After animation and production powerhouse Bruce Timm delivered classic television with Batman: The Animated Series and Superman: The Animated Series, comic book fans began begging for a program based on DC super hero team, Justice League of America.
In 2001 Timm granted their JLA wishes, debuting Justice League on Cartoon Network. The team was comprised of the usual favorites – Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Flash, Martian Manhunter, Hawkgirl, and, of course, Green Lantern. There was, however, a twist in the line-up.
The series’ Lantern would not be the Hal Jordan iteration many expected, but John Stewart (voiced by Phil LaMarr).
The Guardians, an extraterrestrial race who watch over the universe, founded the Green Lantern Corps to serve as interstellar law enforcement aka the space police. Hal Jordan was Earth’s appointed Green Lantern, with Guy Gardener and Stewart waiting in the wings as back-up. When the time came, Stewart, an United States Marine from Detroit, MI, stepped up to assume the Lantern role.
Stewart’s a hot-temped aggressor with an often serious attitude. He wields the emerald power ring with a no nonsense approach. Teamed with his mighty League associates, Stewart as Green Lantern helped thwart 2 significant alien invasions, uncover a government conspiracy involving enhanced humans, and defeat their villainous rivals, Legion of Doom.
The John Stewart version of the Green Lantern made his comics debut in Green Lantern Vol. 2 #87 in December of 1971. Created by veterans Dennis O’Neil and Neal Adams, Stewart was the first Black superhero to appear in DC Comics. LaMarr did an excellent job giving Stewart life on the small screen. |THIS.
We conduct a new “Character Study” every Friday at 8AM!
