While the gallery has very little to do with comics, its purveyors bring a similar childlike sense of wonder to the programming and marketing of the gallery, its events and its exhibits. Witness "A Night at the Races," a contest for supremacy between remote-controlled pie cars, a performance by Samantha Martin's adorably talented "acro-cats," or even The Brickheadz' post-modern "economical" break dancing. No matter how incredible or esoteric, Green Lantern's offerings cater to an audience ready for something a little more daring and fun.

Executive director Carolyn Picard named her Wicker Park gallery after an iconic comic book figure who she calls "kind of a lame superhero." A painter, cartoonist and bookbinder who's also the singer and tambourine player for "absurdist" indie rock band Thee Iran Contras, Picard embodies the kind of hands-on approach to the art projects her gallery cultivates. In 2006 the gallery launched Green Lantern Press, publishing hand-bound volumes of young writers' poetry and prose illustrated by friends of the gallery.

The space also happens to be Ms. Picard's apartment; the more formal white-walled cube gives way to an open kitchen in back. Stay long enough and you'll feel at home, engaged not only in the work but in the personalities and culture surrounding it.

Centerstage Reviewer: Justin Sondak