Tom King, aDC Comicswriter whose work has been cited as an inspiration for James Gunn’s DC Universe, will put his mark on the upcoming HBO seriesLanternsin more ways than one. The veteran comic book writer, who is serving as a writer and an executive producer onLanterns, will be bringing in influences from his own comics, includingOmega Men, which heavily featured Green Lantern Kyle Rayner.
King has never writtenGreen Lanterncomics, but he has written a number of “cosmic” DC stories over the years,most notablyOmega Menwith artist Barnaby Bagenda, one of his early hits featuring Green Lantern Kyle Rayner in its main cast.
The writer is set to serve as a producer onLanterns, and will be shaping the cinematic course for Hal Jordan and John Stewart, even while theSupergirl: Woman of Tomorrowmovie - based on a comic by King and Bilquis Evely - takes shape. According to a quote circulating widely onXfrom DC Studios boss Gunn, theLanternsstory will originate with King:
It’s more like Tom doing a version of Lanterns in the same way that he did Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow…Mister Miracle…the same way he did my favorite, Adam Strange: Strange Adventures.
Tom King’s DC Comics Are Their Own Little Worlds
DC Universe Continuity Rarely Bogs Down King’s Ambitious Works
The quote originated at a press event Gunn held for DC Studios in the early weeks of 2025. There, he discussed the future of the DC Universe, including some new projects and a number of updates to previously-announced movies and TV shows.Gunn has repeatedly praisedStrange Adventures, King’s miniseries with artists Doc Shaner and Mitch Gerads, and has had kind words for King since before their working relationship was revealed. King has minimal Hollywood experience but did write the never-producedNew Godsmovie for filmmaker Ava DuVernay.
King tends to focus on the high concept of a character, then tell the biggest story he can.
While King has written a number of in-universe comics that sync up with DC’s canon, likeBatmanandWonder Woman, most of his hits are stand-alone miniseries that allow King to break rules and take big swings. King and Gerads' Eisner-winningMister Miracleset the template, although it was influenced byOmega Men.Later series that took a similar approach include King’sStrange AdventuresandHuman Targetwith Greg Smallwood. King tends to focus on the high concept of a character, then tell the biggest story he can.
What DC Comics Fans Know So Far AboutLanterns
The Series Will Feature Hal Jordan and John Stewart
Varietyshareda first look atLanternsjust after the DC Studios event in Los Angeles. The characters appear in civilian clothes rather than their superhero costumes, and that likely gives fans a sense of what to expect from the show, which has been described as “grounded” and inspired byTrue Detectivein prior interviews and announcements.Lanternswilltake the whole idea of Green Lanterns as cosmic cops to the next levelas they investigate “a murder in the American heartland.” The series will be written by Chris Mundy, Damon Lindelof, and King.
Lanterns: Cast, Story, & Everything We Know About The New Green Lanterns TV Series
With James Gunn announcing that he is working on a TV series following Hal Jordan and John Stewart, here’s everything you need to know about Lanterns.
HBO’sLantern’sis the second live-action adaptation ofGreen Lantern, following the 2011 movie starring Ryan Reynolds. Guy Gardner’s Lantern will appear in Gunn’sSuperman, and there have been other appearances as well; David Ramsey’s John Diggle onArrowgot a ring at one point, and the failedJustice Leaguepilot featured a version of Green Lantern. EvenZack Snyder’s Justice Leaguefeatured a cameo by an alien Green Lantern.Lanternswill be the highest-profile attempt yet to debut a live-action version of aDC Comicsring-slinger, with plans to tie into the larger DCU.
Tom King’s body of work withDC Comicsis available now both digitally and in various collected editions, including his most recent title,Wonder Woman,with artist Daniel Sampere.
Source:@EverythingDCU_
Green Lantern
Green Lantern is the name given to multiple enforcers of intergalactic justice in the DC Universe. Green Lanterns can harness the cosmic energy of willpower, and create unique spectral objects to face off against their enemies. Though some Green Lanterns have assisted with the Justice League, they primarily belong to the Green Lantern Corps.
