HBO's Lanterns series has begun to explore the fundamental rules of the Green Lantern Corps, with its second episode notably pushing the boundaries of what a Lantern can achieve. In a move that diverges from established DC comic canon, the show demonstrates John Stewart performing an advanced feat that challenges the traditional understanding of the Green Lantern's powers.
The core tenet of Green Lantern mythology dictates that the power ring transforms willpower into tangible hard-light constructs, but the user must be wearing the ring to access this ability. A scene from the 2014 animated film Justice League: War illustrated this rule when Batman disarmed Green Lantern Hal Jordan, causing him to temporarily lose his powers. This fundamental principle has long defined the limitations and capabilities of the Corps.
However, Lanterns episode 2 presents John Stewart, portrayed by Aaron Pierre, maintaining an intricate and autonomous construct even after being separated from his ring and losing consciousness. This level of sustained power control is exceptionally rare in the comics, typically reserved for veteran Lanterns, those with unique rings, or individuals undergoing significant cosmic transformations. Stewart's ability to achieve this after only two months of training positions him as a potential prodigy.
The episode opens with Stewart's initial flight training under Hal Jordan (Kyle Chandler). Jordan's advice is rudimentary, prompting Stewart to unexpectedly conjure a detailed, living bird construct instead of taking flight. This surprises Jordan, as such complex, autonomous creations are not standard outputs for most Green Lanterns. The official description of John Stewart in DC Comics notes his unique approach to construct creation, stemming from his background as an architect. Unlike other Lanterns whose constructs are often hollow, Stewart builds them from the inside out, with meticulous detail.
While the HBO series does not explicitly depict Stewart as an architect, it does hint at his artistic inclinations. In an earlier scene, he is shown creating a remarkably detailed sketch of Jordan. This artistic sensibility appears to translate into his power constructs, manifesting as a living bird that behaves with naturalistic detail. This advanced creation is demonstrated as being capable of independent existence, even when Stewart is unconscious.
Despite being captured and knocked unconscious multiple times while evading alien kidnappers later in the episode, the bird construct persists. Upon encountering the alien leader, Antaan, Stewart is commended for the construct, with the leader expressing surprise that he could maintain it without wearing his ring. Stewart later relays to Jordan that creating a living thing and sustaining it without the ring is considered nearly impossible within the Corps. This accomplishment, coupled with Jordan's grudging affirmation, marks a significant step in their developing trust and respect.
Stewart's ability to manifest such an advanced, sentient-like construct while not wearing his ring echoes rare feats seen in the comics, such as his creation of Ellie, a sentient construct of his deceased sister, in Green Lantern: War Journal. However, in the comics, this level of power was achieved only after absorbing a cosmic entity. The HBO series, by showcasing this capability early in Stewart's career, suggests a potentially immense power ceiling for the character, raising questions about his future capabilities once he fully masters his abilities and the ring itself.