Green Lanterns New Guardians #26 Review

 What is a future?

As Kyle battles on two sides, he must come to accept what he has become and what that power entitles.

The same theme – what is right, what is wrong, that has been the overlaying one post-Johns era, is prevalent here. And while Justin doesn’t really highlight Kyle’s inner conflict that well, he is able to render the plot better as a moral struggle comes home to the Exurans.

With Brad and Geraldo staying consistent with the pencils, this remains an enjoyable read.

SPOILERS FOLLOW..................

So, it was an alternate timeline Exurans who came through the portal? Well, that poses an interesting conundrum as the Exurans battle their time-displaced counterparts while coming face-to-face with the horror they have wrought.

An alternate version of Nias first spears the priest and then, when Kyle is able to trap him in an energy bubble, destroys the spear, killing the priest.

As alter Nias takes control of the ‘structure’, the New Guardians, Kyle and Carol start manning all fronts. The other priest/grandfather comes out and begins to question whether the alter Nias is doing the right thing.

Alter Nias starts to destroy the timeline break-up, the Guardians and Carol take on the alter Exuran army while Kyle faces alter Nias. Distracting alter Nias until the others, with the help of the alter grandfather, are able to close the portal gates. As alter Nias gets distracted, Kyle is able to destroy the mechanism with which he was controlling the structure.

Then Kyle puts his foot down as he orders Nias to destroy the structure and restore the timelines they stole from others. Shaken by this experience, Kyle decides that if he is to change the universe, he needs to use his powers to force change. Aside, the Guardians consider whether Kyle is ready to face what he saw beyond the Source Wall, and sadly decide he is still not able.

SPOILERS END..........................

While not exactly exploring Kyle’s changing views and behaviors, the alternate universe and time stealing events were actually pretty well done, although a little too complicated. But when you don’t care about the Exurans, you may not exactly like this story.

The art is still beautifully rendered, but the story falls short of the mark.

So, I give it 6.0 out of 10

+Great themes

+Beautiful visuals

-Kyle’s changes not explored well

-The story is unnecessary complicated