“LANTERNS” STREAMING NOW ON HBO MAX

HBO’s Lanterns puts a darker, more grounded spin on the Green Lantern mythology, blending superhero action with a rural murder mystery. The series follows veteran Lantern Hal Jordan, played by Kyle Chandler, and young John Stewart, portrayed by Aaron Pierre, as they investigate a mysterious death in Rushville, Nebraska.

Fear becomes the show’s central theme as Hal and John confront very different experiences shaped by age, race, privilege, and personal history. Hal carries the confidence of a seasoned hero, while John is an accomplished former Marine who has spent his life preparing for opportunities he may never receive.

Created by Chris Mundy, Damon Lindelof, and Tom King, Lanterns draws comparisons to HBO’s acclaimed Watchmen, mixing social commentary with detective drama. While the series doesn’t always blend those elements successfully, its character-driven approach and Midwestern setting offer something different from typical superhero fare. Lanterns may not reach Watchmen’s heights, but it could establish an intriguing new direction for the DC Universe.