Green Lantern #23.3: Black Hand # 1 3D Lenticular Cover 2013 NM

Green Lantern #23.3: Black Hand #1 (2013) is a standalone issue that explores the villain's latest resurrection during the "Forever Evil" storyline, where heroes have disappeared and chaos reigns. 

Main Plot

The story begins with William Hand (Black Hand), who was previously reduced to dust, physically reforming in his family's funeral parlor during the anarchy of "Forever Evil". He suffers from temporary amnesia, stumbling around Coast City in a dazed state as he slowly regains his memories and powers. 

He is soon arrested by the local police who, in a moment of black humor, reveal they've actually had zombie-killing training. While in his jail cell, Black Hand rediscovers his abilities by reanimating a dead cockroach. He builds on this, learning to control the "death virus" to kill and reanimate those around him, which allows him to engineer a prison break and create an ever-growing army of the undead. 

The issue is a character study in black comedy and horror, as Black Hand embraces the opportunity to spread death in a world without heroes to stop him. The issue concludes with a significant and personal twist: Black Hand travels to the grave of Martin Jordan (Hal Jordan's father) and raises his corpse, not just to add to his army, but with the twisted intention of using Martin's hand as a weapon against his son, Hal Jordan. 

Key Details

• Creative Team: The issue was written by Charles Soule and illustrated by Alberto Ponticelli.
• Context: Published as part of DC's "Villains Month" event, which tied into the main Forever Evil crossover, this issue sets up Black Hand's return to the Green Lantern universe and leads into the "Lights Out" storyline.
• New Power Development: The story gives Black Hand a new dimension to his powers, focusing on his ability to manipulate dead viruses and raise the dead into a controllable zombie army, rather than relying solely on a Black Lantern power ring (though one is on his finger to maintain him).