Last month we were able to provide our readers with the first look at Far Sector #3. Ever since we posted that first look, I’ve been super intrigued about this issue and the ongoing series overall. Mostly because I’m a huge fan of Green Lantern and through social media have become a huge fan of Jamal Campbell’s artwork, and we all know how much an artist can draw someone to read a series or completely turn them away.
We’ll quickly recap what’s happened in Far Sector Issues 1 & 2 before we get into what I thought about this new issue. Rookie Green Lantern Sojourner Mullein is on the scene in the City Enduring to help solve this murder. The biggest question with every murder crime, why? What’s the motive? But what happens when your murder suspect is well…murdered? The plot thickens! There’s also this drug called Switchoff that helps bring out the suppressed emotions of its user. Our murder who’s been murdered used it, Jo’s former lover has tried it and now Council Marth is also using it. Looking for someone to blame? Blame the Emotion Exploit! Essentially no one in the City Enduring has emotions due to the Emotion Exploit which has suppressed emotions in these human-like aliens.
I will be completely honest I have never read anything written by N.K. Jemisin until I came across Far Sector. But when it comes to Far Sector, while silly at times, Jemisin finds a good medium when it comes to combining the silliness and the seriousness in her storytelling. At first, it wasn’t really grasping me but as I delved deeper into the story, all the way up to this current issue. I found myself enjoying a really compelling story as we follow Lantern Mullein as she tries to uncover this mystery surrounding the City Enduring and its Council.
Picking up exactly where Far Sector #2 left off, we’re back with Council Marth and Jo in his private quarters after their somewhat flirty exchange. Jo notices that Council Marth is high off Switchoff which causes some uneasiness when Council Marth offers Jo a dose of Switchoff. Which causes Jo to personally escort herself out of his quarters.
Mullein is later called down to the city by Peace Accountant Tillij, to handle a civilian protest. Tillij wants to use Lantern Mullein as a deterrent so he doesn’t have to kill any civilians during the protest. As Mullein urges him to go the peaceful route, things get a bit hasty between the opposing groups of protestors. As Mullein tries to diffuse the situation, due to bickering, things start to escalate. This is where Mullein’s duality shines! While she tries to keep the peace, she isn’t taking any s**t from anyone!
What’s thrilling about this whole protest is the overbearing of emotions from the opposing sides. Which is ironic, because these folks aren’t supposed to have emotions due to the Emotion Exploit. But to play Devil’s Advocate, one side has openly stated their use of Switchoff and why they support it. It’s an interesting take on Green Lantern’s Emotional Spectrum lore and how it works in this story specifically.
We get a clear sense of some sort of oppression within the City Enduring. Most notably due to the Emotion Exploit and now citizens want what’s theirs back. They want to be free and be able to express themselves without consequence. We have been getting bits and pieces to Lantern Mullein’s past. As we flashback to 1968 America. One of the most turbulent years in American history, to kind of mirror the current situation she is in.
Before we get more on this flashback, things take an unfortunate turn as Lantern Mullein gets a call from Tillij that Council Marth has given the green light to fire on civilians, which pisses Lantern Mullein off! It’s great!
Overall Far Sector has done an amazing job at providing a compelling take on a Green Lantern in this murder-mystery story which is leading to what seems like a public revolt albeit V for Vendetta. The artwork and colors by Jamal Campell are beautifully stunning. The art adds an extra layer of gravitas to the story which makes it such a pleasure to read and enjoy.
It’s still too early to tell if Jemisin is missing the mark with her story since we are only three issues in. But I wholeheartedly feel like we’re on the road to something great and even more compelling than it already is. As the layers start to full peel back, I’m personally hoping for more of Sojourner’s past and backstory. If those flashbacks are any indication of it, we’re in for something truly amazing story that will hit where it needs to hit. If you aren’t reading Far Sector or have been hesitant about picking it up, I highly suggest that you do!