Spoilers ahead for Lanterns episode 4.
HBO’s Lanterns may be about to introduce one of the Green Lantern mythos’ biggest villains. The teaser for episode 5 suggests the show is gradually becoming more cosmic.
The series follows Hal Jordan and John Stewart as they investigate alien murders in 2016, while Hal’s death in 2026 looms over the case. Episode 4 revealed that Zoe Macon is the Manhunter hiding on Earth. Now, the new teaser hints at something far more dangerous.
Antaan’s Manhunter History
In episode 2, Antaan (Paul Ben-Victor) leads an alien hit squad. He tells John Stewart that the rogue android Manhunters nearly wiped out his people. He wants vengeance against those responsible.
Atrocitus In The Comics
That backstory mirrors Atrocitus from the comics almost exactly. In DC lore, the Manhunters massacred Sector 666 and the planet Ryut. Atrocitus survived and sought revenge against the Manhunters’ creators, the Guardians of the Universe. He eventually founded the Red Lantern Corps, which runs on the red light of rage.
A Flipped Abin Sur Story
The parallel is strong enough that this writer suspects Antaan is the DCU’s version of Atrocitus. The show has already flipped one comic detail: in the source material, Atrocitus mortally wounded Abin Sur, causing the Green Lantern to crash on Earth. In the DCU, the Manhunter appears to be responsible for that crash instead.
Blood On John Stewart’s Eye
The most striking shot in the episode 5 teaser shows what appears to be blood falling onto John Stewart’s eye. The substance spreads across his eye, suggesting corruption or influence over the trainee.
Atrocitus is well known for performing blood rituals in the comics. His squad is coming to Rushville to find the Manhunter. That timing makes a ritual seem possible.
Two Possible Explanations
The substance could be an attempt to unleash uncontrollable rage in John, turning him into an obstacle for Hal Jordan or Zoe Macon. Or it could come from Zoe herself, using a Manhunter power the show has not shown yet. We know she saved Will Macon’s life, and no one in the town ever gets sick.
The Comic Parallels So Far
| Character | Comic Origin | Lanterns Parallel |
|---|---|---|
| Atrocitus | Survived Manhunter massacre of Sector 666 and Ryut; founded Red Lantern Corps | Antaan leads survivors of a Manhunter-caused near-genocide |
| Red Lantern Corps | Runs on red light of rage; uses blood rituals | Episode 5 teaser shows what appears to be blood on John Stewart’s eye |
| Abin Sur | Mortally wounded by Atrocitus in comics | DCU suggests Manhunter caused his crash instead |
Why The DCU Needs This
The opportunity is too interesting to ignore. Introducing Atrocitus would give the DCU one of its most powerful cosmic villains. It would also establish the Red Lanterns and expand the Emotional Spectrum.
Episode 5 And Beyond
Lanterns has stayed fairly grounded so far, but each episode has grown more cosmic. A full reveal of Atrocitus would be a major escalation.
New episodes of Lanterns release Sunday nights on HBO Max from DC Studios. The showrunner is Chris Mundy, with creators including Tom King and Damon Lindelof.
My fingers are crossed for at least one more Corps and color on the Emotional Spectrum by season’s end.
Source: screenrant.com
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