Message Accuracy
I'm watching Lanterns (2026–) and I'm having a blast. I try not to pay attention to a lot of the discourse around things when I like them. It's not going to change my mind and I'm (usually) not in the mood to argue and "convince" people when I think they're wrong. It's just easier to love what I love. And I am loving this so far, but there is one small detail that annoys me a little.
The show borrows its mythology from Green Lantern Secret Origins (2008), in that it ties 'will' to 'fearlessness.' Up until this book writers simply defined the will that powered the ring to inner strength and discipline of mind to manifest what you imagine through the ring. Secret Origins established the purpose of that will and when Abin Sur asks Hal, "Are you afraid?" it's a callback to this established lore.
Except the show misinterprets what Secret Origins established. In the book it is revealed that the ring has some agency and chooses the bearer with the phrase, “Hal Jordan of Earth. You have the ability to overcome great fear. Welcome to the Green Lantern Corps.”
The show asks if someone is crazy or stupid enough to not be afraid. The lore tells us that it’s not the lack of fear, but the ability to overcome fear that is the strength of will one needs to wield its power.
That is a very significant difference that I think the show is missing.