The two writers working on this issue take radically different approaches here, not only with regard to the cover motif to be incorporated into their stories, but in how they choose to pay tribute to the character that Julie Schwartz helped to shape in the Silver Age of comics. The two stories do have something more than just the title character in common, though: they're both a little lacking in clarity. Furthermore, Martin Pasko's story won't resonate as strongly for those who are unaware of a pivotal era of Green Lantern comics from the 1970s.
Green Lantern has taken to the streets, selling working replicas of his power ring to average joes throughout Coast City, and the super-hero street vendor attracts the attention of some powerful beings, notably his allies in the Justice League. And in another time, a con man sets up a informercial operation, claiming he has power rings for sale for those who are quickest to call. Green Lantern's pal, Green Arrow, is perplexed as to why the Emerald Gladiator isn't ticked off that his good name is being tarnished. The reason for GL's disconnected demeanor is connected to a deep, dark secret.
Azzarello's story plays around with the Super Friends incarnation of DC's super-heroes, as far as I can tell. There's a goofiness to it that puts one in mind of the simpler plots of that 1970s/80s series of cartoons. It comes complete with an ending that sees the heroes laughing, but at one another, pointing out their rather empty natures. The main gag in the story, which sees Lantern foil the plans of a villain, is amusing, but the vagueness of the satirical ending comes off as a bit nasty. The whole tone of the heroes' conversation is rather off; I feel like I'm missing something, whether it's subtext or actual content.
I remember Martin Pasko as the writer of the Plastic Man feature in Adventure Comics in the 1980s, but he also had a long career as a writer in the world of animation, if memory serves. He revisits the "Hard-Travelling Heroes" riff of the 1970s here with a dark story that explores a dark, hidden part of the title character's past. I realize that social and emotional relevance was a cornerstone of the Denny O'Neil/Neal Adams Green Lantern/Green Arrow stories of yesteryear, but the angry tone of the story doesn't really fit the overall lighter tone of the DC Comics Presents tribute line. Furthermore, the details of the con that serves as the catalyst for the emotional story aren't clear at all.
The same can be said of the McDaniel/Owens art. Their inky collaboration obfuscates the story rather than telling it. And again, that darker tone isn't in keeping with the Silver Age tribute. Norm Breyfogle's pencils mesh incredibly well and seamlessly with the inks of the legendary Sal Buscema. They should work together more often. There's energy and fun to be found in the art, and that's as it should be.
This issue has its flaws, yes, but the experiment itself still holds a good deal of entertainment for me. I love the notion of crafting a story around a ridiculous cover image from years gone by. And teaming the more popular new talents of today with those who brought stories to life for us 10, 20 even 30 years ago is delightful, bringing a diverse array of creators together in an unprecedented manner.
