Hal Jordan & the Green Lantern Corps 16 page 6 by Rafa Sandoval & Jordi Tarragona

This is another page from the same issue I already own a splash from:

https://www.comicartfans.com/my/SketchbookPieceDetail.asp?Loc=G&Piece=1490306

I found it in Jordi Tarragona’s portfolio’s during the last CAF convention and since my budget was not entirely spent, I went for it.

The issue features a massive fight between Guy Gardner and Arkillo of the yellow corps, before they ultimately bond and become friends. It also covers Guy’s abusive childhood by his father. I found that Venditti’s tenure on the GL book was a quality continuation of what Johns and Tomasi did and this was a very strong issue. Incidentally, Jordi told me it was his favorite of his run due to the big fight.

The first panel sets the location nicely as well as the public being awed by the outcome of the fight.

The second vertical panel is quite strong with the grinning alien with a bleeding nose. The use of shadows is particularly nice on his face.

Then the splashy money shot on Arkillo having won the fight. Like I previously wrote, I always liked the character who basically is Venom in space from a visual perspective (and whose 1st appearance I own for those who care: https://www.comicartfans.com/gallerypiece.asp?piece=484205 + https://www.comicartfans.com/gallerypiece.asp?piece=484548 ). The fact that he looks so massive while reclaiming his yellow ring was the true incentive to get the page. I also like how delicate he is in handling the ring, considering his size. Guy being decked, lying in a pool of his own blood, is always fun, whether Batman or anyone else is the culprit.

Then in the final two panels, we get a sense that the fight may not be as quickly over as we thought.

The head in the 4rth panel was obviously digitally copied from the 5th and to be frank, it bothered me a bit and made me hesitant to purchase the page (also probably the reason it sat in his inventory despite the splashy aspect of the page). But the price was right and the page offered some strong visuals. I could always bring the page to Rafa to “finish” next time I see him but I’m not sure it would be a wise move to do if done during a convention as this would require the utmost precision in order for the 2 panels to match.

Let’s notice the great use of layouts on the page and the tremendous precise and lush inks by Jordi. Some blood was also added by the colorist on Arkillo’s hand throughout the page.