Character Spotlight – Arisia Rrab (Green Lantern)

Arisia is an alien humanoid from the planet Graxos IV, first appearing in Tales of the Green Lantern #1.  She is characterized by golden-yellow skin, hair and eyes and having pointed elven ears.  Her full name is Arisia Rrab and the character was created by Mike W. Barr, Len Wein and Joe Staton.

Unlike other Green Lanterns who become chosen by the ring upon their predecessors death, Arisia’s family members inherit the ring.  This is explained in the comics (Blackest Night: Tales of the Corps #3) when it is revealed that all the previous ring bearers were in her family tree.  (Her Father Fentara and Uncle Blish were the Lanterns of their space sector 2815)  Arisia was selected as the recipient of the ring after her Uncle Blish gave his life serving the Corps.

Originally inheriting the ring as a teenager, Arisia subconsciously used the ring to transform her teenage body to a young adult woman.  This was due to Arisia’s crush on Hal Jordan.  Though Hal Jordan did not return Arisia’s affections at first, he eventual came to terms with her as an adult and the two did date for a time. 

Arisia served as a member of the Green Lantern Corps until her death at the hands of Guy Gardner (Guy Gardner: Warrior #43 published June 1996).  However, she had NOT really died.  In actuality, her alien body had entered a natural state of healing and regenerating.  The Cyborg Superman knew this and brought her body to Biot (homeworld of the Manhunters) and used her as a power source along with many other Green Lanterns.  She was later rescued by Hal Jordan and Guy Gardner.