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Old superheroes never die. At least not permanently. At least, not over at DC Comics. Sometimes it all seems part of a grand editorial plan, as it was with Superman's passing a few years ago. Sometimes a resurrection seems to depend on simply whether there's a good story to tell. So we come to Green Lantern: Rebirth. DC have drafted the accomplished Geoff Johns (Flash, JSA) and Ethan Van Sciver (Batman and Catwoman: Trail of the Gun) to tell this particular story, and so far it promises to live up to the hype.

The first thing readers will notice is Van Sciver's cover, which as is usual for him is beautifully intricate. It may even offer some artistic foreshadowing as one discerns menacing faces hidden in the swirls of mystic power that surround the Spectre. The art is as good within the pages of the book where Van Sciver manages a perfect blend of realism and cartoon. Of special note is Moose Baumann's color work, which is just outstanding. Some panels actually depict rather gruesome scenes, giving the book a strong PG rating. The gore is thankfully not overdone, however, and if nothing else lends gravity to the story.

The story itself is strong. All the DC Universe Green Lanterns get a part, with the JSA's Alan Scott and his daughter Jade getting an honorable mention. (No doubt we'll see more of them in future issues.) There's also perhaps a hint that Kyle Rayner, DC's “main” GL, will be passing the ring on to someone else. His part so far in this story bears a strong resemblance to that of Abin Sur's now-legendary appearance when he crash-landed on Earth and gave his own power ring to Hal Jordan.

Geoff Johns' writing is up to par but in this first chapter the plot and action take center stage. If anything, as characters the JLA are static this issue, behaving completely as expected: Batman is already accusing Hal Jordan of wanton destruction, and Hal's friends are arguing Hal's side (which they don't really know yet).

It's difficult to say who will be the star of this series. Will it be Hal? Or will it simply feature his return from the perspective of his loved ones and peers? And the whole story begs the question of what will happen to Kyle Rayner, whose own GL book seems to have come to an end.