Former DC Comics artist Ethan Van Sciver has unexpectedly voiced support for the upcoming series Lanterns, created by James Gunn and others, amid fan anticipation for his own long-awaited projects Cyberfrog #3 and Reignbow the Brute. Van Sciver’s endorsement of Lanterns marks a notable moment given his history with DC Comics and his leadership role in ComicsGate.
Van Sciver’s Background and the Unexpected Endorsement
Ethan Van Sciver first gained renown for his work on Green Lantern alongside writer Geoff Johns, but his career at DC Comics ended amid political disagreements. Following his departure, Van Sciver became a prominent figure in ComicsGate, a crowdfunding-driven movement promoting conservative comic creators independent of mainstream publishers.
Because of this background, Van Sciver’s public defense of Lanterns, a series linked to James Gunn, Tom King, and Damon Lindelof—all seen as representing progressive or “woke” viewpoints—came as a surprise to many fans. Some speculate that Van Sciver might receive royalties connected to character usage, especially since he co-created Atroticus with Johns, a character rumored to appear in Lanterns. However, his supportive comments suggest his opinion is not merely financially motivated.
Ethan Van Sciver’s Response to Criticism of Lanterns
Following the release of the Lanterns trailer, which drew mixed reactions including disappointment from legendary artist Alex Ross, Van Sciver defended the show vehemently on social media. He addressed backlash related to a video of Damon Lindelof joking about the “Green” in Green Lantern being a silly concept, a joke that some fans took seriously.
Van Sciver entered a heated thread after the seangunnburner account dismissed criticism as “obviously a joke.” When another user challenged the defenders of the show, seangunnburner responded with a confident rebuke, saying,
“No. I’m unconcerned with what people like you think of me. And frankly I’m almost certainly smarter than 99.9% of the people that think I’m a fool.”
Van Sciver then added his voice, criticizing the internet culture around pop culture debates:
100% this. I’m so tired of arguing with the internet defending basic shit from people determined to be victimized by pop culture, and being greeted like Anne Coulter on the Bill Maher show when she said Trump would win back in 2015,
Ethan Van Sciver said.
He further defended Lindelof, explaining the joke’s intent:
Lindelof was joking. He doesn’t think ‘green’ is stupid. He said that as a provocative joke to anger nerds. ‘How could the guy making a show about Green Lantern think the color green is stupid?! GRRRRR!!!.’
Van Sciver emphasized the show’s title and scope by stating,
The show is called LANTERNS because it will also introduce other colors on the spectrum. At least Yellow.
Insights and Optimism About the Lanterns Series
Ethan Van Sciver offered further insights that hint at the series’ tone and content. He praised Lanterns for appearing to take an adult drama and mystery first approach, with superhero elements playing a supporting role. Van Sciver noted the absence of green constructs and superhero action in the trailer, adding that key characters like Sinestro are present in every episode but intentionally withheld from early footage:
Obviously, they’re holding back the green constructs and superhero stuff in this trailer. Sinestro is in every episode, and we don’t see him in these two minutes. There is a reason for that. They’re holding their fire.
He went on to predict critical acclaim for the show, comparing it favorably to series such as Barbarian, Weapons, and True Detective, which shares the same showrunner:
I have a feeling this show will win Emmys. The cast is solid,
Van Sciver said.
They seem inspired by Zach Cregger and Nic Pizzolatto. We’re in for something substantial, folks. Wait and see!
Directly addressing James Gunn upon the trailer’s release, Van Sciver expressed trust and respect:
Thank you, Mr. Gunn. This looks very good, very respectable. Captures the souls of Hal and John in a way the GL movie failed to do. I trust you.
Insider Perspectives Suggest Lanterns Will Deliver
According to insiders, Lanterns begins with a grounded narrative before expanding into larger sci-fi territory, which adds to the show’s appeal. Given James Gunn’s mixed reception for work like Peacemaker, many fans remain cautious toward new DC Universe projects, yet Van Sciver’s endorsement provides a contrasting viewpoint that the series may be a strong addition to the franchise.
Van Sciver’s defense and insider commentary offer hope that Lanterns could overcome skepticism and deliver a fresh, serious tone aligned with the legacy of Green Lantern while expanding the universe in new directions. The involvement of high-profile creators like Gunn, Tom King, and Lindelof, combined with Van Sciver’s endorsement, makes Lanterns a highly anticipated show to watch for both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
100% this. I'm so tired of arguing with the internet defending basic shit from people determined to be victimized by pop culture, and being greeted like Anne Coulter on the Bill Maher show when she said Trump would win back in 2015.
Lindelof was joking. He doesn't think…
— ETHAN VAN SCIVER (@EthanVanSciver) March 6, 2026
Thank you, Mr. Gunn. This looks very good, very respectable. Captures the souls of Hal and John in a way the GL movie failed to do.
I trust you.
— ETHAN VAN SCIVER (@EthanVanSciver) March 4, 2026
