The Answer Man Takes a First Look

A new Green Lantern comicbook series called Far Sector debuts today, written by award-winning writer N.K. Jemisin and drawn by Jamal Campbell whose work on Naomi skyrocketed him to the top of the charts. While there is still speculation on the nature of the story, the story is unlike most Green Lantern tales, in that the protagonist is both a rookie and unable to request or expect support from the Corps.

Before I explain what little I have gleaned, let me say I am pleased with the choice of artist and writer. I am happy to see another writer of color and a character of color among the ranks of the Green Lantern Corps. Yes, this is an intergalactic community and she may not even be Human, but from a representational perspective, it is good to see her in the hands of a competent art team. While Jamal Campbell is getting the art credits, the colors and inks are also simply incredible. This is a labor of love. Okay, back to work.

Sojourner “Jo” Mullein, an as-yet unknown Green Lantern rookie is assigned to protect an insular society known as the City Enduring. It’s a strange post in that there has been no significant crime for over five hundred years due to a social proscription (and presumably engineered condition) where the inhabitants of the city possess no emotions, which helps maintain the peace.

Far from the beaten path, Sojourner is unable to request assistance and must investigate what appears to be the first murder in five centuries. Where does one begin looking for clues in a super-advanced society where the capacity for murder is not even supposed to exist? It’s a society whose technological sophistication may make murder more difficult to detect and more problematic in the need to solve it. When you haven’t had a murder in five centuries, the last thing you want is to encourage others to consider the trend.

With the storytelling skills of N.K. Jemisin and the incredible art of Campbell, and divorced from the political circles of the Green Lantern Corp, we are likely to be experiencing something new and different from the DC Bullpen. I’ve included a few pages so you can be as in awe of the art as I was. Enjoy. After I read it, I will come back with a Quick and Dirty review.

Far Sector
Written by N.K. Jemisin
Art by Jamal Campbell
Cover by Jamal Campbell
Variant Covers by Shawn Martinbrough and Jamie McKelvie
In Shops: Nov 13, 2019
Final Orders Due: Oct 21, 2019
SRP: $3.99

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Thaddeus Howze
Thaddeus Howze

Thaddeus Howze is an award-winning writer, editor, podcaster and activist creating speculative fiction, scientific, political and cultural commentary from his office in Hayward, California.
Thaddeus’ speculative fiction has appeared in numerous anthologies and literary journals. He has published two books, ‘Hayward’s Reach’ (2011), a collection of short stories and ‘Broken Glass’ (2013) an urban fantasy novella starring his favorite paranormal investigator, Clifford Engram.