If the first issue of Absolute Green Lantern introduced us to the mystery, Issue #2 plunges us directly into the horror. The “Green Lantern” is not a hero, but a terrifying, god-like entity that demands total absence of fear. And Hal Jordan? He isn’t wielding a ring—he’s containing a curse. Here is the full breakdown of what happens in this intense second chapter.
The Chosen One?
The issue opens with Jo Mullein (Sojourner) facing the mysterious, glowing entity that has descended upon Evergreen. The entity, which speaks in a cold, mechanical font, identifies her directly. It tells her she “exists at the Green Level of Light” and commands her to be “Entirely Without Fear”.
It’s a chilling inversion of the classic lore. Instead of a ring finding a worthy hero, this feels like an abduction or a religious judgment. The entity tells Jo she must have “knowledge of yourself to command the flame”.
Hal Jordan’s Curse: The Black Hand
The scene shifts to Jo speaking with Hal Jordan. She notes that Hal looks exactly like the alien entity—Abin Sur. Hal admits he doesn’t know why, but he feels a “pull” toward Jo, hearing and seeing things that aren’t there.
Then, we get the shocking reveal of Hal’s power. When Jo asks about his hand, Hal warns her to stay back. He reveals The Black Hand—not a piece of jewelry, but a terrifying manifestation he calls a “Dark Star” inside his head.
- The Mechanics: Unlike the Green Lantern rings powered by willpower, Hal explains that willpower does not work here. In fact, trying to hold it back fails. The Black Hand reacts to danger; if Hal feels threatened, the hand acts on its own to eliminate the threat.
The Flashback: Sheriff Guy Gardner’s Last Stand
The story flashes back to the initial “First Contact” event that destroyed the town’s peace. We see Guy Gardner, reimagined here as the Sheriff of Evergreen, stepping up to confront the alien visitor.
The alien introduces itself as “The Abin Sur” and claims it comes “from the Green Lantern”. It demands the humans “have understanding” and “be without fear.”
- The Conflict: Guy Gardner, true to his stubborn nature, tries to assert earthly authority. He shouts, “I’m the law!” and demands the alien respect his jurisdiction.
- The Judgment: The entity ignores Guy’s badge. It scans him and delivers a cold verdict: “You are not an entity who currently exists in the spectrum of light”. It declares that “Judgment is in progress”.
Chaos Erupts
The tension breaks when the police force, overwhelmed by the “religious awe” and fear of the crowd, loses composure.
- The Shot Fired: As the tension peaks, a gun is fired (implied to be an accident or a panic reaction). The entity reacts instantly: “Be entirely without fear.”
- The Massacre: The entity attacks. We see the terrifying text “Guy Gardner has been judged”. Chaos consumes the scene. Deputy Roy is critically shot, and Rita (another officer) screams.
The Aftermath: Hal’s Struggle
Back in the present (or immediately following the violence), John Stewart and Jo are trying to save Roy, who is bleeding out.
- Hal’s Threat: Hal is standing over them with a gun (Rita’s gun), looking unstable. John realizes that Hal is close to losing control. He warns Hal that the “Black Hand” will kill him if he doesn’t calm down.
- The Entity’s Hunger: Hal explains that the “Black Hand” is hungry—not for food, but for light. It wants to “win the argument” against the Green Light.
- The Standoff: John manages to talk Hal down, telling him to lower the gun because the Black Hand “will take your hand” if he escalates. Hal eventually relents, admitting he is fighting the urge to let the power take over.
The Plan to Kill a God
The issue concludes at Alan Scott’s Atom Bon Café & Diner. The survivors are regrouping.
- John Stewart’s Analysis: John reflects on the event, realizing that the alien “judgment” is absolute and no one is coming to save them.
- The Cliffhanger: John turns to the group with a desperate plan. He asks, “Do we want to take Abin Sur out of the equation?”. He reveals that he thinks he knows what can kill it.
