Green Lantern: Circle of Fire # 1 2000 VF

Green Lantern: Circle of Fire # 1, published by DC Comics in 2000, is the opening chapter of a seven-part crossover event starring Green Lantern Kyle Rayner. The story follows Rayner as he faces a nightmarish cosmic entity called Oblivion, a character he originally created as a child for a comic book. 

Story Synopsis: "Darkness Visible"

The issue begins with the planet Rann under siege by Oblivion, an entity capable of creating black holes. 

• A Personal Threat: Kyle Rayner is shocked to discover that Oblivion is an exact replica of a supervillain he invented as a young boy.
• Justice League Defeat: The JLA attempts to stop the entity but is quickly overpowered. Superman eventually sends Kyle back to Earth to gather reinforcements.
• The Reinforcements: While the JLA is busy with a crime spree on Earth, Kyle is joined by Power Girl, the Atom, and Firestorm.
• New Lanterns Appear: At the end of the issue, six mysterious new Green Lanterns from different timelines and universes arrive to assist Kyle. 

The "Circle of Fire" Crossover Structure

This issue serves as the "bookend" that sets up the larger event, which consists of several one-shot team-up comics. 

• Writing & Art: The issue was written by Brian K. Vaughan with art by Cary Nord and Mark Lipka.
• The Six New Lanterns: The team of reinforcements includes unique variations of the Green Lantern such as Pel Tavin (a 13th-century knight), Green Lightning (a descendant of Kyle and Wally West), and a Manhunter android designated G.L. 7177.6.
• Legacy and Impact: The event is cited by reviewers as a critical turning point for Kyle Rayner, evolving his character from a "rookie" to a more responsible hero.