Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps #27

Writer: Robert Venditti

Artist: Rafa Sandoval

Inker: Jordi Tarragona

Colourist: Tomeu Morey

Letterer: Dave Sharpe

I had suspicions that this story was designed as a sort of Jack Kirby tribute, and this issue all but confirms it. I love the New Gods and seeing them feature in DC's books for the past few weeks has been extremely fun, with some excellent results, such as Tom King and Mitch Gerads' Mister Miracle series. I think this arc is also going to come out on top as another fun, over-the-top story featuring Kirby's creations, made doubly better in that it follows the continuity of the Green Lantern Corps shown in the New 52.

There's a genuine mystery to the story, in that a giant robot monster is chasing Orion down with no regard for innocent lives. Most of the mystery is unravelled in this issue however, but Venditti introduces another plot thread to be explored later on in the arc that has me very excited for the future.

The Corps has had some interactions with the New Gods in recent years, which is the reason I think this Kirby tribute isn't as contrived as some other titles. Robert Venditti also throws Nth metal into the story as well, so Venditti manages to juggle at least three heavy plot threads with ease. In case I haven't made it clear, this is a fantastic issue. It was action-packed and tight.

An action-packed story is nothing without excellent art. And the art was excellent. The team of Rafa Sandoval, Jordi Tarragona, and Tomeu Morey have produced some of the best artwork on the series since its beginning and here they're still surprising me. They came back better than ever with the previous issue and their excellent portrayal of boom tubes, and here the action is fluid and great to look at.

In one of the most stunning and fluid issues of the series yet, Venditti and Sandoval tell one of the premier New Gods stories at DC right now, one which still has some New Gods goodness left to tell.