Reasons Behind Absolute Green Lantern’s Shift from John Stewart Revealed

Green Lantern is set to enter DC’s thriving Absolute Universe, but this time, John Stewart won’t be the one in the spotlight. Instead, the new hero emerging as the face of the comic series is Jo Mullein. This fresh direction may surprise some fans, leading the writer of the upcoming Green Lantern series, Al Ewing, to elucidate his choice of focusing on Jo rather than the iconic John Stewart.

Absolute Green Lantern Spotlights Sojourner Mullein Instead of John Stewart

In a recent discussion with The Comics Pals, writer Al Ewing revealed his rationale for selecting Jo over the more established character of John Stewart. Initially, Ewing had intended for John Stewart to be a focal point of the narrative, yet he ultimately opted for a different path.

Originally, I was thinking John Stewart would be the lead. My conception of John in this book… he’s pushing 40. He’s an older guy, and I thought, ‘Do I really want to write a book about an old man because I am an old man and I am not that interesting’ so I had to look through the Green Lanterns.

Ewing’s contemplation about John’s age led him to pivot toward a character that could resonate with a broader audience and offer a more captivating narrative. Consequently, Sojourner “Jo”Mullein emerged as the dynamic figure ready to wield her willpower in the Absolute Universe.

Sojourner Mullein: The Ideal Lantern for Absolute Universe Storylines

Sojourner Mullein, introduced by N. K.Jemisin and Jamal Campbell in the acclaimed 2019 series Far Sector, is a relatively new addition to the Green Lantern Corps. Her journey takes her to the remote City Enduring, where she faces a dark mystery: the first murder in centuries. Through this narrative, Jo grapples with the complexities of power, accountability, and her role as both a Green Lantern and a former cop.Despite her recent induction into the Corps, Jo possesses the indomitable spirit that embodies a true Green Lantern.

Her youthful inexperience, when contrasted with seasoned Lanterns like John Stewart, serves not as a drawback but as an asset that drove Ewing to choose her as the leading character for Absolute Green Lantern.

Sojourner really hopped out at me because I had read Far Sector recently and it’s fantastic. I thought this is a really interesting character, and I would like to give them a bit of a different life. This is a person who’s going to have the Green Power and will be the main character of the book… It just seemed right.

John Stewart and Classic Lanterns Join the Absolute Universe

The Return of Fan-Favorite Green Lanterns

While John Stewart may not be at the forefront of Absolute Green Lantern, Ewing confirms that he, along with several beloved characters, will still play vital roles in the unfolding narrative.

People love to see Hal so he’s also a big part of it. John is a big part of it still so they all have their roles to play. Guy Gardner will be there.

Hal Jordan, John Stewart, and Guy Gardner are confirmed to participate in the Absolute Universe, with Ewing hinting at the future inclusion of additional Green Lanterns, such as Alan Scott, expanding the narrative’s scope. Even if John Stewart takes a back seat in this iteration, he and his counterparts remain pivotal to the ongoing evolution of the Green Lantern saga.

Absolute Green Lantern #1 is slated for release on April 2nd, 2025, from DC Comics!

Source: The Comics Pals

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