Each Friday, we'll be letting a different DC.com writer share what they'll be reading over the weekend and why you might want to check it out. Here's this week's suggestion for a perfect Weekend Escape!
 

The Absolute universe is a brand-new alternate universe highlighting established DC characters in fresh and unique ways. The newest title to join the line is this week’s Absolute Green Lantern by Al Ewing and Jahnoy Lindsay, which introduces the Absolute take on Sojourner “Jo” Mullein. Don't know Jo Mullein? Well, she initially debuted in the twelve-issue limited series Far Sector. From fighting oppression to engaging in interstellar romance, Far Sector has it all. So, what are you doing this weekend? Because you should absolutely—see what I did there?—check out this thematically relevant and exciting science fiction comic book by N.K Jemisin and Jamal Campbell.
 

The Premise:

In the farthest corner of the galaxy, emotion is illegal. The City Enduring is a thriving metropolis city planet home to twenty billion people of three different species. The Nah are aerial predators similar to humans, @Ats (pronounced “at-ats”) are artificially intelligent cybernetic symbiotes, and the Keh-Topli are carnivorous plant people. After a war between them nearly wiped out all three species, every citizen is now born with their emotions suppressed via the Emotional Exploit, a biocybernetic virus that blocks people from feeling. As a tool to avoid conflict, it’s been a success, and for five hundred years there have been no violent crimes within the City Enduring.

Until now.

Somebody’s been murdered. As a society, the City Enduring isn’t equipped to deal with crimes of passion, so they call in an expert on living with and controlling emotions—Green Lantern Sojourner “Jo” Mullein. With the help of a new type of lantern ring that doesn’t require an external battery to charge, Jo is alone at the edge of the universe trying to keep the peace. Power plays, politics and rebellion take center stage in this thrilling sci-fi space adventure.
 

Let’s Talk Talent:

N.K. Jemisin is a celebrated science fiction and fantasy writer known for books such as The Fifth Season and The City We Became. The New York Times has said Jemisin is “the most celebrated science fiction and fantasy writer of our generation.” Far Sector was her graphic novel debut. Jemisin’s work is an example of great science fiction in the sense that it explores real life themes relevant to our society today represented and woven into a technically advanced setting. There is so much to learn about the human condition from reading Far Sector.  

Jamal Campbell brings the world of Far Sector to life with striking colors and crisp art. Campbell is a DC alumni who also drew the acclaimed Naomi and is currently writing and illustrating Zatanna. In many ways, the job of an artist is similar to that of an actor—to visually portray emotions and feelings. Campbell does so by drawing people’s expressions in a powerful way that makes me feel like these characters are genuinely real—I feel for them. I also love his heavy use of cyan with blues, purples and pinks. The choice in hue transports us to this intergalactic and far away world that’s visually so different from our own.
 

A Few Reasons to Read:

• As great science fiction does, Far Sector explores themes prevalent to our own society. Though the City Enduring is light years away from the world we know, their struggles are incredibly human. We see themes such as oppression, classicism, government corruption and the threat of fascism affect these three species. This is a story about power. Who really has it? Ultimately this story explores what makes us human (philosophically!). In spite of these difficult circumstances, we witness the spirit of rebellion spread hope throughout this far away solar system.
   
• Jo Mullein is an incredible original character. Jo represents what a hero is. Her backstory shows us that she has always wanted to help people. And when she sees injustice around her, she stands up even when she has something to lose—that’s something that takes a lot of courage. Jo is always ready to fight for people and save lives. She also shows us that being a hero doesn’t mean you won’t make mistakes or experience fear. Jo isn’t perfect, but that’s what makes her real.

On top of that, she is also just so cool.

• Jo Mullein shows us that emotions are not a weakness. When Jo first arrives at the City Enduring, her emotions are viewed as an ailment and a weakness. She is looked down upon and othered because of her decision to keep her emotions while on planet. As time goes on, Jo shows us that emotions are a strength and an integral way to connect to the people around you. This story explores the question: who are we without emotions? Jo represents both physical and mental strength and doesn’t hide her emotions. I think that is true strength and bravery.
   
• Bisexual romance! While Jo Mullein might be fighting for justice and freedom, she also knows how to have fun. We see her bravely try alien street food, learn how to fly with the locals and develop interpersonal relationships—like romantic ones! Jo explores a couple of potential love interests in this series. As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, she proudly and openly pursues whoever she wants regardless of their gender in Far Sector. And yes, dating in a world where everyone else has suppressed emotions is complicated!
   

Why It’s Worth Your Time:

Far Sector is a fantastic science fiction story featuring a main character who represents what a hero is. Jo Mullein proves to be an incredibly human character that brings a lot of depth to this story. Though she is an intergalactic hero, her experiences are ones so many people can relate to. Whether or not you have ever read a Green Lantern comic, you can pick up and enjoy this excellently crafted space adventure story. Jo Mullein is one of my favorite DC characters, and I’m excited to see her leading her own series again in Absolute Green Lantern.
 

Far Sector by N.K. Jemisin and Jamal Campbell is available as a graphic novel collection in bookstores, comic shops, libraries and digital retailers. It can also be read in full on DC UNIVERSE INFINITE.

Sami DeMonster writes about superheroes, horror and sci-fi for DC.com and reviews comics every week on social media. Follow her at @samidemonster on Instagram and Substack.

NOTE: The views and opinions expressed in this feature are solely those of Sami DeMonster and do not necessarily reflect those of DC or Warner Bros. Discovery, nor should they be read as confirmation or denial of future DC plans.