Why The Comic Book World Has Turned Against James Gunn’s New DCU Series Lanterns

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As a huge film and comic book fan, I’ve been following James Gunn’s work with the new DCU closely, and it’s been exciting so far! Things have actually started really well with shows like Creature Commandos and the second season of Peacemaker, and the Superman movie has given a lot of us fans confidence that Gunn really knows what he’s doing with the DC Universe. However, his upcoming series, Lanterns, is already facing some criticism from comic book fans and writers, and I’m curious to see what’s causing the buzz.

While most of the new DC Universe projects are generating excitement, the upcoming live-action series Lanterns is facing some negativity. Set to debut on HBO Max in August, the show has already received criticism from both comic book fans and a well-known Green Lantern writer. Unlike other DCU projects, Lanterns is currently drawing disapproval, and here’s a look at why.

Grant Morrison Criticized Lanterns Co-Creator Damon Lindelof’s Comments

Grant Morrison, a well-known writer of Green Lantern comics, recently shared his disagreement with comments made by Damon Lindelof, a creator of the new Lanterns series. Last September, Lindelof explained on the Lovett or Leave It podcast that they had dropped the word “Green” from the title, stating, “It’s called Lanterns, because we all agreed that the ‘Green’ was stupid, so now it’s just Lanterns.” Morrison disagreed with this decision, feeling the word ‘green’ should remain part of the title.

Morrison responded to Lindelof’s comment calling the color green ‘stupid’ by stating that it suggests he believes the Green Lantern concept itself is flawed. Morrison argued that dismissing green is a dismissive attitude towards traditional superhero elements, and could upset Green Lantern fans. They also felt that ‘Green Lanterns’ is a stronger title than simply ‘Lanterns’.

Damon Lindelof has walked back his previous comment calling the color green ‘stupid.’ He explained in an Instagram post that it was meant as a joke and apologized to fans. Lindelof also confirmed he’s been a Green Lantern enthusiast his whole life, sharing a photo from a 2004 ComicCon panel where he wore a Green Lantern t-shirt. You can find his complete apology below.

Okay, so I’ve apparently managed to annoy Grant Morrison, and honestly, that’s not great because it feels like I’ve now rubbed most of the British and Scottish comic book writers I absolutely hero-worshipped as a kid the wrong way. Like Otis Redding said, it’s all on me!

Okay, so I messed up. I told a really silly joke on a podcast, and honestly, it wasn’t my brightest moment. I’m not going to try and explain it away or pretend there was some good reason behind it – it was just a dumb joke. But the fans who enjoy the stuff I work on? They’re amazing, and they deserve better. I really need to apologize and be honest about how I actually feel about the whole thing.

My first ComicCon panel was in the summer of 2004, promoting the pilot episode of Lost. I’d outgrown my childhood Green Lantern (Hal Jordan, Sector 2814) underpants, so I wore my favorite T-shirt instead. As a shy and clumsy kid, I always thought a hero powered by imagination was the coolest. And don’t even suggest green is a silly color – it’s been my favorite since third grade, and I have an old school questionnaire to prove it. Green is just fantastic.

Above all, it would feel like letting down everyone I collaborated with to suggest anything less than how proud I was to help create Lanterns – and I truly was. I was careless with my statements, which is especially frustrating because I deeply care about Hal, John, and the entire Green Lantern Corps. I’m committed to doing better and living up to the ideals of the oath, and until then, I’ll let the show itself demonstrate my dedication. I’m excited for everyone to experience what we’ve created.

The disagreement between comic creators Grant Morrison and Damon Lindelof has divided Green Lantern fans. One fan, @DrCLockjaw, felt Lindelof’s apology was insufficient, arguing that a simple statement about liking the color green didn’t resolve the issue. However, another fan, @Henrybascombe22, supported Lindelof’s joke, suggesting that some fans overreacted and didn’t consider it was meant as a joke.

Green Lantern Fans Are Upset With Lanterns’ Suit

via HBO Max

Grant Morrison and Damon Lindelof addressed a concern fans already had about the Lanterns series. When the first trailer was released, many viewers disliked the Green Lantern suit, with some comparing it unfavorably to the one from the 2011 Green Lantern movie starring Ryan Reynolds.

The biggest complaint about the costume in ‘Lanterns’ is its color scheme. Unlike the traditionally bright green Green Lantern suit, this version is mostly brown and black, with only hints of green. The creators say this more subdued look is meant to make the story feel more realistic, but some fans worry it signals that the show will stray from the character’s more colorful and imaginative comic book origins.

Some Green Lantern fans weren’t thrilled with the suit shown in the Lanterns trailer. One user, @victor_obiagor, even called it “the ugliest comic suit ever.” Another, @Kunlinhooo, shared a GIF of the classic animated Green Lantern costume, expressing disappointment that the new suit wasn’t green enough. It seems fans were hoping for a more faithful recreation of the comic book look than what the trailer revealed.

The Main Problem With Lanterns Is Its Grounded Approach

The main criticism of the Lanterns show seems to stem from its realistic tone. The Green Lantern comics are known for being fantastical – the character typically spends most of their time in space, battling strange aliens, and using their power to create almost anything they can imagine. The show’s down-to-earth approach doesn’t capture that same sense of limitless possibility.

While many expected a fantastical take on the Green Lantern story, the new series Lanterns appears to be aiming for a more down-to-earth and realistic approach. It’s shaping up to be a murder mystery set on Earth, and the trailer doesn’t show Hal or John ever wearing the Green Lantern suit. This grounded feel is a departure from the comics and may not satisfy longtime fans who were hoping for a more traditional adaptation.

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2026-03-20 00:04