The trailer for the upcoming DC Universe (DCU) series Lanterns has sparked intense debate among comic book fans, especially over its distinct True Detective-style tone. Starring Aaron Pierre as John Stewart and Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan, the series diverges from the traditional grand space opera typically linked to these characters, which has led some viewers to question its faithfulness to the original Lanterns comics. The differences in tone and approach have fueled speculation about how closely the new show will align with the source material.
Just hours before the Lanterns trailer premiered, filmmaker James Gunn shared a revealing image on social media featuring a collection of key Green Lantern comics, accompanied by the caption “Their legacies continue.” The post highlighted titles that prominently include both Hal Jordan and John Stewart. Similar to Marvel’s strategy of highlighting essential comic runs ahead of major releases, Gunn’s selection of these comics appears to hint at the story influences for Lanterns, acknowledging the characters’ past while pointing to the DCU’s future direction.
James Gunn Highlights the Influential Green Lantern Comics Behind Lanterns
Among the comics James Gunn posted, several key issues stand out, such as a piece showing Hal Jordan and John Stewart teaming up, which reflects the core dynamic of the Lanterns series. One of the most iconic inclusions is Green Lantern #87 from 1971, recognized as John Stewart’s first appearance. Written by Denny O’Neil and illustrated by Neil Adams, this issue was part of the Green Lantern/Green Arrow storyline known as Hard Traveling Heroes. This arc follows Hal Jordan and Oliver Queen on a road trip across America, exploring societal issues and contrasting political views. It marked a significant moment as John Stewart became DC’s first Black superhero, adding important cultural weight to the series.
Another crucial work featured is the 2021 omnibus Green Lantern: John Stewart – A Celebration of 50 Years, which includes key stories spanning John Stewart’s comic history. Notably, Green Lantern #182 appears, depicting a powerless Hal Jordan after he steps away from the Lanterns, with the Guardians seeking a new replacement. This plotline aligns with scenes glimpsed in the Lanterns trailer where John Stewart comes into focus as a Lantern newcomer.
Also part of Gunn’s selection is the 2018 graphic novel Green Lantern: Earth One Vol. 1 by Gabriel Hardman and Corinna Bechko, which presents a darker, more sci-fi grounded retelling of Green Lantern’s lore. This work draws inspiration from films like 2001: A Space Odyssey and Interstellar, contrasting with the traditional pulp sci-fi themes of earlier comics. Interestingly, Gunn has used imagery from Earth One multiple times to promote Lanterns, reinforcing its aesthetic and thematic influence on the show.
Finally, Gunn shared an Alex Ross variant cover of Green Lantern Vol. 4 #1, part of Geoff Johns’ influential run starting in 2005 after Green Lantern: Rebirth. Johns’ tenure redefined much of Green Lantern’s mythology by introducing the emotional spectrum and multiple Lantern Corps, including memorable story arcs such as The Sinestro Corps War and Blackest Night. The prominence of Johns’ work signals the importance of his vision to Lanterns’ creative direction.
Adapting the Comics Into Lanterns’ Storyline
Lanterns seems to adapt elements from the Hard Traveling Heroes arc, substituting John Stewart for Green Arrow as Hal Jordan’s partner. This approach takes the Green Lantern mythos back down to Earth, reflecting the series’ Nebraska setting and its focus on interpersonal and ideological conflict, much like the 1970s comics that grounded the cosmic hero in the American heartland after a poor reception of the 2011 Green Lantern film. The show blends these roots with the grounded tone seen in Green Lantern: Earth One.
The series adds a buddy-cop dynamic, positioning John Stewart as the rookie Lantern working alongside the veteran Hal Jordan. Writers Damon Lindelof, Chris Mundy, and Tom King appear to incorporate elements from both Hard Traveling Heroes and Geoff Johns’ 2008 miniseries Green Lantern: Secret Origin, which starred a young Hal Jordan under Sinestro’s mentorship. However, Lanterns reimagines this as John Stewart’s origin story instead.
Geoff Johns’ Green Lantern series is pivotal, as he remains one of the most influential writers in the character’s modern history. With James Gunn hinting that the mystery investigated by Stewart and Jordan has massive repercussions for the entire DCU, it suggests the storyline will surpass typical Lantern tales. Although distinct from the Salvation Run plot teased in Peacemaker Season 2, Gunn’s spotlight on Johns’ comics hints at a connection to the notable Blackest Night saga.
The Central Mystery Driving the DCU Plot
Blackest Night, a large crossover event published between June 2009 and May 2010, involved William Hand (The Black Hand) wielding the Black Power Battery to create the Black Lantern Corps, an army of undead Lanterns capable of resurrecting the dead and corrupting resurrected heroes. The storyline was a significant threat that united many Lantern Corps to save the universe. While adapting Blackest Night immediately may seem premature, its lore about the Guardians of the Universe and hidden truths is essential to Lanterns’ underlying mystery.
Central to Blackest Night is the revelation that Earth—rather than Oa, home of the Guardians—is where all life in the universe originated through the Life Entity, a cosmic being tied to the emotional spectrum. The Guardians concealed this truth to protect the Life Entity and preserve their control. This concealed secret involving Earth’s cosmic significance could be a major factor in Lanterns’ plot.
Hal Jordan and John Stewart’s investigation in the series may lead them to uncover a broader cosmic conspiracy, potentially involving the Guardians’ manipulation and cover-ups. What begins as a seemingly grounded murder mystery could drag them into complex universe-wide revelations, possibly exposing threats like Brainiac, who is set to appear in the upcoming Man of Tomorrow movie.
The Guardians’ dubious history—ranging from creating the deadly Manhunters to lying about Oa—could position them as corrupt leaders within Lanterns. The series may culminate with Stewart and Jordan challenging this corrupt regime, potentially dismantling the Green Lantern Corps as it currently exists and necessitating its reconstruction, akin to the reboot in Green Lantern: Earth One.
Lanterns, therefore, serves as a gateway to introduce viewers to an expansive cosmic mythology. It sets the stage for major Lantern Corps conflicts, such as the Sinestro Corps War and the War of Light, and might even pave the way for the Justice League’s formation. The creative team clearly draws deeply from Green Lantern comics, crafting a narrative that honors the source’s complexity while creating an original, emotionally charged story.
Key Actors Bringing Lanterns to Life
The series stars Aaron Pierre as John Stewart and Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan, exploring the dynamics between the rookie and veteran Lanterns. Nathan Fillion will play Guy Gardner, another prominent Green Lantern character, while Kelly Macdonald portrays Sheriff Kerry, a figure situated in the Nebraska heartland setting. This casting hints at a mix of grounded, human drama layered with cosmic stakes.
