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Is Lanterns Hiding a Cosmic Secret That Could Shake the DCU?

BBG News

When James Gunn unveiled his reimagined DC Universe’s initial lineup, viewers were particularly intrigued by a new series. Given the disappointing 2011 film and the abrupt end of its related TV series after just one season, it was high time for a standalone project. However, this show’s title appears to be somewhat odd and could hold deeper significance than initially perceived – it lacks the word “Lantern,” which is unusual in Green Lantern-related titles.

The decision to avoid using “Green” in the title of the show could be a hint that it’s not just focusing on two members of the Green Lantern Corps. Instead, it might be setting the stage for something grander: exploring the entire Emotional Spectrum and all the different Lantern Corps associated with it. If this is the case, the DCU could be preparing to bring some of its most epic, universe-wide stories to life, from the intergalactic saga of the White Lantern to the cosmic event known as Blackest Night.

What We Know About Lanterns So Far

Little has been revealed of the Tom King and Damon Lindelof-led MAX drama

In the start of 2023, Gunn and DC Studios’ co-head, Peter Safran, introduced the initial plans for their connected universe, with potential additional projects on the horizon if the forthcoming Superman movie proves successful.

On display were the movies “The Authority”, “The Brave and the Bold”, “Supergirl: Tomorrow’s Woman”, and “Swamp Thing”. Following these, there were shows such as “Creature Commandos”, “Waller”, “Paradise Lost”, “Booster Gold”, and of course, a series labeled as “Lanterns” instead of being called “Green Lantern Corps” or “Green Lanterns”. At the time, the short description given was indeed intriguing.

The program was labeled as a blend of common superhero tales and the popular series featuring two renowned Lanterns, who together expose a deep, ominous mystery that significantly affected the entire DC Universe.

In the announcement, it was hinted that other Lanterns like Nathan Fillion’s character Guy Gardner might be involved, and Ulrich Thomsen was cast as the infamous villain Sinestro. However, these revelations were interspersed with the unveiling of original human characters tailored for the series, a decision that has left fans puzzled.

What Could Lanterns’ Title Be Hinting At?

Perhaps the vague title could be referencing something greater than just Hal and John

Titled “Lanterns“, this term is quite comprehensive. The selection of

If the upcoming series primarily focuses on Hal Jordan and John Stewart as Green Lanterns, there wouldn’t be much need to keep the “Green” in the title. However, omitting that term could hint that the show isn’t exclusively about one Corps; instead, it might be suggesting a broader scope, potentially encompassing all of them.

The idea gained massive fame in the mid-2000s following Geoff Johns’ introduction, transforming Green Lantern mythology forever. Prior to this, only the Green Lanterns were known as active forces in the galaxy, with Star Sapphire and Sinestro having minimal or no ties to them. Their powers stemmed from self-made rings sourced externally. However, thanks to Johns’ work, it was revealed that a full spectrum of Lanterns, spanning across the galaxy, actually existed.

To clarify once more: The Green Lantern Corps symbolizes willpower; the Yellow Lantern Corps embodies fear; the Red Lantern Corps manifests anger; the Blue Lantern Corps represents hope; the Indigo Tribe signifies compassion; the Star Sapphires stand for love; the Orange Lantern Corps (mainly Larfleeze) personifies greed; the Black Lantern Corps is associated with death; and the White Lantern Corps signifies life. In the past couple of decades, we’ve only seen these various groups within the emotional spectrum. More recently, the Sorrow, Ultraviolet, and Gold Lantern Corps have been introduced.

The Emotional Spectrum Could Shape the Entire DCU

With how expansive the various Lantern Corps are, they could have an impact on the DCU

Considering that context, it’s tough not to interpret the title Lanterns as a subtle reference to a broader narrative—a expansive cast of characters, feelings, and Corps that stretch way beyond the green circles symbolizing willpower. If Lanterns is intended to hint at or introduce this cosmic system following its Earth-bound introduction, then the DC Universe might be venturing into its most expansive territory yet. Many of the most epic cosmic tales or comics related to the Lantern Corps often feature members who are distinct from the Green Lanterns.

A fitting introduction for one of them would undoubtedly be none other than Guy Gardner. Recently confirmed for the DC Universe following Nathan Fillion’s casting in the upcoming film “Superman,” Guy is also hinted to appear in the “Lanterns” series. Currently, he appears to be a member of the Green Lantern Corps, embodying their signature color, but it could also be intriguing to witness him as a bridge character.

If incorporating elements of rage into characters such as Guy (and potentially others like Atrocitus) could enrich Lanterns’ narrative beyond just willpower and fear, it would be a brilliant strategy. This move not only broadens the emotional palette but also creates significant conflict among key characters like John, Hal, and Guy.

A notable group with potential for more engaging tales in the future is the Black Lanterns, infamous for their role in a DC Comics narrative. In this tale, the previously secondary villain Black Hand acted on behalf of Nekron to become a significant menace, commanding the Black Lanterns and resurrecting every deceased character within the DC Universe to feed on the living. This event brought together all members from every Corps across the spectrum, along with various other DC characters, marking a climax that epitomized the essence of the Emotional Spectrum.

Translating this into a more natural and easy-to-read manner:

Introducing “Blackest Night” on screen would be a colossal task, possibly serving as a final chapter to conclude the Gods and Monsters tale in the DCU, much like how Marvel’s “Endgame” wrapped up their Infinity Saga. However, the groundwork could begin with “Lanterns”. A detective-style exploration gradually uncovering an ancient and terrifying secret such as Nekron, the ruler of death, would be simply captivating.

Lanterns offers a unique chance to highlight the contrast between the Lantern Corps, as evidenced by the casting choice of John Stewart being a relatively young and presumably inexperienced recruit, opposite an older, more seasoned Hal Jordan who has probably been working with the Green Lanterns for a long time.

In the world of comics, Hal Jordan, rather than any other, embodies the essence of Green Lantern – courageous, ambitious, and selfless. However, he serves as a prime example of how the Emotional Spectrum can twist even the most noble-hearted. In the narrative known as “Emerald Twilight,” Hal’s hometown, Coast City, is devastated, causing him to plunge into sorrow and despair. This emotional turmoil ultimately drives him to absorb all the power from the Green Lantern Central Battery, which results in the destruction of the Corps.

In the later revisions, it was shown that Parallax wasn’t just a new identity—it was an ancient entity fed by fear that had infiltrated Hal. Using his past traumas as a foundation, this entity took hold. Some believe that given Hal’s age and John being his new partner, the Parallax storyline could be developed at some stage as a profound tragedy within the show. Since Sinestro is already part of the series, it seems inevitable that the Yellow Lanterns will make an appearance, possibly along with Parallax, the embodiment of fear, in due course.

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2025-05-25 03:06

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