Green Lantern: Emerald Knights is an anthology film of Lantern tales told as a cataclysmic crisis mounts that could spell the end of the universe.
Buy Green Lantern: Emerald KnightsShadow Demons have entered this dimension through a rift in the sun at the behest of villainous Krona, who created the Antimatter Universe billions of years ago. To prepare for the fight and the evacuation of the Guardians home planet Oa. newly recruited Green Lantern Arisa (Elizabeth Moss) expresses doubts as she is just a student who received the ring three days ago. Her mentor Hal Jordan (Nathan Fillion) tells her a story to infuse her with confidence.
Written by Michael Green & Marc Guggenheim, the first story is that of Avra, the first Lantern after the Guardians formed the ring. Although a simple scribe, he rose to the challenge among four who were chosen. He proved his mettle on the battlefield. Hal is now the owner of Avra’s ring. Between each story, the danger of Krona increases.
Written by Peter J. Tomasi, based on his “New Blood” from Blackest Night: Tales of the Corps #3, Kilowog tells of his time in training. Under the tough Sgt. Deegan, the recruits are taken to a planet with a volcano and their rings taken away to prove themselves. Kilowog challenges Deegan and then fights alongside when an emergency occurs. Understanding Deegan’s abrasiveness, Kilowog has taken his personality when he trains.
Written by Eddie Berganza, based on “What Price Honor?” by Ruben Diaz and Travis Charest from Green Lantern Corps Quarterly #6, Hal tells of Laira on her first solo mission. She returns home to inquire about the war crimes committed by her family, which leads to fight with father, who is jealous he was not chosen by the ring, though it’s obvious why it wasn’t.
The original author of the next two stories doesn’t wish to be identified, which will identify to some fans and other readers can do more research. The original illustrator Dave Gibbons of “Mogo Doesn’t Socialize” from Green Lantern (Volume 2) #188 takes on the writing chores for a story about Bolphunga, who seeks out all warriors with the desire to defeat so comes to a planet to challenge Mogo, which doesn’t turn out as expected.
Written by Geoff Johns, based on “Tygers” from Tales of the Green Lantern Corps Annual #2, Sinestro tells a story about teaming up with Abin Sur to defeat a creature who names Sinestro as future villain causing the defeat of the Guardians.
After Oa has been evacuated, the Lanterns battle against Krona and the Shadow Demons. Arisa proves her worth by devising a plan to defeat the antimatter villain.
The anthology aspect of Green Lantern: Emerald Knights works because Arisa is perfect as a stand-in for the viewer as she needs to be told these stories. The animation style is consistent through the different stories and the animators keep the action interesting. The voice cast does a good job bringing the characters to life.
