Green Lanterns # 1 2016 NM-

Green Lanterns #1 (2016) focuses on the rookie Green Lanterns Simon Baz and Jessica Cruz as they are forced to partner up and protect Earth from an impending invasion by the Red Lantern Corps. 

Main Plot

Hal Jordan, the veteran Green Lantern of Earth's sector, leaves Earth to handle a crisis in deep space, but not before assigning the protection of the planet to the two most inexperienced Lanterns: Simon Baz and Jessica Cruz. To ensure they work together and stay in close proximity, he merges their power batteries into a single one that they must share. 

The issue begins with the new partners responding to an "unauthorized alien incursion" in a remote area of Arizona, which leads them to a disturbing crime scene where citizens have succumbed to a mysterious, rage-inducing influence. The situation quickly escalates, and a massive "rage-powered Hell Tower" emerges from the desert, coinciding with the arrival of government agency A.R.G.U.S.. 

Meanwhile, in space, the tyrannical leader of the Red Lanterns, Atrocitus, along with Bleez and Dex-Starr, sets their plan in motion to infect the entire Earth with their murderous red rage. 

Key Details

• Characters: The primary focus is on the dynamic between the untested Simon Baz (who carries a physical gun in addition to his ring) and the agoraphobic Jessica Cruz. Their contrasting personalities and inexperience provide the main source of tension and growth throughout the series' initial arc.
• Villains: The main antagonists introduced are the Red Lanterns, led by Atrocitus, who seek to use Earth as the source of a new, massive rage-fueled battery.
• Tone: Reviewers from outlets like Wethenerdy.com note a grittier tone compared to previous Green Lantern stories, with the art reflecting the dark, gory nature of the rage infection.
• Creative Team: The series was launched as part of the DC Rebirth initiative, written by Sam Humphries with art by Robson Rocha and contributions from superstar writer Geoff Johns. 

The issue ends with Simon and Jessica overwhelmed by the situation, setting the stage for their battle against the Red Lantern threat in the subsequent issues that make up the "Rage Planet" storyline.