The DCU’s First Green Lantern Returns in Both His Best and Worst Forms At Once

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DC’s biggest event of the year is underway, and the latest battle pits two of its most overlooked heroes against each other. The DC K.O. tournament was created to find someone to challenge and defeat Darkseid, and the first round quickly narrowed the field, proving that ruthlessness pays off. Now in the second round, competitors are facing off in pairs, and the team of the Flash and Green Lantern is poised to deliver an epic showdown.

Okay, so issue #28 of The Flash was seriously awesome. We got to see the original Flash, Jay Garrick, go toe-to-toe with Guy Gardner – and let me tell you, it was a fight. Both heroes were really pushed to their absolute limits, having to find reserves of strength they didn’t know they had. For Guy, that meant tapping into some of his craziest transformations – we even got to see him as a Red Lantern again! But here’s the thing, the comic also brought back a storyline Guy fans hate – the whole reveal that he’s descended from an alien race called Warrior who specialized in making living weapons. It was a wild issue, bringing back both high points and… let’s just say, controversial moments from his history.

Experience Versus Raw Attitude

Apokolips transported Jay and Guy to the lab where Jay originally received his powers, and commanded them to fight a best-two-out-of-three match to the death. Jay attempted to de-escalate the situation by suggesting a game of checkers, hoping to hold onto their compassion, but Guy didn’t know how to play and immediately became enraged, unintentionally winning the first round. Though he’d won initially, Guy understood the threat posed by Jay’s speed and quickly decided he needed a significant power boost to defeat him decisively.

The Heart allowed both fighters to transform into versions of themselves from different times – past and future. Guy chose to become a Red Lantern again, embracing a cruel persona. Energized by winning the first round, Guy intended to destroy everything and defeat Jay once more, but he was surprised when Jay connected with the Speed Force. Guy attempted to defend himself, but Red Lantern rings aren’t known for their protective abilities, and he was quickly defeated. Since his powerful form had been easily destroyed, Guy knew he needed a completely new strategy for the final round.

Jay strongly advised Guy to show respect for his elders, and Guy took the message to heart. Remembering his heritage, Guy embraced his Vuldarian side – a lineage of warriors who protected the universe. He transformed into his warrior persona, summoning the spirits of his ancestors to battle Jay, bringing forth an even older generation of powerful beings. Guy ultimately won, defeating Jay and promising to handle Darkseid as well. Ironically, he achieved victory using the very form he disliked the most.

A Man With Many Faces, But a Singular Thought

Guy Gardner has played many roles throughout his history. While he’s best known as a Green Lantern, he’s also led the Red Lantern Corps, been the last of the Vuldarians, and even briefly used Sinestro’s power ring. Despite all these changes and how fans have reacted, Guy remains fundamentally the same person: a tough, often-angry man who always tries his best, even if that means fighting. He’s stubborn, headstrong, and never quite content, but he consistently strives to do what’s right.

What makes Guy Gardner such a compelling character isn’t his past adventures, but the consistent drive behind them: his need to prove himself. He desperately wants to be a hero, but his impulsive and rough personality often sabotages his efforts. Yet, despite his flaws, Guy always finds a way to fight for what’s right, utilizing whatever resources are available. Whether it’s his identity or his powers, one thing remains constant: Guy will fight tirelessly, with unwavering confidence. This is what makes him so appealing, and a look back at his history clearly demonstrates this core trait.

The Flash #28 is on sale now!

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2025-12-25 23:16