The DC Universe’s upcoming series, Lanterns, which stars Aaron Pierre as John Stewart and Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan, has sparked intense debate since the release of its trailer. James Gunn Lanterns Comics are at the center of this discussion as fans question the show’s True Detective-style atmosphere, which differs from the larger-than-life space epic tone usually tied to these characters’ comic adventures.
James Gunn Highlights Key Green Lantern Comics Behind Lanterns
The day before the Lanterns trailer officially premiered, James Gunn shared an image on social media showcasing several classic Green Lantern comic covers featuring both Hal Jordan and John Stewart, accompanied by the message, Their legacies continue. This selection appears to honor past storylines while hinting at the series’ narrative direction within the DCU.
Among the featured art is the iconic Green Lantern #87 from 1971, the debut of John Stewart written by Denny O’Neil with art by Neil Adams. This issue belongs to the Hard Traveling Heroes arc, where Hal Jordan and Oliver Queen (Green Arrow) embark on a politically charged road trip across America. Their clashing beliefs deepen their friendship and ground the Green Lantern story in social realities, marking a turning point as John Stewart became DC’s first Black superhero.
Another highlighted work is Green Lantern: John Stewart – A Celebration of 50 Years (2021), which collects John Stewart’s milestones, including Green Lantern #182. This issue features a powerless Hal Jordan after stepping away from the Lanterns and the Guardians’ search for a replacement—an element that matches scenes glimpsed in the Lanterns trailer.
Gunn also brought attention to the 2018 graphic novel Green Lantern: Earth One Vol. 1, written by Gabriel Hardman and Corinna Bechko with art by Hardman. This reimagining blends hard science fiction influences from films like Interstellar and Gravity, offering a darker take on the Green Lantern mythos, distinct from the traditional pulp sci-fi style. Gunn previously showcased this cover while announcing DC’s Gods and Monsters slate, underscoring its thematic relevance to Lanterns.
Finally, the post included Alex Ross’ variant cover for Green Lantern Vol. 4 #1 (2005), which followed the events of Green Lantern: Rebirth. Written by Geoff Johns with artists Ethan Van Sciver and Carlos Pacheco, this run expanded the Green Lantern universe by introducing the emotional spectrum’s various Lantern Corps, including notable arcs such as The Sinestro Corps War and Blackest Night, cementing Johns’ importance in shaping Green Lantern’s modern history.
Adapting Classic Comic Arcs for the Lanterns Series
Lanterns draws noticeable inspiration from the Hard Traveling Heroes storyline, with John Stewart stepping in where Green Arrow once was. Much like the 1970s comics humanized Hal Jordan by placing him in grounded, ideological conflicts, the series transplants its cosmic heroes to Nebraska’s heartland to explore their complexities. This Earth-centered approach echoes the tone of Green Lantern: Earth One, balancing cosmic lore with earthly realism.
The show also introduces a buddy-cop dynamic, with Stewart portrayed as the rookie and Jordan as the seasoned veteran. Showrunners Damon Lindelof, Chris Mundy, and Tom King appear to blend Hard Traveling Heroes with elements from Geoff Johns’ 2008 Green Lantern: Secret Origin miniseries. The latter detailed Hal Jordan’s initiation, supervised by a veteran Sinestro, and their chase of the Red Lantern Atrocitus, weaving in a conspiracy involving William Hand, who later becomes the villain Black Hand. In Lanterns, the focus shifts to a Secret Origin story for John Stewart.
Geoff Johns’ influence remains pivotal because of his foundational role in defining modern Green Lantern mythology. James Gunn has suggested in past interviews and trailers that the mystery driving Lanterns will have significant consequences for the entire DC Universe, distinct from the Salvation Run storyline teased in Peacemaker Season 2. His spotlight on Johns’ work hints at a possible build-up to the Blackest Night saga — one of the most consequential Green Lantern comic events.
The Central Enigma Shaping the DC Universe
Released between 2009 and 2010, the Blackest Night crossover revolved around William Hand, who becomes the Black Hand, wielding the Black Power battery to summon the Black Lantern Corps. These zombie-like Lanterns threatened life by resurrecting the dead and turning fallen heroes into antagonistic forces. Defeating this menace required all Lantern Corps to unite, safeguarding the universe.
While it may be premature for Lanterns to fully adapt Blackest Night, the story uncovers a crucial secret about the DC Universe’s origins. Traditionally, Oa—the homeworld of the Guardians of the Universe and Green Lantern Corps’ headquarters—was believed to be the universe’s birthplace. However, Blackest Night reveals that life actually began on Earth through the emergence of the Life Entity, a cosmic force linked to the emotional spectrum. The Guardians concealed this truth to protect the Entity and legitimize their rule, painting their authority in a misleading light.
This narrative revelation could be at the heart of Lanterns’ mystery. The show’s Earth-based investigation by Hal Jordan and John Stewart might evolve from a straightforward crime story into an exploration of a cosmic conspiracy. The Guardians’ history of deception—such as their creation of the dangerous Manhunters and cover-ups around Oa—suggests the Guardians could be portrayed as corrupt enforcers, with Lanterns depicting the unraveling of their power.
Lanterns may culminate with the two leads exposing the Guardians’ deceit, resulting in the Corps’ collapse and eventual rebuilding, mirroring themes from Green Lantern: Earth One. By using a murder mystery framework, the series can gradually introduce its audience to a vast and complex cosmic mythology drawn heavily from Green Lantern comics. This foundation could pave the way for future storylines, including the Sinestro Corps Wars, the War of Light, and possibly the Justice League’s formation.
Core Cast Bringing Lanterns to Life
The series stars Aaron Pierre as John Stewart and Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan, anchoring the partnership at Lanterns’ core. Nathan Fillion joins as Guy Gardner, and Kelly Macdonald plays Sheriff Kerry, adding depth to the character ensemble grounded in Nebraska’s heartland. This cast supports the blend of grounded storytelling with cosmic stakes that the show aims to deliver.
