The John Stewart Appreciation Thread

[ratzo]

I just read Starlin & Mignola's Cosmic Odyssey today - not bad. In it, John Stewart and Martian Manhunter are very much at odds with each other and by story's end, they never resolve their differences. My question is, now that Stewart's in the JLA alongside MM, do they still not get along, or has this been completely ignored? I suspect the latter.

[Kevinroc]

It's been pretty much ignored. Kelly left the title before he could really explore anything and then we had rotating creative teams who never did anything with it. Now that Busiek is the ongoing writer (after this CSA story and another filler story) maybe he will address it.

[chicagokmc]

It's been pretty much ignored. Kelly left the title before he could really explore anything and then we had rotating creative teams who never did anything with it. Now that Busiek is the ongoing writer (after this CSA story and another filler story) maybe he will address it.

i think it's a situation where, because it's been years and he's done a whole lot to try to atone for it, where writers would probably let it go rather than bring this back up. besides, it would be kind of weird for manhunter (and the other heroes for that matter) to be around stewart all of this time but only become angry about the cosmic odyssey fiasco now.

[nweathington]

Go dig up Green Lantern: Mosaic out of the back issue bins. It more or less settles things. Of course, DC has pretty much written it out of continuity. Still, it's worth the read.

[Chris CCL]

I remember that, too. I had hoped that DC would revive this theme in the Justice League Cartoon Network show. But they didn't.

[matt levin]

Nweathington's right!
Pick up a copy of "Mosaic" -- Now, I admit I'm not much of a GL follower; but "Mosaic" is the best GL 'long story' I've read. I really really liked it, and it made Joh Stewart into my favorite Lantern. (After the dog-boy, Gnort, of course). Always've been sorry DC 'wrote it out of continuity'.

Matt

[Descartes_Lives]

How could John Stewart be your favorite GL? He's always seemed so bland to me, but then again I havent had much experience with him as GL. Only Crises on Infinite Earths , and he didn't seem to do much of anything there.

[We R. Venom]

How could John Stewart be your favorite GL? He's always seemed so bland to me, but then again I havent had much experience with him as GL. Only Crises on Infinite Earths , and he didn't seem to do much of anything there.

He just told you.

[Lantern4812]

I just read Starlin & Mignola's Cosmic Odyssey today - not bad. In it, John Stewart and Martian Manhunter are very much at odds with each other and by story's end, they never resolve their differences. My question is, now that Stewart's in the JLA alongside MM, do they still not get along, or has this been completely ignored? I suspect the latter.
It was mainly dealt with in Marz run on gl I think. The last survivor of the planet went on an ex gl killspree. Herowise it's been pretty much ignored totally. One would think with J'onn being sole survivor of Mars he would still despise Stewart for having been the typical brazen GL at the time.

[Gauss]

I remember that, too. I had hoped that DC would revive this theme in the Justice League Cartoon Network show. But they didn't.

It did turn up in season one, when John was accused of blowing up a planet (the Oan Manhunter episode... good stuff). However, I suppose the writers didn't think having one of their main characters being responsible for an act of genocide, even accidentally, would fly on a cartoon for more than an episode.

[Sean Whitmore]

It hasn't been ignored, it's been forgiven.

John wasn't evil, he was negligent. He learned from his mistake, grew up, and do you think he's ever gonna screw up like that again? Not bloody likely.

How do you expect J'onn to act? Is he supposed to remind John about his greatest mistake every day of his life?

J'onn: "Hey John, we need you to go fight Sonar in Metropolis. Try not to blow up any planets on the way, huh?" ;)



SEAN

[Forsaken_One]

Well there's always the responce of "Oh yeah, and you just make sure another being doesn't split off and try to destroy the world again. I don't think I could stand to be rescued by Plastic Man again."

[Sean Whitmore]

Well there's always the responce of "Oh yeah, and you just make sure another being doesn't split off and try to destroy the world again. I don't think I could stand to be rescued by Plastic Man again."


Wouldn't it be great if the Leaguers were all a bunch of dicks? :D

Superman: "Hey, Batman, where's Robin? You get him killed like you did the last one?"

Batman: "Actually, I just got tired of him, so I stuck him in a rocket and sent him to another planet. Uh-huh. That's right. Krypton didn't blow up, they're just hiding from you."

Flash: "Kinda like your parents, huh, Brucie?"

Batman: "Yeah, or your baby."


SEAN

[Blueferret]

Wouldn't it be great if the Leaguers were all a bunch of dicks? :D

Superman: "Hey, Batman, where's Robin? You get him killed like you did the last one?"

Batman: "Actually, I just got tired of him, so I stuck him in a rocket and sent him to another planet. Uh-huh. That's right. Krypton didn't blow up, they're just hiding from you."

Flash: "Kinda like your parents, huh, Brucie?"

Batman: "Yeah, or your baby."


SEAN

Somehow I see WW getting involved and Bruce threatening to hose her down and turn her into mud :D

[Blueferret]

How could John Stewart be your favorite GL? He's always seemed so bland to me, but then again I havent had much experience with him as GL. Only Crises on Infinite Earths , and he didn't seem to do much of anything there.


And Hal was so rounded as GL, he killed everyone. John Stewart is a great example of character growth. If you look at where he started to where he is now, it's light years difference. He learned from his mistakes and moved on, Hal's still trying to correct them.

[Adem]

I'm trying to find out what are some good issues or arcs that include or center around John Stewart my favourite Green Lantern. Thanks to anyone who helps.

[AlanScott606]

Try Green Lantern Mosaic. I don't remember a lot about the series but I know at least in the first story arc revolved around Stewart.

[Captain Jim]

The original arc in which John was created and replaced Hal was pretty good. I believe it was written by Len Wein and drawn by Dave Gibbons. No idea what the issue numbers were, though.

[clt123456789]

but i may have them around and i do sell used comics for a living so if anyone wants them tell me the numbers and i'll see if i can at least locate them then price them to you...yes i'm a dealer as well as a reader...should i start up a thread taking requests to find, price and sell old dcs? laters

[Forsaken_One]

John Stewart's first appearance, according to the DC Encyclopedia, is Green Lantern (2nd series) # 87 (January 1972).

[yenaled]

Try and pick up Green Lantern Mosaic. It revolves around John being given Guardian like powers to keep in check the mosaic patchwork cities on Oa at the start of Green Lantern volume 3 - the cities being bought there by a crazy Guardian called Appa Ali Apsa (the trade Green Lantern: The Road Back deals with this).

It was an interesting series but short lived and never collected.

[Captain Jim]

should i start up a thread taking requests to find, price and sell old dcs? laters

No. That's not allowed on these forums.

[Sanagi]

The GL issues when he first took over for Hal were quite good. The relaunch of GL as Green Lantern Corps featured him and was generally good. Mosaic was weird as hell but it's worth a try.

[MJC]

I noticed John Stewart wasn't mentioned in Countdown, and Hal was a GL again. I'm wondering...is Hal supposed to be back in the JLA or is he just the general Earth GL?

John Stewart is one of my favorite characters...I'm getting kind of concerned that he gets killed/incapacitated again in Rebirth. He hasn't been mentioned to be in any of the Countdown spinoffs either. I'd hate for boring ol' Hal to take John's spot in the JLA. Then again, he is in the cartoon so maybe he's safe.

Or maybe I'm just jumping the gun and need to just wait for the rest of Rebirth.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

John Stewart , Guy Gardner and Kyle Rayner will be Green Lanterns. Johns promises that all 3 will get time In the DCU.


Hal Jordan does return as Green Lantern In JLA 115# . He's back and Batman has some trust Issues with him as usual.

[Kevinroc]

I think Hal will only appear in that JLA story and then John will be back. DC still has a bunch of different JLA stories to get through such as Dan Slott's and Gail Simone's.

[Bored at 3:00AM]

Saw this discussion over at Alvaro's Boards and I figured I'd bring it up over here....

Despite its terribly pretentious and innaccessible first issue that no doubt drove away half its audience, MOSAIC remains my favorite Green Lantern series, so I'd love to see it given another shot to find an audience. But, given how poorly it sold, I can understand why DC wouldn't want to dust off that concept again.

The trick with doing a solo John series would be making it different enough from the other two GL series DC already has.

Right now the only angle that isn't already being covered by the current GL comics is politics. Given that John was created during the O'Neil/Adams "relevance" era. I think this is one thing that John is more suited to than any of the other various GLs. John is really the one GL who was created to ask the questions and confront the problems that more traditional heroes like Hal Jordan don't.

Now, whether or not there's an audience for a more socially & politically-charged Green Lantern comic, I dunno. More importantly, is there a great creative team out there that wants to write one and is popular enough to pull in the readers? At the moment, I think the answer is no. If Dwayne McDuffie ever returned to doing comics again, I'd say he'd be a perfect choice, but he's only doing the cartoons these days.

Besides, the GL franchise just got relaunched, adding another monthly book so soon after relaunching not only the main book, but the Corps monthly doesn't sound like the wisest move at this point. Flooding the market with too many GL books all at once is what led to the cancellation of John's last solo title.

But, if the GL books continue to sell well, should DC give John another crack at the brass ring?

[Kevinroc]

It would depend on the creative team. I know this is going to sound rascist but it's hard to launch a book with a black character in the title role.

I think that a successful John Stewart title can be launch with a popular creative team.

[THE OG GL]

john is great character on jlu and from what ive seen and the people ive talked to he is one of the most popular characters on the tv show. I am not fond of his dcu version he just seems like hal and kyle's ass kisser even thogh he is much more expericed gl than kyle .
so in conclusion a comic with jlu version john>dcu version john

[PFunk]

It would depend on the creative team. I know this is going to sound rascist but it's hard to launch a book with a black character in the title role.

I think that a successful John Stewart title can be launch with a popular creative team.

As much as I would love a solo John Stewart title I have to agree with you and Bored. Only with the proper creative team that likes and repects him as much as the one on Hal's book should a solo John book be launched. And so far I don't see it (yet) at DC.

However if DC could find a way of getting Dwayne McDuffy could write it, Or the guy currently writing the Young Avengers, Or even Alan Moore (ever seen the 'Give me Liberty' series). But thats pipe dreaming.

[Gauss]

I voted "no", but not for the reasons listed. It just seems that whenever John gets the spotlight, bad things happen to him. Very bad things. So I'd much prefer him as a relatively stable supporting character in two or so books than as a depressing solo act.

Hrm... maybe I should have voted "would depend on the creative team".

[ratzo]

Frank Miller wrote Give Me Liberty.

McDuffie has made no secret of the fact that DC has been strangely resistant to series pitches from him. If DC really wanted him to write a Green Lantern book or even a JLA book, they could've already had him by now.

[Bored at 3:00AM]

However if DC could find a way of getting Dwayne McDuffy could write it, Or the guy currently writing the Young Avengers, Or even Alan Moore (ever seen the 'Give me Liberty' series). But thats pipe dreaming.

Give Me Liberty was Frank Miller, not Alan Moore. But I see where you're coming from, that was a great comic. Miller would write the kind of politically-fueled GL comic I think John is suited for. However, the chances of Miller wanting to do it are slim to none.

[Bored at 3:00AM]

McDuffie has made no secret of the fact that DC has been strangely resistant to series pitches from him. If DC really wanted him to write a Green Lantern book or even a JLA book, they could've already had him by now.

I wonder why that is? Maybe McDuffie did something during the Milestone/DC days that soured his relationship with DC Editorial. That's too bad. Given that McDuffie is largely responsible for creating the most popular incarnation of John Stewart in the cartoons, he'd be the ideal candidate for giving him his best shot in comics.

[chicagokmc]

no. it has nothing to do with john, i just don't think there should be multiple green lantern books around. i would give the same answer for kyle and guy gardner. since the direction is now to re-establish jordan in the dcu, i say leave the solo adventures to him and keep stewart in jla.

[The Wayner]

I voted YES. Sure, why not? John is a cool character, and it'd be interesting to see him fly "solo". I'd buy it, no matter the creative team.

[Captain Jim]

the GL franchise just got relaunched; adding another monthly book so soon after relaunching not only the main book, but the Corps monthly doesn't sound like the wisest move at this point.

I think that says it all.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

No. Because thier already at 2 books and its stretching the Franchise as we speak. And John is a decent charactor but not one I can see many demanding to read each month.


John Is good as a backup charactor in Green Lantern and in Corps. But in his own series....nope. Sorry...

[Shadowhawk]

NO ! Please NO, pretty please NO

[Strange(r)]

I voted "no", but not for the reasons listed. It just seems that whenever John gets the spotlight, bad things happen to him. Very bad things. So I'd much prefer him as a relatively stable supporting character in two or so books than as a depressing solo act.
I like this answer. John hets screwed when he the lead. Keep on teams. It will keep him safe.

[grendel824]

It would depend on the creative team. I know this is going to sound rascist but it's hard to launch a book with a black character in the title role.

I don't take that as racist (as that would presume racist intentions on your part and you would know better than I), but I DO take it as an inaccurate view of the racism of others in 21st century America (or at least among comics readers). I don't think the "race" of the character has anything to do with it (though taking it much farther and pointing out the difficulty of writing non-human characters like the Martian Manhunter may be applicable) - I can't imagine a significant number of throwbacks deciding to not read a book because the main character is black. If anything, they might say "there are two GL books out already, plus I read about the guy in JLA, so I'm not getting this too" - that only works for real heavy hitters in sales like Batman, Superman, and Wolverine. But Black Panther seems to do fine, and I think a Power Man book would go over quite well with the right team doing it - and people that complain about Firestorm aren't bitching because he's black, they whine because he's NOT Ronnie Raymond (Which I sort of understand: I was slightly disappointed when I heard it wasn't going to be THAT Firestorm, but I like the book ok so far).

[cactusmaac]

I don't think the concept of GL fits in too well with a politically charged series on an ongoing basis especially if it's Earth-based.

[PFunk]

Frank Miller wrote Give Me Liberty.

I know. My mistake. I ment the guy the did the artwork for it. Dave Gibons who's also writing the Rechage series I think. I think the guy did writen/drawn some 'politically' charged but still mainstream british comic in his past.

McDuffie has made no secret of the fact that DC has been strangely resistant to series pitches from him. If DC really wanted him to write a Green Lantern book or even a JLA book, they could've already had him by now.

Yeah. Kinda makes you want to go Hmmmmm......

[PFunk]

Give Me Liberty was Frank Miller, not Alan Moore. But I see where you're coming from, that was a great comic. Miller would write the kind of politically-fueled GL comic I think John is suited for. However, the chances of Miller wanting to do it are slim to none.

Well I corrected/explained myself in my last post. But when I brought this up to the owner of one of the comic shops I visit he got visually animated about this saying that "A Miller writen John GL comic would 'kick ass'.'" But like you (and me) think's it would never happen.

As for a solo John series he sorta has this view of it. He thinks that they will eventually be a solo John book. The audiance is certanly there big time, especially among casual comic fans. And DC seems intent on giveng some some major exposire in the support role (showing me more than a few comics he's now in) as he feels DC wan't a 'Black Panther' of it's own. And he thinks WB likes him. But thinks that DC probally waiting a year or so to both give Hal establishment time. And to find a team that will do the book justice.

I sorta disagree with the guy, but he does have a good batting record on these thing. Not excellent, but still good. so...who knows.

[PFunk]

No. Because thier already at 2 books and its stretching the Franchise as we speak. And John is a decent charactor but not one I can see many demanding to read each month.


John Is good as a backup charactor in Green Lantern and in Corps. But in his own series....nope. Sorry...

Actually it can be said that John has just as many fans as Hal. Thought most of them are non-fanboy "casual" ones brought in by the animated series. Making him there JL. Besides the GL fancise can more can handle another book. Especially if it's a well writen one.

[K'Nort]

I can see a solo idea making sense on the surface because I hear John is really popular with the JLU fans. But if nothing else, we should wait and see how things shake out with the new Crisis and JLA and GLC mini. Who knows what team he'll be on or whether he'll even be around at the end of all that?

[PFunk]

no. it has nothing to do with john, i just don't think there should be multiple green lantern books around. i would give the same answer for kyle and guy gardner. since the direction is now to re-establish jordan in the dcu, i say leave the solo adventures to him and keep stewart in jla.

Unfortunatlly I can understand this. I don't happend to agree with it. But I really do understand this.

[PFunk]

I don't take that as racist (as that would presume racist intentions on your part and you would know better than I), but I DO take it as an inaccurate view of the racism of others in 21st century America (or at least among comics readers). I don't think the "race" of the character has anything to do with it (though taking it much farther and pointing out the difficulty of writing non-human characters like the Martian Manhunter may be applicable) - I can't imagine a significant number of throwbacks deciding to not read a book because the main character is black. If anything, they might say "there are two GL books out already, plus I read about the guy in JLA, so I'm not getting this too" - that only works for real heavy hitters in sales like Batman, Superman, and Wolverine. But Black Panther seems to do fine, and I think a Power Man book would go over quite well with the right team doing it - and people that complain about Firestorm aren't bitching because he's black, they whine because he's NOT Ronnie Raymond (Which I sort of understand: I was slightly disappointed when I heard it wasn't going to be THAT Firestorm, but I like the book ok so far).

Though you may be right about Black Panther (personally I think it was just luck and timing combined with the right creative team). But I'm going to try and put my aswer to this one as polite as possible. Race for better or worse does play a part in comics (and all media) these days as more than a few of your typical comic fans want to see a world that reflects their views. The same with comic book creative teams. And since the typical comic fan (and more than a number of creators) are white and male it makes sense that they would like their heros/heroians the same. Foturnatlly while this is changing more and more. But enough of it still exists that it is still a factor. One that less and less is starting to be a factor. But it's still is one.

[PFunk]

I can see a solo idea making sense on the surface because I hear John is really popular with the JLU fans. But if nothing else, we should wait and see how things shake out with the new Crisis and JLA and GLC mini. Who knows what team he'll be on or whether he'll even be around at the end of all that?

Or the fact that their might not be a JLA team at all. Still your points make sense.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

Actually it can be said that John has just as many fans as Hal. Thought most of them are non-fanboy "casual" ones brought in by the animated series. Making him there JL. Besides the GL fancise can more can handle another book. Especially if it's a well writen one.


I don't think there really is more than Hal fans. I think he may draw those kids who watch JL each week but they aren't where it matters. Plus they tried Stewart in the 80's replacing Hal and I heard that it wasn't well recieved when he replaced Hal as the star of the book.

[Bored at 3:00AM]

I don't think there really is more than Hal fans. I think he may draw those kids who watch JL each week but they aren't where it matters. Plus they tried Stewart in the 80's replacing Hal and I heard that it wasn't well recieved when he replaced Hal as the star of the book.

Actually, that particular period sold extremely well, not simply because John had taken over as the solo GL of Earth, but because the stories were really good and every kind of GL fan had something to enjoy. In addition to John's adventures with fellow GL Katma Tui, you also had Hal in every issue playing a very cool role as a jetpack-wearing, pistol-packing adventurer and Guy Gardner reintroduced in his ultra-macho nutjob incarnation, plus you had all the alien GLs getting some of the spotlight as well.

[PFunk]

I don't think there really is more than Hal fans. I think he may draw those kids who watch JL each week but they aren't where it matters. Plus they tried Stewart in the 80's replacing Hal and I heard that it wasn't well recieved when he replaced Hal as the star of the book.

One I think Johns fanbase is just as strong as Hal, And I know it's not just kids-infact I think it's alot more young adults than kids.

And from what I've head his stint as the lead GL was well recieved. So much so that when they brought Hal back the both shared the book as equals. Switching off headline status in it.

But hey. Thats me.

[PFunk]

Actually, that particular period sold extremely well, not simply because John had taken over as the solo GL of Earth, but because the stories were really good and every kind of GL fan had something to enjoy. In addition to John's adventures with fellow GL Katma Tui, you also had Hal in every issue playing a very cool role as a jetpack-wearing, pistol-packing adventurer and Guy Gardner reintroduced in his ultra-macho nutjob incarnation, plus you had all the alien GLs getting some of the spotlight as well.

I was trying to say this-though I thought he was talking about the time before this (when John public idea was revealed to the world and he first really started to date Katma Tui-damn I'm old). But you did alot better job than I did explaning the period afterwards. Which only ended when the then current team left the book due to 'creative difficulties' when it became "Tales of the Green Lantern Corps" (I think it was called).

[Bored at 3:00AM]

I was trying to say this-though I thought he was talking about the time before this (when John public idea was revealed to the world and he first really started to date Katma Tui-damn I'm old). But you did alot better job than I did explaning the period afterwards. Which only ended when the then current team left the book due to 'creative difficulties' when it became "Tales of the Green Lantern Corps" (I think it was called).

Actually, Steve Englehart & Joe Staton were the creative team behind both the John-GL era and the Green Lantern Corps era. In fact, it was a logical progression of everything they were working towards. In their first issue, John was joined by Katma Tui, who was soon joined by Salaak, then Guy got thrown into the mix, then Hal returned, who was joined by Arisa & Ch'p, which all culminated in GL#200 and the comic was relaunched as GLCorps with #201, which introduced Kilowog.

Englehart & Staton's GLCorps continued to sell so well DC gave them the sweet gig of doing the next company-wide mega-crossover, which unfortunately became the editorial cluster-f*** called "Millenium". Burned by that experience, Englehart left DC and the Green Lantern franchise was moved over to the equally disasterous Action Comics Weekly.

[PFunk]

Actually, Steve Englehart & Joe Staton were the creative team behind both the John-GL era and the Green Lantern Corps era. In fact, it was a logical progression of everything they were working towards. In their first issue, John was joined by Katma Tui, who was soon joined by Salaak, then Guy got thrown into the mix, then Hal returned, who was joined by Arisa & Ch'p, which all culminated in GL#200 and the comic was relaunched as GLCorps with #201, which introduced Kilowog.

Englehart & Staton's GLCorps continued to sell so well DC gave them the sweet gig of doing the next company-wide mega-crossover, which unfortunately became the editorial cluster-f*** called "Millenium". Burned by that experience, Englehart left DC and the Green Lantern franchise was moved over to the equally disasterous Action Comics Weekly.

Again you did alot better job of explaning things than I did (including remembering Steve and Joe-which I know who they were but could bring it out). Thanks. :)

[Alan2099]

John always seemed rather plain to me. I'm not sure he could support his own series, but he might work well as a regular in some sort of Green lantern anthology book.

[PFunk]

John always seemed rather plain to me. I'm not sure he could support his own series, but he might work well as a regular in some sort of Green lantern anthology book.

Well, You have a point. But the current John now (which seems to be more like the animated version with parts of the comics version added on) is no longer just a plain character. All it takes is the right creative team to make it work. Which can be said for ANY comics character. DC just needs to have the will to find that team.

[grendel824]

But enough of it still exists that it is still a factor. One that less and less is starting to be a factor. But it's still is one.

Like I said, that's entirely possible - it just hasn't been my experience or the experience of anyone I know well enough to comment on. There may be more simple-minded cro-magnons out there than I'd like to believe (but I still hope you're wrong and I'm right - after all, one of my first self-published comics will center around a black main character - I'd hate to see it not sell because some idiots don't want to read about a character that doesn't have the same skin tone as them).

[PFunk]

Also if DC does decide to produce another solo John comic. Then it'll do well to push it more towards non-comics fans due to (IMO) that's where the majority of his fans and people who'll more likely buy the book will be. I wouldn't rely so much on the typical fanboys to pick it up.

[Babylon23]

I love all things GL, John included. I'd be happy to see a solo book featuring him. I think there's a lot of potential and history there for a good creative team to work with.

Beforehand, however, DC would need to do some work on establishing John's role in the GLC and the DCU. I think he needs to be more prominent in the JLA, as he seems to have been included in the current lineup purely to cash in on the cartoon. More regular appearances in the current GL book would also help.

They'd also need to establish what differentiates John from the other Corps members. Perhaps a politically-driven book would be ideal, establishing that John deals more with "real world" problems than the Hal sci-fi book.


With the right amount of planning, DC could promote John enough to generate interest in the new title. All that would be required then is to find the right creative team for the book. Personally, I'd like to see Denys Cowan back on a DC project, and I think he'd draw an excellent John.

[PFunk]

I love all things GL, John included. I'd be happy to see a solo book featuring him. I think there's a lot of potential and history there for a good creative team to work with.

I think that's the general opinion of most who have posted here

Beforehand, however, DC would need to do some work on establishing John's role in the GLC and the DCU. I think he needs to be more prominent in the JLA, as he seems to have been included in the current lineup purely to cash in on the cartoon. More regular appearances in the current GL book would also help.

I grudgely have to agree on this. As of now it looks like the people in the animated show have treated John with much more respect than those in the comic are even now. Which means that you also have to have a decent creative team in the JLA that's willing to do just that. Kurt could (and from what I've heard was going to) but he's left the book. So as of now it's wide open on what they would do to John (and unlike most on this list I DONT think Geof is the one for the job).

They'd also need to establish what differentiates John from the other Corps members. Perhaps a politically-driven book would be ideal, establishing that John deals more with "real world" problems than the Hal sci-fi book.

Again I agree with you on this one. While a well writen 'standard' superhero book would work. Again most here feel that a 'political-driven' book would be best.

With the right amount of planning, DC could promote John enough to generate interest in the new title. All that would be required then is to find the right creative team for the book. Personally, I'd like to see Denys Cowan back on a DC project, and I think he'd draw an excellent John.

I don't know. If you go by most of the internet sites alot of GL fans (this one a possible exception) seem to want to see John a) dead/killed off, b) permently put in support status, or c) ignored. Which is probally the main reason why most John fans (and I know that there's alot out there) just don't post-at least not on open sites. I know this because there because I got invited to a 'closed' site which a bunch of John fans to talk about just him.

Which is why I suggested that DC should go for non-comic fans if they want to put out a John GL series. Because I'm sorry to say I think it's a losing cause if they do otherwise.
But then again DC has to give some decent attention to him first. Which means as you day give him a solid background first. My idea is to use the current animated background and add elements of the comic background on to it. Hell after all they are reconning Hal's even as we speak.

But that's just me. Anyway I think your ideals do have merit-alot of it. However the way they are treating John in the comics is making me less interrested in the Hal only book. But more hopefull for the oncomming GLC one.

[i5hawn]

This is what the GL Corps. book should become. Not so much a Stewart Solo Title, but almost in the vein of JLU where you have either a solo story regarding one prominent member, or a small unit story where you have one of the focal members (rayner, gardner, stewart) leading a smaller group of either classic GL's or new members. Covers a lot of ground that way.

Coincedentally, how many of the Stewart-based JLU episodes were written by McDuffie exclusively?

[PFunk]

This is what the GL Corps. book should become. Not so much a Stewart Solo Title, but almost in the vein of JLU where you have either a solo story regarding one prominent member, or a small unit story where you have one of the focal members (rayner, gardner, stewart) leading a smaller group of either classic GL's or new members. Covers a lot of ground that way.

Actually I strongly think this is what the MAIN book should have been like this instead of a being a Hal solo one. This way they could have concentraited on each GL per arc starting with Hal. This way they could have told the GL fathful that ALL of earth's GL will get covered equally, and not just Hal. Which could do alot of healing within the francise instead of what we've having now which is a continuing war within the fanbase.

Coincedentally, how many of the Stewart-based JLU episodes were written by McDuffie exclusively?

Probally most if not all of them. But then again, until recently he's been writing the majority of them.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

Actually I strongly think this is what the MAIN book should have been like this instead of a being a Hal solo one. This way they could have concentraited on each GL per arc starting with Hal. This way they could have told the GL fathful that ALL of earth's GL will get covered equally, and not just Hal. Which could do alot of healing within the francise instead of what we've having now which is a continuing war within the fanbase.

Theres not really a war right now. The Kyle fans ( I'm one) thought that Johns made Kyle look really good in Rebirth and not killing him worked. We have GLC where Kyle will get his due and and some stories his way. So I haven't seen many react angry.

I like Hal. I never hated the charactor but became a fan with Kyle. So I'm open to what Johns does as well as the GLC.

Probally most if not all of them. But then again, until recently he's been writing the majority of them.


Til March or Feb of next year when GLC launches. I can't wait to read Gibbons take on the Corps myself.

[PFunk]

Theres not really a war right now. The Kyle fans ( I'm one) thought that Johns made Kyle look really good in Rebirth and not killing him worked. We have GLC where Kyle will get his due and and some stories his way. So I haven't seen many react angry.

I like Hal. I never hated the charactor but became a fan with Kyle. So I'm open to what Johns does as well as the GLC.

Til March or Feb of next year when GLC launches. I can't wait to read Gibbons take on the Corps myself.

Well if not a war, still a conflict. More so since some John fans who are not happy at Johns supporting role in the GL book and not being in the main JLA one are starting to come into the mess. Luckly most of them are staying out of it since to us John's always been screwed over. And the rabid ones arent helping matters any.

Still, despite now dropping the main GL book I'm wating to see how the GLC is before deciding otherwise.

[Babylon23]

For the most part, I'm loving the current state of the GLC. As a Hal fan, the main title is really appealing to me. Although I'm not a huge Kyle fan, I'm glad he wasn't killed off, and is playing a key role in the new GLC title. Some of my other favourites, Salakk and Kilowog, are also in the new miniseries, and with Alan in JSA, I'm a happy man.

Unfortunately, John seems to be getting the short end of the stick here. With no stable creative team on JLA, John's prominence in the book depends greatly on the interest the writer has in him. While I understand and appreciate the need to focus on Hal in the main title, it seems as though John will be relegated to supporting cast member in that book.

Here's how I'd handle it:

- Get a stable creative team on JLA, and give John some decent air time.
- Once the status quo is re-established in the main GL book, give John a story arc where Hal plays second fiddle to John. If the eventual solo title is more politically/social, then show that John is better suited to handling these issues than Hal is. Thematically, this could tie in to the classic Green Lantern/Green Arrow issues that first introduced us to John.
- Create a new GLC ongoing title, with different members being the focus of different stories. Test the waters with a John solo story here, perhaps one that links to the earlier GL story.
- If the fans are there, the sales on that story should be enough to convince DC to launch a John solo series. Find a creative team with enough fan support to attract readers based on their past creative efforts.

Obviously, this would take 1-2 years to get through, but by handling things this way, DC could ensure that there is interest in the solo title before its release.

[PFunk]

For the most part, I'm loving the current state of the GLC. As a Hal fan, the main title is really appealing to me. Although I'm not a huge Kyle fan, I'm glad he wasn't killed off, and is playing a key role in the new GLC title. Some of my other favourites, Salakk and Kilowog, are also in the new miniseries, and with Alan in JSA, I'm a happy man.

Well I'm still mixed on this one. While I don't like the fact that Hal is getting so much time in the main book (I wanted it to be a Hal/John book and it's starting to look like John is getting short end in this one). But the bact that's it's bringing back the GLC including some other old school GL's including those you mentioned. Along with the guardians and it's mythos is balancing out things somewhat. And the fact a new GLC title is comming out allows those who don't like the main GL series (like me) something to try-even though Guy is one of my least favorite GL's. And I feel that they wasted alot of potential on Kyle.

Unfortunately, John seems to be getting the short end of the stick here. With no stable creative team on JLA, John's prominence in the book depends greatly on the interest the writer has in him. While I understand and appreciate the need to focus on Hal in the main title, it seems as though John will be relegated to supporting cast member in that book.

I saddly agree with all of this which is why I'm dropping the main GL book because of it. But since their seems to be no current writer actually working in DC who's actually has interrest in him (as mentioned before Kurt did but he's left JLA) it doesn't look great for John at this point.

Here's how I'd handle it:

- Get a stable creative team on JLA, and give John some decent air time.
- Once the status quo is re-established in the main GL book, give John a story arc where Hal plays second fiddle to John. If the eventual solo title is more politically/social, then show that John is better suited to handling these issues than Hal is. Thematically, this could tie in to the classic Green Lantern/Green Arrow issues that first introduced us to John.
- Create a new GLC ongoing title, with different members being the focus of different stories. Test the waters with a John solo story here, perhaps one that links to the earlier GL story.
- If the fans are there, the sales on that story should be enough to convince DC to launch a John solo series. Find a creative team with enough fan support to attract readers based on their past creative efforts.

Obviously, this would take 1-2 years to get through, but by handling things this way, DC could ensure that there is interest in the solo title before its release.

Other than the fact I think their is enough of a fan base to support a John title (though as I said before most of it is non-typical comics fans). This sounds like great plan to do so. Right now DC needs a front-tier powerful black hero. And Johns the ovious choice for it. And this came from a Hal fan. Which doesn't surprise me since more than a few of those who want to see a solo John series are Hal fans (which more than balance out the rabit Hal fans who either ignore the fact John exists or want to see John killed off).

Maybe their is hope for the GLC after all.

[RocketBoy]

I think you'd be surprised by the number of people, ranging in age from young to young adult, who wander into the comic shop where I work, flip throught the latest issue of Green Lantern on the rack and exclaim, "What's up with this!? This Green Lantern's a white guy?!"

[matt levin]

I thought I was the only Mosaic fan around. Sure, creative team is all-important, but other than that, I think John's character in the animated JLUnltd. speaks well for him, and is (I hope, anyway) popular enough to support a solo series.

I really, really enjoyed Mosaic-- in those 12 (12?) issues, John Stewart was given a deeper characterization than most GLs got in years of comics, and-- it was a pretty unique characterization: an intellectual, a savvy peace-maker, a man with stated tastes in art and music and philosophies with a family background etc., etc.

I don't read GL at all, as I don't really care for the characters much; I suppose Hal is the GL I remember best (after Gnort and Ch'pp, of course), but if there were a way to draw me back into GL stories, John Stewart is the Lantern who'd light my way.

Matt

[Babylon23]

Other than the fact I think their is enough of a fan base to support a John title (though as I said before most of it is non-typical comics fans). This sounds like great plan to do so. Right now DC needs a front-tier powerful black hero. And Johns the ovious choice for it. And this came from a Hal fan. Which doesn't surprise me since more than a few of those who want to see a solo John series are Hal fans (which more than balance out the rabit Hal fans who either ignore the fact John exists or want to see John killed off).

Maybe their is hope for the GLC after all.

You may be right about the John fanbase. Rocketboy's post seems to support it. I also agree that John is the ideal choice for front-teir black hero.
I guess my plan was designed to ensure maximum exposure for John both inside the comic-reading populace and outside in the wider market. One thing I hate seeing is good series being cancelled early due to lack of planning and promotion on the part of comic companies.

Actually, I think DC had the perfect opportunity to promote John 10 years ago. Reading Emerald Twilight, I remember being annoyed about 2 things. One was the shoddy and out of character treatment of Hal (you're right, Iim a huge Hal fan). The second was the promotion of Kyle Rayner over John. I remember questioning why the ring (and the title) didn't pass on to John, who was the natural successor to Hal. I think my backlash against the title at that time would have been lessened had John inherited the ring.

Unfortunately, I think you're right about a lack of interest in John by the current DC writers. I don't see John bing promoted in any books.

[Eliot Johnson]

First of all let me say that Green Lantern Mosaic (18 issues, btw, Matt) is among my favorite DC series ever. Incredibly deep and thought-provoking...but with regard to John's character, and just in general.

Here's what I believe regarding John Stewart:

-Given his role as the Green Lantern on the popular Justice League show, he's got the best chance of any of DC's black characters to become "DC's Jackie Robinson" i.e. to break into iconic status where no black character has.

-As much as I love the character we saw in Mosaic, that's not gonna work to get him popular. You need, basically, the character which we see on the TV show...or maybe you can give him a political edge. It just strikes me as a bit cliche that a black character be political though...as much as I personally enjoy such comics, it may be part of what drives readers away from books starring black characters. I think an occasional touch into politics would be the best way to handle it.

-John needs A-List creators and the role as GL of Earth. Period. It's not gonna work otherwise. Not only does John Stewart not exactly draw readers in in droves, but there is still subconscious racism on the part of comics readers...that is, it's tougher for a book with a black lead to sell.

Is this the formula for making the best John Stewart comic? Hell no. However it can still be great, while also establishing him as an icon (as THE Green Lantern, so to speak) and a sales success.

[west3man]

From what I can tell, the two characters are pretty much similar only in name. I'm not the most knowledgeable person when it comes to John's history, so if someone sees it differently, please share.

JLU-John is "the military man" in manner, while DCU's John is (especially now) "the architect." Maybe it has to do with the way DCU-John's been written in the past several years, but I don't get the same feeling of hard-assity from him that I get from JLU-John. (Also, I don't follow the JLA comic book like I used to, so I may be missing the recent "flavor" of his characterization there.)

What are some of the differences you see between these two versions of the character? What do you think of those differences (or the similarities)?

[PFunk]

First of all let me say that Green Lantern Mosaic (18 issues, btw, Matt) is among my favorite DC series ever. Incredibly deep and thought-provoking...but with regard to John's character, and just in general.

Here's what I believe regarding John Stewart:

-Given his role as the Green Lantern on the popular Justice League show, he's got the best chance of any of DC's black characters to become "DC's Jackie Robinson" i.e. to break into iconic status where no black character has.

I think alot of folks here would agree with you on that.

-As much as I love the character we saw in Mosaic, that's not gonna work to get him popular. You need, basically, the character which we see on the TV show...or maybe you can give him a political edge. It just strikes me as a bit cliche that a black character be political though...as much as I personally enjoy such comics, it may be part of what drives readers away from books starring black characters. I think an occasional touch into politics would be the best way to handle it.

Again. I think alot of you agree with you on that. However my solution would be to use the current animated John as the new standard for the comics (ditching the old comics version). And graft the best parts of the comics version of it onto it. Yea it's a recon but hey they already did it with Hal.

-John needs A-List creators and the role as GL of Earth. Period. It's not gonna work otherwise. Not only does John Stewart not exactly draw readers in in droves, but there is still subconscious racism on the part of comics readers...that is, it's tougher for a book with a black lead to sell.

While I still would stick to my guns about John alreadly haveing a large solid fanbase (see above posts). Going with A-List creators is probally the best way to go. Unfortunatly their seem to be no A-Listers in DC willing to work on a John solo comic. So in order to do this DC will have to get them from other sources. Namely Marvel or DC animated division. Maybe you can get a A-List sci-fi writer with comic experiance who likes the character to do it. As for the subconscious racism thing. Well unfortunatly that has to be concidered if you are going to do a John comic. But Black Panther seems to have done it.

Is this the formula for making the best John Stewart comic? Hell no. However it can still be great, while also establishing him as an icon (as THE Green Lantern, so to speak) and a sales success.

Well it sounds like some good ideas you've posted :).

[We R. Venom]

As much as I love John Stewart, I really dont think the GL's need more than one or two books, (if rechrange stays around.) UNLESS of course they launch and All-star GL book mstarring John. That would make since because two books starring hal would just be stupid.

[BoosterBronze]

Much of my view of DCU John Stewart was him constantly WHINING and DOUBTING himself, based on the Mosaic series. I'm really glad that wasn't part of the JLU Stewart. JLU Stewart kicks ass. It does seem they're taking more of the 'hardass' approach to the comic now, which is fine by me.
DCU John always felt third rate- Jordan was #1 lantern, Gardner was so outrageous as to easily eclipse John, and John Stewart was just... there. This too seems to be changing.

[Gauss]

A pre-Crisis history of John Stewart. (http://www.glcorps.org/john.html)

[Babylon23]

As much as I love John Stewart, I really dont think the GL's need more than one or two books, (if rechrange stays around.) UNLESS of course they launch and All-star GL book mstarring John. That would make since because two books starring hal would just be stupid.

Now this is an interesting idea. An All-Star title would cover all the bases:
- All-Star books attract A-list creators.
- All-Star books use iconic versions of characters to appeal to readers outside of the general comic reading community. This would be ideal for John, since his popularity stems more from the JLA cartoon.
- Since All-Star titles aren't technically part of continuity, they could use the cartoon version of John in the book.

Anyway, it seems like we're all pretty much on the same page here. Unfortunately, I don't see it happening anytime soon.

[Eliot Johnson]

Again. I think alot of you agree with you on that. However my solution would be to use the current animated John as the new standard for the comics (ditching the old comics version). And graft the best parts of the comics version of it onto it. Yea it's a recon but hey they already did it with Hal.

Hmmm...sounds fine that me. I could definitely go for that.

While I still would stick to my guns about John alreadly haveing a large solid fanbase (see above posts). Going with A-List creators is probally the best way to go. Unfortunatly their seem to be no A-Listers in DC willing to work on a John solo comic. So in order to do this DC will have to get them from other sources. Namely Marvel or DC animated division. Maybe you can get a A-List sci-fi writer with comic experiance who likes the character to do it. As for the subconscious racism thing. Well unfortunatly that has to be concidered if you are going to do a John comic. But Black Panther seems to have done it.

Yeah. Exactly. Black Panther conquered it, but look who the writer is...exactly what you're talking about...a big name creator with comic experience who's not really a comics writer, per say. Hudlin is a pretty big name...and I think that's what John needs, because his fanbase (large as it is) exists largely outside of the inbred world that is the direct comics market.

Well it sounds like some good ideas you've posted :).

Thanks. You too. Nice talking to you again, by the way. You know me as Tek3311 from the DC Boards. :)

[Bored at 3:00AM]

Unlike the JLU version, the DCU John Stewart has endured incredible suffering and made a couple of catastrophic errors in judgement that are very difficult to sweep under the rug or explain away a ala Parallax/Yellow Impurity.

During the grim n' gritty days of the late eighties, John saw his new wife get murdered by his best friend's psycho girlfriend, then spent a few months in an Apartheid era South African prison before setting free all his fellow prisoners, including a brutal serial killer, and, to top it all off, acted like such an arrogant shmuck that an entire planet was murdered, then tried to commit suicide out of guilt. Despite these somewhat idiotic creative decisions, I happen to like that John is a deeply flawed character who has made some huge mistakes in his past and emerged a stronger and wiser hero as a result.

That said, I have been really enjoying the more hard-assed, take-charge military man John Stewart we see in the cartoon. However, it might be a little redundant to simply retcon the animated version of John Stewart into the DCU because that would make him awfully similar to hard-assed, take-charge military man Hal Jordan. I think DC might be better served finding ways to show how different John and Hal are, not retconning John into a more ethnic Hal Jordan-type character. That didn't work too well with Kyle, so I can't really see it working too well with John either.

But, it would definitely be a good idea to retcon a stint in the Marines into John's past, which might help explain how someone as poor as John was able to pay his was through college to become an architect in the first place.

[Eliot Johnson]

It's hard to say what the differences between the John Stewart we see on JLU and the John Stewart we see in comics is, because John Stewart, in comics, has been revamped over and over.

Inititally, John was a political activist with a chip on his shoulder. He soon mellowed out and became a fairly calm, standard super-hero. This take on John left him in a bit of a rutt, and to use the words from the Cosmic Odyssey introduction, John was "a perennial second banana without much of a character." In Cosmic Odyssey, a planet was destroyed...and John failed to save it, largely because of his own arrogance.

Now, John was left filled with self-doubt. He was a bit of a wreck in the period between Cosmic Odyssey and Mosaic. By the time Mosaic arrived, while he was still "finding himself," he was much more sure of himself and hardly ever whined (as Booster Bronze said). The John we saw in Mosaic was perhaps one of the most fleshed out mainstream superheroes ever. He had incredible depth, and yes, a bit of self-doubt. He was a complex character, though, many issues facing him. It was incredibly entertaining to watch as he dealt with the issues of the Mosaic City. Truly a classic series and in my eyes the definitive take on John Stewart.

After that series, John has pretty much become a calm, wise veteran hero, whether as the leader of the Darkstars or as an advising GL to Kyle.

So...given the current take on John, I'd have to say that the major difference is that he's much more...refined. He's not a military hardass as seen on the show. They're both wise, veteran heroes, though.

Give me the John Stewart I saw in Mosaic, though...

[Bored at 3:00AM]

Give me the John Stewart I saw in Mosaic, though...

I would love that too, but, unfortunately, I think a lot of fans either didn't like or haven't read that particular take on the character. Its easily my favorite version thus far. The John Stewart of Mosaic was smart, introspective, ingenious, eccentric and willing to think outside the box. A very different kind of superhero. And the issue where he whupped Hal's ass by simply refusing to fight him in any sort of traditional manner was great.

I suppose DC could collect the series in a new TPB and see how well its recieved, but given how easily available old back issues of Mosaic are, they might not bother...

[Sanagi]

The character's always been kind of a cipher in the comics. He started out as an "angry black man" type, which did have an interesting anti-authoritarian angle to it, at least, but that was replaced with a "rookie GL" characterization. Later, John seemed most distinct from other GLs in the fact that he and Katma Tui were a couple(and later, married). Then things fell apart, got weird, and I stopped reading.

[Oggy]

For me, the biggest problem with bringing John back as a solo title is simply, how many Green Laterns do that have? Alan Scott, Hal Jordon, Kyle Rayner, Guy Gardner (though I've been out of comics for a while so I surprised to hear he got the ring back, the ass) John Stewart and you could even count Jade. That's six. Right now, there are too many GLs as it is. My solution, leave Alan on the JS, keep Hal as the solo GL, put John, Jade and Kyle on the GL Corps and have solo adventures spotlighing a few at a time...and kill Gardner, he's a total jackass. The thing is, the GL ring is supposed to be the most powerful weapon in the universe, so why are there six on Earth? Talk about overkill. So unless Hal and Kyle both get put back on the shelf, I don't see a solo John title happening.

I do agree however that DC needs a staple black superhero, and a good one too, not like Black Panther. So I can think of one of two solutions to cover this. Either bring back Steel, upgrade his armor and weapons (non-lethal of course, low grade laser, sonic pulse...stuff like that) or what I really think should be done. DC needs to get off their high horse and talk to McDuffie. Have them bring back Static Shock as a regular monthly title for several reasons.

1) his cartoon was really quite popular (4 years...a milestone by today's standard of American cartoon) and only got cancelled because the idiots at WB didn't push any merchandising of it.

2) He's a teenager, which gives him the chance to grow. Go the route of Peter Parker and Dick Greyson. He'll eventually grow up, but people will watch him evolve as he does. I mean the shows that showed his later self had him on par of Magneto level power.

3) His cartoon was very important in dealing with subjects most wouldn't touch. Gang violence, Drugs, school shootings, racism, the loss of a parent, homelessness/poverty and a ton of other subjects that are really politically charged. Considering its from the POV of a teen, it could really connect with a younger audience while entertaining an older crowd.

That would be my choice however...but I loved the show and thought it was bunk that it got cancelled.

[Ultraman Max]

Like I said in another thread I would've bought a series starring John had he been made the star GL, and I'd likely still pick one up now. Though with an ongoing GL book and an upcoming Corps mini that could lead to another book, I'd be a little afraid of market saturation by adding a 3rd title. Not that having name creators wouldn't help overcome that. Nor has it seemed to have hurt Spider-Man, Wolverine, Superman, and Batman.

The question would be whether or not the GL fandom is large enough to support a 3rd title (with or without bankable creators) at the moment.

[acagle7]

I don't think John Stewart should get his own series. He should be a supporting character in Green Lantern and in the Green Lantern Corps book if it get the green light.

[We R. Venom]

Now this is an interesting idea. An All-Star title would cover all the bases:
- All-Star books attract A-list creators.
- All-Star books use iconic versions of characters to appeal to readers outside of the general comic reading community. This would be ideal for John, since his popularity stems more from the JLA cartoon.
- Since All-Star titles aren't technically part of continuity, they could use the cartoon version of John in the book.

Anyway, it seems like we're all pretty much on the same page here. Unfortunately, I don't see it happening anytime soon.

why thank you. It just seemed to me, that if DC wanted to do it. It would be a great way for fans to get to know all of the GL's equally, withooks. three books.

[PFunk]

I still say John can more can handel his own book. And the DC universe can have more than one solo GL book. Especially if the two were distinctive. And John is the most powerful, and popular Black character DC has so it's a no brainer to make a book around him. But a All Star Book that regulary features him is a great idea with regular guest stars appearing on and off. Much like brave and the bold regularly featured batman-with regular guest stars appearing on and off.

[AlterEgo]

I don't think John Stewart should get his own series. He should be a supporting character in Green Lantern and in the Green Lantern Corps book if it get the green light.

ditto. in light of all the GL monthlies that DC is putting out or will be putting out, giving him his only monthly is just going to mean a cancellation within 3 yrs. the GL 'franchise' even with hal jordan leading it, is going to be a tough sell given current readers' tastes. it's never going to be a top selling book for DC.

the concept of the green lanterns makes for difficult story writing. if you make it non-earth based, it's difficult to write stories in the long term that readers will keep coming back to if the shift is away from earth. non-earth based titles haven't sold well since the end of the 1970's - Marvel's Silver Surfer, DC's new gods, etc. the only character who's bucked that trend is THor and that's because he's got a whole panarama of Norse mythology to play around with. even then, he's basically a second-tier character who because of his awesome powers and as a former avengers, gets to be in written into any crisis-level event going on the the MU.

putting the GL's on earth is also equally hard to write for. the ring is such an omnipotent weapon that creating villians that really give the hero a challenge is a real creative challenge.

[PFunk]

As of now he seems to be MIA? What gives?

[Nick Kal]

He's in JLA.

[prand_2002]

He is the Justice League Green Lantern. Kyle and Guy are in space. And people dont trust Hal enough to let him be in the League. So Hal is operating alone. Currently Stewart is trying to get the League going again with other members like Oliver,Dinah,Arthur etc.

[PFunk]

That's fine folks but I want to know when he's going to return in the GL comic. After all he's suposed to be Hal's partner.

[The Adventurer]

He's not.

At least not in any large capacity anyway. He's in JLA. His stories will be told in JLA.

GL doesn't need two lanturns running around this soon after Hal's come back.

Not that I care for Hal or the book at the moment. But that's the logical thing to do.

[PFunk]

Un wrong. He is. All sectors have TWO GL's assigned to them now. And Geof himself said that John and Hal were partners. But so far he hasn't been sticking to that since 3. And yes the book can more than handle two GLs-as long as the creative team wishes it so.

And it's nice to see the 'respect' John has around here (sheesh).

[The Adventurer]

Hey I like John Stewart. Not as much as Kyle. Or Guy. Or Alan.

But he's certainly more interesting then Hal.

I'm just saying Jones likes getting his jocks off on Hal. So the chances of Stewart having a regular role in GL isn't that likely until a creator change up.


Plus I think the two GLs assined to a sector is a bit silly because it meerly justifies having John and Hal active at the same time, that's it really.

[prand_2002]

Actually all sectors now have two lanterns operating in them. Guess the gaurdians decided that Lanterns must partner up like cops. Makes sense.
But John Stewart is not geting his own title any soon. Atleast not when Guy,Kyle and Hal are alive or active as Lanterns. You seem to be a fan of Stewart but many people i know seem to find him boring.

[kossori]

He has appeared in Hal's book a few times.

But DC feels Stewart gets enough screen time in JLA.

Stewart has JLA
Guy and Kyle have GLC
Hal has the Green Lantern book
Just like it should be.

This way they don't have to kill off any of them.

[OmegaGuy]

If he does come back Hal will probably punch him

[Nick Kal]

Seeing as they just brought Hal back it makes sense that they'd want to give him focus and pump him up as a credible hero again before having him share the spotlight... besides... JS is busy over in JLA.

[Forefinger]

The new book is featuring Hal Jordan as Green Lantern. John is handling business and appearing in JLA. As Hal's "partner" I'm sure that he will be making apperances sometimes, but they don't need to be joined at the hip. Besides, being in the JLA is a pretty busy job eh?

[Eliseu Gouveia]

Wish he was back and got his own title (yes, I know his chances are even smaller than Spoiler´s - who happens to be dead - ) , John is my favorite GL.

Never got to know Kyle that well, Guy was despicable and Hal never appealed to me.

[Bored at 3:00AM]

John is currently playing a prominent role in the current JLA story, even though Hal is on the cover (who doesn't even appear in the actual story).

Unfortunately, the current JLA story has been pretty mediocre so it looks like we're gonna have to wait for something worthwhile to be done with John Stewart. He's returning to the GL title following Infinite Crisis is all I know.

[Patience]

Did you see the end of GL#5 this week? If Johns wants to bring John Stewart in, the best time would be at the beginning of #6 to save his partner's pasty white butt.

I've got a soft spot for John myself, but I want the guy I saw in GL: Mosaic back instead of the boring guy we normally get.

[Guts/Batman]

Heh.

He was in OMAC Project #6.

[Bored at 3:00AM]

I've got a soft spot for John myself, but I want the guy I saw in GL: Mosaic back instead of the boring guy we normally get.

I'll second that. I much prefer the complex and thoughtful John from Mosaic than the "I dunno what to do with the guy, so just make him a watered-down version of the cartoon" John we usually get.

[PFunk]

...the way they like either Hal (or Kyle, or even Guy) among its creative staff?

From what I see so far (and from what I've hearing at Wizzard con) DC comics side really don't think so. Especially as he's the only GL that hasn't gotten the spotlight. Or (in my opinion) any serious respect from DC. To paraphase a recent rapper "I don't think DC likes John Stewart". If so why?

[Kriminal]

He's not a fully developed personality, perhaps because DC doesn't see any real future in giving the full on GL spotlight to a person of color, not saying that's the case, but its not unreasonable.

Otherwise, I'm personally ambivalent towards him as a character, as I am towards Kyle Rayner, and most unfortunately, Hal Jordan.

Geoff Johns' much lauded resurrection of Jordan has thusfar been two things: a paper tiger and a lame insult.

[PFunk]

He's not a fully developed personality, perhaps because DC doesn't see any real future in giving the full on GL spotlight to a person of color, not saying that's the case, but its not unreasonable.

Actually their's more than enough 'foder' to give John and developed personality. But one that keeps changing as per the creative team and DC's lack of solififying it. Maybe this it the reason why the animated series decided to come up with one of their own-and stick with it. As for the color part I'm going to give DC the benifit of a doubt for now.

Otherwise, I'm personally ambivalent towards him as a character, as I am towards Kyle Rayner, and most unfortunately, Hal Jordan.

Geoff Johns' much lauded resurrection of Jordan has thusfar been two things: a paper tiger and a lame insult.

Unfortunally I have to agree with you on both counts. As for John after the Englehart, Mossaic phases he hasn't been much of a character until the animated JL/JLU series came along (which got me interrested in DC again).

[Bored at 3:00AM]

One. Year. Later.....

[PFunk]

Um, this one year later thing is turning out to be a big bust as far as John Stewart's concerned. He's seems to be the only GL being shafted by this. You know something we don't?

[Babylon23]

Um, this one year later thing is turning out to be a big bust as far as John Stewart's concerned. He's seems to be the only GL being shafted by this. You know something we don't?

I have no actual information or rumours, so don't take this to mean anything other than a thought I've had.

I'm wondering if we'll see a JLU-style structure emerging post-IC. It's already been confirmed that Hawkman's series will become Hawkgirl, giving the spotlight to one JLU-related character.

Personally, I'd like to see a new JLA team emerge from IC along these lines. I'd also like to see Hal Jordan kept as far away from the team as possible, even though he's one of my favourite characters. I'd like to see John Stewart not only in this team, but leading it. Personally, I think he's ideal leadership material.

[PFunk]

Not to start trouble but why was this thread moved over to here?

[Paul Newell]

I thought he deserved his own thread.

[PFunk]

I thought he deserved his own thread.

Oh. Sounds like a damn good reason to me. :)

But one of the things I was trying to get and answer on is any of DC's current comic talent actually likes John Stewart? More importantly to the point that he's one of their favorite GL's. Because so far currently I don't see it so.

[Paul Newell]

Then this becomes the perfect place to change their minds! :D

[PFunk]

True. But first in order to change their minds. You have to know what are you facing at first. Which is what I'm trying to do. Then I'll go about the next phase. :D

[Babylon23]

But one of the things I was trying to get and answer on is any of DC's current comic talent actually likes John Stewart?

I don't think it's necessarily a case of disliking the character. I think it's more a case of writers not knowing what to do with him.

If you look at the other GL's, they all fall into a basic stereotype:

Hal Jordan - The fearless hero
Kyle Raynor - the nooB
Guy Gardner - the arrogant sociopath

John is a little harder to categorise. For the most part, he's been seen as the "other" Green Lantern. There have been exceptions, of course. Mosaic, his stint as GL in the original series (around issue #140-150), and his appearances on the JLA/JLU cartoon.

I think John's role needs to be defined beyond "Hal Jordan's partner". This is why I think a stint as leader of the JLA would be a good idea.

[Adem]

I don't think it's necessarily a case of disliking the character. I think it's more a case of writers not knowing what to do with him.

I think no writer has really tried to give him his own personality and make a good character.

[PFunk]

I don't think it's necessarily a case of disliking the character. I think it's more a case of writers not knowing what to do with him.

Earlier I would readly agree with you. But (not trying to pick a fight with anyone on this board) I nowdon't by this. With John's popularity outside the fanboy base and such (and being one of the JL/JLU animated seires favorites) I DO think it's a case of disliking of the character by DC's creative teams.

I may be wrong to say this but if this was Marvel they would be giving John the Black Panther treatment by now. DC (so far) seems to be treating him like a unwanted stepchild.

Still despite what I've posted above I would welcome a John series ONLY if they could get a top talented creative team thats in tune with John-even if it means going outside of DC to do so (which IMO going from my past posts is the only way).

[Mark Spiridakis]

DC should give John Stewart his own title. Green Lantern: Mosaic was a cool series.

[PFunk]

DC should give John Stewart his own title. Green Lantern: Mosaic was a cool series.

Again I agree-with conditions (see post above).

[Bored at 3:00AM]

DC should give John Stewart his own title. Green Lantern: Mosaic was a cool series.

I agree. Mosaic is still one of my favorite series of the otherwise dreary nineties.

[Patience]

I think the problem though is that the Animated version of John and the comic version of John have irreconciliable histories. That makes for different personalities, and soem writers who do like John probably prefer the JLU version.

I'm not normally a proponent of reusing writers, sicne I'd usually rather see a new guy's take on a specific character. But I say if Geoff Johns doesn't have time or space tojuse him (and Johns obviously has a healthy respect for John Stewatrt); give him to Gerard Jones again, he obviously was fond of John, and did a wonderful job with Mosaic. Maybe he can reconcile the popular animated version fo John with the comic book John so that mroe writers will want to use him.

Other than that, maybe he should be left alone. Writers shouldn't be forced to use characters they dislike, because then we end up with things like Kyle's portrayal in Identity Crisis -- I know I'd have rather seen him shelved for that series than see that poor performance against Deadshot and Deathstroke.

[Babylon23]

Earlier I would readly agree with you. But (not trying to pick a fight with anyone on this board) I nowdon't by this. With John's popularity outside the fanboy base and such (and being one of the JL/JLU animated seires favorites) I DO think it's a case of disliking of the character by DC's creative teams.

I don't think you're trying to pick fights. For the record. I'm a big John Stewart fan too. Infact, I love almost all things GLC-related. Ideally for me, I'd like to see a book where all GL's are given equal face-time.

I'd argue that animated John and DCU John are 2 completely different characters, with distinct backgrounds and personalities. To really capitalise on the popularity of the character outside of the comic reading base (I hate the term fanboy - Let's face it, we're all fanboys here), you'd need to alter John's personality to fit that of JLU John.

I may be wrong to say this but if this was Marvel they would be giving John the Black Panther treatment by now. DC (so far) seems to be treating him like a unwanted stepchild.

Personally, I'd hate to see DC handle John the way Marvel has handled BP. I don't want to see John's history rewritten and retconned. I'd rather see a writer respectful to the character's history handle John.

Still despite what I've posted above I would welcome a John series ONLY if they could get a top talented creative team thats in tune with John-even if it means going outside of DC to do so (which IMO going from my past posts is the only way).

I agree that the book would require a top creative team. However, I'm in the minority who thinks that looking outside the field hasn't worked all that well. I haven't liked most of the work of Kevin Smith, Reggie Hudlin or Joss Whedon. Just because a writer can produce movie/tv scripts doesn't mean they'll be a good comic writer.

I'd still argue for Dwayne McDuffie as writer of a John series. Otherwise, I'd go with the leader of the JLA as an alternative.

[PFunk]

I don't think you're trying to pick fights. For the record. I'm a big John Stewart fan too. Infact, I love almost all things GLC-related. Ideally for me, I'd like to see a book where all GL's are given equal face-time.

I'd argue that animated John and DCU John are 2 completely different characters, with distinct backgrounds and personalities. To really capitalise on the popularity of the character outside of the comic reading base (I hate the term fanboy - Let's face it, we're all fanboys here), you'd need to alter John's personality to fit that of JLU John.

Thanks. I don't try to pick fights. But the cult of Hal is so strong with some GL fans that saying that you like another GL is account to heracy and has made me take a second look at alot of things both GL and DC-and I don't like some of the things I see.

Anyway I like you would greatlly prefer a GL book that game all of the earth ones equal face time (like it was done in the 80's during Engelhart/Station run). But yeah the best way of doing John now is to go for his non-comic fanbase. Which mean using the personality found in the JLU show for the comic and reconning selected parts of his comic background into it to bring them in.

Personally, I'd hate to see DC handle John the way Marvel has handled BP. I don't want to see John's history rewritten and retconned. I'd rather see a writer respectful to the character's history handle John.

I agree that the book would require a top creative team. However, I'm in the minority who thinks that looking outside the field hasn't worked all that well. I haven't liked most of the work of Kevin Smith, Reggie Hudlin or Joss Whedon. Just because a writer can produce movie/tv scripts doesn't mean they'll be a good comic writer.

This is where I dissagree with you (sort of). Because I did like the way the writer redid BP history. it brought alot of people who didn't read comics into the book. Which many of them still stayed on as fans afterward. And he made both BP and Wakanda itself major parts of the Marvel universe.

HOWEVER. BP's the exception to this as I agree with you about Kevin and Joss' attempts at doing the same thing though


I'd still argue for Dwayne McDuffie as writer of a John series. Otherwise, I'd go with the leader of the JLA as an alternative.

That would make my day but for some strange reason DC seems not to want to use him. But if they could yet a talented unknown who actually liked the character to do the book then I'm willing to give it a try. And while I would love to see a JLA book with John as the leader. Unless you have one that actually likes him as much as the others you will end up with John shoved in the background role (much like Captain Marvel/Photon was after Stern left the Avenger's book)

[Captain Jim]

Y'know, maybe that's why I could never see why people were so attracted to John. I've never watched the animated series and I never thought he had much of a personality in the comics version or anything much to distinguish him.

I really can't believe he's disliked at DC though. But I do think there's a mentality that one solo GL book is enough.

[Suzanne]

Really Jim? It's not on Cartoon Network's schedule at the moment, but it's four episodes into its current season. The rest should be back next year. It's definately worth checking out. And John comes off really well; in fact, I think he could lead the team if asked.

[El Santo]

He's absolutely brilliant. I love the Daily Show.

[Babylon23]

Thanks. I don't try to pick fights. But the cult of Hal is so strong with some GL fans that saying that you like another GL is account to heracy and has made me take a second look at alot of things both GL and DC-and I don't like some of the things I see.

Anyway I like you would greatlly prefer a GL book that game all of the earth ones equal face time (like it was done in the 80's during Engelhart/Station run).

I have to admit, I'm a bit of a Hal nut. When I was first reading GL in the 70's, he was the MAN. It wasn't until Englehart that I really began to appreciate the Corps as a whole. This is when I developed a real appreciation for John.

But yeah the best way of doing John now is to go for his non-comic fanbase. Which mean using the personality found in the JLU show for the comic and reconning selected parts of his comic background into it to bring them in.

I'm not really a fan of retcons that wipe out parts of a character's history, but I could understand DC taking this path.

This is where I dissagree with you (sort of). Because I did like the way the writer redid BP history. it brought alot of people who didn't read comics into the book. Which many of them still stayed on as fans afterward. And he made both BP and Wakanda itself major parts of the Marvel universe.

HOWEVER. BP's the exception to this as I agree with you about Kevin and Joss' attempts at doing the same thing though

That's cool. I guess I'm just a stickler for continuity. I liked Priest's BP series more than Hudlin's. Actually, I think Don McGregor's Jungle Action book outshines both of these series.


That would make my day but for some strange reason DC seems not to want to use him. But if they could yet a talented unknown who actually liked the character to do the book then I'm willing to give it a try. And while I would love to see a JLA book with John as the leader. Unless you have one that actually likes him as much as the others you will end up with John shoved in the background role (much like Captain Marvel/Photon was after Stern left the Avenger's book)

The poor treatment of Captain Marvel is still a sore point for me. Under Stern, she was a great character who grew from unsure rookie to confident team leader. I really started getting into Avengers around the time she joined, and she became my favourite character from that period of Avengers.

I'm really worried about how Ellis will handle her in Next Wave.

As for John as JLA leader, I think DC has an opportunity post-IC to create a JLU-style team, and attract young fans of the cartoon to the DCU. I think John has a pitoval role on the cartoon, and DC should translate that over to the comics.

[Bored at 3:00AM]

I've never watched the animated series

You really should check it out. There's some growing pains in the early seasons, but when the show is good, its really, really good--and Green Lantern is easily one of the best characters on the show.

[PFunk]

I have to admit, I'm a bit of a Hal nut. When I was first reading GL in the 70's, he was the MAN. It wasn't until Englehart that I really began to appreciate the Corps as a whole. This is when I developed a real appreciation for John.

That's ok. While not a Hal fan I did like Hal early on when Gill Kane was drawing him (yes I can actually say was their when Hal first appeared as GL) and collected it on and off. But it was John that really got me interrested in the book during the O'Neil/Adams era. And the Engelhart/Station era really got me interrested in both John and the Corps. That era I still concider GLC's shining hour.

I'm not really a fan of retcons that wipe out parts of a character's history, but I could understand DC taking this path.

I'm a recon fan when they work-that is improve the character. BP's IMO recon actually did just that. And both the X-mens, and Legion recons were hit or miss. But yeah they are alot of them that actually just did not work. Of all the characters John is probally one of the best for a recond because his background is probally the most 'messed-up' due to numerous standard-to sub-standard (save a few) writers he had.


That's cool. I guess I'm just a stickler for continuity. I liked Priest's BP series more than Hudlin's. Actually, I think Don McGregor's Jungle Action book outshines both of these series.

While I think both Priest's and Hudlins BP runs were equally as good. I Actually almost agree with you on Don McGregor's BP stint though. Especially since he actually tried to tackle some heavy social issues in it-but that's McGregor's style (see Saber for and example).


The poor treatment of Captain Marvel is still a sore point for me. Under Stern, she was a great character who grew from unsure rookie to confident team leader. I really started getting into Avengers around the time she joined, and she became my favourite character from that period of Avengers.

I'm really worried about how Ellis will handle her in Next Wave.

I agree with you fully on both points. Especially about her in Next Wave hoping that his newsarama article about them was, well BS.

As for John as JLA leader, I think DC has an opportunity post-IC to create a JLU-style team, and attract young fans of the cartoon to the DCU. I think John has a pitoval role on the cartoon, and DC should translate that over to the comics.

Lets hope that DC gets a clue and does just that. Instead of spending too much time listening to the fanboys.

[PFunk]

You really should check it out. There's some growing pains in the early seasons, but when the show is good, its really, really good--and Green Lantern is easily one of the best characters on the show.

What he said. :)

[Babylon23]

That's ok. While not a Hal fan I did like Hal early on when Gill Kane was drawing him (yes I can actually say was their when Hal first appeared as GL) and collected it on and off. But it was John that really got me interrested in the book during the O'Neil/Adams era. And the Engelhart/Station era really got me interrested in both John and the Corps. That era I still concider GLC's shining hour.

While I wasn't around for the Kane stories, I remember reading them in B&W reprint volumes here in Australia. Great stuff.

I agree with you about Englehart/Staton. When people talk GL, they mention Broome/Kane and O'Neill/Adams. Englehart/Staton is definitely underappreciated. They really worked with the GLC concept, making each GL distinct despite their similar powers.

I'm a recon fan when they work-that is improve the character. BP's IMO recon actually did just that. And both the X-mens, and Legion recons were hit or miss. But yeah they are alot of them that actually just did not work. Of all the characters John is probally one of the best for a recond because his background is probally the most 'messed-up' due to numerous standard-to sub-standard (save a few) writers he had.

I don't mind retcons if there are continuity errors that need "fixing". For example, I liked the Parallax retcon in Rebirth because it explained the gross mischaracterisation of Hal Jordan in Emerald Twilight.

For me, I didn't think the Panther needed any retconning. There were no real contradictions in his history, and his story still held up well.

While I think both Priest's and Hudlins BP runs were equally as good. I Actually almost agree with you on Don McGregor's BP stint though. Especially since he actually tried to tackle some heavy social issues in it-but that's McGregor's style (see Saber for and example).

Man, I didn't think anybody remembered Saber. Mcgregor/Gulacy is a great team.

I'd love for Marvel to reprint McGregor's BP. They could even include the excellent "Panther's Quest" from Marvel Comics Presents with Gene Colan art.

I agree with you fully on both points. Especially about her in Next Wave hoping that his newsarama article about them was, well BS.

Agreed. Ellis sounds like he's trying to pigeon-hole her into one of his usual Authority-style personalities, rather than actually going back and reading her key appearances.

Back to John for a moment. I don't think we'll see much of him until post-IC, other than the occasional appearance in either GLC or Green Lantern. I still have a feeling (not based on any fact or information) that we'll see JLU post-IC, and that John will be there.

On a related note: Re-reading the recent Absolute Edition of CoIE, one thing I'd forgotten about was John's high profile in that series. He was part of the original group gathered by hte Monitor, and was really the only GL to serve any major role in the book.

[Babylon23]

You really should check it out. There's some growing pains in the early seasons, but when the show is good, its really, really good--and Green Lantern is easily one of the best characters on the show.

Definitely. I think GL and Hawkgirl are the 2 best characters in the show.

[PFunk]

While I wasn't around for the Kane stories, I remember reading them in B&W reprint volumes here in Australia. Great stuff.

I agree with you about Englehart/Staton. When people talk GL, they mention Broome/Kane and O'Neill/Adams. Englehart/Staton is definitely underappreciated. They really worked with the GLC concept, making each GL distinct despite their similar powers.

And that's why I like that era of GL the most. Almost as well as the Mossaic series. To be the GLC concept works great when all of them are treated equally.

I don't mind retcons if there are continuity errors that need "fixing". For example, I liked the Parallax retcon in Rebirth because it explained the gross mischaracterisation of Hal Jordan in Emerald Twilight.

On this I'll have to disagree with you-probally partially on Rebirth as the Yellow Monster explanation I really thought was a major cop that the really rubbed me the wrong way.

For me, I didn't think the Panther needed any retconning. There were no real contradictions in his history, and his story still held up well.

Maybe. But I still thing the Recons were the best thing for BP as unlike the last run it brought in new viewer from outside comics. And to me that is very important right now.

Man, I didn't think anybody remembered Saber. Mcgregor/Gulacy is a great team.

Hey, you'll find alot of people remembering that series. :)

I'd love for Marvel to reprint McGregor's BP. They could even include the excellent "Panther's Quest" from Marvel Comics Presents with Gene Colan art.

Hey. It'll be one I'll by in a heartbeat.

Agreed. Ellis sounds like he's trying to pigeon-hole her into one of his usual Authority-style personalities, rather than actually going back and reading her key appearances.

Yeap it seems like it. Still I'm going to give the guy a chance to prove me wrong. Especially how he handled the ultimate universes version of Falcon duing Ultimate Nightmare.

Back to John for a moment. I don't think we'll see much of him until post-IC, other than the occasional appearance in either GLC or Green Lantern. I still have a feeling (not based on any fact or information) that we'll see JLU post-IC, and that John will be there.

Despite how DC's been handeling him so far I hope so. I really do. Because right now I'm having a warry feeling about this.

On a related note: Re-reading the recent Absolute Edition of CoIE, one thing I'd forgotten about was John's high profile in that series. He was part of the original group gathered by hte Monitor, and was really the only GL to serve any major role in the book.

You know now that I think of it you're right (and their are a few Hal GL fans who are griping about it-go figure).

[Babylon23]

And that's why I like that era of GL the most. Almost as well as the Mossaic series. To be the GLC concept works great when all of them are treated equally.

I agree. It's why I'm loving GLC at the moment. For me, the appeal of the Corps comes from seeing all of it's many and varied members.


On this I'll have to disagree with you-probally partially on Rebirth as the Yellow Monster explanation I really thought was a major cop that the really rubbed me the wrong way.

Fair enough. I didn't mind it for 2 reasons: 1) it explained the poor characterisation of Hal Jordan during Emerald Twilight, and 2) it was very a sci-fi solution, in keeping with the feel of the early GL stories, before "cosmic" was shunned and looked down on.

Maybe. But I still thing the Recons were the best thing for BP as unlike the last run it brought in new viewer from outside comics. And to me that is very important right now.

Honest question: Did it bring outside readers in? I don't really know because I haven't looked into it, or checked the messageboards. I know it turned me off the book.

Hey, you'll find alot of people remembering that series. :)

Cool. You don't hear a lot about it these days. I thought it was one of those unknown gems that only old-timers like myself remember.

Yeap it seems like it. Still I'm going to give the guy a chance to prove me wrong. Especially how he handled the ultimate universes version of Falcon duing Ultimate Nightmare.

I haven't read Ultimate Nightmare, so I'll have to take your word for it.

You know now that I think of it you're right (and their are a few Hal GL fans who are griping about it-go figure).

Well, this was at the point where Hal quit and John replaced him fulltime. I guess the timing was just right for John to shine in Crisis. It only lasted about 18 months, then GLC started up.

[PFunk]

Got this from the DC message boards and after some checking for accuracy I'm posting the central thread here...

"Brad Meltzer came right out and said in the current Wizard this the GL in his JLA will be Hal Jordan. According to him with Hal on the team there will be no other room for any OTHER GL. So yes, John Stewart gets the shaft."

To me this sucks. And proves that comicwise DC just doesn't care about the guy.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

Got this from the DC message boards and after some checking for accuracy I'm posting the central thread here...

"Brad Meltzer came right out and said in the current Wizard this the GL in his JLA will be Hal Jordan. According to him with Hal on the team there will be no other room for any OTHER GL. So yes, John Stewart gets the shaft."

To me this sucks. And proves that comicwise DC just doesn't care about the guy.


Damn and here I was wanting Kyle Rayner in the JLA again.

[AlanScott606]

I would rather have anyone but Hal in the league.

[PFunk]

I would rather have anyone but Hal in the league.

Apparently you're not the only one from the few emails I gotten. Also more than a few John fans expected this eversince Hal returned to the fold.

[Matt]

It's not exactly surprising, since Hal Jordan is generally a much more popular character than John Stewart or Kyle Rayner. That and DC has placed a considerable investment into Hal Jordan with the outstanding 'Rebirth' mini series. Likewise, Hal is the logical choice since he was a founding member of the League.

[stealthwise]

Crap. I don't want Meltzer writing Hal.

Then again, I don't want to see him writing comics ever again after Identity Crisis.

[PFunk]

It's not exactly surprising, since Hal Jordan is generally a much more popular character than John Stewart or Kyle Rayner. That and DC has placed a considerable investment into Hal Jordan with the outstanding 'Rebirth' mini series. Likewise, Hal is the logical choice since he was a founding member of the League.

I just don't agree with that statement. Even though Hal my be more popular among the DC comic fanbase. John seems to be at least if not more popular outside of comics, thanks in part to both the animated show. And being a character which non-comic fans can relate easier with. Plus not alot of people liked the "Rebirth mini. All of that and more does not automathicly make Hal the perfect choice. No. This is more of an example of fanboy talent wanting to bring back the old days and trying to keep the current fanbase happy. Ad the cost of possiblely gaining new ones by using John instead.

[PFunk]

Crap. I don't want Meltzer writing Hal.

Then again, I don't want to see him writing comics ever again after Identity Crisis.


(sigh) agreed. This may be the only silver lining behind having John not being the JLA's main lantern. He can't have another writer who seems not to care for him mess his background/personaliy any more than it already has.

[Calamas]

This is bad. And not fair. Hal gets Green Lantern. Kyle gets Ion. Guy gets The Green Lantern Corp. And John gets the shaft.

And I don’t get it.

[Matt]

Plus not alot of people liked the "Rebirth mini.

Really? Sales figures and general reviews (not general message board statements) seemed to indicate otherwise. I'd like to see you back this claim up.

All of that and more does not automathicly make Hal the perfect choice.

Why not? Hal is, as stated, the more popular character. His regular series is doing well and he has far more history with the League than John Stewart.

No. This is more of an example of fanboy talent wanting to bring back the old days and trying to keep the current fanbase happy.

That's who should be kept happy, at least for the most part. If you lose your current readers than there is no possibility of gaining future ones.

Ad the cost of possiblely gaining new ones by using John instead.

John Stewart already appears in the comic title based on the JLU cartoon series, which is the title fans of the show are most likely to pick up anyhow.

I get the feeling a lot of sentiment in this particular arguments stems directly from dislike of the Hal Jordan character than anything else, which is a pity to see.

[PFunk]

Really? Sales figures and general reviews (not general message board statements) seemed to indicate otherwise. I'd like to see you back this claim up.

Whatever.

Why not? Hal is, as stated, the more popular character. His regular series is doing well and he has far more history with the League than John Stewart.

Having more 'history' with a certain group doesn't make you the better choice. Plus Hal's regular series is seeing s slow, but steady drop off in sales and dissatifaction among intial fans. Still John has just as much of a right to that post as Hal does.

That's who should be kept happy, at least for the most part. If you lose your current readers than there is no possibility of gaining future ones.

But if you don't go after possible fans then you risk having a stangnate fanbase that will eventually drop off as time goes on.

John Stewart already appears in the comic title based on the JLU cartoon series, which is the title fans of the show are most likely to pick up anyhow.

Yeah. But that book is in a seperate universe. DC's losing a opertunity to get new fans by not Having John in the JLA in it's main DCU.

I get the feeling a lot of sentiment in this particular arguments stems directly from dislike of the Hal Jordan character than anything else, which is a pity to see.

No. It is not. It's about seeing a character getting shafted just as he's found his place. And that's even a bigger pity. Plus I can say the same about John from certan Hal fans.

[cactusmaac]

Were there a whole bunch of readers who jumped on to JLA because John was in the book?

Since he's pretty much a guest star on JLU now (like the rest of the Big 7), and the show itself is likely to wind down after the next season, the link to the cartoon probably isn't a strong enough reason to keep him as the resident GL.

Especially given Rebirth's and GL's sales.

[Nick Kal]

Well we don't know what will be done with JS... he was looking to put a new League together, so why wouldn't he be there OYL?

[PFunk]

Were there a whole bunch of readers who jumped on to JLA because John was in the book?

He atleast got alot of people interrested-until they discovered that the comic version of John was nowhere near the animated version and probally were drawn off by it.

Since he's pretty much a guest star on JLU now (like the rest of the Big 7), and the show itself is likely to wind down after the next season, the link to the cartoon probably isn't a strong enough reason to keep him as the resident GL.

Especially given Rebirth's and GL's sales.

Actually that enough is. Especially since Hal already has his own book. Sales or no sales.

[PFunk]

Well we don't know what will be done with JS... he was looking to put a new League together, so why wouldn't he be there OYL?

Good point. Though I'm still think this is DC's way of sidelining him.

[Babylon23]

I'm going to avoid the Hal vs. John arguments, mainly because I like both characters. I have no idea who is the more popular character.

I will say that I certainly didn't expect this. I seriously thought John would be part of a new Animated-style JLA, with DC bringing him and Hawkgirl into the book in an attempt to attract new readers.

I love Hal, but I think this is a poor move. Having John in the JLA gave us books featuring all the earth Green Lanterns. Now, he seems to be left on the sidelines.

There's another possibility, of course. With Kyle getting his own book, maybe John will take his place in the GLC book.

[JulianPerez]

Having more 'history' with a certain group doesn't make you the better choice.

I disagree with this statement. We pick up a book like JLA or AVENGERS to read about either the JLA or Avengers, not "Spider-Woman and Friends." The single most interesting thing about any character or group is their history, and the type of stories that can be told from it.

I'd rather have Zatanna, the Atom, and the Elongated Man in the Justice League than Orion, Huntress, and Barda.

I am disappointed about John Stewart, who is a pretty fantastic character, not being involved in the Justice League anymore. Better him than Kyle or Guy, anyway. The character deserves a far greater degree of exposure than he has received.

But Hal Jordan IS the one true Green Lantern; he was the first, he is the greatest. He's the one you think of when the name's brought up. He has history, he has dignity and grandeur.

I am still very, very disappointed that Busiek did not get the opportunity to continue to write his own version of Justice League. His eight issues were the most incredible that JLA has gotten since the days of Gardner Fox and Stainless Steve Englehart.

[IamtheRock3]

thing is Hal got his own book
So we see him around regardless

Cant say the same for Jon

[cactusmaac]

Actually that enough is. Especially since Hal already has his own book. Sales or no sales.

That's the entire point of the Justice League of America.

It stars the most popular and best-selling DC superheroes all in one team.

[PFunk]

All I can say is I disagree with the history part of you state me. And the fact about Hal Jordon. All I can say is that HAL IS NOT THE ONE TRUE GL!!! He's just the GL that the standard DC fanboys and creative talent like the most. John and/or any other JL can be just ass good as him if DC let them do so.

[stealthwise]

I can see John replacing Kyle as Guy's partner in the GL Corps quite easily though. Just because John's not featured in the solicits prominently doesn't mean that he's completely eliminated.

Of course, I'll be first to admit they're shafting him if he dies in Infinite Crisis. :)

[protonik]

I just don't agree with that statement. Even though Hal my be more popular among the DC comic fanbase. John seems to be at least if not more popular outside of comics, thanks in part to both the animated show. And being a character which non-comic fans can relate easier with. Plus not alot of people liked the "Rebirth mini. All of that and more does not automathicly make Hal the perfect choice. No. This is more of an example of fanboy talent wanting to bring back the old days and trying to keep the current fanbase happy. Ad the cost of possiblely gaining new ones by using John instead.

Huh? Not a lot of people loved rebirth? WTF Rebirth were you talking about? We went from selling 20 copies of issue 1 to 70+ of the subsequent issues including reprints. We haven't sold that many comics since before the industry crash where I work!!! For every naysayer there were MANY more people praising the book and that has continued into the regular GL series being a huge success! Internet fans are not the majority man, they are the vocal minority.

Jason

[Taskmaster]

Whatever.



Having more 'history' with a certain group doesn't make you the better choice. Plus Hal's regular series is seeing s slow, but steady drop off in sales and dissatifaction among intial fans. Still John has just as much of a right to that post as Hal does.



But if you don't go after possible fans then you risk having a stangnate fanbase that will eventually drop off as time goes on.



Yeah. But that book is in a seperate universe. DC's losing a opertunity to get new fans by not Having John in the JLA in it's main DCU.



No. It is not. It's about seeing a character getting shafted just as he's found his place. And that's even a bigger pity. Plus I can say the same about John from certan Hal fans.

Adding Whatever just made your argument entirely null and void and made you look like a jerk. I love John as much as the next guy, but puptting your personal biase into an arument as fact makes your agrument not hold any water. I love John Stewart as the next guy and although Hal is my favorite GL i prefer John in the JLA, but i'm willing to wait and see what Meltzer has planned before I go off on a crusade against his choices. It just seems that your on a personal crusade for John Stewart to be THE Green Lantern and if anything is not to your likeing suddenly it's the worst decision since Hitler took over Germany

[SUPERECWFAN1]

Sweet jesus....ohhh yes!! Kyle's back and with the guy that made him a good Green Lantern. Its a regular series. I'm happy all the way people.

I get Hal in JLA/Green Lantern and Guy Gardner in GLC. This is a beautiful moment. DC has finally delivered and gave us Kyle Rayner fans a reason to celebrate.

Thats 3 Green Lantern books arriving soon.

[Matt]

And the fact about Hal Jordon. All I can say is that HAL IS NOT THE ONE TRUE GL!!!

Actually, he pretty much is. He's he hero of the Green Lantern Corps, the best Green Lantern of the modern era as stated by pretty much everyone that knows him. The Guardians made him the leader of the Corps for a pretty good reason; simply because he is at the best.
He was also the first silver age Green Lantern to appear so that also helps.

As someone stated above, your arguments seem to stem from a fanatical admiration of the John Stewart character, which is admirable, but most people can see that if a Green Lantern is to be in the Justice League then it should be Hal Jordan.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

Actually, he pretty much is. He's he hero of the Green Lantern Corps, the best Green Lantern of the modern era as stated by pretty much everyone that knows him. The Guardians made him the leader of the Corps for a pretty good reason; simply because he is at the best.
He was also the first silver age Green Lantern to appear so that also helps.

As someone stated above, your arguments seem to stem from a fanatical admiration of the John Stewart character, which is admirable, but most people can see that if a Green Lantern is to be in the Justice League then it should be Hal Jordan.


Hal as Kyle Rayner used to say a lot: Hal Jordan is the person you hope to fufill his legacy. Because he was the best.

Yeah , Hal had personal demons but he was the guy that everyone looked at. Jordan kept his cool. He's the " Man " now as Green Lantern. He's also the " Man " now in the JLA. I tip my hat to Brad Meltzer and can't wait to see some great Hal Jordan & Oliver Queen moments. :D

[PFunk]

Adding Whatever just made your argument entirely null and void and made you look like a jerk. I love John as much as the next guy, but puptting your personal biase into an arument as fact makes your agrument not hold any water. I love John Stewart as the next guy and although Hal is my favorite GL i prefer John in the JLA, but i'm willing to wait and see what Meltzer has planned before I go off on a crusade against his choices. It just seems that your on a personal crusade for John Stewart to be THE Green Lantern and if anything is not to your likeing suddenly it's the worst decision since Hitler took over Germany

We can debate upon the 'whatever' comment forever but I though it fit as a response and leave it at that.

However my choice is NOT to make John the Green Lantern. I just want DC to finially give the guy his due. That's all. And in my opinion DC has not done that (nor than more than a few GL fans). And someone here has to stand up for the guy here.

[PFunk]

Actually, he pretty much is. He's he hero of the Green Lantern Corps, the best Green Lantern of the modern era as stated by pretty much everyone that knows him. The Guardians made him the leader of the Corps for a pretty good reason; simply because he is at the best.
He was also the first silver age Green Lantern to appear so that also helps.

As someone stated above, your arguments seem to stem from a fanatical admiration of the John Stewart character, which is admirable, but most people can see that if a Green Lantern is to be in the Justice League then it should be Hal Jordan.

That's your and other GL's opinion on this. I (and others like me) just think i's wrong. And no I dont think standing up of a GL is fananical. Im just doing the same thing that Hal fans like you are doing. No more no less.

[PatrickG]

I'd just like to see Morrison's JLA return. I haven't followed the book with much interest since Waid because everybody (including Waid) kept screwing with the roster.

I want Kyle and Wally as the GL/Flash team. I want Superman and Batman as old friends who trade barbs but trust eachother. I want Aquaman and Wonder Woman flirting. I want Martian Manhunter as the big, tough guy who acts as the clue that holds the team together.

This will always be JLA to me. Until/unless somebody comes up with something newer and cooler than previous versions.

I just hope this new JLA book isn't a 3rd stringer nostalgia fest.

[ACK!]

I thought this thread was going to be about comedian John Stewart leaving The Daily Show or something!! :eek:

Whew!! :o

[Patriot07]

I'd just like to see Morrison's JLA return. I haven't followed the book with much interest since Waid because everybody (including Waid) kept screwing with the roster.

I want Kyle and Wally as the GL/Flash team. I want Superman and Batman as old friends who trade barbs but trust eachother. I want Aquaman and Wonder Woman flirting. I want Martian Manhunter as the big, tough guy who acts as the clue that holds the team together.

This will always be JLA to me. Until/unless somebody comes up with something newer and cooler than previous versions.

I just hope this new JLA book isn't a 3rd stringer nostalgia fest.

With Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman as sure things and Hal Jordan, Black Canary, Hawkman and Green Arrow as good bets, and Flash and Aquaman as strong maybes, I doubt it will be a third stringer thing, though I'm a huge JLI fan. The only thing that worries me is that Martian Manhunter is a long shot.

[Captain Jim]

Y'know, I get really tired of these Hal vs. John threads that pop up periodically. PFunk, we all know you're a big John fan (nothing wrong with that) and that you'd like to see him get more exposure. Unfortunately, you seem to let your bias influence you a bit too much at times, coloring the facts. I think we've been through all this before; no need to spend more time on it now.

[Shadi]

Seriously, wouldn't it be cool if DC takes advantage of IC/OYL and reboots/retcons John Stewart into the DCAU version?

[ShaggyB]

nah, i like john. hes cool the way he is. I think he needs to be with the jla, hal needs to be in green lantern book, kyle in ion (till thats resolved), guy and kilowog in corp. (then place kyle here)

Otherwise john is forgetable. Thats the sad part.

[Shadi]

Otherwise john is forgetable. Thats the sad part.

It is sorta sad. I liked him in JLU (obviously (: ). I read a few early issues of Mosaic years ago, and I remember liking that too.

The coolest thing that I liked about John was the 'no mask' thing. Years later reading COIE in tpb he looked kinda wrong to me with the mask.

[Maleficentogre]

John needs to have his solo book and hal needds to go die somewhere. JLU's GL is the best GL ever and all writers should model john after that one. that and mosaic.

[lonewolf23k]

Seriously, wouldn't it be cool if DC takes advantage of IC/OYL and reboots/retcons John Stewart into the DCAU version?


I thought they already had when Kyle left the JLA and was replaced by John..

[Shadi]

I thought they already had when Kyle left the JLA and was replaced by John..

I meant personality and background-wise, not just being a member of JLA (:

BTW, I don't think a solo series would work now (releasing it at the height of JLU's popularity would’ve maybe worked), but maybe a mini and a more prominent role in JLA?

[stealthwise]

John will be fine in the upcoming regular GL Corps book. I don't see the need to just grab him from nowhere and start lobbying for him to get a solo title, and take over for Hal, or Kyle, or Guy, or whoever. If a creative team wants to do something special with him they'll eventually make it happen.

[Shadi]

I don't see the need to just grab him from nowhere and start lobbying for him to get a solo title, and take over for Hal, or Kyle, or Guy, or whoever.

Actually, my favorite GL is Kyle, then maybe Hal. I also like Guy (mostly cuz of JLI i think), and Alan (loved him in that story in (I think) 'TEC, I think it was called 'Made of Wood'. I don't really want anyone 'taking over' for anyone else.

My point was that personality-wise, John in JLU is much cooler than John in normal DCU (imho), and it would be cool to have the 'cooler' John in the comics. (:

[Maleficentogre]

they should just kill john so he'd have a reason for being ignored.

[Alpha to Omega]

No, just no. I for one like the fact that Comic John is an architect and not a former marine, and that he actually makes constructs instead of reducing the ring to just making rays and bubbles.

[IPW]

John needs to have his solo book and hal needds to go die somewhere
This maybe the best line I have every read here.
I think he needs to be with the jla, hal needs to be in green lantern book, kyle in ion (till thats resolved), guy and kilowog in corp. (then place kyle here)
I agree that John should be the GL for the Justice League, but what makes you think Kyle isn't going to be Ion forever.
John will be fine in the upcoming regular GL Corps book.
Except, John won't be in the GLC book. I am sure he will make a cameo from time to time, but for the most part it is Guy and Kilowogs book.
I for one like the fact that Comic John is an architect and not a former marine
Why can't he be both. Marines got to do something after they are Marines.

[Maleficentogre]

just cause he's a marine doesn't mean he can't make stuff. but in a cartoon you really don't have time to build constructs. Rays and bubbles are much faster. it's not like you're just drawing it as in a comic but you're actually animating it and on a deadline rays and bubbles come out much much quicker than giant mouth openeing apparatuses.

[stealthwise]

Killing Hal to make room for John is ridiculous. Both characters can exist and share page time equally. Just because John isn't in the spotlight doesn't mean that he won't be sometime in the future. If you can actually think of a good reason for him to have a prominent role at this point, I'd like to hear it, rather than just "he's better than..."

As for the original point of the thread, I much prefer to keep John's original personality, as it is layered with tragedy, creativity and great reason to respect the character as he exists now.

[PFunk]

Here's my opinions on this (warning this is a long one).

While I think that the JLU John alot better than the comic version which is in serious need of a major recon. They should use the JLU version of John as it's base for the new comic version then add the best features of the old comic version to it. Which would create a John that has the personality of the animated version that was a former marines (probally headed a elite recon squad or something like that), now archetech (proally using some of his marine paycheck to pay for college).

As for Johns power ring use. That's the result of someone believing in the KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) principle. It maynot be pretty artistic wise (infact it's damn boring) but it's effective and less wastefull willpowerwise-especially in combat where the willpower used to make something 'pretty' could be instead to make something more powerful/tougher/etc.
Something that I see someone with marine training/experiance would do. Besides it has been shown in the JL animated series that he can create complex objects with it (i.e a snowboard, easy chair, etc). Just in not in combat situations.

As for killing off Hal to make more room for John. In a word NO. While Hal is not my favorire character. And I do wished that DC wouldn't have brought back Hal from the dead. He's back now and he has his fans. Killing Hal off again just as you brought him back would probally do nothing to patch up the fragmented GL base which if DC wants to make it a francise MUST be healed up first.

AS for a solo John book. While I would be the first to go for and support one what I would really like DC to do is to make the main GL book both John AND Hal's book as it's major characters of equal status. Using rotating 3-to-4 issue story arcs which has one GL as the primary character and one as the minor. My problem with the GL main book is that DC concentraited too much on Hal at the cost of ignoring John. But it's a mistake that it could easily fix. Besides out of all of the earth GL's John is the one that has the most potential of bringing non-comic fans in-IF DC would capitalize on it!

Anyway those are my .02 cents on this.

[IPW]

If you can actually think of a good reason for him to have a prominent role at this point, I'd like to hear it, rather than just "he's better than..."


he didn't get possessed and kill over half the corps.

[Nick Kal]

he didn't get possessed and kill over half the corps.

Neither did Kyle or Guy or Katma or Kilowog... so a reason that is unique to John?

[IPW]

Neither did Kyle or Guy or Katma or Kilowog... so a reason that is unique to John?

Its doesn't make John unique. stealthwise just want to know a reason for John Stewart to have a more prominent role. I gave him one.

[Bored at 3:00AM]

Although I've been enjoying Hal's largely solo exploits in GL, I also think the monthly could benefit by giving John & Hal equal billing as the co-stars of the book rather than having Hal be the main guy all the time. Hal & John have always played off each other very well as they both have a lot of history together, including a healthy dose of violent disagreements, hidden tension and pain (Hal with Parallax, John with Xanshi). I think there's a lot of potential for good character and relationship stuff between the two.

They also make great opponents for each other....which I suspect we'll be seeing One Year Later.

[Roads]

But, I was I kid when I first saw Hal Jordon in the Superfriends. By the early 90's DC had a new GL in Kyle then Hal moved on to OTHER things.

Now I'm a rookie league fan of the GL story but the one thing I like about the GL is like Flash(s) that story moved on. Unlike Batman, Green Arrow, WW and Superman who are the same old heros (which I really like, I don't mind they are still here) Green Lantern not only has an Original in Alan Scott but a take off in Hal Jordon who was inspired but the original, then there are good stand ins in John Stewart and Guy Garner then there's the next generation in Kyle Raynor. Same great coustume with multiple heros.

Another thing I liked was he didn't where underware like Supes, Bats, and others.

For years, The Big Three has held the top spot in DC U. But with their troubles they have now and the JLA gone, plus as of I C 4 The Flash was gone or at least his book was cancled, ISN'T AT THIS POINT HAL JORDON AS GREEN LANTERN THE TOP DOG IN DC?

To me not only are the Big 3 plus Flash are out of there spots, but as Hal Jordon stands ALONE unless you connect the GLC to him abd if you do that THE GREEN LANTERN CORPS as a whole are DC Top Dogs. If only Alan Scott was part of that, but if you think about it the JLA is gone and the JSA is still going so with that ...

It's got to be like 1996-1999 when it was a great time to be a wrestling fan.

Is it now the best time to be a Green Lantern Mythos fan? That's what I see, you pros let me know if I am right or wrong or at least have my heart in the right place.

[stealthwise]

Its doesn't make John unique. stealthwise just want to know a reason for John Stewart to have a more prominent role. I gave him one.

Still doesn't provide a reason for why John should be given a more prominent role though. Hell, John's made his share of gaffs as well, his mistakes have cost millions of lives in the past.

[Maleficentogre]

the yellow fear monster made him do it.

[Bored at 3:00AM]

For years, The Big Three has held the top spot in DC U. But with their troubles they have now and the JLA gone, plus as of I C 4 The Flash was gone or at least his book was cancled, ISN'T AT THIS POINT HAL JORDON AS GREEN LANTERN THE TOP DOG IN DC?
.

Not since Parallax, he isn't. That knocked Hal down quite a few pegs in the DCU, unfortunately. He'll probably never live it down, actually. Which is a pretty good idea, I think. No matter how much good he does, he'll always have blood on his hands in somebody's eyes. He'll always have to watch his back. He will never enjoy the complete trust of his comrades again. And Sinestro is to blame for it all.

[Bored at 3:00AM]

Still doesn't provide a reason for why John should be given a more prominent role though. Hell, John's made his share of gaffs as well, his mistakes have cost millions of lives in the past.

None of the GLs are gaff-free. Hal's colossal screw-up was just the most high profile of the bunch and made the biggest splash.

Alan accidentally wiped out the entire population of Earth once. All because he thought he could completely erase "evil" from the world--which ended up removing every last man, woman and child from existence. Good one, Alan.

John's arrogance led to destruction of an entire planet. Prior to this, John's pig-headedness prompted him to orhestrate a prison break that not only freed a mass murdering terrorist but a serial killer of women & children. Apparently, John was so naive that he thought there were no real criminals in a prison if it was run by racists.

Kyle, in multiple acts of mind-boggling stupidity, handed over a power ring--the most powerful weapon in the universe--to not only a genocidal lunatic who used it to murder the populations of several solar systems but the super-villain who murdered his girlfriend and claimed to have murdered his own mother.

Actually, the one GL who comes out looking the best, if you take into accound all the various mistakes they'll all made, is... Guy Gardner, whose worst mistake was leading a ill-advised mission into the Anti-Matter Universe that would have given The Anti-Monitor unlimited power and trying to kill a powerless Hal for trying to stop him.

[Bored at 3:00AM]

the yellow fear monster made him do it.

I tried to use this line on my last girlfriend.

"But, snookums, the Yellow Fear Monster made me do it!"

It didn't go over too well....

Didn't help that she had absolutely no freakin' clue who the Yellow Fear Monster was...

[Forsaken_One]

We've all been over the "I hate Hal!" arguments, let's let sleeping dogs lie. All the Earth GLs are around, they're all going to have at least one ongoing series that they'll have significant roles in, none of them are dead, none of them are crazy, none of them are being written horribly out of character. Life is good.

[PFunk]

We've all been over the "I hate Hal!" arguments, let's let sleeping dogs lie. All the Earth GLs are around, they're all going to have at least one ongoing series that they'll have significant roles in, none of them are dead, none of them are crazy, none of them are being written horribly out of character. Life is good.

Again. Not if you're a John fan. So far DC has not been content to give him a permenant place for him to 'hang is hat' so to speak unlike the other GL's (yes even Guy). And DC has not given ANY indications that John will have an ongoing series (as he's being kicked out of the JLA). Plus John has been writen so 'shoddly' in the past comicwise has be highlighted by how well John has been writen in the animation-the place which his does have a home (which is now ending). And with DC's rather lousy history of treating it's black (and other eithinc) heros/and heroian has people worred about his future.

So. If you're a John fan life is NOT good for him in the comics.

[Bored at 3:00AM]

So. If you're a John fan life is NOT good for him in the comics.

Hey, could be worse, he could be a mass murdering lunatic with bad dialogue or a dead hippie in a bathrobe. Being largely ignored in the comics for the time being ain't bad considering the alternatives...

[PFunk]

Hey, could be worse, he could be a mass murdering lunatic with bad dialogue or a dead hippie in a bathrobe. Being largely ignored in the comics for the time being ain't bad considering the alternatives...


You know you got a point. Especially sense John seems not to be liked by DC current creative talent. But forgive me if I'd like to see John see more action (under a decent creative team that likes him of course).

[Maleficentogre]

If you're a fan of Stewart then you have nothing to read for. He's nothing more than a filler character to DC. Every other lantern has main roles somehwere except for john. Life is not good. John is never going to get an ongoing because he's just the black GL and that's all he'll ever be.

[Taskmaster]

they should just kill john so he'd have a reason for being ignored.


Your very negative, aren't you?

[Maleficentogre]

why yes I am

[Forsaken_One]

See the way I figure it is the same way I figure it is with my favorite characters when they don't have an ongoing or team book they're in. Sure, I could complain about how they're not front and center because, damn it all, they're my favorite character and thus should get top billing! But really, all that does is waste space and time and make me look like an obstinant guy for not seeing other people's points of view and/or putting down someone else's favorite character who does have a series out.

Instead I focus on what's good about their current actions. They haven't been killed off. They haven't turned evil in a lame storyline "shocker" that failed utterly. They haven't turned evil in a lame storyline "shocker" that failed utterly and then killed off. They aren't being written out of character. (Granted, they aren't being written in character either since they aren't being written at all but hey, at least one of my favorite characters isn't being introduced to the world as an ornery SOB who picks fights or something.) And so on and so forth. No, I'm not getting Amazing New Stories Starring Ambush Bug! or Supergirl Version Good with Linda. Those would be awesome and I'd love to see them, but I accept that they probably won't happen and count my blessings as they are.

There are a lot of comic book characters. Everyone has a favorite and no one will always be happy because their favorite is always going to be at the back of the crowd. So John Stewart fans do have something to be happy about, at least he's fighting crime as a Green Lantern and not stuck in a wheelchair anymore. :)

[Maleficentogre]

My problem with DC's treatment of stewart is the fact that he's been ignored in situations where he'd fit in. Situations where there really isn't a need for a different character but they put one in there anyway. I like kyle, but honestly why did we need him? Why couldn't john take over as lantern then? It's different than my love of Mia. She's a back up hero. Don't expect her to have the spotlight. John's been a character deserving of a lead role but is continuously being looked over.

[PFunk]

I'm sorry Forsaken on but I still disagree. While yes DC hasn't kill or mainned John (like they temporaity did with the female Dr Light). They haven't captialized or used him much beyond filler either. And in fact you can say sidelined him to elevate Hal, Kyle, and Guy instead (you and also put Alan in the same catigory). And that is not going on well with alot of John fans. So I repeat John fans are not happy about this. If DC wants to build up the GL francise then should give this guy a promenant spot in a book pronto otherwise they risk opening up another fracture in the GL fanbase because of this.

[Person Man]

How popular is this character? I ask because it seems like he's treated as a "token" character by most of the fanbase, and given that we're coming out of Retcon Punch Crisis...how many fans does the current characterization have and would he be missed if the DCAU version showed up in his stead?

[Gozwald73]

I enjoy both interpretations of the character, so it wouldn't bother me either way. The same cannot be said for Aquaman, however. New guy very very suckful.

[Jack Zodiac]

I like his comic-character better than his animated counterpart. "Justice League Unlimited" John was part John Stewart, part Hal Jordan, and it kinda' sucked without another Earthbound GL to play off of.

They need to start freakin' using him more, though.

[Hush Little Batman]

Should John Stewart get a solo comic again?

If it were written by some of the creative people behind the JLU series, then hell yes! In fact, I'd love to see a Green Lantern & Hawkgirl (JLU versions) team-up series.

[Bored at 3:00AM]

They had a golden opportunity to hook Hawkgirl and John Stewart up in the DCU with the OYL jump due to Hawkman being gone, but DC decided to go another way with this one. I still think they should incorporate Johns' Arthur/Guenivere/Lancelot love triangle from that JLU episode he wrote. That was a brilliant idea that deserves to be incorporated into the DCU and would go a long way towards strengthening both Hawkgirl and John's characters as individuals in their own right and not just sidekicks for Hawkman and Hal Jordan.

[Babylon23]

I was kind of hoping we'd see John in JLA. Unfortunately, as much as I love the character, I don't think he's popular enough to support his own series. Really, how many fans of the cartoon would go into a comic shop and purchase a title based on John?

However, I think he functions really well in a team environment, and that's where I wanted to see him. JLA would have been perfect.

[Hush Little Batman]

They had a golden opportunity to hook Hawkgirl and John Stewart up in the DCU with the OYL jump due to Hawkman being gone, but DC decided to go another way with this one. I still think they should incorporate Johns' Arthur/Guenivere/Lancelot love triangle from that JLU episode he wrote. That was a brilliant idea that deserves to be incorporated into the DCU and would go a long way towards strengthening both Hawkgirl and John's characters as individuals in their own right and not just sidekicks for Hawkman and Hal Jordan.

Exactly and with Infinite Crisis (and the super retconning punches of Prime), DC should've taken the opportunity to alter the current Hawkgirl into Shayera Hol and John Stewart into more like his JLU self. Fans of those characters would've loved to continue reading about them in a monthly series.

I was kind of hoping we'd see John in JLA. Unfortunately, as much as I love the character, I don't think he's popular enough to support his own series. Really, how many fans of the cartoon would go into a comic shop and purchase a title based on John?

More than you realize. One problem that comics based on animated shows have faced in the past is that those titles were marketed to children, so they lacked some of the darkness and depth the regular (or "real") titles had and thus didn't sell as well. It seems like every comic fan loved BTAS, but they didn't go out and buy the comic version (which sometimes had new stories). There are a lot of reasons why they didn't, but trust me, had it taken place in the regular DCU and been maketed more towards adults/teens, it would've sold better. It seems that fans have no problem buying crappy art if the the story is mature but they don't want to buy children's stories - even if Jim Lee is the penciller.

I bet if DC had created a Green Lantern & Hawkgirl team-up book (ala the old Lantern/Arrow series), and had gotten either Dwayne McDuffie or Paul Dini to write it and a decent artist to illustrate, you'd see how well the John Stewart & Shayera Hol characters would explode in popularity. Sadly, it seems DC is more interested in releasing a new issue of ASBAR on a yearly basis than capitalizing on the success of two popular JLU characters.

[Deadpooligan]

I kinda feel bad that Stewart's always going to be in the shadow of Hal in mainstream DC comics.

Hell, he almost took out the core JLA in Rebirth, and he still doesn't get the respect he deserves; John's the frequent butt of jokes by Guy Gardner when they're working in Sector 2814.

Don't get me wrong, I like John in the comics since he uses his ring in an architect fashion (Van Sciver, thou rocketh'd it in Rebirth), and I'm SO glad they changed his character considerably since the Silver Age, where he was just a blaxploitation of Hal, but I was disappointed by his choice as main Lantern in the Animated Justice League [Unlimited]. I liked the Kyle/Hal hybrid they had in S:TAS, and I still get that feeling that they just picked John for racial diversity on the team.

Before one of youse guys says it, I know DC says it's "because he's a character nobody really knows so we can develop him more", but that's just a poor excuse. If they wanted to have an original character to work with, they wouldn't have had him rip off Hal's classic ring wielding style.

Stewart is a great supporting character for GL Vol. 4. I just wish Johns'd put him in it more...

[Suzanne]

If Shayera's ever brought back (which I think is possible), she and John could always pair off in "Brave and the Bold." Which reminds me, have they ever met in the DCU?

[Erebus]

Out of the "Big Five" (Jordan, Rayner, Stewart, Gardner, Scott), Stewart's always been my least favorite. Not saying that I don't like him, I just think the other charecters were more interesting. It'd be great for him to be in a team, or a mini-series. But if he was replaced as main GL, they'd better get some good writers, otherwise it'll probably just fizzle out.

[Sophisticated_Gamer]

Who is John Stewart? Sounds like the guy from the daily show...

[Hush Little Batman]

Don't get me wrong, I like John in the comics since he uses his ring in an architect fashion (Van Sciver, thou rocketh'd it in Rebirth), and I'm SO glad they changed his character considerably since the Silver Age, where he was just a blaxploitation of Hal, but I was disappointed by his choice as main Lantern in the Animated Justice League [Unlimited]. I liked the Kyle/Hal hybrid they had in S:TAS, and I still get that feeling that they just picked John for racial diversity on the team.

Before one of youse guys says it, I know DC says it's "because he's a character nobody really knows so we can develop him more", but that's just a poor excuse. If they wanted to have an original character to work with, they wouldn't have had him rip off Hal's classic ring wielding style.

The producers of JL have never been shy in admitting that one of the reasons they chose John Stewart was to add racial diversity to the team and there's nothing wrong with that. I applaud both the conscious effort and upfront honesty behind the decision. Remember that back when the JLA was formed (1960), minorities in comics were primarily used in offensive, stereotypical fashion and even the beloved Superfriends show (late 70's to mid 80's) was guilty of this.

For over 40 years, six out of the seven main JLA members, as in the most famous roster, has always been comprised of white heroes - Bruce, Clark, Diana, Hal, Arthur and Barry (J'onn being the exception). Sure throughout its storied history there have been minority members, but never has one been written to have the same iconic status as the major players. Truthfully, most minority characters aren't even regarded as second tier heroes in the DCU; they're more like third or fourth tier. Now I'm not saying DC or the JLA have been racists, I'm saying that's been the reality of the eras and attitudes we lived in. Do you think the producers of Superfriends would've been allowed to use John Stewart over Hal if they wanted to? And if by some miracle they had been, do you think John would've been involved in a romantic relationship with a white woman - even if she was from another planet? I don't think so as it was a different time back then.

Was it really so bad that Hal Jordan wasn't included in the Justice League (especially considering that at the time, the comic version of the character was "dead")? Did white boys have no one else to identify with from the choices of Batman, Superman, Flash, Green Arrow, Captain Atom, Hawk, Dove, The Question, Booster Gold, Elogated Man, Orion, Vigilante and more. Did the show suffer from a lack of strong white females in Wonder Woman, Hawkgirl, Black Canary, Supergirl, Huntress, Zatanna, Stargirl and Power Girl? The only Black heroes were John Stewart and Vixen (let's be real - Steel and Mr. Terrific were barely on-screen for more than a few seconds) and I'm not even counting the villains here, so really, what's the big deal with the producers making a concious effort to include one minority character (who is a bonafide Green Lantern) and writing him as being one of DC's major players? And don't say because it deviated from John's characterization in the comics because if every character had to remain exactly as the previous generation wrote them, none of them would be what they are today.

Superman, Batman, Green Arrow, Aquaman, etc. have all been improved over the years as new creative teams saw something in them that the previous creators didn't. Maybe now that Timm and co. have shown what can be done with John Stewart, DC will use this opportunity to enhance his comic counterpart (they probably won't, but the opportunity is definitely there). Say what you will, but John Stewart was no token. He was shown as being among the DC elite and sometimes I think that's what pisses off Hal fans the most - the fact that when a new JLA cartoon was created, one that focused on the Big Seven, Hal was left off and they feel like it's an insult to him.

Well, I got one thing to say to that, and I don't care who it offends - Hal Jordan is a boring Green Lantern. The only time I found his character fascinating was when he was Parallax. I grew up with Hal and because of that, he'll always hold a place in my geeky comic heart as one of the good guys, but the truth is, he's a dud. Kyle was a hell of a lot more interesting than Hal ever was and the JLU version of John Stewart had the most depth of all, IMHO. The way Hal fans bitch about his exclusion from the show you'd think he was the only GL to ever exist. I find that highly ironic and hypocritical since he's part of a larger corp of lanterns that patrol different sectors of the universe. No doubt, he's the most famous GL (the longest running certainly), but he's not even the first as that honor belongs to Alan Scott - and Alan is someone who gets zero love, so what makes Hal more deserving of the JLA spot than any other GL? Likewise, I felt the JLU Shayera Hol was a much better addition to the roster than either Aquaman or her silver age version would've made. IMO, the writers took a long dead character and breathe freh new life into her which again gives DC, if they wanted, an opportunity to explore and build upon in regular continuity (it seems they won't - the idiots).

Prior to the show airing, I too was a bit skeptical on the producers comments as to why they chose to use John, but they proved that they weren't lying as they made him (and Shayera) the most developed character[s] in both incarnations of the series. In the end, all I wanted was a Green Lantern on the JLA that I, as a GL fan, could be proud of and make no mistake, for five seasons Timm and co. gave me just that with their characterization of John Stewart; in fact, they exceeded it.