The Green Lanterns: A Cosmic Power Ranking
In the vast DC Universe, few superheroes rival the might of the Green Lanterns. With their emerald Power Rings, these heroes can conjure anything their minds can fathom, making them a force to be reckoned with. But who among these Lanterns shines the brightest? Here's a ranking of the 10 most powerful Green Lanterns, with a twist that might spark debate among fans.
10. Alan Scott
The original Green Lantern, Alan Scott, stands apart from the Corps. His ring, powered by a crashed meteor, was later revealed to be modified equipment from a rogue Lantern. Alan's journey began in 1940, saving a train from disaster. Despite not being directly linked to the Corps' Central Power Battery, his powers are formidable, though they have a peculiar reaction to wood. Over time, Alan merged with his lantern, slowing his aging, and became a master strategist, leading various superhero teams.
9. Jessica Cruz
Jessica Cruz, a newer Lantern, was introduced in 2013. After a traumatic event, she became the host for the fear-based Ring of Volthoom. Despite its draining effects, Jessica overcame her trauma and destroyed the ring with the Justice League's help. This act earned her a place in the Corps. Jessica's ring still has ties to Volthoom, allowing her to travel through time and space, a unique ability among Lanterns. Her popularity soared, leading to appearances in various DC animated projects.
8. Guy Gardner
Guy Gardner, a Green Lantern since 1968, is known for his rough demeanor. Serving as a backup to Hal Jordan, Guy is a skilled fighter but often lacks composure. He has wielded various Power Rings, including those of the Sinestro and Red Lantern Corps, tapping into fear and rage. Despite his initial portrayal as a joke character, Guy has proven his worth, even taking down Doctor Manhattan temporarily. But his brash attitude often leads to clashes, especially with Batman.
7. Sinestro
Once a revered Lantern, Sinestro's misuse of his ring led to his expulsion. He gained a fear-powered ring in the antimatter universe and became a formidable villain. Sinestro's cunning and mastery over Power Rings allowed him to corrupt Hal Jordan with the Parallax entity. In 2013, Sinestro hosted Parallax, augmenting his powers to challenge even Superman-level opponents. His potential as a villain is immense, yet it remains largely untapped on-screen.
6. Sodam Yat
Sodam Yat, a Daxamite, is a Green Lantern with a unique physiology. Similar to Kryptonians, he gains superpowers from Earth's yellow sun, but lead is his kryptonite. Sodam's strength rivals that of Superman, and with his Power Ring, he's virtually unstoppable. His ability to create constructs on the fly makes him a force to be reckoned with, even without his ring. Sodam's obscurity adds to his intrigue, making him a hidden gem in the DCU.
5. Mogo
Mogo, the sentient planet, is a one-of-a-kind Green Lantern. Introduced in 1985, Mogo's size and connection to the Central Power Battery make him a vital asset. He telepathically guides Power Rings to new users and offers his surface for training. Mogo's power constructs are formidable, capable of making even the notorious Lobo retreat. His control over his planet-scaled abilities, like gravity and environment, showcases the potential of a Green Lantern on a cosmic scale.
4. John Stewart
John Stewart, the third Earth-based Lantern, is a former U.S. Marine and architect. His tactical mind and detailed power constructs make him a formidable force. In 'Green Lantern: Mosaic,' John temporarily became the first mortal Guardian of the Universe. He has also wielded the Indigo Tribe's energy and destroyed a rogue Mogo. John's serious demeanor often leads to his representation on the Justice League. His legacy was cemented in the DC Animated Universe, and his popularity continues to soar.
3. Ganthet
Ganthet, the most empathetic Guardian of the Universe, is a powerful figure. After the Corps' near-destruction, he recruited Kyle Rayner and rebuilt it. Ganthet even became a Green Lantern himself during a dire crisis, creating a Power Ring that channeled his omnipotence. He can reshape reality and has resurrected Hal Jordan. With his wife Sayd, he founded the Blue Lantern Corps. Ganthet's brief time as a Lantern showcases the immense power of the Guardians.
2. Kyle Rayner
Kyle Rayner joined the Corps during its darkest hour and became its sole member. His efforts to rebuild the Corps led to significant power upgrades. As Ion and a White Lantern, Kyle achieved cosmic omnipotence, rebuilding the Corps single-handedly and controlling all life. These temporary boosts showcase Kyle's potential, making him one of the most powerful Lanterns.
1. Hal Jordan
Hal Jordan, the first human Green Lantern, is widely regarded as the greatest. He rose to fame defeating countless threats and was even possessed by Parallax, nearly destroying the Corps. After his redemption, Hal received upgrades, controlling time and space as Parallax and gaining divine power as the Spectre. Hal's journey from hero to villain and back again cements his status as the most powerful Green Lantern, surviving even the worst of circumstances.
