Best Green Lantern Comics Ever Written

With over 80 years of ring-wielding superheroes, it could be a tough task to nail down the best Green Lantern comics ever written. Here at Quality Comix, we’ve researched the best stories featuring the intergalactic law enforcement agency known as the Green Lantern Corps to come out of DC Comics, to help you choose the greatest Green Lantern tales to read! Whether you’re just starting out with Green Lantern comics or you’re a seasoned fan, you won’t go far wrong with our list of the top 20 stories ever written. Let's Jump In!

 

1. Blackest Night (Vol. 1) #2

Key Comic Facts
Issue #2 of Blackest Night Vol. 1 has a cover date of October 2009. It was written by Geoff Johns, with pencils by Ivan Reis, ink by Oclair Albert and Julio Ferreira, and colour by Alex Sinclair. It was edited by Eddie Berganza. This issue is the second chapter (the third chapter, if we count issue #0) of Blackest Night, one of the most famous and intense Green Lantern stories.

What’s the story?
Three stories are explored in this issue: Hal Jordan’s search for Martian Manhunter, aided by Det. Gordon; the burial of Aquaman, led by Mera and Tempest; and the grief-stricken Hawkman, after losing Jean Loring.

What’s it worth?
Only top grading copies of Blackest Night #2 have been sold at auction, with the highest price belonging to a 9.6 graded book, sold for $160 in February 2010, after increasing its 2009 value of $29. The lowest price and grading both belong to an 8.5 graded book, sold only once for $20 in April 2022.

 

2. Green Lantern (Vol. 2) #40

Key Comic Facts
Issue #40 of Green Lantern Vol. 2 is called “Secret Origin of the Guardians!”. It has a cover date of October 1965. It was written by John Broome, with pencils by Gil Kane and ink by Sid Greene. It was edited by Julius Schwartz. This was one of the first stories developing the DC’s Multiverse, as two Green Lanterns, from Earth 1 and Earth 2, meet in this issue.

What’s the story?
Alan Scott, the Green Lantern from Earth 2, finds out his ring is malfunctioning, so he goes on a quest to look for Hal Jordan (Green Lantern from Earth 1) so they can find a way to solve the ring issue together.

What’s it worth?
The mint-condition copy of Green Lantern #40 is a 9.6 graded book, sold in September 2021 for $5,200. In 2018, it was valued at $3,300. Another copy, rated 6.0, had a July 2022 price of $211, decreasing its value of $350 from a few months earlier. And a 1.8 graded book sold in February 2014 had a value of $26, slightly decreasing its $35 value from 2013.

 

3. Showcase (Vol. !) #22

Key Comic Facts
Issue #22 of Showcase Vol. 1 is called “S.O.S. Green Lantern”. It has a cover date of October 1959. It was written by John Broome, with pencils by Gil Kane and ink by Joe Giella. It was edited by Julius Schwartz. This story was released between Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 of Green Lantern, and it was used to reimagine the superhero and show his origin story.

What’s the story?
The issue features Green Lantern’s origin story: how Abin Sur crashed on Earth and a pilot named Hal Jordan finds him, becoming the next Green Lantern. After watching Abin Sur pass away, Hal becomes a superhero.

What’s it worth?
The top price for a copy of Showcase #22 is a whopping $105,000, paid in April 2020 for a 9.2 graded copy. In its previous sale in 2017, it was valued even higher at $149,300. Other auction prices include $2,600 for a 4.0 rated copy sold in April 2018, increasing its 2017 value of $2,271; and $900 for an incomplete 0.5 copy, sold in September 2020 - slightly decreasing its $1,080 value from some months before.

 

4. Green Lantern (Vol. 2) #188

Key Comic Facts
Issue #188 of Green Lantern Vol. 2 is called “Decent Exposure”. It has a cover date of May 1985. It was written by Steve Englehart, with pencils by Joe Staton, ink by Bruce D. Patterson and colour by Anthony Tollin. It was edited by Andrew Helfer. Even though the central story of issue #188 is called “Decent Exposure”, one of the best Green Lantern stories is the second tale featured in this book, “Tales of the Green Lantern Corps: Mogo Doesn't Socialize”.

What’s the story?
The story follows an alien barbarian on his search of a barren planet. He is hunting for Mogo, a rogue member of the Green Lantern Corps. After many years of searching, he finally discovers the shocking truth: Mogo is the planet.

What’s it worth?
Only four copies of Green Lantern #188 have been sold at auction, all top-grading books. The highest price belongs to a 9.8 graded copy sold in September 2021 for $201. Some months before, it was valued at $100. The lowest price for one of these copies is $25, and it belongs to a 9.2 rated copy sold in January 2017, after increasing its $10 value from 2006.

 

5. Green Lantern: Sinestro Corps Special (Vol. 1) #1

Key Comic Facts
Issue #1 of Green Lantern: Sinestro Corps Special Vol. 1 has a cover date of August 2007. It was written by Geoff Johns, with pencils, ink and colour by Ethan Van Sciver. It was edited by Peter Tomasi. This is a one-shot released in 2007. It’s considered one of the best Green Lantern issues ever written during Geoff Johns run as a writer for the comic.

What’s the story?
Green Lantern's arch enemy Sinestro decides to go to war with the Corps, and amasses a yellow army of fear to achieve victory. It’s a spectacular battle, where the fundamental laws of the Green Lantern Corps are rewritten, the emotional spectrum of light is introduced and an entire legion of Lanterns are slaughtered.

What’s it worth?
Only a handful of Green Lantern: Sinestro Corps Special #1 copies have been auctioned, with the highest grading book being a 9.8, sold for $175 in May 2022. Its price has increased since 2021, when it was valued at $50. The lowest grading book ever auctioned also has a high grading, being a 9.0 copy sold in February 2018 for $10. This book has been sold only once.

 

6. Green Lantern (Vol. 3) #48

Key Comic Facts
Issue #48 of Green Lantern Vol. 3 is called “Emerald Twilight, Part One: The Past”. It has a cover date of January 1994. It was written by Ron Marz, with pencils by Bill Willingham, ink by Romeo Tanghal and Robert Campanella; and colour by Anthony Tollin. It was edited by Andrew Helfer. This issue kicks off one of the most famous Green Lantern storylines, called “Emerald Twilight”. It spans issues #48, #49 and #50.

What’s the story?
Stricken with rage after losing his home of Coast City, Hal Jordan attempts to recreate it through sheer force of will. Blinded with power and betraying his oath to not to use the ring for personal gain, Hal wages a one-man war on Oa to revive his lost home. A lot of Green Lantern corps perish in Hal’s rise to power, and finally, he absorbs the power of the central battery and emerges as a newly established villain – Parallax. It’s a classic “villain wins” story; very popular at the time.

What’s it worth?
A 9.8 copy of Green Lantern #48 holds the highest price and grading for this issue at auction, after selling for $266 in August 2022. Some months before it was valued at $314. A 6.0 graded copy, on the other hand, holds the lowest grading and price. It was sold for $20 in December 2020, and it hasn’t been sold again since.

 

7. Green Lantern (Vol. 2) #195

Key Comic Facts
Issue #195 of Green Lantern Vol. 2 is called “4”. It has a cover date of December 1985. It was written by Steve Englehart, with pencils by Joe Staton, ink by Bruce D. Patterson and colour by Anthony Tollin. It was edited by Andrew Helfer. The comic event “Crisis on Infinite Earths” kicks off with this issue and spans issues #195 to #198.

What’s the story?
Since John Stewart is now fighting for the Monitor, Guy Gardner becomes an active Green Lantern. This goes poorly and the fate of the Green Lanterns is now in the hands of Hal Jordan and Guy Gardner, as they face off against Sinestro and John Stewart.

What’s it worth?
The top price for Green Lantern #195 is $300, paid in July 2022 for a 9.8 graded copy. This was the only time this copy was auctioned. A 7.5 rated copy had a value of $25 as of August 2022, increasing its $6 value from 2007, and a 3.0 graded copy was sold in January 2003 for just $2 in its first and only sale.

 

8. Green Lantern/Green Arrow (Vol. 1) #5

Key Comic Facts
Issue #5 of Green Lantern/Green Arrow Vol. 1 is called “Peril in Plastic". It has a cover date of 1983. It was written by Dennis O'Neil, with pencils by Neal Adams, ink by Bernie Wrightson and colour by Cody Adams. It was edited by Julius Schwartz. This comic paints a very accurate and detailed picture of drug addiction, a thoroughly discussed topic at the time.

What’s the story?
A drug bust carried out by the police uncovers an unlikely addict in Green Arrow's young ward Speedy. Hal Jordan takes on the task to help the young guy kick his nasty habit.

What’s it worth?
There are only two recorded sales for copies of Green Lantern/Green Arrow #5. One is a 9.8 graded book sold in March 2022 for $100, and the other is a 9.6 graded copy valued at $10 in March 2005. Both issues have only been sold once.

 

9. Green Lantern (Vol. 2) #87

Key Comic Facts
Issue #87 of Green Lantern Vol. 2 is called “Beware My Power!”. It has a cover date of January 1972. It was written by Dennis O'Neil, with pencils by Neal Adams and ink by Dick Giordano. It was edited by Julius Schwartz.This issue portrays the dangers of free speech when it becomes too free and starts being hateful. It’s a very well written story involving racism, power and other interesting concepts.

What’s the story?
Guy Gardner was the designated substitute for Hal Jordan as Green Lantern, but he gets injured in a bus crash. John Stewart makes an appearance, and he and Hal go to stop a presidential candidate about to start a racial conflict. However, John refuses to wear his mask to make a statement. Hal then has to balance and be the voice of reason behind John’s rage.

What’s it worth?
The mint-condition copy of Green Lantern #87 is a 9.8 graded book, which holds a price of $10,500 as of March 2022. This price is an increase from its 2020 value of $6,500. A 6.5 graded book was sold in June 2022 for $485, slightly increasing its $475 value from 2021. And a 1.8 graded book was sold only once for $85 in April 2020.

 

10. Green Lantern: Earth One (Vol. 1) #1

Key Comic Facts
Issue #1 of Green Lantern: Earth One Vol. 1 has a cover date of May 2018. It was written by Corinna Bechko and Gabriel Hardman, with pencils and ink by Gabriel Hardman, and colour by Jordan Boyd. It was edited by Kristy Quinn. This series is one of the latest stories released with Green Lantern, and reimagines Hal Jordan as a self-isolated astronaut, with huge influence from Alien.

What’s the story?
In this story, the Corps are shattered, and the Green Lanterns were almost extinguished by the robotic Manhunters. Hal Jordan gets his power ring from Abin Sur's dead hand (in this universe anyone can wield the power rings, placing the focus entirely on the strength of the wielder) but isolates himself and has no contact with other Lanterns, since the story’s premise is that the Green Lanterns are hobbyists pantomiming a long-dead way of life.

What’s it worth?
There are no recorded auction sales for any issues of Green Lantern: Earth One #1.

 

11. All-American Comics (Vol. 1) #16

Key Comic Facts
Issue #16 of All-American Comics Vol. 1 is called “The Origin of Green Lantern”. It has a cover date of July 1940. It was written by Bill Finger, with pencils and ink by Martin Nodell. It was edited by Sheldon Mayer. This issue features the original origin story of the superhero Green Lantern, back when it was portrayed by Alan Scott, which then became ‘Earth 2’ Green Lantern.

What’s the story?
Alan Scott, a railroad worker, was working and minding his own business when he found a Jade Lamp and carved it into a ring to harness its powers, becoming the Green Lantern.

What’s it worth?
The top quality book of All-American Comics #16 is an 8.0 graded copy sold in August 2013 for a whopping $203,150. But there’s a 6.5 rated copy sold in February 2018 that was valued even higher, at $215,100, after increasing its 2015 value of $110,530. The lowest grading and price is held by a 0.5 copy, sold for $2,766 in December 2013 after decreasing its $3,100 from earlier that year.

 

12. Green Lantern: Mosaic (Vol. 1) #1

Key Comic Facts
Issue #1 of Green Lantern: Mosaic Vol. 1 is called “Do You Want to See?”. It has a cover date of June 1992. It was written by Gerard Jones, with pencils by Curly Hamner, ink by Dan Panosian, and colour by Steve Mattsson. It was edited by Kevin Dooley. This issue deepens into the story of John Stewart, making him a clear member of the Corps.

What’s the story?
The story follows John Stewart as he observes the varied creatures of Oa, and he describes the relationship he has with them. He has created a road linking each of the Mosaic's cities, and he focuses on protecting the planet's citizens. Still, John is tormented by the spirit of the Old-timer, but he accepts his responsibility as defender of the Mosaic either way.

What’s it worth?
Only three mid-to-high grading copies of Green Lantern: Mosaic #1 have been auctioned: a 9.8 graded book sold for $85 in July 2022; a 9.6 graded copy valued at $50 in September 2021; and an 8.0 graded book valued at $16 as of October 2020. All three books have only been sold once.

 

13. Green Lantern: Willworld (Vol. 1) #1

Key Comic Facts
Issue #1 of Green Lantern: Willworld Vol. 1 has a cover date of July 2001. It was written by J.M. DeMatteis, with pencils and ink by Seth Fisher and colour by Chris Chuckry. It was edited by Joey Cavalieri. This is a one-shot released in 2001, and is considered a parody of some sorts, due to the fact that the artwork is very weird and, some say, uncomfortable to look at. Regardless, the story is interesting and told in a great way, and therefore deserves its spot as one of the best Green Lantern appearances.

What’s the story?
The comic is seen as a hallucination by Hal Jordan, as it features extremely experimental artwork and script. The story follows, basically, the day-to-day living of the Corps.

What’s it worth?
There are no recorded auction sales for any issues of Green Lantern: Willworld #1.

 

14. The Green Lantern (Vol. 1) #1

Key Comic Facts
Issue #1 of The Green Lantern Vol. 1 is called “Intergalactic Lawman”. It has a cover date of January 2019. It was written by Grant Morrison, with pencils and ink by Liam Sharp, and colour by Steve Oliff. It was edited by Brian Cunningham. This issue was the revival of the series, beginning again with the numbering “Vol. 1 #1”. To differentiate it from the original comics, the title now has a “The” before “Green Lantern”.

What’s the story?
Hal Jordan is unemployed and waiting for his girlfriend to come have dinner, but suddenly gets attacked by some alien beings disguised as humans. After beating them, they manage to escape and Hal follows them. Then, a Green Lantern appears and recruits Hal on his mission to rescue a stolen ring and avoid horrible consequences.

What’s it worth?
The top price for a copy of The Green Lantern #1 is $267, paid in January 2022 for a 9.8 graded copy. This price is a decrease from its value of $400 in 2021. The lowest auction price, on the other hand, is $70 for an 8.5 graded book that changed hands in October 2019.

 

15. Green Lantern: Rebirth (Vol. 1) #1

Key Comic Facts
Issue #1 of Green Lantern: Rebirth Vol. 1 is called “Blackest Night”. It has a cover date of December 2004. It was written by Geoff Johns, with pencils and ink by Ethan Van Sciver and colour by Moose Baumann. It was edited by Peter Tomasi. Geoff Johns manages to recover Hal Jordan and separate him from Parallax, returning the Corps their greatest foe and freeing Hal from the damage done to him in previous stories.

What’s the story?
The story follows a tired Hal Jordan, who after going to a ball game with Guy Gardner and John Stewart starts to feel depressed and leaves. This is following all the events involving Hal being bad and becoming Parallax, so he’s still dealing with the consequences of it. In the JSA headquarters, the heroes discuss the possibility that Hal’s reappearance is all a cover story and he’s actually trying to get more power.

What’s it worth?
The mint-condition copy of Green Lantern: Rebirth #1 is a 9.8 rated book, sold for $85 in August 2022. In 2021, it was valued at $111. The book with the lowest rating to ever sell at auction is a 7.5 rated copy valued at $8 in January 2014, when it was sold for the first and only time.

 

16. Green Lanterns (Vol. 1) #10

Key Comic Facts
Issue #10 of Green Lanterns Vol. 1 is called “The Phantom Lantern: Part One”. It has a cover date of January 2017. It was written by Sam Humphries, with pencils by Eduardo Pansica, ink by Julio Ferreira, and colour by Blond. It was edited by Eddie Berganza. This issue marks the first full appearance of Frank Laminski as the antagonist Phantom Lantern, in one of the best storylines from the new generation of Green Lantern comics.

What’s the story?
The story follows the latest human Green Lanterns: Simon Baz and Jessica Cruz. The two of them start bonding due to their inexperience, but are soon put to the test when they face Phantom Lantern, a foe that is capable of controlling the entirety of the Emotional Spectrum that powers the Corps.

What’s it worth?
Only one copy of Green Lanterns #10 has been sold at auction: it’s a 9.8 rated book sold for $16 in June 2020 for the first and only time.

 

17. Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps (Vol. 1) #1

Key Comic Facts
Issue #1 of Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps Vol. 1 is called “Sinestro's Law, Part One: The Last Lantern”. It has a cover date of September 2016. It was written by Robert Venditti, with pencils by Rafa Sandoval, ink by Jordi Tarragona, and colour by Tomeu Morey. It was edited by Eddie Berganza. This story is highly regarded since it returns the Green Lantern Corps to their status of a peace-keeping force to be reckoned with in the Universe, after years of comics where they’ve been minimized and pushed around.

What’s the story?
The story follows the Green Lantern Corps as they make it back to their universe, but are greeted by Sinestro and his Corps and they immediately get thrown into combat. But this time, they not only shut down Sinestro’s Corps, but they manage to re-establish themselves as a powerful unit, capable of facing the world’s most dangerous threats.

What’s it worth?
There are no recorded auction sales for any issues of Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps #1.

 

18. Green Lantern (Vol. 4) #10

Key Comic Facts
Issue #10 of Green Lantern Vol. 4 is called “Revenge of the Green Lanterns, Part One”. It has a cover date of May 2006. It was written by Geoff Johns, with pencils by Ivan Reis, ink by Marc Campos and colour by Moose Baumann. It was edited by Peter Tomasi. This issue kicks-off the “Revenge of the Green Lanterns” event, which ended four issues later in issue #13.

What’s the story?
Hal Jordan is back as the Green Lantern of Sector 2814, determined to be the hero he once was. He launches a mission to rescue some Corps that were believed dead and he finds out that those are the Corps he faced when he was possessed by Parallax. He then goes with the remaining Lanterns to Biot, to face Cyborg-Superman and the Manhunters and save the Lost Lanterns, in order to restore the Green Lantern Corps to its former glory.

What’s it worth?
The only copy of Green Lantern #10 to ever sell at auction it’s a 9.8 rated book, sold for $90 in July 2022, after increasing its $52 value from earlier that year.

 

19. Green Lantern Corps: Recharge (Vol. 1) #1

Key Comic Facts
Issue #1 of Green Lantern Corps: Recharge Vol. 1 is called “The Gathering”. It has a cover date of December 2004. It was written by Geoff Johns, with pencils by Patrick Gleason, ink by Prentis Rollins and Christian Alamy; and colour by Moose Baumann. It was edited by Peter Tomasi. This story takes place after Hal Jordan’s path of destruction, and it features Kyle Rayner, Guy Gardner and Kilowog.

What’s the story?
After Hal gets possessed by Parallax and leaves a trail of destruction, the new Corps is being formed. The new members (and old ones who returned) find a threat looming that requires all of their might and willpower to face-off.

What’s it worth?
A 9.8 graded book of Green Lantern Corps: Recharge #1 is the only copy of this issue to ever sell at auction. It sold for a price of $59 in August 2022. However, in 2020 it was valued at $81.

 

20. DC: The New Frontier (Vol. 1) #1

Key Comic Facts
Issue #1 of DC: The New Frontier Vol. 1 is called “Our Fighting Forces”. It has a cover date of March 2004. It was written, pencilled and inked by Darwyn Cooke, with colour by Dave Stewart. It was edited by Mark Chiarello. The premise of this series is that, in the 50s, the superheroes were outlawed, so now they are forced to operate in the shadows or be considered criminals.

What’s the story?
As evil forces threaten the earth, the superheroes that spend their life in hiding must join forces to save the planet while avoiding capture as they do it. It’s not specifically a Green Lantern focused story, but it is an amazing tale and worth a read everytime.

What’s it worth?
Only three copies of DC: The New Frontier #1 have been sold at auction. The top price belongs to a 9.8 rated book sold for $75 in January 2022, after decreasing its 2019 value of $83. The lowest price belongs to a 9.4 graded book valued at $11 in April 2019, when it was sold for the first and only time.

 

So there we have it! The best Green Lantern comics ever written. We’ve journeyed through origin stories, evil possessions and the many iterations of the ring-bearing hero we all know and love. Did your favorite Green Lantern comic make the list? If you’re a seasoned comic book collector, why not check out what your collection could be worth in our Comic Price Guide? Or if you’d rather add to your collection than send your comics to a new home, take a look through our new arrivals to see if you can find your next comic book at Quality Comix.