DC Settles the Age-Old Debate: Are the Green Lanterns Cops?
The Green Lantern Corps is the biggest and most well-known force for good throughout the DC Universe. But the question of whether the organization can be considered cops has raged among fans since its inception. Thankfully, Green Lantern writer Jeremy Adams has an answer that can put this debate to rest for good.
With a new era for Green Lantern and the upcoming Green Lantern Corpsseries right around the corner, writer Jeremy Adams spoke with DC to discuss everything about Hal and his fellow Emerald Knights. Eventually, Adams is asked how he feels about the Green Lanterns and whether they can be seen as cops.
Jeremy Adams: I think of them more as old time US marshals. They ride into town with a tin badge and you’re like, “Well, maybe they have authority?”
They’re kind of cops, but it’s more Star Trek-like to me. It’s more going out, exploring, but also trying to maintain some sense of order in the universe. And that’s going to be really focused upon, because I should say they’re like the cops of the Emotional Spectrum. That means they have much more responsibility now.
I do think of them as cops in some ways. It’s an easy parallel to make. But now the Guardians aren’t necessarily the governing authority, so I feel they’re more like territorial US marshals in the old west riding into town on their horses. “We’re looking for bad guys.”
Adams responded saying he views them more as old-school U.S. Marshals who bring authority with them. He also likens them to the protagonists in Star Trek, saying they're around to bring order to the universe, though Adams did admit they are somewhat cops in the end.
The Green Lanterns are More Like Marshals Than They Are Cops
They're Also Explorers Trying to Bring Order to the DC Universe
The Green Lantern Corps was created by the Guardians of the Universe in order to keep the peace across the DC Universe. The Guardians had previously failed with other, emotionless forces like the Manhunters, but they found great success by seeking out beings who possessed great willpower, allowing them to manipulate the Emotional Spectrum's central and most stable light. For eons, the Green Lanterns have policed 3600 sectors of space, and while they generally leave most places to handle their own criminals, the Green Lanterns step in when a greater threat emerges or endangers multiple planets in one or more sectors.
While Green Lanterns are all beloved, the idea of them being a police force does tend to make some uneasy. After all, the Guardians weren't elected, they were just the oldest beings in the galaxy that foisted the Corps onto the DCU in the name of order. Though, Adams does clarify in the interview that whatever authority the Guardians had before is gone and that the team is largely independent. But they're still acting in the same law-enforcement capacity that they always were. So, whether one views them as marshals or cops, the Green Lanterns fit the bill either way.
Every Reader Can Still Enjoy the Green Lantern Corps For What They Are
Above All Else, the Green Lanterns Are Heroes Throughout the DC Universe
As Adams admits, it's easy to make the connection between the police and the Green Lanterns. But at the end of the day, they're comic book heroes. While there's room for debate on the systemic problems in real-world police forces, the Lanterns are just people given one of the coolest weapons in the DC Universe who are trying to keep everyone safe from the worst people in the galaxy. The Corps essentially being a police force or marshals doesn't make them any less heroic, and it doesn't mean fans can't enjoy the Green Lanterns as they protect the DC Universe.
Source: DC
- Created By
- Martin Nodell, Bill Finger, John Broome, Gil Kane, Dennis O'Neil, Neal Adams
- Cast
- Ryan Reynolds
- First Appearance
- All-American Comics
- Alias
- Alan Scott, Hal Jordan, Guy Gardner, John Stewart, Kyle Rayner, Simon Baz, Jessica Cruz, Sojourner Mullein
- Alliance
- Justice League, Justice Society of America, Green Lantern Corps
- Movies
- Green Lantern
