"Green Lantern" (Hal Jordan)-From The 50's to the 70's

Green Lantern (Alan Scott) was originally created in 1940, with a totally different origin than the 'revised' version, who I'm going to talk about now. Created in 1959 by John Broome (writer) and Gil Kane (artist); Green Lantern / Hal Jordan made his debut in "Showcase"#22 (Sept.-Oct.).

Hal Jordan (Test Pilot) was trying an experimental aircraft component, when he was drawn by the power-ring of a dying alien, to where he had crash-landed. The alien being (named Abin Sur) was part of an elite group of universe protectors called The Green Lantern Corps (who were sent out to different quadrants of the Galaxy by an immortal blue-skinned race of beings, who called themselves 'The Guardians of the Universe'). Since Abin Sur  was dying, his power-ring sought out a worthy successor to take his place; and that person was Hal! He put on the outfit and power-ring, which gave him the ability to fly, the ability to create solid objects, and to shoot power energy beams. He was also given a re-charging power lamp to re-energize his ring, while reciting this oath---"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! And thus, Hal Jordan became "Green Lantern". Soon after, he became one of the founding members of the "Justice League of America". The Guardians had also appointed 2 other back-up Green Lanterns (Guy Gardner & John Stewart), if Hal couldn't fulfill his duty, for whatever reason.

Hal love interest was Carol Ferris (to whom he revealed his identity to in "G.L."#83).  His chief adversary was Sinestro (who was a former Green Lantern), who had a yellow power-ring (the color yellow was the only weakness for G.L.'s power-ring ). Gil Kane's fantastic artistry graced the pages of the "Green Lantern" comic books up through No. #75. During that era, the series won the 1961 Alley Award for "Best Adventure Hero / Heroine (with own book)!

In 1970, the series became "Green Lantern / Green Arrow" (starting with issue #76), with Denny O'Neil handling the writing duties (with his amazing skill), and Neal Adams bringing his awe-inspiring artistic abilities. The series took on socially conscious themes and a more serious tone (one particular stand-out was the award-winning "Snow Birds Don't Fly" in issues #85 & 86; the story dealt with Green Arrow's side-kick Speedy / Roy Harper needing help beating a heroin addiction)! The team of Denny O'Neil and Neal Adams won several Shazam Awards, during their 14 issue collaboration (Dick Giordano also won for his inking skills). After that, "Green Lantern / Green Arrow" became a back-up feature in "The Flash" for several issues. The Black Canary (Green Arrow's lady love) appeared frequently with Green Lantern and Green Arrow, during that era (and the next one).

"Green Lantern / Green Arrow" comics were eventually re-launched for a 15 issue stint, featuring the great Mike Grell carrying on the tradition of fabulous artistry, in high style.

The many other-worldly Green Lanterns have been featured from time to time, in their own stories.

"Green Lantern" has appeared in a TV special ("Legends of the Superheroes"), many animated series', a feature film (starring Ryan Reynolds as G.L.) and 2 "Warner Premiere" full length animated films.

There have been several other Green Lanterns (of Earth) since that time (as seen in the picture above---by the way, Hal Jordan / Green Lantern is the one in the top left corner), but Hal was always definitely my personal favorite. In my book, he'll always be the 'definitive' Green Lantern!