Warning: Spoilers for Challengers of the Unknown #1Hal Jordan became the first Green Lantern in 1959, and since then he's built a reputation as one of the best Lanterns in DC lore. However, the Power Ring that chose him years ago had the chance to choose someone else - someone who, to him, is equally worthy. In a surprising twist, Green Lantern has revealed another DC hero he believes should have received his powers.
An underrated team of heroes joins the ranks of the Justice League in Challengers of the Unknown #1 by Christopher Cantwell, Sean Izaakse, Romulo Fajardo Jr. and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou. Ace Morgan, pilot and old friend of Hal Jordan, is one of these heroes. When Superman arrives for a mission, he states that Hal holds Ace in high regard - and not just as a pilot.
According to Superman, Green Lantern said: "Sometimes I wonder why the ring didn't choose Ace Morgan." With these words, despite years of proving himself to be a commendable hero, Hal Jordan admits that Ace would potentially be a better Green Lantern than him.
According to Hal Jordan, Ace Morgan should have become Green Lantern
Challenger of the Unknown expresses similar regrets about not being chosen
Before the power ring came to him and turned him into Green Lantern, Hal Jordan was an ordinary pilot on Earth and developed a friendship with fellow pilot Ace Morgan. Both demonstrated courage in their flights, a trait that lends itself to the willpower a Green Lantern requires. WHowever, when the Power Ring searched for its new wielder, it chose Hal over Ace, despite their similar backgrounds and experiences. Now, Hal has confessed that he thinks Ace should have been selected instead of him, and he's not the only one who feels that way.
Currently, during Ace's investigation into an anomaly caused by Darkseid's death, he is tormented by visions of lives he could have led. Among them is a version of himself with Green Lantern powers, who accuses him of not deserving the ring because he was too cowardly to make important choices. Ace is clearly resentful that he lost the opportunity to become a Green Lantern like Hal, all because he lacked the willpower to determine his own destiny. From his point of view, he was never good enough to be a Green Lantern, while Hal believes he would be a perfect fit.
Sorry, Ace: Hal Jordan Deserves His Green Lantern Status in DC Lore
Green Lantern Ring made the right choice, even if Hal disagrees
Hal Jordan may be convinced that Ace Morgan should replace him as Earth's Green Lantern, but his track record proves that his Power Ring made the right decision in choosing him. His extraordinary feats – including containing the entire multiverse – could only have been accomplished by him, and even Ace wouldn't be as effective as Earth's defender. Unlike Ace, Hal has demonstrated that his willpower has no limits, protecting the galaxy from countless cosmic threats. Ace can still become one Green Lantern someday, but Hal getting his powers all those years ago was ultimately for the best.
Challengers of the Unknown #1 is now available from DC Comics.