The upcoming HBO live-action series Lanterns is a gritty, eight-episode detective mystery centered on veteran Green Lantern Hal Jordan (Kyle Chandler) and new recruit John Stewart (Aaron Pierre) as they investigate a murder in the middle of America’s heartland.
The series is based on the long-running DC Comics Green Lantern mythos, specifically pulling character elements and inspiration from several eras of the comic books.
For those who haven’t read decades of Green Lantern comics or aren’t familiar with the mythology, the concept can be a little overwhelming. So here’s a quick breakdown of the key players and how the Lanterns universe works, based on the comics.
Who is the Green Lantern?
The Green Lantern is a title held by several superheroes who derive their abilities from a cosmic power ring. The Green Lantern is part of an intergalactic peace-keeping organization known as the Green Lantern Corps. A Green Lantern can manifest physical objects, weapons, or shields out of solid green energy; they can also fly, and in the comics, are granted universal translation abilities and life-support shields so he can venture into space.
The first Green Lantern was Alan Scott, who made his debut in All-American Comics #16 in 1940.
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Who is Hal Jordan?
Played by Kyle Chandler, he is a legendary, veteran intergalactic cop training a reluctant newcomer while battling his own inner demons. He is probably the best-known of the Green Lanterns.
Created by John Broome and Gil Kane, he made his debut in Showcase #22 in 1959. He is known for being fearless, acting a bit brash at times, and having a rebellious streak. A former U.S. Air Force test pilot chosen by an alien named Abin Sur to inherit an interstellar power ring, Hal is also a founding member of the Justice League of America.
Who is John Stewart?
The third human from Earth to wield a Green Lantern power ring in DC Comics, John Stewart is a former U.S. Marine chosen by the Guardians of the Universe as Hal’s backup Green Lantern. A trained architect, Stewart creates highly detailed constructs that set him apart from other Lanterns. Combined with his military experience, his strategic mind and disciplined leadership have made him one of the Green Lantern Corps’ most respected members.
Played by Aaron Pierre, John made his comic book debut in Green Lantern #87 in 1971.
Who is Guy Gardner?
Guy Gardner is a famous human Green Lantern from Earth (Space Sector 2814) known as a bit of a hot-headed rebel with an ego. But he is a hero nonetheless and never fails to step up when it comes to defending the galaxy. His attitude can cause friction, so there are times when he doesn’t play well with others.
Introduced in the comics in Green Lantern #59, Nathan Fillion made his debut as Guy Gardner in 2025’s Superman and in Peacemaker Season 2 Episode 1, “The Ties That Grind.”
Who is Sinestro?
In the comics, Thaal Sinestro was a former member of the Green Lantern Corps and was once the mentor of Hal Jordan. Played by Ulrich Thomsen, he is a former superhero turned supervillain.
The character was introduced in Green Lantern #7 in 1961.
Lanterns, August 16, 9/8c, HBO Max