DC Comics Announces New Black Lantern

Lanterns is one of the most popular superhero shows to hit streaming, and the associated comic book lore from the Green Lantern library is being thoroughly examined by both long-time fans and newcomers alike. Among that lore is the existence of the Black Lantern Corps, a villainous group that served as the primary antagonists of the beloved Blackest Night event. Now, DC seems to be bringing the title of Black Lantern back and giving it to its biggest character yet.

According to DC’s latest round of comic solicitations, the upcoming arc of Superman features the Last Son of Krypton coming toe-to-toe with Nekron, the leader of the Black Lanterns. The development is being teased in DC’s solicitation blurb for Superman #44 from Joshua Williamson and Xermanico.

Superman could become DC’s newest Black Lantern

In the issue, Clark Kent investigates the disappearance of an old friend and several other people who have vanished throughout Metropolis. Worse yet, the disappearances are said to be related to a death cult, one that worships a corrupted Black Lantern ring.

As explained in the solicitation text itself, should Superman not be able to overcome the ring’s pull, he’ll seemingly become the next Black Lantern himself. The full solicitation text can be read below.

NIGHT SHIFT CONTINUES! MYSTERY IN METROPOLIS! An old friend of Superman has gone missing in Metropolis. And they are not alone. Superman must show how he is not only a great hero but a great detective to uncover the truth behind a secret cult in Metropolis. But his search takes a deadly turn when he finds the cult worships a corrupted Black Lantern ring! One that tries to claim Superman as its new master! If Superman succumbs…Nekron will rise again!

For those less familiar with Green Lantern mythology, the Black Lantern Corps is considerably different from the colorful groups that make up the rest of the Emotional Spectrum. Rather than drawing power from emotions like fear, rage, or hope, black Lanterns are associated with death itself.

Superman, like most other DC characters, has already been caught up in Black Lantern business before, but the idea of Clark Kent actually being claimed by a corrupted ring still makes for a particularly dangerous proposition. After all, Superman is already one of the most powerful beings on Earth without a Black Lantern ring enhancing or manipulating him. When you throw that into the mix, the DC Universe could suddenly find itself facing one of its greatest allies as an enemy.

There is also something inherently fitting about using Superman for the story. Few characters in the DC stable better represent humanity, optimism, and hope more clearly than Clark, and making a transformation into a death-powered Black Lantern can change that status quo in the blink of an eye.

Whether Superman actually becomes the newest member of the Corps remains to be seen. Either way, DC is once again traversing into one of Green Lantern’s darkest corners and this time, the Man of Steel is dipping his toes into the danger.

Source: Polygon