John Stewart was recruited into the Green Lantern Corps in 1971’s Green Lantern #87 and since then, his life has been filled with triumph, tragedy, adventure, intergalactic intrigue and enough emerald constructs to fill a moon. Maybe you were introduced to John while watching the Justice League animated series as a kid, or maybe you met the character for the first time this week on HBO’s Lanterns, where he’s played by Aaron Pierre. Either way, the character has a rich history full of surprises. For example, did you know he’s related to another Justice League member, or that he once made a perfect shot from three galaxies away? Here are five things you didn’t know about John Stewart, the galaxy’s most down-to-Earth Green Lantern.
He’s Really Bad at the Whole Secret Identity Thing
When John Stewart debuted in 1971’s Green Lantern #87, he outright rejected the idea of wearing a domino mask, proclaiming, “This Black man lets it all hang out! I’ve got nothing to hide.” However, when he became a Green Lantern full time in 1984’s Green Lantern #182, he decided to give the secret identity thing a try. It turns out he was really bad at it.
A reporter named Tawny Young exposed John’s identity to the world in 1985’s Green Lantern #188, and while John was shocked at first, it’s clear he has no one to blame but himself. Over the years, John has shared his identity with random neighborhood children, transformed in front of a date and appeared publicly without his mask one too many times. It turns out that’s a bad way to keep a secret identity.
He’s Related to Black Lightning (But They Don’t Talk About It)
Heroism runs in John Stewart’s family. According to Black Lightning co-creator Jenny Blake Isabella, when she introduced Jefferson Pierce’s ex-wife Lynn, she gave her the last name of Stewart as a way of connecting Lynn to John Stewart. For years, the connection wasn’t explicitly stated in the comics, but the idea of the two Stewarts being siblings remained a popular fan theory.
That theory became reality when John and Lynn were revealed as siblings in the Young Justice animated series. This means that (in the Young Justice continuity, at least) Black Lightning is John Stewart’s brother-in-law, and John is the uncle of Thunder and Lightning. It does raise the question of why John and Jefferson don’t acknowledge their relationship more often. Perhaps the two had words during one of Jefferson and Lynn’s many breakups. I could totally see John as the overprotective brother.
He Designed the Hall of Justice
Are you familiar with the Hall of Justice, the iconic headquarters of the Justice League? It turns out you have John Stewart to thank for that. The Hall of Justice has been around since the 1973 Super Friends cartoon, but it didn’t make its mainstream continuity debut until 2007’s Justice League of America #7. According to Superman, John Stewart designed the building alongside Wonder Woman.
One of the coolest features of the Hall of Justice is that it’s bigger on the inside (yes, I know it’s not the only geeky HQ that applies to). When you step into the building, it teleports you to the Justice League Watchtower orbiting Earth, which was also designed by Stewart. Pretty clever, John.
He Was the First Black Member of the Justice League
John Stewart was a character that broke barriers. Not only was he one of DC’s first Black superheroes, but he was the first one to fight as a member of the Justice League. In 1974’s Justice League of America #110, Hal Jordan takes a stumble in the shower (an embarrassing way for a Lantern to go out) and is unable to make it to a Justice League meeting, so his power ring summons John Stewart instead.
The other Justice League members are apprehensive about a stranger showing up to their headquarters, but John proves himself to be a valuable ally, using his quick wit and some power ring creativity to help the Justice League defeat the Key. I should add that this was John’s second appearance! John may have been a substitute member, but he was the first Black hero to fight alongside the League. Vixen would become the first full-time Black member in 1984’s Justice League of America Annual #2, and John would become a full-time member in 2002’s JLA #76.
He Once Made a Perfect Shot…From Three Galaxies Away!
Deadshot might be known for his perfect aim, but he’s got nothing on John Stewart. In Green Lantern: Sinestro Corps War Special #1, a member of the Sinestro Corps named Bedovian begins sniping the assembled members of the Green Lantern Corps from three sectors away. Luckily, the Lanterns have a sniper of their own. John Stewart utilizes his power ring to construct a sniper rifle, which he uses to locate and shoot Bedovian, even though the Yellow Lantern is three sectors away. For context, a sector can be as big as a galaxy, so it’s a good thing John’s aim was precise. I should probably mention here that John was a sniper when he served in the Marine Corps, which explains why he has such good aim. It’s a skill that has certainly come in handy during his time with the Lanterns.
Lanterns, starring Aaron Pierre as John Stewart, airs Sundays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on HBO and HBO Max.
Joshua Lapin-Bertone writes about TV, movies and comics for DC.com, is a regular contributor to the Couch Club and writes our monthly Batman column, "Gotham Gazette." Follow him on Bluesky at @joshualapinbertone and on X at @TBUJosh.
NOTE: The views and opinions expressed in this feature are solely those of Joshua Lapin-Bertone and do not necessarily reflect those of DC or Warner Bros. Discovery, nor should they be read as confirmation or denial of future DC plans.
