Parallax and Hector Hammond challenge the Green Lantern

In about a month Green Lantern will be released, the first attempt from Warner Bros. to build a franchise out of its superheroes toward a cohesive DC Universe, much like Marvel Entertainment’s Avengers project. Originally created in 1941 by Martin Nodell and Bill Finger, the film will be using the space cop version of Green Lantern created by John Broome and Gil Kane in 1959. While not as popular as Batman or Superman, Green Lantern has enjoyed a devoted fan following who are attracted by the character’s unique fusion of science fiction and the traditional superhero.

Directed by Martin Campell (James Bond: Casino Royale) and written by Michael Green (Kings, Heroes) and Greg Berlanti (No Ordinary Family), the movie will introduce movie goers to Hal Jordan, a roguish bachelor who fearlessly tempts fate every day as a test pilot. After becoming chosen by a dying alien to be its successor, Jordan becomes part of an intergalactic force called the Green Lantern Corps. Fans of the long-running comic will rejoice as several of their favorite Corps members are brought to life including Sinistro, Tomar Re and Killowog.

The film will also introduce the dreaded Parallax, a massive parasitic monster that poses a threat so great that the entire universe teeters on collapse. Finally, here’s a glimpse of Parallax  (more info here) as it will appear in the movie.

Via ICv2

“A brotherhood of warriors sworn to keep intergalactic order, each Green Lantern wears a ring that grants him superpowers. But when a new enemy called Parallax threatens to destroy the balance of power in the Universe, their fate and the fate of Earth lie in the hands of their newest recruit, the first human ever selected: Hal Jordan.”

A somewhat obscure villain from Green Lantern’s rogue’s gallery, Peter Sarsgaard plays the diabolical Hector Hammond. After being exposed to a radioactive meteorite, Hammond evolves into a mutated being capable of mind control. As his power grows, his head continues to increase in mass, transforming him into a hideous creature.

(More info here)

According to ICv2, Geoff Johns (celebrated writer of Green Lantern and the Flash) visited the Green Lantern movie set and was astonished to find that a Silver Age villain that was never really fully used in the comics was being developed into a very real and terrifying threat in the feature film. As Chief Creative Officer, Johns has been acting as a liaison between DC Comics and the Warner Bros. live action versions of its celebrated properties in film and TV.

The Green Lantern film could easily open the door to not just more films further expanding the emerald gladiator’s universe but also the DC Universe as well. Already rumors are circulating regarding a Flash feature film (another character that Geoff Johns is known for renovating). Alternately, it could all fall apart.

We can all find out what the next steps are together on June 17th when Green Lantern opens nationwide.

Bonus:

A new clip from the Green Lantern: Emerald Knights animated feature:

Recommended:

Green Lantern: Emerald Knights - released on June 7th

Buy Green Lantern: First Flight on DVD

Green Lantern, Vol. 1: No Fear

Green Lantern: Rebirth

Tales of the Green Lantern Corps, Vol. 1

Tales of the Green Lantern Corps Vol. 2

New Green Lantern trailer wows fans

These days, being a comic book fan is akin to being a sadomasochist as films based on decades of material are altered to meet studio executives’ needs and often hurried into production. Warner Bros arguably has the keys to a stable of the greatest comic book creations in print (an opinion held even by Marvel EIC Joe Quesada!), yet legal troubles and other concerns have hampered production of these creations for the big screen.

When a relatively obscure second tier hero Green Lantern was announced, the comic book realm rippled with anticipation mixed with worry. A wonderful blend of science fiction and superhero action, the emerald gladiator was custom-made for a major motion picture rife with CGi treatment. But… what if it all goes wrong? What if the wrong actor is cast as the devil-may care test pilot Hal Jordan, if the costume is altered, what if the back-story or supporting cast are changed in order to appease what the studio thinks is necessary in order to appeal to the movie-going public?

With high hopes and concerned fans, the initial Green Lantern trailer was less than impressive. A goofy performance by Ryan Reynolds solidified the opinion that he was wrongly cast, the depiction of Hal Jordan as a slacker with a penchant for a bachelor’s life left fans groaning as it appeared that their beloved character was going to be reduced to an ironic joke on superheroes rather than a celebration of the comic book idiom.

Premiered this year’s WonderCon, the new Green Lantern movie trailer has been changing opinions (for the better).

The new trailer reflects the gravity of the comic, addresses the humor of Hal Jordan tempered by his maturity into the hero that I hoped we would get to see on screen.  Color me surprised and excited.

__________________________________________________________

Get your own ring and join the Green Lantern Corps!

Green Lantern Movie Green Lantern Power Ring Prop Replica

‘In brightest day, in blackest night, No evil shall escape my sight Let those who worship evil’s might, Beware my power… Green Lantern’s light!’In a vast and mysterious universe, a small but powerful force has existed for millennia. Protectors of peace and justice, they are called the Green Lantern Corps. Cosmic warriors sworn to keep intergalactic order, each Green Lantern wears a ring that grants superpowers.

When a new enemy threatens to destroy the balance of power in the Universe, the fate of the Green Lanterns and of the Earth lie within the hands of the Corps’ newest recruit – the first human ever selected: gifted but cocky test pilot Hal Jordan (Ryan Reynolds). With determination and willpower, he possesses one thing no member of the Corps has ever had: humanity. Jordan must quickly master his new powers and find the courage to overcome his fears to defeat the enemy and become the greatest Green Lantern of all.

This prop replica of the Green Lantern Power Ring was created from a cast of the actual ring used in the movie! Featuring a distressed metal band and a translucent green faux crystal, the ring comes packaged in a two-part box foil-stamped with the Green Lantern movie logo and with protective foam inside. Available in a men’s ring size 13, although the ring is a prop replica ONLY and is not meant to be worn. Limited Edition of 4000 pieces.
__________________________________________________________

Also available:

Buy Green Lantern: First Flight on DVD

Green Lantern, Vol. 1: No Fear

Green Lantern: Rebirth

Tales of the Green Lantern Corps, Vol. 1

Tales of the Green Lantern Corps Vol. 2

 

Green Lantern animated series on its way

DC Entertainment is gearing up for its next major release, the Green Lantern feature film starring Ryan Reynolds as Hal Jordan/Green Lantern, Blake Lively as Carol Ferris, Peter Sarsgaard as Hector Hammons and Mark Strong as Sinestro.

The movie will be based on the comic book character from the 1960’s, a revamp of the classic 40’s hero created by Martin Nodell and Bill Finger. The modern Green Lantern is a daring test pilot who is recruited into an intergalactic police force called the Green Lantern Corps, consisting of representatives of alien planets across space gathered into a fighting force by the wise and ancient Guardians of the Universe. Empowered by a central battery, each corps member wears a power ring capable of flight, protection and creating anything the bearer can imagine. A raw recruit, Jordan is trained by Sinestro, a daring and bold corpsman who operates outside of the Guardians’ rules. It is only after seeing how Sinestro abuses his power that Jordan can see what he can accomplish as the greatest and brightest Green Lantern of all.

The comic book was a massive hit back in the day, due in part to the ingenious plots by John Broome and slick artwork of Gil Kane (whose ears must be burning by now as this is the second time today I am mentioning him). Green Lantern has become increasingly popular in recent years thanks to stories crafted by Geoff Johns (who worked very closely on the GL film). With Batman 3 in a slow but steady production and Superman in limbo, Green Lantern is the next big comic book superhero flick for Warner Bros. This has been in deep development for some time and expectations are high. I have also heard talk of a Flash movie getting back on track so there should be news of that coming soon.

To help promote the movie, an animated series will be released.

Green Lantern (Filmation 1967)

This is not the first time fans have seen Green Lantern in animated form, the character was part of the Filmation series if ‘toons back in the day, a veteran Super Friend and a member of the Justice League (albeit another corpsman, John Stewart). DC Animation also released a magnificent animated film recently that I highly recommend. Green Lantern has incredible potential for success if handled correctly.

Green Lantern: First Flight (2009)

This could easily be DC’s answer to Marvel’s success with their Iron Man films. Warner Bros. also has some of the best animation talents in the industry, so the cartoon should be top notch stuff.

Via Heat Vision Blog
May 27, 2010

Cartoon Net planning ‘Green Lantern’ series

By Georg Szalai

NEW YORK — Cartoon Network is planning a Green Lantern animated series.

Phil Kent, chairman and CEO of Time Warner’s Turner networks unit, showed a slide with some of Cartoon Network’s original programming here Thursday at TW’s investor day.

It included the title “Green Lantern: The Animated Series.”

Warner Bros. chairman and CEO Barry Meyer later in the day mentioned this as an example of increasing collaboration and coordination between his unit and Turner. He said the Cartoon Network show is based on the DC Comics character and Warner’s “Green Lantern” movie, scheduled for a June 17, 2011 release.

The TV series is expected to launch in the second year after the film release.

Buy Green Lantern: First Flight

Buy Green Lantern Book 1: No Fear

Green Lantern – Prelude to Blackest Night (part two)

In the previous post, I talked about the challenges faced by the revival of the Green Lantern comic book series and its surprising rise to acclaim. In this second post, I take a look at the coup de grace in the third volume leading to the Blackest Night event, Agent Orange.
Agent Orange
By Geoff Johns and Philip Tan

The designs in this book of the various Orange Lanterns (and a redesigned Green Lantern – Stel) are just incredible. Philip Tan’s unique and detailed art style has established himself as a cartoonist with an eye for stunning character design. The story of Agent Orange spans back to the days before the formation of the Green Lantern Corps.

A thief by the name of Larfleeze somehow broke into the Guardian’s stronghold and stole an Orange Lantern. In recent months it has become clearer that the Guardians are fearful of any emotions which should come as no surprise given that they are protectors of the most powerful weapons in the universe controlled solely by willpower. Nevertheless, their fear of emotions and the specific emotion has driven them to the point of paranoia.

More likely than not fear over the power of the Orange Lantern led the Guardians to grant Larfleeze a sector of the galaxy un-patrolled by the Green Lantern Corps, the Vega System. Whatever the motivation, it has given the twisted alien a feeling of security and dominion over his space. As the War of Light has become more imminent, forces have begun to mobilize including the Controllers responsible for the creation of the Darkstars (a once hopeful replacement for the GL Corps). Hopeful that they had found a new power source with which to build a peace-keeping force the Controllers break a pact formed between the Guardians if the Galaxy and Larfleeze resulting on bloody war.

While the battle between the colors Orange, Green, Blue, Yellow and Red may be intriguing, let us not forget the Zamarons who utilize the power of the Star Sapphire. During all of this drama, the former hunter of Green Lanterns and revenge-crazed space-farer known as Fatality has entered the mix. For those who never read the tale, Green Lantern John Stewart is guilty of an act of pride that cost an entire planet, Xanshi. Committed to enacting revenge on Stewart for his failing, Fatality has hunted Stewart for ages only to come into contact with the Zamarons. After bonding with a Star Sapphire, Fatality recognizes her drive as being driven not by revenge but love. Truth be told, either one complicates the life of John Stewart.

During a valiant (if reluctant) rescue of Sinestro from the Red Lantern Corps, Hal becomes infected by a Red Ring and filled with rage. While Sinestro’s Corps attempts to rescue him as well, Jordan is lost in the throes of anger and fury. It is only after Saint Walker implants a Blue Ring on him that Hal Jordan is expunged of the Red Ring’s infection and his vision clears… kinda.

It is at this point that Hal Jordan discovers that he is the hopeful leader of the Blue Lantern Corps and even finds himself the unhappy bearer of a Blue Lantern ring. While the Guardians are anxious to examine the Blue Ring, Jordan is frustrated that it refuses to part with him. Even though the Blue Ring (powered by hope) is a near limitless source of energy it is also a near-limitless source of annoyance as it asks Hal what he hopes for and interrupts his thinking. Hal’s Green Ring may be powered over 200% but he cannot use that energy because of the interference caused by the Blue Ring on his opposing hand. Hal is annoyed further to discover that not only is Saint Walker determined to rescue Sinestro from the Red Lantern Corps but the Blue Rings are useless without a Green Ring in proximity.

I was humored to read Jordan argue that Hope in itself is useless without the will to action. In truth, Blue and Green power rings are an unstoppable combination, but only when properly channeled. With Hal in the dual driving seat, it’s a disaster. While the best and brightest of Green Lanterns may be a force to be reckoned with, he is also very limited in his vision and incredibly stubborn. Refusing to Hope for anything at all, the Blue Ring is left with but one wishful hope, the hope for silence, to answer. While this is an hilarious moment (even to Hal), it’s also a sad one as it exposes the fact that Hal Jordan cannot embrace Hope in any form.

Encountering Jalfreeze and his needy Orange Ring, Hal is nearly driven to madness. While topside his teammates attempt to vanquish constructs in the shape of their fallen comrades, Hal Jordan wages a psychological battle with Jalfreeze. The end result is an awkward stalemate.

The character of Jalfreeze is a lot of fun and it is clear that Johns enjoys scripting his dialog. Jalfreeze’s insistence on self perfectly balances the impending drama of the rise of the Black Lanterns.

Tainted from contact with the Anti-Monitor, one of the Guardians of the Galaxy has been steering events to an as-yet unclear end. Employing the services of the space vampire-hunting Green Lantern named Ash, she has begun a search for the corpse of the Anti-Monitor, which has become the seat of the Black Lantern Corps’ power. After having lost his family to space vampires, Ash is anxious for a mission and driven in his quest into the darkest quadrant of the universe. The power of the Black Lantern Corps remains mysterious but clearly is connected to the revival of the dead.

A thrilling and captivating prelude, these three books (Agent Orange, Rage of the Red Lanterns and Ring Quest) lay the ground work for the impending drama. If you have been interested in Green Lantern (perhaps because of the impending Ryan Reynolds movie) but unsure of the comics, I heartily recommend the following:

Green Lantern: Rebirth
Green Lantern: No Fear
Green Lantern: Wanted Hal Jordan
Green Lantern: Revenge of the Green Lanterns
Green Lantern: Sinestro Corps War part one
Green Lantern: Sinestro Corps War part two
Green Lantern: Secret Origin
Green Lantern: Rage of the Red Lanterns
Green Lantern: Agent Orange

How Green Are My Movies?

Big Gulp Green Lantern cups on the way?

Marc Guggenheim told Comicon Pulse that work proceeds on the ‘Green Lantern’ movie.

“I’ve been working my ass off on ‘Green Lantern’,” he said in an extensive interview with the website. “I’m ready for a weekend off. I really can’t say too much about it. I’ve sworn a blood oath of secrecy. I will tell you it features Hal Jordan and is an incredibly faithful rendition of the character. It honors everything everyone loves about the hero. We approach it from a fan’s perspective. Every step of the way, we ask ourselves what we want to see and what the fans will want to see. I think we have a script that will actually satisfy on those levels. Right now I’m just doing a rewrite for the studio with Greg [Berlanti] and Michael [Green]. We’ll turn that in next week. We just keep moving forward. It’s really good stuff!”

Green Lantern in general and Hal Jordan in particular have both enjoyed a unique kind of rebirth in recent years thanks to the hard work of Geoff Johns, Ivan Reiss and Ethan Van Sciver in the hot new series. No longer the dullard of the comic book world, GL is a true bad ass hero who kicks faces and takes names.

With such a sure-fire hit on their hands, DC Comics can only do right, right?

Well… not long ago the story was that Jack Black was to star as the unlikely hero with a magic ring in an ironic comedy flick. Hopefully Guggenheim can talk fans off the ledge and deliver a great action film that the character is more than worthy of.

Recommended:

Green Lantern: The Sinestro Corps War, Vol. 1
Green Lantern: The Sinestro Corps War, Vol. 2
Green Lantern: Tales of the Sinestro Corps
Green Lantern: Rebirth