The Lanterns series, available on HBO Max, has ignited an intense debate among DC Comics fans after receiving one of the harshest critiques since its premiere. The person focusing on its flaws is not just any viewer, but Ethan Van Sciver, one of the most influential artists in the recent history of Green Lantern.
Van Sciver worked alongside Geoff Johns during the run that brought Hal Jordan back to the center of the DC Universe in the mid-2000s, a period many fans consider essential to understanding the Green Lantern Corps as they are known today. That history makes his opinion on the television adaptation a matter that has generated significant noise among fans.
A rating of 1 out of 10 after watching all eight episodes
The creator waited until he had completed the entire first season, consisting of eight episodes, before publishing his verdict. As he explained, he followed the series week by week with genuine interest, trying to decipher the plot's central mystery and paying attention to the dialogue.
However, his final conclusion was devastating: he gave Lanterns a score of just 1 out of 10. Van Sciver maintains that the ending betrays exactly what made these characters valuable within the comics.
Harsh words for the writers
In his critique, Van Sciver did not limit himself to questioning the final result, but pointed directly at the writers' room. In his opinion, the treatment given to John Stewart and Hal Jordan turns both into versions far removed from what they always represented: courage, loyalty, and heroism.
The artist went so far as to describe Hal Jordan's ending as unnecessarily dark and nonsensical, and lamented that, in its attempt to reformulate the character, the series has also dragged John Stewart into a version that, in his view, loses its essence.
His criticisms also touched on James Gunn, the creative head of the current DC Studios film and television universe, as he expressed surprise that he would allow this result within a project linked to his superhero films.
An exception to the criticism: Kyle Chandler
Despite the harshness of his words, Van Sciver made a relevant caveat: he positively highlighted the performance of Kyle Chandler, who is in charge of bringing Hal Jordan to life in the series.
That nuance is significant, as it makes it clear that, for the artist, the problem does not lie in the acting, but in the narrative decisions made by the writing team when developing the characters throughout the season.
Not the only creator critical of the series
Van Sciver is not the only prominent voice from the DC world to have shown reservations about Lanterns. Writer Grant Morrison was also initially very critical of the production, although they acknowledged that later episodes improved their initial perception. At the moment, there is no definitive assessment from Morrison regarding the season finale.
What is the Lanterns series about?
The DC Studios and HBO Max production follows John Stewart, played by Aaron Pierre, a recruit who joins the Green Lantern Corps, and the veteran Hal Jordan, played by Kyle Chandler. Together, they investigate a murder that occurred on U.S. soil that ends up connecting them to a larger mystery.
The cast is rounded out by Kelly Macdonald, Garret Dillahunt, Poorna Jagannathan, Nicole Ari Parker, Jason Ritter, J. Alphonse Nicholson, and Jasmine Cephas Jones.
All eight episodes are now available in their entirety on HBO Max, so the public can see for themselves if Ethan Van Sciver's criticisms match what is on screen.
Beyond the specific controversy, the debate this critique opens is broader: to what extent can an adaptation reinvent characters so established in the comic book imagination without losing what made them icons for decades?
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Ethan Van Sciver?
He is an American artist known for his work on Green Lantern alongside Geoff Johns, a key collaboration in Hal Jordan's return in the mid-2000s.
What score did Ethan Van Sciver give the Lanterns series?
He gave it a rating of 1 out of 10, considering it a failure in the treatment of its main characters.
Which characters does he criticize as being the most harmed?
According to Van Sciver, Hal Jordan and John Stewart are the characters that suffer the most from the narrative decisions made in the series.
Who plays Hal Jordan and John Stewart in Lanterns?
Kyle Chandler plays Hal Jordan, while Aaron Pierre plays John Stewart.
Have other DC creators criticized the series?
Yes, writer Grant Morrison also initially showed a very critical stance, although they qualified their opinion after watching later episodes.
Where can you watch the Lanterns series?
All eight episodes of the first season are available on HBO Max.
