch etwas pathetisch und disneyesk ist. Es geht viel darum, dass frei formuliert "with great power comes great responsibility" (kommt das jemandem bekannt vor?) und um das Überwinden eigener Schwächen. Sehr zum Lesegenuss beigetrage hat auch die Artwork, die mir ausgesprochen sympathisch ist.
Jessica Cruz hat das Zeug zu einer liebenswerten, wirklich starken Heldin und wird aus dem GL-Universum hoffentlich nicht so bald wieder verschwinden.
December 12, 2017
Talk about a nice improvement. Sam Humphries be killin it now days .
So Jessica and Simon are starting to get along better. I love the brother/sister type situation they're in. I also love the fact Simon is trying to redeem himself from his past while Jessica is learning to deal with her anxiety and self doubt. They're both horrible things that everyday people deal with but watching then do that on top of their jobs as Lanterns is great. Now we have a new Ring wielder who gains the Phantom Ring. This ring basically has all the different emotions into one ring making it extremely powerful but very very dangerous. Together the two Green Lanterns of earth must figure a way to help this new user before shit gets really bad.
Good: Really enjoyed Jessica and Simon's natural growth. It isn't going to happen over night. Them dealing with their own issues but working together has to form naturally. I also enjoyed the Phantom Ring storyline a lot and the background was pretty interesting. The way the Lanterns handle it isn't the norm of superhero beatdowns either which I liked.
Bad: The ending was kind of cliche. Okay very very cliche, but I'm hoping Sam knows how to spice it up some which I think he does.
Overall highly entertaining and fun read. Sam obviously loves this universe and characters and decides to create some great stories with it. A 4 out of 5.
So Jessica and Simon are starting to get along better. I love the brother/sister type situation they're in. I also love the fact Simon is trying to redeem himself from his past while Jessica is learning to deal with her anxiety and self doubt. They're both horrible things that everyday people deal with but watching then do that on top of their jobs as Lanterns is great. Now we have a new Ring wielder who gains the Phantom Ring. This ring basically has all the different emotions into one ring making it extremely powerful but very very dangerous. Together the two Green Lanterns of earth must figure a way to help this new user before shit gets really bad.
Good: Really enjoyed Jessica and Simon's natural growth. It isn't going to happen over night. Them dealing with their own issues but working together has to form naturally. I also enjoyed the Phantom Ring storyline a lot and the background was pretty interesting. The way the Lanterns handle it isn't the norm of superhero beatdowns either which I liked.
Bad: The ending was kind of cliche. Okay very very cliche, but I'm hoping Sam knows how to spice it up some which I think he does.
Overall highly entertaining and fun read. Sam obviously loves this universe and characters and decides to create some great stories with it. A 4 out of 5.
May 14, 2019
Talk about a nice improvement. Sam Humphries be killin it now days .
So Jessica and Simon are starting to get along better. I love the brother/sister type situation they're in. I also love the fact Simon is trying to redeem himself from his past while Jessica is learning to deal with her anxiety and self doubt. They're both horrible things that everyday people deal with but watching then do that on top of their jobs as Lanterns is great. Now we have a new Ring wielder who gains the Phantom Ring. This ring basically has all the different emotions into one ring making it extremely powerful but very very dangerous. Together the two Green Lanterns of earth must figure a way to help this new user before shit gets really bad.
Good: Really enjoyed Jessica and Simon's natural growth. It isn't going to happen over night. Them dealing with their own issues but working together has to form naturally. I also enjoyed the Phantom Ring storyline a lot and the background was pretty interesting. The way the Lanterns handle it isn't the norm of superhero beatdowns either which I liked.
Bad: The ending was kind of cliche. Okay very very cliche, but I'm hoping Sam knows how to spice it up some which I think he does.
Overall highly entertaining and fun read. Sam obviously loves this universe and characters and decides to create some great stories with it. A 4 out of 5.
So Jessica and Simon are starting to get along better. I love the brother/sister type situation they're in. I also love the fact Simon is trying to redeem himself from his past while Jessica is learning to deal with her anxiety and self doubt. They're both horrible things that everyday people deal with but watching then do that on top of their jobs as Lanterns is great. Now we have a new Ring wielder who gains the Phantom Ring. This ring basically has all the different emotions into one ring making it extremely powerful but very very dangerous. Together the two Green Lanterns of earth must figure a way to help this new user before shit gets really bad.
Good: Really enjoyed Jessica and Simon's natural growth. It isn't going to happen over night. Them dealing with their own issues but working together has to form naturally. I also enjoyed the Phantom Ring storyline a lot and the background was pretty interesting. The way the Lanterns handle it isn't the norm of superhero beatdowns either which I liked.
Bad: The ending was kind of cliche. Okay very very cliche, but I'm hoping Sam knows how to spice it up some which I think he does.
Overall highly entertaining and fun read. Sam obviously loves this universe and characters and decides to create some great stories with it. A 4 out of 5.
July 7, 2018
In this 2nd installment, our favorite rookie lanterns must not only contend with navigating Simon’s family during Halloween, but they must also guard Rami, the exiled Guardian of the Universe, and his dangerous, banned invention, the Phantom Ring! This series’s strength is still in its relatable leads, and it’s refreshing to see the world of the Lanterns through the eyes of newcomers. And I think it’s hilarious that no one takes them seriously. And one of the best things about this series that really sets it apart from other Lantern stories is how we get to see Green Lanterns really struggle with insecurity and truly overcoming fear. It shows that sometimes summoning the greatest willpower isn't always as easy as it seems to come to people like Hal Jordan, John Stewart, or Guy Gardner. We really see Simon and Jessica earning their stripes.
The story here is much better this time around, an improvement over the uninspired one from Volume 1. I really like the idea of the Phantom Ring, a ring that harnesses all the colors of the emotional spectrum. It's a ring that anyone can wield, but at the expense of his/her sanity, especially if the bearer is as jealous and filled with so many emotions as our tragic bad guy here.
The story here is much better this time around, an improvement over the uninspired one from Volume 1. I really like the idea of the Phantom Ring, a ring that harnesses all the colors of the emotional spectrum. It's a ring that anyone can wield, but at the expense of his/her sanity, especially if the bearer is as jealous and filled with so many emotions as our tragic bad guy here.
February 14, 2026
Volume two of this run is even stronger than our first, continuing to expand on the Simon and Jessica duo, as they learn to grow together as Lanterns, learning how to use their powers, as well as providing a very strong antagonist.
The plot of this book is a lot of fun, the art is really good, and our main characters are really likable. So far, a very strong start to the run.
The plot of this book is a lot of fun, the art is really good, and our main characters are really likable. So far, a very strong start to the run.
April 22, 2017
[Read as single issues]
After a shaky first arc, the Green Lanterns of Earth hit their stride in this second arc that pulls on all of my favourite parts of the Green Lantern mythos while opening up some new avenues as well. Simon and Jessica run afoul of a mysterious new Guardian who has been in exile since the dawn of time for creating the Phantom Ring - essentially a White Lantern ring that can be worn by anyone. When a socially inept, Green Lantern obsessed man gets hold of it, all hell breaks loose. And to make matters worse, an old foe is floating around the peripheries as well.
This arc is all my favourite Green Lantern stuff in one go. All the different Corps, the mysteries of the Guardians and the First Lantern, overcoming fear through willpower, good old fashioned teamwork, etc. You name it, it's here. Sam Humphries has nailed the voices of these two characters and what they each bring to the team-up, and pitting Jessica against someone like the Phantom Lantern is especially good storytelling.
Also included in this volume is the two issue Family Matters story that has Jessica meeting Simon's family for the first time and gives the two characters a little downtime between the opening Rage Planet arc and the Phantom Lantern stuff.
The revolving team of Ronan Cliquet, Eduardo Pansica, and Robson Rocha take point on both stories, with Ed Benes drawing the second issue of Family Matters. They're an odd bunch, with Rocha being the standout, but they do mesh very well even if all of their styles are slightly different. The covers for this arc are especially good, and all of the colourists involved in this arc have lots of opportunity to go mad with the spectrum colours.
Simply put, I loved this arc. Top notch Lantern fun, while being grounded on Earth and letting the Corps get on with intergalactic stuff over in the Hal Jordan series. Love it.
After a shaky first arc, the Green Lanterns of Earth hit their stride in this second arc that pulls on all of my favourite parts of the Green Lantern mythos while opening up some new avenues as well. Simon and Jessica run afoul of a mysterious new Guardian who has been in exile since the dawn of time for creating the Phantom Ring - essentially a White Lantern ring that can be worn by anyone. When a socially inept, Green Lantern obsessed man gets hold of it, all hell breaks loose. And to make matters worse, an old foe is floating around the peripheries as well.
This arc is all my favourite Green Lantern stuff in one go. All the different Corps, the mysteries of the Guardians and the First Lantern, overcoming fear through willpower, good old fashioned teamwork, etc. You name it, it's here. Sam Humphries has nailed the voices of these two characters and what they each bring to the team-up, and pitting Jessica against someone like the Phantom Lantern is especially good storytelling.
Also included in this volume is the two issue Family Matters story that has Jessica meeting Simon's family for the first time and gives the two characters a little downtime between the opening Rage Planet arc and the Phantom Lantern stuff.
The revolving team of Ronan Cliquet, Eduardo Pansica, and Robson Rocha take point on both stories, with Ed Benes drawing the second issue of Family Matters. They're an odd bunch, with Rocha being the standout, but they do mesh very well even if all of their styles are slightly different. The covers for this arc are especially good, and all of the colourists involved in this arc have lots of opportunity to go mad with the spectrum colours.
Simply put, I loved this arc. Top notch Lantern fun, while being grounded on Earth and letting the Corps get on with intergalactic stuff over in the Hal Jordan series. Love it.
April 20, 2021
5 🌟
Nice to see Simon and Jessica getting along. Glad that their second mission went well. Happy that they were able to overcome the Phantom Ring. Hope that they will discover that that is not Remi.
Can't wait to read Green Lanterns, volume 3: Polarity!!!!!
Nice to see Simon and Jessica getting along. Glad that their second mission went well. Happy that they were able to overcome the Phantom Ring. Hope that they will discover that that is not Remi.
Can't wait to read Green Lanterns, volume 3: Polarity!!!!!
May 5, 2017
Read this review and more on my blog, uncovered-books.
I received a free copy of Green Lanterns Volume 2: The Phantom Lantern from DC Comics in exchange for my honest opinion.
I think that Green Lanterns is my favourite storyline of Rebirth so far.
The Phantom Lantern starts with a two issue story about Halloween, which sets up the actual confrontation between the Green Lanterns and the Phantom Lantern nicely. We also see more of Jessica overcoming her anxiety and her inability to make a construct whilst justifying how she feels. I was surprised by how they managed to include an inner struggle for Simon, which I think will lead to a something major happening to him later as we slowly unravel his motivations.
The art style just seemed to work. I have no idea what they did but everything seemed to be right. I was most impressed about the facial expressions as I have always found that they seem to suffer the most in comic books for reason unknown to me.
You should definitely read both this volume and the pervious one as they both have an amazing message about believing in yourself.
I received a free copy of Green Lanterns Volume 2: The Phantom Lantern from DC Comics in exchange for my honest opinion.
I think that Green Lanterns is my favourite storyline of Rebirth so far.
The Phantom Lantern starts with a two issue story about Halloween, which sets up the actual confrontation between the Green Lanterns and the Phantom Lantern nicely. We also see more of Jessica overcoming her anxiety and her inability to make a construct whilst justifying how she feels. I was surprised by how they managed to include an inner struggle for Simon, which I think will lead to a something major happening to him later as we slowly unravel his motivations.
The art style just seemed to work. I have no idea what they did but everything seemed to be right. I was most impressed about the facial expressions as I have always found that they seem to suffer the most in comic books for reason unknown to me.
You should definitely read both this volume and the pervious one as they both have an amazing message about believing in yourself.
August 5, 2017
I 'm starting to get attached to the new Lanterns. Simon Baz and Jessica Cruz face down their emotional weaknesses as they fight the Phantom Lantern. This book continues to focus on these two rookie lanterns discovering their powers and their identities as Lanterns. Jessica, in particular, has some very satisfying character development as she fights to overcome her anxiety. There's a scene at the beginning of the book where she is hanging out with Simon's family, which is basically a bonkers family. She freaks out and tries to escape. I think we can all identify with the stress that comes with dealing with crazy families.
May 22, 2018
Story wise, there was more in this volume than the previous one. Character wise, these two new lanterns are not being expanded upon. They have been written with one character trait, and so there is only one note to be played for each: Jessica has anxiety, Simon carries a gun. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that there is something big in store for these two because 14 issues into their series there hasn’t been much character developed.
3.5/5
3.5/5
January 21, 2023
I enjoyed this book a lot. One of the strengths of this book is the relationship between the MCs, Jessica and Simon. They have a great friendship. Both of them have great chemistry and are so fun together. They banter a lot and work well with one another. The first story with them both on Halloween was a true joy to read and it was cute too.
The second story does get a bit heavier though. While they still have some great chemistry and some banter, Jessica and Simon both face external and internal struggles. They have to face Frank Laminski. Laminski's character arc is solid. While part of his story is one that has been seen before in other tales and was predictable in some ways, it is also a well-written arc. We get to see why he went down a dark path and the deep struggles and pain he feels within. He is a complex character with understandable emotions. He is also a very difficult antagonist for Jessica and Simon to stop.
Indeed, as they do, they're faced with their own doubts and fears. Sam Humphries does an excellent job at showing this and the struggles that Jessica and Simon face in their own hearts. It is moving and I found Jessica's arc to be particularly strong. She has imposter syndrome and anxiety and has dealt with a lot of trauma in her life, but her arc is also filled with growth. She is strong, especially in her empathy and determination. Simon also has a lot of doubts, regret, and trauma as well, but, like Jessica, also has a lot of strength within. He also grows and is a great friend and hero.
Thus, characterization is a key strength of this book. Other strengths are the consistent fast pacing of the book, artwork, and how the stakes and tension were high in the second story. They weren't as high in the first story, but that was appropriate, given that it was a light tale.
Nonetheless, the book did also have a bit too much telling at one point. One issue was devoted solely towards telling Laminski's backstory. Laminiski's a well developed character. However, his backstory could've been interspersed instead. But, this is not a huge drawback.
Altogether, I truly enjoyed volume 2! Simon and Jessica are wonderful and I look forward to reading more. I can't wait to check out Volume 3 :)!
The second story does get a bit heavier though. While they still have some great chemistry and some banter, Jessica and Simon both face external and internal struggles. They have to face Frank Laminski. Laminski's character arc is solid. While part of his story is one that has been seen before in other tales and was predictable in some ways, it is also a well-written arc. We get to see why he went down a dark path and the deep struggles and pain he feels within. He is a complex character with understandable emotions. He is also a very difficult antagonist for Jessica and Simon to stop.
Indeed, as they do, they're faced with their own doubts and fears. Sam Humphries does an excellent job at showing this and the struggles that Jessica and Simon face in their own hearts. It is moving and I found Jessica's arc to be particularly strong. She has imposter syndrome and anxiety and has dealt with a lot of trauma in her life, but her arc is also filled with growth. She is strong, especially in her empathy and determination. Simon also has a lot of doubts, regret, and trauma as well, but, like Jessica, also has a lot of strength within. He also grows and is a great friend and hero.
Thus, characterization is a key strength of this book. Other strengths are the consistent fast pacing of the book, artwork, and how the stakes and tension were high in the second story. They weren't as high in the first story, but that was appropriate, given that it was a light tale.
Nonetheless, the book did also have a bit too much telling at one point. One issue was devoted solely towards telling Laminski's backstory. Laminiski's a well developed character. However, his backstory could've been interspersed instead. But, this is not a huge drawback.
Altogether, I truly enjoyed volume 2! Simon and Jessica are wonderful and I look forward to reading more. I can't wait to check out Volume 3 :)!
May 23, 2019
Family Matters (#7-8). This prelude to the Phantom Lantern is a delightful look at Simon and Jessica as real people, and does a great job of expanding and advancing Simon's relationship with his family. Oh, there are some Dominators too (and they're real old-school horror Dominators) and some hints at the the Phantom Lantern, but it's character work that makes this story strong [4/5].
The Phantom Lantern (#9-14). The actual Phantom Lantern story is shockingly good. Much of that is due to the Phantom Lantern himself, who gets superb character development in a prelude, and who is then great to watch throughout. But then we also get a really nice turning point for Jessica, and some interesting background on the Guardians, and this is overall a great story [5/5].
The Phantom Lantern (#9-14). The actual Phantom Lantern story is shockingly good. Much of that is due to the Phantom Lantern himself, who gets superb character development in a prelude, and who is then great to watch throughout. But then we also get a really nice turning point for Jessica, and some interesting background on the Guardians, and this is overall a great story [5/5].
January 1, 2019
The Rebirth Green Lanterns series goes from strength to strength. I really liked the Phantom Lantern story line, and how it affected Simon Baz and Jessica Cruz. The artwork too was stunning, very vivid and colorful, given the prominence of the emotional spectrum in the story.
April 22, 2017
Free copy provided by Netgalley and DC Entertainment in return for an honest review
Publication Date: 2nd May 2017
Review Date: 22nd April 2017
Now this is what I’m talking about.
The past two comics I’ve read in the Rebirth series, thanks to ARCs from DC Entertainment, have not gone down well with me. I haven’t found them interesting, I didn’t enjoy reading them, and I didn’t finish either of the two I read before this one.
This one though.
This is everything I want in the Rebirth series. Maybe it was better for me because this is the second volume, rather than the first, I don’t know. But I thoroughly enjoyed this.
A Green Lantern with anxiety? Sign me the h-ck up! I’m loving it!
In this issue, the Phantom Lantern, the wearer of the Phantom Ring, finally appears, taking control of the ring, and causing havoc on earth. Moral crises happen, our Lanterns get confused, and no one really knows what the best thing to do is. This story line was brilliant! I loved it so much. It kept my attention from beginning to end, even if the starting chapter was a little bit boring and I had to come back to it after reading the first chapter.
This ended on a brilliant cliff hanger, and it has definitely got me keeping an eye out for volume three for sure! I can’t wait to read volume one, and I definitely cannot wait for volume three. DC have still got some tricks up their sleeves for Rebirth, and I cannot wait to read the rest of the ARCs they’ve given me. If they’re even half as good as this volume, they’ll all be great.
Publication Date: 2nd May 2017
Review Date: 22nd April 2017
Now this is what I’m talking about.
The past two comics I’ve read in the Rebirth series, thanks to ARCs from DC Entertainment, have not gone down well with me. I haven’t found them interesting, I didn’t enjoy reading them, and I didn’t finish either of the two I read before this one.
This one though.
This is everything I want in the Rebirth series. Maybe it was better for me because this is the second volume, rather than the first, I don’t know. But I thoroughly enjoyed this.
A Green Lantern with anxiety? Sign me the h-ck up! I’m loving it!
In this issue, the Phantom Lantern, the wearer of the Phantom Ring, finally appears, taking control of the ring, and causing havoc on earth. Moral crises happen, our Lanterns get confused, and no one really knows what the best thing to do is. This story line was brilliant! I loved it so much. It kept my attention from beginning to end, even if the starting chapter was a little bit boring and I had to come back to it after reading the first chapter.
This ended on a brilliant cliff hanger, and it has definitely got me keeping an eye out for volume three for sure! I can’t wait to read volume one, and I definitely cannot wait for volume three. DC have still got some tricks up their sleeves for Rebirth, and I cannot wait to read the rest of the ARCs they’ve given me. If they’re even half as good as this volume, they’ll all be great.
May 22, 2018
My girl Jess learning to believe in herself
January 8, 2019
When reading this you really get a vibe that Humphries loves the world of Green Lantern. Its fun, well set out action and cool artwork. Really improves as it goes on. The ending is a bit too cliched but I'm hoping it leads to something bigger.
July 18, 2018
4.5 stars. I love these characters (Jessica might be my new favorite Lantern), and I love the stories that deal with all the colors of the emotion spectrum!
January 27, 2017
Note: I read these as single issues.
While the story was a bit meh (though I do love what it sets up for potential issues) I love what this arc did with Simon and Jessica's characters. I especially love how they handle the fact that Jessica has anxiety. This has to be one of the most accurate and honest portrayals of anxiety I've seen in print form (or actually - ever). Humphries does such a good job of showing how scary anxiety is without being insulting. Simon never thinks less of Jessica because of what she's going through. I wish I could make this required reading for everyone.
While the story was a bit meh (though I do love what it sets up for potential issues) I love what this arc did with Simon and Jessica's characters. I especially love how they handle the fact that Jessica has anxiety. This has to be one of the most accurate and honest portrayals of anxiety I've seen in print form (or actually - ever). Humphries does such a good job of showing how scary anxiety is without being insulting. Simon never thinks less of Jessica because of what she's going through. I wish I could make this required reading for everyone.
September 15, 2018
Simon and Jessica continue to get to know each other and their powers while facing off against an interesting new adversary who may as well be called “Wannabe Lantern”. And they have their own cranky OG Guardian of the Universe to half-explain things and fall into danger! Yep, this is a GL title indeed.
March 25, 2021
I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
After Green Lanterns, Vol. 1: Rage Planet comes Green Lanterns, Vol. 2: The Phantom Lantern, and I have to admit I was very excited for this. I haven’t read that many comics involving the Green Lanterns yet, but I can say the comics are wayyy better than that one movie with Ryan Reynolds (although I love him and everything he does, but that movie was truly unbearable).
In this story, we see Simon and Jessica trying to keep the Guardian of the Universe and the Phantom Ring safe, which is no easy task. Especially since the Guardian doesn’t want to be kept safe by those two (which is not that surprising). Simon and Jessica need to try to find a way to work together as a team, while Jessica still battles with her anxiety and Simon with his own stuff as well. The Phantom Ring brings a lot of temptation with it though, because its power can be wielded by anyone, the ring doesn’t have to choose you, as the Green Lantern ring does. Queue bad guy/self-righteous white man who thinks he deserves the ring more than anyone else because he’s been working for this his entire life to “become a hero” and "safe the world". Oh, the irony.
I feel like we’ve learnt by now that every time a character deems themselves worthy of power and want to crown themselves a hero because they ”deserve it and worked so hard for it”, we just know that character is going to transform into a bad guy. And so it happens. He steals the ring and Jessica and Simon need to try and get it back. Meanwhile the Guardian of the Universe fights his own old enemy, Volthoom, who I’m thinking we will see even more of in the next volume and who has his own evil revenge planned.
In the end, this story has a great message to all readers, young and old. Jessica finally understands why the ring picked her (as previously mentioned, to become a Green Lantern the ring has to choose you, how it does it, we don’t really know or understand yet) and starts to believe in herself and manages to form her own constructs (that's what Green Lanterns use the ring for...). This is a great way to show people how to believe in themselves and it’s inspiring to see a character who’s been struggling with anxiety for so long, finally find a way to over come it. Simon on the other hand is still a bit of a mystery, and his temptation towards the Power Ring is also kind of a weird flex and I’m sure there’s more in store for us with him.
All in all, a great read! I give this 4 stars! You can read my review for Green Lanterns, Volume 1 here.
After Green Lanterns, Vol. 1: Rage Planet comes Green Lanterns, Vol. 2: The Phantom Lantern, and I have to admit I was very excited for this. I haven’t read that many comics involving the Green Lanterns yet, but I can say the comics are wayyy better than that one movie with Ryan Reynolds (although I love him and everything he does, but that movie was truly unbearable).
In this story, we see Simon and Jessica trying to keep the Guardian of the Universe and the Phantom Ring safe, which is no easy task. Especially since the Guardian doesn’t want to be kept safe by those two (which is not that surprising). Simon and Jessica need to try to find a way to work together as a team, while Jessica still battles with her anxiety and Simon with his own stuff as well. The Phantom Ring brings a lot of temptation with it though, because its power can be wielded by anyone, the ring doesn’t have to choose you, as the Green Lantern ring does. Queue bad guy/self-righteous white man who thinks he deserves the ring more than anyone else because he’s been working for this his entire life to “become a hero” and "safe the world". Oh, the irony.
I feel like we’ve learnt by now that every time a character deems themselves worthy of power and want to crown themselves a hero because they ”deserve it and worked so hard for it”, we just know that character is going to transform into a bad guy. And so it happens. He steals the ring and Jessica and Simon need to try and get it back. Meanwhile the Guardian of the Universe fights his own old enemy, Volthoom, who I’m thinking we will see even more of in the next volume and who has his own evil revenge planned.
In the end, this story has a great message to all readers, young and old. Jessica finally understands why the ring picked her (as previously mentioned, to become a Green Lantern the ring has to choose you, how it does it, we don’t really know or understand yet) and starts to believe in herself and manages to form her own constructs (that's what Green Lanterns use the ring for...). This is a great way to show people how to believe in themselves and it’s inspiring to see a character who’s been struggling with anxiety for so long, finally find a way to over come it. Simon on the other hand is still a bit of a mystery, and his temptation towards the Power Ring is also kind of a weird flex and I’m sure there’s more in store for us with him.
All in all, a great read! I give this 4 stars! You can read my review for Green Lanterns, Volume 1 here.
June 1, 2017
Before this Volume, all the way back to Blackest Night, the various colors of the Emotional Spectrum consisted of: Rage (Red), Greed (Orange), Fear (Yellow), Will (Green), Hope (Blue), Compassion (Indigo), Love (Violet), and Life (White) and Death (Black). Last Volume, a rogue Guardian showed up (Rami) and he was carrying a package which he guarded with his life. What is in the box? We find out here....
Enter Frank Laminski. Fellow Coast City resident. Fellow test pilot with Hal Jordan. Obsessed with Green Lantern. When John Stewart shows up as a GL with Hal (way back in the day!), Frank becomes single-minded to become worthy of a power ring. One day, a Green Lantern ring comes to him, and just as he's about to take it, it flies off to go to Simon Baz, one of the current Green Lanterns. This fractures Frank's psyche, and allows him to be influenced by the ghost of Volthoom, who directs him to Rami's box, which contains the one and only Phantom Ring. A Phantom Ring can be used by anyone, but has the major drawback of getting all its power from its user.
Frank, now dubbing himself the Phantom Lantern, goes off to "save the day". His Phantom Ring allows him to appear as a member of any corps, based on how his emotion state is. He tangles with Simon and Jessica, and seems to stop and stabilize when he changes Indigo, being overcome with Compassion. Once the Phantom Ring is taken from him though, he is obviously shown as insane.
Two members of the Green Lantern Corps show up too late to help, but it confirms that the GLC is back in action and Simon and Jessica are no longer alone in the galaxy. Unbeknownst to them.... Rami has been "spirit-switched" with Volthoom. How will this all play out? Will our GLs go to Oa to get training? When will they find out Rami is an imposter?
Green Lanterns is an amazing title! I'm really loving it so far and can't wait till the next Volume!
High recommend.
Enter Frank Laminski. Fellow Coast City resident. Fellow test pilot with Hal Jordan. Obsessed with Green Lantern. When John Stewart shows up as a GL with Hal (way back in the day!), Frank becomes single-minded to become worthy of a power ring. One day, a Green Lantern ring comes to him, and just as he's about to take it, it flies off to go to Simon Baz, one of the current Green Lanterns. This fractures Frank's psyche, and allows him to be influenced by the ghost of Volthoom, who directs him to Rami's box, which contains the one and only Phantom Ring. A Phantom Ring can be used by anyone, but has the major drawback of getting all its power from its user.
Frank, now dubbing himself the Phantom Lantern, goes off to "save the day". His Phantom Ring allows him to appear as a member of any corps, based on how his emotion state is. He tangles with Simon and Jessica, and seems to stop and stabilize when he changes Indigo, being overcome with Compassion. Once the Phantom Ring is taken from him though, he is obviously shown as insane.
Two members of the Green Lantern Corps show up too late to help, but it confirms that the GLC is back in action and Simon and Jessica are no longer alone in the galaxy. Unbeknownst to them.... Rami has been "spirit-switched" with Volthoom. How will this all play out? Will our GLs go to Oa to get training? When will they find out Rami is an imposter?
Green Lanterns is an amazing title! I'm really loving it so far and can't wait till the next Volume!
High recommend.
May 20, 2017
In 'Green Lanterns, Volume 2: The Phantom Lantern' by Sam Humphries with art by Robson Rocha, the Earth is now being protected by two new Green Lanterns, but will that be enough to save it?
Jessica Cruz and Simon Baz are the newest Green Lanterns, but Jessica can't quite control her power and Simon doesn't think he has enough power. They are also helping to hide Rami, one of the last Guardians. Rami has a secret, a phantom ring. With the phantom ring, anyone can wear it, and it covers all the color spectrums, but at a pretty great cost. This brings bad guy Volthoom out of the universe to hunt him down. It also brings a guy named Frank Laminski who was passed over to be a Green Lantern and has delusions of being a superhero.
It's a really solid story arc. Frank is played out as pitiable and a bit crazy. The original Guardian brings some good original history of how the rings were created. Simon and Jessica kind of come in to their own, which is good because they are going to need it. This is a pretty good team up. The art is fantastic. I really enjoyed this one.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from DC Entertainment and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
Jessica Cruz and Simon Baz are the newest Green Lanterns, but Jessica can't quite control her power and Simon doesn't think he has enough power. They are also helping to hide Rami, one of the last Guardians. Rami has a secret, a phantom ring. With the phantom ring, anyone can wear it, and it covers all the color spectrums, but at a pretty great cost. This brings bad guy Volthoom out of the universe to hunt him down. It also brings a guy named Frank Laminski who was passed over to be a Green Lantern and has delusions of being a superhero.
It's a really solid story arc. Frank is played out as pitiable and a bit crazy. The original Guardian brings some good original history of how the rings were created. Simon and Jessica kind of come in to their own, which is good because they are going to need it. This is a pretty good team up. The art is fantastic. I really enjoyed this one.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from DC Entertainment and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
August 21, 2018
Excellent. I should say - new Green Lanterns. And yes, finally, with DC, a RETURN to excellence. DC, in the persons of Dan Didio and Jim Lee have decided repeatedly over the years to focus on what they consider the "original" DC heroes from the days of my youth. There's just one problem:
They don't WORK anymore. Didio and Lee have killed them all too many times, too many different ways, and they have cultivated an audience for this repeated, systemic murder of superheroes that has rendered EVERYTHING they've done moot.
Don't get me wrong. I loved the original Justice League of America, WHEN IT EXISTED. It doesn't anymore. They're gone, they've BEEN gone for over thirty years now, and a thousand times a thousand times of restarting their stories doesn't bring them back.
This is different.
Finally, there are characters taking up an iconic role in the DC mainstream who are NEW, who are NOT Hal Jordan, Barry Allen, Arthur Curry, John Jones, Ray Palmer, Billy Batson, Eel O'Brien, Bruce Wayne, Clark Kent, Diana Prince, or somebody some idiot decided to CALL "Carter Hall".
This is excellent. This is EXCELLENCE.
Keep THIS up.
They don't WORK anymore. Didio and Lee have killed them all too many times, too many different ways, and they have cultivated an audience for this repeated, systemic murder of superheroes that has rendered EVERYTHING they've done moot.
Don't get me wrong. I loved the original Justice League of America, WHEN IT EXISTED. It doesn't anymore. They're gone, they've BEEN gone for over thirty years now, and a thousand times a thousand times of restarting their stories doesn't bring them back.
This is different.
Finally, there are characters taking up an iconic role in the DC mainstream who are NEW, who are NOT Hal Jordan, Barry Allen, Arthur Curry, John Jones, Ray Palmer, Billy Batson, Eel O'Brien, Bruce Wayne, Clark Kent, Diana Prince, or somebody some idiot decided to CALL "Carter Hall".
This is excellent. This is EXCELLENCE.
Keep THIS up.
June 17, 2017
I really enjoyed this comic. I usually don't read them, but this one had a really good story line and I am very impressed. The last comic I read was of Batman and it was not as good as this one. The characters are great and the pictures are too. I will have to read some more comics of the Green Lanterns. I highly recommend this Volume. I won this comic for free in a Goodreads Giveaway.
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