Green Lantern (Kyle Rayner) Reading Order

This reading order is designed to give an outline of major storylines featuring Green Lantern (Kyle Rayner) throughout DC Comics. It may not encompass every one of his appearances but is an outline of the major ones and the stories that affect them.

The continuity details relating to each specific storyline are explained in the “Review” of each storyline. Every “Review” link will provide a detailed continuity breakdown of that story and will explain any reference the story makes to other aspects of the DC Universe. All of this can be found under the “Continuity” section of each link.

Jump to: New 52 – Rebirth

New 52

With the start of the New 52, the DC Universe was reset. However, Kyle Rayner and most characters related to the Green Lantern series were less affected by this reset than other characters. It appears as if most of Kyle’s solo history was preserved, specifically his origin story and his relationship with Alex DeWitt. However, connections to the Justice League and other larger superhero teams appear to have been erased, mostly since this continuity did not have these teams.

Kyle Rayner’s major appearances in this era mostly play out through the Green Lantern: New Guardians series, in which he had a starring role. His role in this series also allowed him to take part in numerous Green Lantern crossover events, including Rise of the Third Army (Reading Order), Wrath of the First Lantern (Reading Order), Lights Out (Reading Order), and Godhead (Reading Order). After the Green Lantern: New Guardians series ended, Kyle went on to star in the Omega Men series.

Blue Beetle issues are from the Vol. 8 series
Green Lantern Corps issues are from the Vol. 3 series
Green Lantern issues are from the Vol. 5 series
Omega Men issues are from the Vol. 3 series

Notes

1. Kyle only plays a small role in this issue. However, it helps explain his situation in Green Lantern: New Guardians #16.
2. These issues both serve as the first issue in a larger crossover event. Kyle only makes a cameo appearance in these issues but they help provide a lot of context for the event as a whole.

Rebirth

The transition from the New 52 to the Rebirth era had a very minimal impact on Kyle Rayner. His status as White Lantern was maintained and it seems almost all of his adventures were kept intact. The only change is that the White Lantern Corps, established in the final Green Lantern: New Guardians story arc, is never seen nor mentioned again.

Kyle's major Rebirth appearances mostly play out through the Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps series. His contributions to that series range from large to small but his presence in it continues throughout its run. Besides this, he also makes a few appearances alongside Simon Baz (Reading Order) and Jessica Cruz in the Green Lanterns series.

HJatGLC = Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps

Notes

1. This issue is a broad overview of the Green Lantern Corps' future. Kyle is a part of this future but does not play a large role in the issue so it can be skipped if desired.
2. These issues are mostly focused on Simon Baz and Jessica Cruz. However, they feature Kyle Rayner as a mentor and begin to establish his relationship with these newer Lanterns. 
3. The events of these issues are mostly focused on other characters. However, they also contain contributions from Kyle and help present a more complete look at the story running through this series.
4. This story arc introduces some changes for the Green Lantern Corps as a whole. Kyle does not have a large role in the arc but appears as a supporting character throughout it.

All DC Comics Reading Orders