You’re reading The Complete Infinite Crisis, a Comprehensive and Encyclopedic look through the universe-changing superhero event published by DC from 2005 to 2006. Shelfdust are proud to provide a complete overview of the story, and everything that happens in it. We’ve had to get some experts in though – there’s so much going on that needs to be explained!

Things are getting cosmic now, and we’re shining some light on all of the Green Lanterns we can! Even the ones who, ahem, aren’t even part of Infinite Crisis. Don’t tell anyone, Daniel Adkins! But what you could tell us is… who’s the newest Green Lantern on the scene?

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Daniel! There’s a new Green Lantern on Earth apparently? Who is Jessica Cruz?

Daniel Adkins: Jessica Cruz is just the latest in a long line of Earthlings to be given the green ring of willpower and become an officer of the Green Lantern Corps!

Of course, that wasn’t her first ring to sling, as she was originally thrust into the world of superheroes when she was sought out by the Ring of Volthoom from Earth 3 to become its new host as Power Ring. Ultimately, she was able to overcome Volthoom’s influence and used the ring for good as a member of the Justice League. When the Ring of Volthoom was destroyed during the events of Darkseid War, Jess was given a proper power ring and made a full member of the Corps.

What’s her deal? What kind of a person is she, and what’s she like as a Lantern?

Adkins: Probably the least confident person in her own abilities, Jess’s journey as a Lantern has all been about overcoming her insecurities. After she saw her friends murdered on a hunting trip, she was left traumatized and acutely agoraphobic. In fact, it was this intense fear that caused Volthoom to seek her out in the first place.

Thankfully, with the help of Barry Allen and the rest of the League, Jess began to take the first steps on her road to recovery. And as she got better and better at being a superhero/space cop, both during her time on Earth with Simon Baz or in space as leader of the Justice League Odyssey, she also became a healthier person. She perfectly embodies the idea of a Green Lantern having “the ability to overcome great fear”. As someone who has also struggled with mental health issues and depression myself, it’s very aspirational to see that aspect brought to the forefront.

Oh, and she loves Pokémon. Cause who doesn’t?

How does she get on with the other Lanterns – are they friends, enemies, or a mix of the two?

Adkins: Sadly, since her debut in 2014, Jess actually hasn’t spent very much time with her fellow Green Lanterns. She’s closest with Simon Baz, a fellow newbie who was drafted into the Corps in the midst of an Epic Cosmic Crossover(TM), whom she was stationed on Earth with during 2016’s Green Lanterns series. While their relationship had a rocky start, the two soon became a dynamic duo, learning from each other and growing as people.

And while there were hints their feelings for one another may be more than platonic, it hasn’t really progressed further than that. As far as Lanterns of other colors go, she isn’t the biggest fan of Red Lanterns, but did count Dex-Starr among her allies in Justice League Odyssey.

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Thank you Daniel! Simon Baz though, you say? Who the heck is Simon Baz?! We’re going to need a Simon Baz expert to get over here, ASAP!

 

Daniel Adkins is a professional actor and writer who has written about comics in various forms on-and-off over the past decade. When not trying to get one of his million projects off the ground, he can usually be found on Twitter musing about comics and fighting the evils of capitalism.