The Green Lantern The franchise is one of the wildest and often most creative parts of the entire DC Universe. Over the years, there are dozens of talented people who have contributed to the myth and helped shape its unique identity.
Green Lantern is more than just a man with a magical power ring. Green Lantern is an identity that has been adopted by some amazing heroes featured in sci-fi stories, epic superhero adventures and even contemplative views on society. There are a lot of amazing Green Lantern stories out there, but for those who need a little help, Screen Rant is assembled The 15 best stories featuring the Emerald Knight.
15
Emerald Twilight (1994)
Created by Ron Marz, Bill Willingham
Torn by anger and grief after the destruction of Coast City, Hal Jordan falls from grace and turns against his beloved Green Lantern Corps in a mad attempt to bring his hometown back. “Emerald Twilight” was a tragic, but gripping story that upended the status quo for years. Not only did it turn a beloved hero into the villain Parallax and also Paved the way for a new Green Lantern, Kyle Rayner.
“This arc gets a lot of hate – understandably so, it turns everyone’s favorite Green Lantern into a homicidal maniac – but love for Hal Jordan aside, this is certainly the boldest direction DC could have ever gone. The hero always wins in the End of the stories, so what happens when the hero suddenly becomes an unstoppable villain
14
The Green Lantern (2019)
Created by Grant Morrison, Liam Sharp
Comic book legend Grant Morrison teamed up with visual master Liam Sharp to produce one of the most interesting takes on the Green Lantern mythos in a post-Geoff Johns era. Hal Jordan travels from case to case, all across the multiverse as he takes down criminals, fights back against conspiracies and takes powerful cosmic threats head-on. Consisting of two volumes and an interquel miniseries, HHis series is for Green Lantern fans who want pure cosmic fun.
“When the Green Lantern series was framed as the police procedural too good for Grant Morrison not to write once the idea was formed, it’s guaranteed to be on any shortlist for the best Lantern series ever written. But to combine the blend of fantasy, science fiction, horror and undeniable British humor with the talents of Liam Sharp? An absolute masterstroke. To say that it is every bit the visual experiment as it is a written one is the best compliment I can give the series. So it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but those who like it? They will love it for life. ” – Andrew Dyce, Comics Editor
13
Flash and Green Lantern: The Brave and the Bold (2000)
Created by: Mark Waid, Tom Peyer and Barry Kitson.
Despite their presence in the modern DC Universe, the early 2000s seriously lacked the presence of one of the finest superhero friendships. however, Flash and Green Lantern: The Brave and the Bold Taking readers back in time for some brand new glimpses into the past that showed just how great of a team Hal and Barry Allen really were. From classic skirmishes with their iconic enemies to Flash’s bromance with Hal threatened by Green Arrow, this book has plenty of wit and charm.
“The Silver Age was over long before I ever got into comics. However, this book will instantly transport anyone back in time to a more wacky and fun DC Universe. Mark Waid and Tom Peyer match the humor and tone of the era With a more modern flair and Barry Kitson’s art takes their words to another level. If nothing else, read it for the issue where Wally West temporarily becomes ‘Child Lantern’. – Justin Epps, comics writer
12
Green Lanterns (2016)
Sam Humphries, Tim Seeley, Dan Jurgens, Carlo Barberi, Ed Benes, Ronan Ciquet, Eduardo Pansica, Robson Rocha, Mike Perkins
During the New 52, the Green Lantern corner of the DC Universe grew a little bigger with the introduction of Simon Baz and Jessica Cruz. DC Rebirth has a chance for fans to get to know the two Green Lanterns. Buzz and crew go through a trial by fire and the result is a fan favorite run that helped popularize and Make readers connect with the two beloved rookie Green Lantern Corps members.
“DC Comics made a tough choice giving Simon and Jess their own book. They could have easily lost if they were just side characters in the comic. Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps book. Instead, we got to see an amazing bond grow between the two. It was a critical series that helped bring the newest Green Lanterns up to par with their predecessors. – Justin Epps, comics writer
11
Black Night (2009)
Created by Geoff Johns and Ivan Reis
A crucial point in Geoff Johns’ Green Lantern saga, Black night See a blast from the past return to extinguish the very light of life in the DC Universe. Nekron, the Lord of the Unliving, creates the Black Lantern Corps to resurrect heroes and villains across the galaxy and consume their still-beating hearts. As the Green Lanterns fight to stop the undead threat, long-dead allies return To torment the people they once loved.
“Black Night was the first comic event I’ve seen unfold in real time. Every chapter, every tie-in, is nothing short of amazing. The terror, the suspense, and the unexpected deaths hit just as hard as a horror movie and This is in no small part due to Ivan Rice’s work, which will have even the most hardened fan cringing or gasping loudly.” – Justin Epps, comics writer
10
For Sector (2019)
Created by NK Jemisin, Jamal Campbell
NK Jemisin and Jamal Campbell went above and beyond in their young Animal story remote sectorwhich introduced the modern fan-favorite Green Lantern sojourner ‘Joe’ Mullane. Joe is assigned to investigate a murder in a city, the first that has happened in half a millennium. The Green Lantern is drawn into a mystery full of twists and turns And winds up in the middle of a war between the leaders of a city and its citizens.
“The Young Animal imprint took a lot of big swings and none of them paid off better than that remote sector. The introduction of Jo Mullein was welcome, but beyond introducing an amazing and badass character like her, remote sector Strength lies in being a point-for-point solid murder mystery that delightfully incorporates sci-fi. It’s a fantastic modern Green Lantern story that’s absolutely perfect for new and curious readers. – Justin Epps, comics writer
9
Green Lantern: A New Dawn
Created by: Ron Marz and Darryl Banks
The tragedy of losing Hal Jordan and the entire Green Lantern Corps was tough, but there is always light after dark, and for the DC Universe, that light comes in the form of Kyle Rayner. The “New Dawn” storyline shows Rayner’s foray into the superhero world as the last remaining Green Lantern. It is not an easy task as the young hero is immediately put through the ringer, but Rayner’s first steps Wind up defining his path as one of the DC Universe’s greatest Green Lanterns.
“Generally, you’re always a fan of the Green Lantern you were introduced to first. Even though Kyle isn’t my main Green Lantern, Ron Marz and Darryl Banks made a believer out of me with this story. You wouldn’t think that a kid who is Given a power ring by accident might be a real hero, but Kyle almost instantly proves how right he was for the job.” – Justin Epps, comics writer
8
DC Universe: The Stories of Alan Moore (2006)
Created by Alan Moore, Bill Willingham, Curt Swan, Joe Orlando, Jim Baikie, Murphy Anderson, Jim Aparo, Joe Staton, Rick Veitch, George Pérez, Bruce Patterson, Gil Kane, John Byrne, Kevin O’Neill, Rick Magyar, Al Williamson, Brian Bolland, George Freeman, Dave Gibbons, Klaus Janson, Kurt Schaffenberger, Paris Cullins, Terry Austin
DC Universe: The Stories of Alan Moore Collects some of Moore’s work, including his work with Green Lantern. “Tigers” takes a thoughtful look at Hal Jordan’s predecessor, Abin Sur. “In Black Night” sees Katma Tui branching out to recruit the first member of the F-Sharp Bell Corps. And “Mogo doesn’t socialize” Examines some of the most interesting members of the Green Lantern Corps Like sentient mathematical equations or smallpox viruses.
“Even though they constitute 24 pages, Alan Moore crafted some of the most innovative Green Lantern stories. “In Black Night” introduced the concept of a Green Lantern in a galaxy where there is no light, while the dark “Tigers ” tells of a prophecy that laid the groundwork for the 2009 crossover Blackest Night. But the best story of them all might be “Mogo Doesn’t Socialize,” the story that reveals Green Lanterns come in all shapes and sizes… including Sentient Planets – Nathan Cabaniss, comics writer
7
Green Lantern Corps: Recharge (2005)
Created by Geoff Johns, Dave Gibbons, Patrick Gleason
Bringing back Hal Jordan was only one half of the equation in the great Green Lantern revival in the mid-’00s. Green Lantern Corps: Recharge Indeed things went by having Kyle Rayner and Guy Gardner to step up as over 7000 new officers were recruited into the latest Green Lantern Corps. Just like Green Lantern: Rebirth Helped set the stage for Hal Jordan, This story lays the groundwork for the rest of DC’s Lanterns.
“The series was doomed to live in the shadow of the Titanic Green Lantern: RebirthBut is a standout story for all its own reasons. The creative team does not need further praise, but the cast absolutely earns it. The era of DC Comics may be most famous for setting a Lantern mythology to last decades, but it also established the Green Lantern Corps as an entity, a team and organization, and a list of characters completely divorced from Hal Jordan. Long live the Green Lantern Corps!” – Andrew Dice, Comics Editor
6
Green Lantern: War Journal (2023)
Created by: Phillip Kennedy Johnson and Montos
John Stewart retires from the Green Lantern Corps to return home and tend to his ailing mother. But deep in the cosmos, a terrifying threat is determined to claim John’s power and unleashes the terrifying threat known as the Radiant Dead on the DC Universe. With a handful of allies at his side, John embarks on a mission that Takes the Green Lantern to the ends of space to save existence from its greatest threat yet.
“I was already a fan of Philip Kennedy Johnson and this book only deepened my appreciation for him. War Journal is an amazing character study of John as fans get to see him air his thoughts on family, duty and battle. Montos really delivers Be all in this book and show just the kind of firepower John Stewart is packing with his absolutely stellar art. Seriously, if you love Green Lantern, don’t miss this book.” – Justin Epps, comics writer
5
Green Lantern: Secret Origin (2008)
Created by Geoff Johns, Ivan Reis
Just a few years into his run, Geoff Johns teamed up with Ivan Rice and went back to where it all began in the “Secret Origin” arc of Green Lantern. Hal Jordan gets the opportunity of a lifetime when an alien crash lands on Earth. But when a monster begins to roam and seek to bring hell on earth, Jordan is forced to team up with His best friend from his predecessor and the future nemesis of Green Lantern, Sinestro.
“A high point of Geoff Johns’ acclaimed run on Green Lantern, ‘Secret Origin’ is a pitch-perfect introduction to Hal Jordan—and the entire Green Lantern mythos—that redefines the Emerald Guardian’s early days. Planting seeds for years of storytelling.” And paying homage to the legends that came before, this is one of the Green Lantern’s defining sagas of the modern era and one of DC’s best origin stories.-Tristan Benns, comics writer
4
Green Lantern: Rebirth (2005)
Created by Geoff Johns, Ethan Van Sciver
Geoff Johns’ legendary run on Green Lantern starts here with a story that brings Hal Jordan back into the spotlight. All over the world, strange events are happening. Coast City is suddenly restored and an ominous warning reveals that Parallax has returned. Hal Jordan’s life turns on its head when secrets about his darkest days are finally revealed, All resulting in Jordan finally returning to his old role as the Green Lantern.
“Geoff Johns’ acclaimed run hits the ground running in ‘Green Lantern: Rebirth’. Not only does the story swing for the fences and bring Hal Jordan back as the DC Universe’s leading Emerald Knight, it ushers in one of the most beloved periods In Green Lantern history, the story gives a fan-favorite hero a second chance and sets him on a course that would define Green Lantern for an entire generation of comic book readers
3
Green Lantern: Earth One (2018)
Created by: Gabriel Hardman, Corinna Bechko, Gabriel Hardman
In a major departure from DC’s normal continuity, Green Lantern: Earth One Reinvent Hal as a deep-space miner who stumbles upon the remains of an underworld organization. Hal goes on a journey that brings out his inner hero as he and some scrappy survivors team up to find the perpetrators behind the attack and bring them to justice. Although a different take on the Green Lantern mythos, the story stands out as a perennial favorite among readers.
“Before the Absolute Universe came around, DC’s Earth One line helped reinvent the heroes for a new era. But none of them did it better than Green Lantern: Earth One. This book looks and reads like a movie with its raw characters and gorgeous Sci-fi setting. Absolutely. But the big swings this book takes result in a Green Lantern story that really stands out from the pack
2
Sinestro Corps War (2007)
Created by Geoff Johns, Dave Gibbons, Peter Tomasi, Ron Marz, Alan Burnett, Ethan Van Sciver; Ivan Rice Penciler, Patrick Gleeson
Since mastering fear, Sinestro branches out and found a corps of his own to finally take down the organization that turned on him. The Green Lanterns come under fire as Sinestro recruits thousands of monstrous aliens To fight in his name. Sinestro even teams up with powerful threats like Cyborg Superman, Superboy-Prime and the Anti-Monitor to finally bring the DC Universe under his heel and finally prove that fear trumps willpower.
“Green Lantern and Sinestro’s antagonistic relationship reaches its peak in a nail-biting and drama-heavy war. Between gripping action sequences and compelling character arcs, ‘Sinestro Corps War’ is an event that not only stands out as one of the best storylines in Geoff Johns’ Green Lantern epic, but one of DC Comics’ best events. This is a modern classic that helped put Hal Jordan’s nemesis on the map of the greatest DC Universe super-villains. – Justin Epps, Comics Writer
1
Green Lantern / Green Arrow: Hard Traveling Heroes (1983)
Created by Dennis O’Neil, Neal Adams
The iconic team of Denny O’Neill and Neal Adams take Green Lantern to a new level in the “hard traveling heroes” arc. After realizing the world needs more than just superheroes fighting colorful villains, Hal joins his friend Green Arrow to take a real, honest look at the world. This is an informative journey Sees Green Lantern coming to terms with the real plight of humanity and the need for true social justice.
“Green Lantern encountered the social ills of the 1970s in Denny O’Neill and Neal Adams’ Hard Traveling Heroes. Accompanied by Green Arrow, Hal Jordan went on a cross-country odyssey where they were more apt to fight corrupt landlords than Hector Hammond or Sinestro along the way, one of the greatest “bromances” of comics was born with a new level of realism to comics, hard traveling heroes ranks as one of Green Lantern. – Sean Corley, comics writer