HBO's "Lanterns" has presented a significant departure from the established comic book origins of John Stewart, reimagining his path to becoming a Green Lantern in episode three. This narrative shift, while deviating from DC Comics lore, aligns with the series' creator's thematic explorations of legacy and the struggle against systemic injustice.
In the original DC Comics, John Stewart was introduced in "Green Lantern" #87 in 1972 by Dennis O'Neil and Neal Adams. At that time, Guy Gardner was Earth's secondary Green Lantern. When Gardner was incapacitated by an earthquake, Hal Jordan sought a backup, leading to John Stewart's selection by the Guardians of the Universe. Adams envisioned Stewart as a powerful symbol of Black Power, notably depicting him without a mask, a deliberate contrast to Hal Jordan's attire. This portrayal was intended to challenge societal norms and confront racism, with Stewart's initial story arc involving him and Jordan exposing a prejudiced politician.
Neal Adams's influence extended beyond character design; he was a vocal advocate for creators' rights and sought to imbue comics with relevant social commentary. "Lanterns" co-creator Tom King has cited Adams as a primary inspiration, emphasizing Stewart's refusal to conform and his assertive stance against societal expectations. "John just won’t take the world the way it’s given to him the same way Neal wouldn’t take the world the way it’s given to him," King stated, highlighting the character's revolutionary spirit.
The HBO series, however, traces John Stewart's journey back to his infancy. Hal Jordan recounts that the power ring's selection is contingent on a fearlessness test. John's father, having failed this test, was traumatized, and the ring moved on. A Guardian of the Universe apologizes to John's mother, Bernadette, for the unintended consequences of this process, suggesting that if she raises John to be fearless, he could one day succeed Hal. This sets the stage for a childhood deliberately shaped to mold him into the ideal Green Lantern.
Bernadette, portrayed by Jasmine Cephas Jones, grapples with the inherent unfairness of asking a Black man in America to be fearless, particularly when facing a system that often overlooks and oppresses him. The series emphasizes the immense pressure on John's parents to cultivate his fearlessness at the potential cost of his personal happiness and their own safety, all to ensure he excels in a role where he can inspire others.
While the comics do not delve deeply into John's childhood, "Lanterns" co-creator Damon Lindelof drew parallels to other iconic superhero origin stories, noting the common themes of paternal relationships. He explained that the series explores the complex dynamics between fathers and sons, even when the relationship is more akin to brotherhood, as with John and Hal. This exploration extends to their respective complicated relationships with their own fathers, including Hal's complicated feelings towards his former mentor, Sinestro.
Ultimately, "Lanterns" uses John Stewart's altered backstory to underscore the idea that profound bonds, even those forged in difficult circumstances or with flawed figures, shape who individuals become. The narrative suggests that John and Hal, despite their rivalry for the Green Lantern mantle, share a common ground in their understanding of love and loyalty towards those who have raised them, even when those figures are morally ambiguous.