Green Lantern (comic book)
Encyclopedia
Green Lantern is an ongoing comic book
series featuring the DC Comics
hero
es of the same name
. The character's first incarnation, Alan Scott
, appeared in All-American Comics #16, and was later spun off into the first volume of Green Lantern in 1941. That series was canceled in 1949 after 39 issues. When Silver Age Green Lantern Hal Jordan
was introduced, that character starred in a new volume of Green Lantern starting in 1960 and has been the main protagonist of the Green Lantern mythos for the majority of the last fifty years.
Although the Green Lantern is considered a mainstay in the DC Comics
stable, the series has been canceled and rebooted several times. The first series featuring Hal Jordan was canceled at issue #224, but was restarted with a third volume and a new #1 issue in June 1990. When sales began slipping in the early 1990s, DC Comics instituted a controversial editorial mandate that turned Hal Jordan into the supervillain Parallax
and created a new main protagonist named Kyle Rayner
. This third volume ended publication in 2004, when the miniseries Green Lantern: Rebirth
brought Hal Jordan back as a heroic character once more. After Rebirths conclusion, writer Geoff Johns
began a fourth volume of Green Lantern from 2005 to 2011, and a fifth volume which started immediately after, this time showcasing both Hal Jordan and Sinestro as Green Lanterns.
is taken from Edwards Air Force Base
in California to a dying alien in a crashed ship. The alien, Abin Sur
, tells Jordan that he has the ability to overcome great fear, and asks if he will accept the power ring of the Green Lantern Corps
, an intergalactic law enforcement unit operating throughout the universe. Jordan reluctantly accepts, and is trained on the planet Oa
where he becomes a legendary officer of the Corps. Operating from Earth and throughout Space Sector 2814, Jordan defends the Earth and its neighbors from domestic and extraterrestrial threats as the Green Lantern.
joined DC Comics in the 1950s, he envisioned bringing many old DC characters back in new and interesting ways. Some of Schwartz's more notable reinventions include bringing back the Justice Society of America
as the Justice League of America
, re-imagining the Golden Age Flash
as a new character who worked as a police scientist, and completely rebooting the Green Lantern series by making it science based rather than magic based, and by introducing the Green Lantern Corps
.
, the very first Green Lantern character, created by writer/graphic artist Martin Nodell
. Alan's first adventures began in the anthology series, All-American Comics, beginning with issue #16. Although there have been several subsequent Green Lantern revival projects over the years, this remains the only series to date to spotlight the character of Alan Scott.
After the cancellation in 1949, editor Julius Schwartz joined DC in the 1950s and commissioned the re-imagining of the character, which premiered in Showcase #22 and launched into its own series in 1960.
Volume 2 of Green Lantern began publication in August 1960. The series spotlighted the Silver Age Green Lantern, Hal Jordan
and introduced the expansive mythology surrounding Hal’s fore-bearers in the Green Lantern Corps
. Green Arrow
joined Jordan in the main feature of the title in an acclaimed, but short-lived series of stories by O'Neil and Adams that dealt with various social and political issues in which Green Arrow spoke for radical change while Green Lantern was an establishment liberal figure, wanting to work within existing institutions of government and law. Where Oliver Queen advocated direct action, Hal Jordan wanted to work within the system; where Oliver advocated social change, Jordan was more concerned about dealing with criminals. Each would find their beliefs challenged by the other. Oliver convinced Jordan to see beyond his strict obedience to the Green Lantern Corps
, to help those who were neglected or discriminated against. As O'Neil explained: "He would be a hot-tempered anarchist to contrast with the cerebral, sedate model citizen who was the Green Lantern." The duo embarked on a quest to find America, witnessing the problems of corruption, racism, pollution, and overpopulation confronting the nation. Writer Denny O'Neil even took on current events, such as the Manson Family
cult murders, in issues #78-79 ("A Kind of Loving") where Black Canary
falls briefly under the spell of a false prophet who advocates violence.
It was during this period that the most famous Green Arrow story appeared, in Green Lantern vol. 2, #85-86
, when it was revealed that Green Arrow's ward Speedy
was addicted to heroin.
In his zeal to save America, Oliver Queen had failed in his personal responsibility to Speedy — who would overcome his addiction with the help of Black Canary
, Green Arrow's then-love interest. This story prompted a congratulatory letter from the mayor of New York, John Lindsay
. Unfortunately, the series did not match commercial expectations, perhaps because of its mature topics, and Neal Adams had trouble with deadlines, causing issue #88 to be an unscheduled reprint issue; the series was canceled with issue #89 (April–May 1972).
The series returned with issue #90 (Aug.-Sept. 1976) and continued the Green Lantern/Green Arrow team format. In issue #123, Hal Jordan resumed the title spotlight and Green Arrow moved on as a backup feature in Detective Comics
. In issue #182, architect John Stewart
(who had been introduced previously in issue #87) became the title's primary character. Following the double-sized 200th issue, the format changed again, this time altering the title's name to Green Lantern Corps and focusing upon the seven members of a Earth-based contingent of the Corps (including Jordan and Stewart). The series remained as such until its cancellation in 1988 with issue #224.
."
"Emerald Twilight" detailed that in the aftermath of the destruction of Hal Jordan's hometown Coast City
(which occurred as part of the Death of Superman storyline), Jordan was shown going mad with grief by trying to use his power to resurrect the city and its inhabitants. The Guardians of the Universe
found fault with Jordan and stated their intent to strip him of his ring. Jordan responded angrily, and sought not only the destruction of the Guardians, but the Green Lantern Corps itself. He killed countless Green Lanterns in his rampage through the universe to Oa
, seemingly killed his arch enemy Sinestro
, killed the Guardians and took the power of Oa
's Central Power Battery for himself. Gaining unimaginable power over space and time, Jordan became the supervillain Parallax
and with that, became the leading antagonist going into DC's 1994 event Zero Hour: Crisis in Time.
After this, Kyle Rayner
, a young art student, was introduced as the new protagonist and the "last" Green Lantern, since there was no longer a Corps. Writers Ron Marz
and Judd Winick
both had long runs with the character, building Rayner's popularity so much that he was included in the lineup of Grant Morrison
's Justice League
relaunch JLA, and slowly reintroduced more familiar Green lantern aspects over the ten years Rayner had in the title. Volume 3 culminated in a revival of the Guardians of the Universe, the introduction of Ion
, and Kyle taking a journey into space that led directly into the miniseries Green Lantern: Rebirth
.
. Trying to rebuild his life, Hal Jordan has moved to the nearly deserted Coast City, which is slowly being reconstructed. He has been reinstated as a Captain in the United States Air Force, and works in the Test Pilot Program at Edwards Air Force Base
. The series introduces new supporting characters for Hal, most notably a man from Hal's past, Air Force's General Jonathan "Herc" Stone, who learned Hal's secret as Green Lantern during a battle with the Manhunters and acts as his ally. He also begins to develop a romantic attraction with his fellow pilot, the beautiful Captain Jillian "Cowgirl" Pearlman
. The returning characters also include Carol Ferris, Tom Kalmaku, and Hal's younger brother James Jordan with his sister-in-law Susan and their children, Howard and Jane.
In his new title, he faces revamped versions of his Silver Age foes such as Hector Hammond
, The Shark
and Black Hand
. As part of DC's reconning of the entire universe, as of Green Lantern vol. 4, #10, the book has skipped ahead one year
, bringing drastic changes to Hal Jordan's life, as with every other hero in the DC Universe. It is revealed that Jordan spent time as a P.O.W. in an un-named conflict and has feelings of guilt from his inability to free himself and his fellow Captives.
A new account of Green Lantern's origins was released in the 2008 Green Lantern series "Secret Origin
." In this new origin, Hal Jordan, is working as an assistant mechanic under Tom Kalmaku himself, barred from flying due to his insubordination while in the U.S.A.F.
and his employers lingering guilt about his father's death in the line of duty, when Abin Sur
, fighting Atrocitus
of the Five Inversion, crashes near Coast City. Hal and the rest of the Green Lantern Corps find themselves at war with Sinestro
and his army, the Sinestro Corps
during the events of the Sinestro Corps War
Leading into the Blackest Night storyline, the Rage of the Red Lanterns arc features Jordan making use of both Red
and Blue
power rings. In the Agent Orange
story arc, Hal Jordan is briefly in command of Larfleeze's power battery after he steals it from him in a battle. The orange light of avarice converses with Jordan, his costume changes, and he becomes an Orange Lantern. However, Larfleeze quickly takes his power battery back from Jordan. The Green Lantern mythology is center stage with the DC crossover event Blackest Night, which sees dead heroes and villains across the DC Universe becoming active as members of the Black Lantern Corps
. Combating Black Lanterns with fellow DC characters Flash, Atom
, and Mera
, Jordan fights alongside the high profile members of every corps in the emotional spectrum, and oversees new DC characters inductions into all the other corps. Jordan and his "New Guardians" move with the other new corps members to combat the Black Lantern Corps and Nekron
directly.
In the second issue, Sinestro and Hal Jordan are attacked by a member of the Sinestro Corps. Together, they defeat him and Sinestro attempts to convince Hal Jordan of the importance of destroying the Sinestro Corps on Korugar.
In the third issue, Hal Jordan is hesitant to join Sinestro without first speaking to Miss Ferris, his lover. Sinestro convinces him otherwise, and they leave for Korugar. Upon arriving at Korugar, they devise a plan to wait until dark to attack. Sinestro decides to distract the majority of the Yellow Lanterns on the surface, allowing Jordan to fly into the corps central power battery, which he designed to shut down when a green lantern entered it. The plan nearly falls apart when Sinestro sees Arsona about to be killed, and flies in to save her. Hal Jordan completes his portion of the plan, flying into the yellow lantern power battery. However a fail safe that Sinestro is unaware of kicks in, and Jordan, believing Sinestro set him up, curses Sinestro as he was disintegrated inside the battery, shocking Sinestro.
:
Green Lantern (vol. 1):
Green Lantern (vol. 2):
Green Lantern (vol. 3):
Green Lantern (vol. 4):
Collections with multi-series spans:
Comic book
A comic book or comicbook is a magazine made up of comics, narrative artwork in the form of separate panels that represent individual scenes, often accompanied by dialog as well as including...
series featuring the DC Comics
DC Comics
DC Comics, Inc. is one of the largest and most successful companies operating in the market for American comic books and related media. It is the publishing unit of DC Entertainment a company of Warner Bros. Entertainment, which itself is owned by Time Warner...
hero
Hero
A hero , in Greek mythology and folklore, was originally a demigod, their cult being one of the most distinctive features of ancient Greek religion...
es of the same name
Green Lantern
The Green Lantern is the shared primary alias of several fictional characters, superheroes appearing in comic books published by DC Comics. The first Green Lantern was created by writer Bill Finger and artist Martin Nodell in All-American Comics #16 .Each Green Lantern possesses a power ring and...
. The character's first incarnation, Alan Scott
Alan Scott
Alan Scott is a fictional character, a superhero in the and the first superhero to bear the name Green Lantern.-Publication history:The original Green Lantern was created by young struggling artist Martin Nodell, who was inspired by the sight of a New York Subway employee waving a red lantern to...
, appeared in All-American Comics #16, and was later spun off into the first volume of Green Lantern in 1941. That series was canceled in 1949 after 39 issues. When Silver Age Green Lantern Hal Jordan
Hal Jordan
Harold "Hal" Jordan is a DC Comics superhero known as Green Lantern, the first human shown to join the Green Lantern Corps and a founding member of the Justice League of America. Jordan is the second DC Comics character to adopt the Green Lantern moniker...
was introduced, that character starred in a new volume of Green Lantern starting in 1960 and has been the main protagonist of the Green Lantern mythos for the majority of the last fifty years.
Although the Green Lantern is considered a mainstay in the DC Comics
DC Comics
DC Comics, Inc. is one of the largest and most successful companies operating in the market for American comic books and related media. It is the publishing unit of DC Entertainment a company of Warner Bros. Entertainment, which itself is owned by Time Warner...
stable, the series has been canceled and rebooted several times. The first series featuring Hal Jordan was canceled at issue #224, but was restarted with a third volume and a new #1 issue in June 1990. When sales began slipping in the early 1990s, DC Comics instituted a controversial editorial mandate that turned Hal Jordan into the supervillain Parallax
Parallax (comics)
Parallax is a fictional comic book supervillain in the DC Comics universe. Created by writer Ron Marz and artist Darryl Banks for Green Lantern vol...
and created a new main protagonist named Kyle Rayner
Kyle Rayner
Kyle Rayner is a fictional comic book superhero appearing in books published by DC Comics, usually in those starring the Green Lantern Corps, an extraterrestrial police force of which Rayner is a member. Created by writer Ron Marz and artist Darryl Banks, Rayner first appeared in Green Lantern vol...
. This third volume ended publication in 2004, when the miniseries Green Lantern: Rebirth
Green Lantern: Rebirth
Green Lantern: Rebirth was a six-issue monthly American comic book limited series written by Geoff Johns and illustrated by Ethan Van Sciver...
brought Hal Jordan back as a heroic character once more. After Rebirths conclusion, writer Geoff Johns
Geoff Johns
Geoff Johns is an American comic book writer, best known for his work for DC Comics, where he has been Chief Creative Officer since February 2010, in particular for characters such as Green Lantern, The Flash and Superman...
began a fourth volume of Green Lantern from 2005 to 2011, and a fifth volume which started immediately after, this time showcasing both Hal Jordan and Sinestro as Green Lanterns.
Premise
Test pilot Hal JordanHal Jordan
Harold "Hal" Jordan is a DC Comics superhero known as Green Lantern, the first human shown to join the Green Lantern Corps and a founding member of the Justice League of America. Jordan is the second DC Comics character to adopt the Green Lantern moniker...
is taken from Edwards Air Force Base
Edwards Air Force Base
Edwards Air Force Base is a United States Air Force base located on the border of Kern County, Los Angeles County, and San Bernardino County, California, in the Antelope Valley. It is southwest of the central business district of North Edwards, California and due east of Rosamond.It is named in...
in California to a dying alien in a crashed ship. The alien, Abin Sur
Abin Sur
Abin Sur is a fictional character and a superhero from the DC Comics universe. He first appeared in Showcase #22 : "SOS Green Lantern". He was a member of the Green Lantern Corps and is best known as the predecessor of Green Lantern Hal Jordan, whom Abin Sur's power ring chose as his replacement...
, tells Jordan that he has the ability to overcome great fear, and asks if he will accept the power ring of the Green Lantern Corps
Green Lantern Corps
The Green Lantern Corps is the name of a fictional intergalactic military/police force appearing in comics published by DC Comics. They patrol the farthest reaches of the DC Universe at the behest of the Guardians, a race of immortals residing on the planet Oa...
, an intergalactic law enforcement unit operating throughout the universe. Jordan reluctantly accepts, and is trained on the planet Oa
Oa
Oa is a fictional planet that lies at the center of the DC Comics universe. Since its inception, Oa has been the planetary citadel of the Guardians of the Universe and the headquarters of the Green Lantern Corps...
where he becomes a legendary officer of the Corps. Operating from Earth and throughout Space Sector 2814, Jordan defends the Earth and its neighbors from domestic and extraterrestrial threats as the Green Lantern.
Publication history
After the cancellation of Green Lantern in 1949, the character was rather stagnant for the rest of the Golden Age era. When editor Julius SchwartzJulius Schwartz
Julius "Julie" Schwartz was a comic book and pulp magazine editor, and a science fiction agent and prominent fan. He was born in the Bronx, New York...
joined DC Comics in the 1950s, he envisioned bringing many old DC characters back in new and interesting ways. Some of Schwartz's more notable reinventions include bringing back the Justice Society of America
Justice Society of America
The Justice Society of America, or JSA, is a DC Comics superhero group, the first team of superheroes in comic book history. Conceived by editor Sheldon Mayer and writer Gardner Fox, the JSA first appeared in All Star Comics #3 ....
as the Justice League of America
Justice League
The Justice League, also called the Justice League of America or JLA, is a fictional superhero team that appears in comic books published by DC Comics....
, re-imagining the Golden Age Flash
Jay Garrick
Jay Garrick is a fictional character, a comic book superhero in the DC Comics universe and the first to use the name Flash.-The Flash:...
as a new character who worked as a police scientist, and completely rebooting the Green Lantern series by making it science based rather than magic based, and by introducing the Green Lantern Corps
Green Lantern Corps
The Green Lantern Corps is the name of a fictional intergalactic military/police force appearing in comics published by DC Comics. They patrol the farthest reaches of the DC Universe at the behest of the Guardians, a race of immortals residing on the planet Oa...
.
Volume 1 (1941-1949)
Volume 1 was published by National Periodical Publications from 1941 until 1949 spanning a total of 38 issues. The series featured Alan ScottAlan Scott
Alan Scott is a fictional character, a superhero in the and the first superhero to bear the name Green Lantern.-Publication history:The original Green Lantern was created by young struggling artist Martin Nodell, who was inspired by the sight of a New York Subway employee waving a red lantern to...
, the very first Green Lantern character, created by writer/graphic artist Martin Nodell
Martin Nodell
Martin Nodell was an American cartoonist and commercial artist, best known as the creator of the Golden Age superhero Green Lantern. Some of his work appeared under the pen name "Mart Dellon."-Early life and career:...
. Alan's first adventures began in the anthology series, All-American Comics, beginning with issue #16. Although there have been several subsequent Green Lantern revival projects over the years, this remains the only series to date to spotlight the character of Alan Scott.
After the cancellation in 1949, editor Julius Schwartz joined DC in the 1950s and commissioned the re-imagining of the character, which premiered in Showcase #22 and launched into its own series in 1960.
Volume 2 (1960-1988)
Hal Jordan
Harold "Hal" Jordan is a DC Comics superhero known as Green Lantern, the first human shown to join the Green Lantern Corps and a founding member of the Justice League of America. Jordan is the second DC Comics character to adopt the Green Lantern moniker...
and introduced the expansive mythology surrounding Hal’s fore-bearers in the Green Lantern Corps
Green Lantern Corps
The Green Lantern Corps is the name of a fictional intergalactic military/police force appearing in comics published by DC Comics. They patrol the farthest reaches of the DC Universe at the behest of the Guardians, a race of immortals residing on the planet Oa...
. Green Arrow
Green Arrow
Green Arrow is a fictional superhero that appears in comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Mort Weisinger and George Papp, he first appeared in More Fun Comics #73 in November 1941. His secret identity is Oliver Queen, billionaire and former mayor of fictional Star City...
joined Jordan in the main feature of the title in an acclaimed, but short-lived series of stories by O'Neil and Adams that dealt with various social and political issues in which Green Arrow spoke for radical change while Green Lantern was an establishment liberal figure, wanting to work within existing institutions of government and law. Where Oliver Queen advocated direct action, Hal Jordan wanted to work within the system; where Oliver advocated social change, Jordan was more concerned about dealing with criminals. Each would find their beliefs challenged by the other. Oliver convinced Jordan to see beyond his strict obedience to the Green Lantern Corps
Green Lantern Corps
The Green Lantern Corps is the name of a fictional intergalactic military/police force appearing in comics published by DC Comics. They patrol the farthest reaches of the DC Universe at the behest of the Guardians, a race of immortals residing on the planet Oa...
, to help those who were neglected or discriminated against. As O'Neil explained: "He would be a hot-tempered anarchist to contrast with the cerebral, sedate model citizen who was the Green Lantern." The duo embarked on a quest to find America, witnessing the problems of corruption, racism, pollution, and overpopulation confronting the nation. Writer Denny O'Neil even took on current events, such as the Manson Family
Charles Manson
Charles Milles Manson is an American criminal who led what became known as the Manson Family, a quasi-commune that arose in California in the late 1960s. He was found guilty of conspiracy to commit the Tate/LaBianca murders carried out by members of the group at his instruction...
cult murders, in issues #78-79 ("A Kind of Loving") where Black Canary
Black Canary
Black Canary is the name of two fictional characters, DC Comics superheroines created by writer Robert Kanigher and artist Carmine Infantino. The first Black Canary debuted appeared in Flash Comics #86 . The first Black Canary was the alter-ego of Dinah Drake, who took part in Golden Age adventures...
falls briefly under the spell of a false prophet who advocates violence.
It was during this period that the most famous Green Arrow story appeared, in Green Lantern vol. 2, #85-86
Snowbirds Don't Fly
"Snowbirds Don't Fly" is a two-part anti-drug comic book story arc which appeared in Green Lantern/Green Arrow issues 85 and 86, published by DC Comics in 1971. The story was written by Dennis O'Neil and Neal Adams, with latter also providing the art with Dick Giordano...
, when it was revealed that Green Arrow's ward Speedy
Roy Harper (comics)
Roy Harper is a fictional superhero in the DC Comics Universe. He was known for over fifty years as Green Arrow's teenage sidekick Speedy. He first appeared alongside his mentor in More Fun Comics #73...
was addicted to heroin.
In his zeal to save America, Oliver Queen had failed in his personal responsibility to Speedy — who would overcome his addiction with the help of Black Canary
Black Canary
Black Canary is the name of two fictional characters, DC Comics superheroines created by writer Robert Kanigher and artist Carmine Infantino. The first Black Canary debuted appeared in Flash Comics #86 . The first Black Canary was the alter-ego of Dinah Drake, who took part in Golden Age adventures...
, Green Arrow's then-love interest. This story prompted a congratulatory letter from the mayor of New York, John Lindsay
John Lindsay
John Vliet Lindsay was an American politician, lawyer and broadcaster who was a U.S. Congressman, Mayor of New York City, candidate for U.S...
. Unfortunately, the series did not match commercial expectations, perhaps because of its mature topics, and Neal Adams had trouble with deadlines, causing issue #88 to be an unscheduled reprint issue; the series was canceled with issue #89 (April–May 1972).
The series returned with issue #90 (Aug.-Sept. 1976) and continued the Green Lantern/Green Arrow team format. In issue #123, Hal Jordan resumed the title spotlight and Green Arrow moved on as a backup feature in Detective Comics
Detective Comics
Detective Comics is an American comic book series published monthly by DC Comics since 1937, best known for introducing the iconic superhero Batman in Detective Comics #27 . It is, along with Action Comics, the book that launched with the debut of Superman, one of the medium's signature series, and...
. In issue #182, architect John Stewart
John Stewart (comics)
John Stewart is a fictional character, a comic book superhero published by DC Comics. He first appeared in Green Lantern vol. 2, #87 , and was created by Dennis O'Neil and Neal Adams.-Publication history:...
(who had been introduced previously in issue #87) became the title's primary character. Following the double-sized 200th issue, the format changed again, this time altering the title's name to Green Lantern Corps and focusing upon the seven members of a Earth-based contingent of the Corps (including Jordan and Stewart). The series remained as such until its cancellation in 1988 with issue #224.
Volume 3 (1990-2004)
Volume 3 began in 1990 and began featuring Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps once more. By the mid-1990s, sales on the book began to fall and an editorial mandate was handed down by DC Comics to drastically change the status quo in order to revitalize the title and characters. This was given in the form of the controversial storyline "Emerald TwilightEmerald Twilight
"Emerald Twilight" is a 1994 comic book story told in Green Lantern #48-50, written by Ron Marz, and published by DC Comics. The story introduced a new Green Lantern, Kyle Rayner, who gained a significant fan following....
."
"Emerald Twilight" detailed that in the aftermath of the destruction of Hal Jordan's hometown Coast City
Coast City
Coast City is a fictional city created by John Broome and Gil Kane that appears in stories published by DC Comics. It is depicted most often as the home of the Silver Age version of the superhero Green Lantern, Hal Jordan.-Fictional history:...
(which occurred as part of the Death of Superman storyline), Jordan was shown going mad with grief by trying to use his power to resurrect the city and its inhabitants. The Guardians of the Universe
Guardians of the Universe
The Guardians of the Universe, alternatively known as the Guardians or Oans are a fictional extraterrestrial race in the DC Comics universe. They first appeared in Green Lantern Vol. 2 #1 , and were created by John Broome and Gil Kane. Here they do not reveal their existence to Hal, bringing his...
found fault with Jordan and stated their intent to strip him of his ring. Jordan responded angrily, and sought not only the destruction of the Guardians, but the Green Lantern Corps itself. He killed countless Green Lanterns in his rampage through the universe to Oa
Oa
Oa is a fictional planet that lies at the center of the DC Comics universe. Since its inception, Oa has been the planetary citadel of the Guardians of the Universe and the headquarters of the Green Lantern Corps...
, seemingly killed his arch enemy Sinestro
Sinestro
Thaal Sinestro is a fictional character, an alien supervillain in the DC Comics Universe. Created by John Broome and Gil Kane, Sinestro is the former mentor of Hal Jordan and the arch-nemesis of the entire Green Lantern Corps. Sinestro first appears in Green Lantern #7 . In 2009, Sinestro was...
, killed the Guardians and took the power of Oa
Oa
Oa is a fictional planet that lies at the center of the DC Comics universe. Since its inception, Oa has been the planetary citadel of the Guardians of the Universe and the headquarters of the Green Lantern Corps...
's Central Power Battery for himself. Gaining unimaginable power over space and time, Jordan became the supervillain Parallax
Parallax (comics)
Parallax is a fictional comic book supervillain in the DC Comics universe. Created by writer Ron Marz and artist Darryl Banks for Green Lantern vol...
and with that, became the leading antagonist going into DC's 1994 event Zero Hour: Crisis in Time.
After this, Kyle Rayner
Kyle Rayner
Kyle Rayner is a fictional comic book superhero appearing in books published by DC Comics, usually in those starring the Green Lantern Corps, an extraterrestrial police force of which Rayner is a member. Created by writer Ron Marz and artist Darryl Banks, Rayner first appeared in Green Lantern vol...
, a young art student, was introduced as the new protagonist and the "last" Green Lantern, since there was no longer a Corps. Writers Ron Marz
Ron Marz
Ron Marz is an American comic book writer, known for his work on titles such as Silver Surfer, Green Lantern, Marvel vs DC, Batman/Aliens and Witchblade.-Career:...
and Judd Winick
Judd Winick
Judd Winick is an American comic book, comic strip and television writer/artist and former reality television personality...
both had long runs with the character, building Rayner's popularity so much that he was included in the lineup of Grant Morrison
Grant Morrison
Grant Morrison is a Scottish comic book writer, playwright and occultist. He is known for his nonlinear narratives and counter-cultural leanings, as well as his successful runs on titles like Animal Man, Doom Patrol, JLA, The Invisibles, New X-Men, Fantastic Four, All-Star Superman, and...
's Justice League
Justice League
The Justice League, also called the Justice League of America or JLA, is a fictional superhero team that appears in comic books published by DC Comics....
relaunch JLA, and slowly reintroduced more familiar Green lantern aspects over the ten years Rayner had in the title. Volume 3 culminated in a revival of the Guardians of the Universe, the introduction of Ion
Ion (comics)
Ion is a fictional character, a DC Comics superhero. Created by writer Judd Winick and artist Dale Eaglesham for Green Lantern vol. 3 #142, Ion was devised as the new superhero identity for Green Lantern protagonist Kyle Rayner. It was later revealed to be able to form mutualism with a host,...
, and Kyle taking a journey into space that led directly into the miniseries Green Lantern: Rebirth
Green Lantern: Rebirth
Green Lantern: Rebirth was a six-issue monthly American comic book limited series written by Geoff Johns and illustrated by Ethan Van Sciver...
.
Volume 4 (2005-2011)
After the events of Rebirth, revealing Parallax not as an identity of Hal Jordan but as a parasitic embodiment of fear, a fourth volume of Green Lantern began publication returning Hal Jordan to the prominent Green Lantern in the DC UniverseDC Universe
The DC Universe is the shared universe where most of the comic stories published by DC Comics take place. The fictional characters Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman are well-known superheroes from this universe. Note that in context, "DC Universe" is usually used to refer to the main DC continuity...
. Trying to rebuild his life, Hal Jordan has moved to the nearly deserted Coast City, which is slowly being reconstructed. He has been reinstated as a Captain in the United States Air Force, and works in the Test Pilot Program at Edwards Air Force Base
Edwards Air Force Base
Edwards Air Force Base is a United States Air Force base located on the border of Kern County, Los Angeles County, and San Bernardino County, California, in the Antelope Valley. It is southwest of the central business district of North Edwards, California and due east of Rosamond.It is named in...
. The series introduces new supporting characters for Hal, most notably a man from Hal's past, Air Force's General Jonathan "Herc" Stone, who learned Hal's secret as Green Lantern during a battle with the Manhunters and acts as his ally. He also begins to develop a romantic attraction with his fellow pilot, the beautiful Captain Jillian "Cowgirl" Pearlman
Jillian Pearlman
Captain Jillian "Cowgirl" Pearlman, USAF, is a fictional character in the . She is a rival to Carol Ferris for the romantic affections of Hal Jordan .-Fictional character biography:...
. The returning characters also include Carol Ferris, Tom Kalmaku, and Hal's younger brother James Jordan with his sister-in-law Susan and their children, Howard and Jane.
In his new title, he faces revamped versions of his Silver Age foes such as Hector Hammond
Hector Hammond
Hector Hammond is a DC Universe supervillain who is primarily an enemy of Green Lantern. The character was created by John Broome and Gil Kane, and originally appeared in Green Lantern # 5...
, The Shark
Shark (comics)
Shark is the name of three fictional characters in DC Comics publications.-Shark :The first Shark is a non-superpowered commando. Along with his other companions named Sardine and Whale, he is part of the World War II-era fighting unit called the Frogmen. His sole appearance is in Showcase #3...
and Black Hand
Black Hand (comics)
Black Hand is a DC Comics supervillain and a recurring foe to Green Lantern. He first appeared in Green Lantern #29 and was created by John Broome and Gil Kane...
. As part of DC's reconning of the entire universe, as of Green Lantern vol. 4, #10, the book has skipped ahead one year
One Year Later
"One Year Later" was a 2006 storyline event running through the DC Universe. As the title suggests, it involves a narrative jump exactly one year into the future of the DC Comics Universe following the events of the Infinite Crisis event, to explore major changes within the continuities of the many...
, bringing drastic changes to Hal Jordan's life, as with every other hero in the DC Universe. It is revealed that Jordan spent time as a P.O.W. in an un-named conflict and has feelings of guilt from his inability to free himself and his fellow Captives.
A new account of Green Lantern's origins was released in the 2008 Green Lantern series "Secret Origin
Green Lantern: Secret Origin
"Secret Origin" is a comic book story arc published in Green Lantern #29-35 by DC Comics. Written by Geoff Johns and penciled by Ivan Reis, the story retells the origin of Earth's first Green Lantern Corps member Hal Jordan for the New Earth continuity...
." In this new origin, Hal Jordan, is working as an assistant mechanic under Tom Kalmaku himself, barred from flying due to his insubordination while in the U.S.A.F.
United States Air Force
The United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of...
and his employers lingering guilt about his father's death in the line of duty, when Abin Sur
Abin Sur
Abin Sur is a fictional character and a superhero from the DC Comics universe. He first appeared in Showcase #22 : "SOS Green Lantern". He was a member of the Green Lantern Corps and is best known as the predecessor of Green Lantern Hal Jordan, whom Abin Sur's power ring chose as his replacement...
, fighting Atrocitus
Atrocitus
Atrocitus is a fictional character, an alien supervillain in the DC Comics Universe. Created by Geoff Johns and Ethan Van Sciver, Atrocitus is an enemy of the Guardians of the Universe and Sinestro, their former Green Lantern. He first appears in Green Lantern vol...
of the Five Inversion, crashes near Coast City. Hal and the rest of the Green Lantern Corps find themselves at war with Sinestro
Sinestro
Thaal Sinestro is a fictional character, an alien supervillain in the DC Comics Universe. Created by John Broome and Gil Kane, Sinestro is the former mentor of Hal Jordan and the arch-nemesis of the entire Green Lantern Corps. Sinestro first appears in Green Lantern #7 . In 2009, Sinestro was...
and his army, the Sinestro Corps
Sinestro Corps
The Sinestro Corps is a group of fictional characters, a villainous analogue to the Green Lantern Corps in the DC Universe. It is led by the supervillain Thaal Sinestro.-Before the Corps:...
during the events of the Sinestro Corps War
Sinestro Corps War
"Sinestro Corps War" is an American comic book crossover event published by DC Comics in its Green Lantern and Green Lantern Corps titles. Written by Geoff Johns and Dave Gibbons and drawn by Ivan Reis, Patrick Gleason, and Ethan Van Sciver, the 11-part saga was originally published between June...
Leading into the Blackest Night storyline, the Rage of the Red Lanterns arc features Jordan making use of both Red
Red Lantern Corps
The Red Lantern Corps is a fictional organization appearing in comics published by DC Comics. They debuted in Green Lantern vol. 4 #25 and were created by Geoff Johns and Ethan Van Sciver...
and Blue
Blue Lantern Corps
The Blue Lantern Corps is an organization appearing in comics published by DC Comics. They debuted in Green Lantern vol. 4 #25 and were created by Geoff Johns and Ethan Van Sciver.-Fictional group history:...
power rings. In the Agent Orange
Larfleeze
Agent Orange is a fictional character owned by DC Comics. He is the primary wielder of the Orange light of avarice...
story arc, Hal Jordan is briefly in command of Larfleeze's power battery after he steals it from him in a battle. The orange light of avarice converses with Jordan, his costume changes, and he becomes an Orange Lantern. However, Larfleeze quickly takes his power battery back from Jordan. The Green Lantern mythology is center stage with the DC crossover event Blackest Night, which sees dead heroes and villains across the DC Universe becoming active as members of the Black Lantern Corps
Black Lantern Corps
The Black Lantern Corps is a fictional organization of revenants appearing in comic books published by DC Comics. The group is composed of deceased fictional characters that seek to eliminate all life from the DC Universe.-Publication history:...
. Combating Black Lanterns with fellow DC characters Flash, Atom
Ray Palmer (comics)
The Atom is a fictional character, a DC Comics superhero introduced during the Silver Age of comic books in Showcase # 34 . He was named after Raymond A...
, and Mera
Mera (comics)
Mera is a fictional undersea queen that appears in comic books published by DC Comics. She first appeared in Aquaman #11 , and was created by Jack Miller and Nick Cardy.-Publication history:...
, Jordan fights alongside the high profile members of every corps in the emotional spectrum, and oversees new DC characters inductions into all the other corps. Jordan and his "New Guardians" move with the other new corps members to combat the Black Lantern Corps and Nekron
Nekron
Nekron is a comic book supervillain appearing in books published by DC Comics, specifically those related to Green Lantern. Created by Mike W. Barr, Len Wein and Joe Staton, the character, who exists as an embodiment of Death, first appeared in Tales of the Green Lantern Corps #2...
directly.
Volume 5 (Ongoing)
After the events of Flashpoint, most of DC's titles history was altered, however the Green Lantern storylines were left virtually untouched. Hal Jordan is now on Earth, with no ring and no job. However Sinestro is a Green Lantern again and comes to find Korugar totally enslaved by his Sinestro Corps. Much to his dislike, he needs Hal Jordan to aid him in saving his home planet. Sinestro forges a special ring for Hal Jordan that he is able to control in case Hal Jordan decides to use it against him.In the second issue, Sinestro and Hal Jordan are attacked by a member of the Sinestro Corps. Together, they defeat him and Sinestro attempts to convince Hal Jordan of the importance of destroying the Sinestro Corps on Korugar.
In the third issue, Hal Jordan is hesitant to join Sinestro without first speaking to Miss Ferris, his lover. Sinestro convinces him otherwise, and they leave for Korugar. Upon arriving at Korugar, they devise a plan to wait until dark to attack. Sinestro decides to distract the majority of the Yellow Lanterns on the surface, allowing Jordan to fly into the corps central power battery, which he designed to shut down when a green lantern entered it. The plan nearly falls apart when Sinestro sees Arsona about to be killed, and flies in to save her. Hal Jordan completes his portion of the plan, flying into the yellow lantern power battery. However a fail safe that Sinestro is unaware of kicks in, and Jordan, believing Sinestro set him up, curses Sinestro as he was disintegrated inside the battery, shocking Sinestro.
Collected editions
Several of the comic books have been collected into individual volumesTrade paperback (comics)
In comics, a trade paperback is a collection of stories originally published in comic books, reprinted in book format, usually capturing one story arc from a single title or a series of stories with a connected story arc or common theme from one or more titles...
:
Green Lantern (vol. 1):
- Golden Age Green Lantern ArchivesDC Archive EditionsDC Archive Editions, collect early, sometimes rare, comic books published by DC and other publishers into a permanent hardcover series. With more than 100 titles, this series began in 1989 with Superman Archives Vol. 1...
(color, hardcover):- Volume 1 (collects Green Lantern (vol. 1) #1 and All-American ComicsAll-American ComicsAll-American Comics was the flagship title of comic book publisher All-American Publications, one of the forerunners of DC Comics. It ran for 102 issues from April 1939 to October 1948, at which time it was renamed All-American Western. In 1952, the title was changed again to All-American Men of...
#16-30, 224 pages, May 1999, ISBN 1-56389-507-2) - Volume 2 (collects Green Lantern (vol. 1) #2-3 and All-American Comics #31-38, 232 pages, February 2002, ISBN 1-56389-794-6)
- Volume 1 (collects Green Lantern (vol. 1) #1 and All-American Comics
Green Lantern (vol. 2):
- Green Lantern Omnibus (color, hardcover):
- Volume 1 (collects Showcase 22-24 and Green Lantern (vol. 2) #1-21, 640 pages, November 2010, ISBN 1-4012-3056-3)
- Volume 2 (collects Green Lantern (vol. 2) #22-45, 624 pages, November 2011, ISBN 1-4012-3295-7)
- Green Lantern Archives (color, hardcover):
- Volume 1 (collects ShowcaseShowcase (comics)Showcase has been the title of several comic anthology series published by DC Comics. The general theme of these series has been to feature new and minor characters as a way to gauge reader interest in them, without the difficulty and risk of featuring "untested" characters in their own ongoing...
#22-24 and Green Lantern (vol. 2) #1-5, 201 pages, ISBN 1-56389-087-9) - Volume 2 (collects Green Lantern (vol. 2) #6-13, 210 pages, ISBN 1-56389-566-8)
- Volume 3 (collects Green Lantern (vol. 2) #14-21, 208 pages, ISBN 1-56389-713-X)
- Volume 4 (collects Green Lantern (vol. 2) #22-29, 209 pages, ISBN 1-56389-811-X)
- Volume 5 (collects Green Lantern (vol. 2) #30-38, 240 pages, ISBN 1-4012-0404-X)
- Volume 6 (collects Green Lantern (vol. 2) #39-47, 240 pages, ISBN 1-4012-1189-5)
- Volume 1 (collects Showcase
- The Green Lantern Chronicles (color, softcover):
- Volume 1 (collects Showcase #22-24 and Green Lantern (vol. 2) #1-3, DC Comics, May 2009, ISBN 1-4012-2163-7, Titan BooksTitan BooksTitan Publishing Group is an independently owned publishing company, established in 1981. It is based at offices in London, England's Bankside area. The Books Division has two main areas of publishing: film & TV tie-ins/cinema reference books; and graphic novels and comics reference/art titles. The...
, June 2009, ISBN 1848562241) - Volume 2 (DC Comics, December 2009, ISBN 1-4012-2499-7)
- Volume 3 (DC Comics, November 2010, ISBN 1-4012-2915-8)
- Volume 4 (DC Comics, March 2012, ISBN 1-4012-3396-1)
- Volume 1 (collects Showcase #22-24 and Green Lantern (vol. 2) #1-3, DC Comics, May 2009, ISBN 1-4012-2163-7, Titan Books
- Showcase PresentsShowcase presentsShowcase Presents is a line of black-and-white paperback books published by DC Comics at an average rate of two per month. Created to effectively be DC's version of Marvel Comics' Essential Marvel volumes, each book includes over 500 pages of reprints, primarily from the Silver Age...
: Green Lantern (black and white, softcover):- Volume 1 (collects Showcase #22-24 and Green Lantern (vol. 2) #1-17, 528 pages, October 2005, ISBN 1-4012-0759-6)
- Volume 2 (collects Green Lantern (vol. 2) #18-37 and The FlashThe Flash (comic book)The Flash is an ongoing comic book series featuring the DC Comics superhero of the same name. The character's first incarnation, Jay Garrick, first appeared in Flash Comics #1...
#143, 528 pages, February 2007, ISBN 1-4012-1264-6) - Volume 3 (collects Green Lantern (vol. 2) #39-59, 528 pages, Titan Books, June 2008, ISBN 1845768531, DC Comics, June 2008, ISBN 1-4012-1792-3)
- Volume 4 (collects Green Lantern (vol. 2) #60-75, 392 pages, Titan Books, July 2009, ISBN 1848563221, DC Comics, June 2009, ISBN 1-4012-2278-1)
- Green Lantern/Green Arrow:
- Volume 1 (collects Green Lantern (vol. 2) #76-82, June 2004, ISBN 1-4012-0224-1)
- Volume 2 (collects Green Lantern (vol. 2) #83-87, 89 and back-ups from Flash (vol. 2) #212-219, 228, August 2004, ISBN 1-4012-0230-6)
Green Lantern (vol. 3):
- The Road Back (collects Green Lantern (vol. 3) #1-8, ISBN 1-56389-045-3)
- Superman: The Return of SupermanThe Death of Superman"The Death of Superman" is a 1992 comic book storyline that occurred in DC Comics' Superman titles. The completed multi-issue story arc was given the title The Death and Return of Superman....
(includes Green Lantern (vol. 3) #46, 480 pages, December 1993, ISBN 1-56389-149-2) - Emerald TwilightEmerald Twilight"Emerald Twilight" is a 1994 comic book story told in Green Lantern #48-50, written by Ron Marz, and published by DC Comics. The story introduced a new Green Lantern, Kyle Rayner, who gained a significant fan following....
(collects Green Lantern (vol. 3) #48-50, March 1994) - Emerald Twilight/New Dawn (collects Green Lantern (vol. 3) #48-55, ISBN 1-56389-999-X)
- New Dawn (collects Green Lantern (vol. 3) #51-55, October 2003)
- Baptism of Fire (collects Green Lantern (vol. 3) #59, 66-75)
- Emerald Allies (collects Green Lantern (vol. 3) #76-77, 92 and Green ArrowGreen ArrowGreen Arrow is a fictional superhero that appears in comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Mort Weisinger and George Papp, he first appeared in More Fun Comics #73 in November 1941. His secret identity is Oliver Queen, billionaire and former mayor of fictional Star City...
#104, 110-111, 125-126, ISBN 1-56389-603-6) - Emerald Knights (collects Green Lantern (vol. 3) #99-106 and Green Arrow #136, ISBN 1-56389-475-0)
- New Journey, Old Path (collects Green Lantern (vol. 3) #129-136, ISBN 1-56389-729-6)
- The Power of Ion (collects Green Lantern (vol. 3) #142-150, ISBN 1-56389-972-8)
- Brother's Keeper (collects Green Lantern (vol. 3) #151-155 and Green Lantern Secret Files #3, ISBN 1401200788)
- Passing The Torch (collects Green Lantern (vol. 3) #156-161 and Green Lantern Secret Files #2, September 2004, ISBN 1401202373) at DC Comics.com
Green Lantern (vol. 4):
- No Fear (collects Green Lantern (vol. 4) #1-6 and Green Lantern Secret Files and Origins #1, hardcover, DC Comics, April 2006, ISBN 1-4012-0466-X, softcover, Titan Books, June 2008, ISBN 1845762045, DC Comics, May 2009, ISBN 1-4012-1058-9)
- Revenge of the Green Lantern (collects Green Lantern (vol. 4) #7-13, hardcover, November 2006, ISBN 1-4012-1167-4, softcover, October 2008, ISBN 1-4012-0960-2)
- Wanted: Hal Jordan (collects Green Lantern (vol. 4) #14-20, hardcover, August 2007, ISBN 1-4012-1339-1, softcover, January 2009, ISBN 1-4012-1590-4)
- Sinestro Corps WarSinestro Corps War"Sinestro Corps War" is an American comic book crossover event published by DC Comics in its Green Lantern and Green Lantern Corps titles. Written by Geoff Johns and Dave Gibbons and drawn by Ivan Reis, Patrick Gleason, and Ethan Van Sciver, the 11-part saga was originally published between June...
:- Volume 1 (collects Green Lantern (vol. 4) #21-23, Green Lantern CorpsGreen Lantern CorpsThe Green Lantern Corps is the name of a fictional intergalactic military/police force appearing in comics published by DC Comics. They patrol the farthest reaches of the DC Universe at the behest of the Guardians, a race of immortals residing on the planet Oa...
(vol. 2) #14-15 and "Green Lantern: Sinestro Corps Special" one-shot, hardcover, February 2008, ISBN 1-4012-1650-1, softcover, May 2009, Titan Books, ISBN 1845767837, DC Comics, ISBN 1-4012-1870-9) - Volume 2 (collects Green Lantern (vol. 4) #24-25 and Green Lantern Corps (vol. 2) #16-19, hardcover, July 2008, ISBN 1-4012-1800-8, softcover, Titan Books, July 2009, ISBN 1845768795, DC Comics, June 2009, ISBN 1-4012-2036-3)
- Volume 1 (collects Green Lantern (vol. 4) #21-23, Green Lantern Corps
- Rage of the Red Lanterns (collects Green Lantern (vol. 4) #26-28, 36-38 and "Final CrisisFinal CrisisFinal Crisis is a crossover storyline that appeared in comic books published by DC Comics in 2008, primarily the seven-issue miniseries of the same name written by Grant Morrison. Originally DC announced the project as being illustrated solely by J. G. Jones; artists Carlos Pacheco, Marco Rudy and...
: Rage of the Red Lanterns", 176 pages, hardcover, July 2009, ISBN 1-4012-2301-X, softcover, July 2010, ISBN 1-4012-2302-8) - Secret Origin (collects Green Lantern (vol. 4) #29-35, hardcover, Titan Books, January 2009, ISBN 1848560494, December 2008, DC Comics, ISBN 1-4012-1990-X)
- Agent Orange (collects Green Lantern (vol. 4) #39-42, 128 pages, hardcover, November 2009, DC Comics, ISBN 1-4012-2421-0)
- Blackest Night (collects Green Lantern (vol. 4) #43-52, 272 pages, hardcover, July 2010, ISBN 1-4012-2786-4)
- Green Lantern: Brightest DayBrightest DayBrightest Day is a year-long comic book maxi-series that began in April 2010. The story follows the ending of the series Blackest Night and how the aftermath of these events affect the entire DC Universe.-Plot:...
(collects Green Lantern (vol. 4) #53–62, 256 pages, hardcover, June 2011, ISBN 1-4012-3181-0)
Collections with multi-series spans:
- Green Lantern Corps: Through The Ages (collects Green Lantern (vol. 2) #30, Green Lantern (vol. 4) #3, Showcase #22, Green Lantern Gallery, Green Lantern: Emerald Dawn #4 and Green Lantern Secret Files 2005)
- Green Lantern: In Brightest Day (Green Lantern #7, 40, 59, 162, 173, 177, 182, 183 and 188, Green Lantern (vol. 2) #51, Green Lantern Corps Quarterly #6 and Green Lantern Corps Annuals #2, ISBN 9781401219864)
- Green Lantern: The Greatest Stories Ever Told (collects Green Lantern (vol.2) #1, 31, 74, 87, 172, Green Lantern (vol.3) #3, Flash/Green Lantern: Brave/Bold #2, Showcase #22 and Green Lantern Secret Files 2005, ISBN 1-4012-0961-0)