Review: Lanterns is a truly unique twist on the superhero genre

You can now watch a superhero series that deeply explores character and plot over spectacle.

HBO's new DC Universe series, "Lanterns," offers a gritty, realistic take on the superhero genre, diverging from typical action-packed narratives. The show's first season focuses on two intertwined storylines. In 2016, Green Lantern Hal Jordan and his trainee John Stewart investigate a mass shooting in Nebraska, uncovering a conspiracy involving a surviving Manhunter, an ancient extraterrestrial race created by the Guardians of the Universe. This leads to a tense 48-hour ultimatum for Hal and John to find the Manhunter or face the destruction of the town. The second storyline jumps to 2026 and centers on the murder of Hal Jordan himself, with John Stewart and the local sheriff investigating his death. The series explores character depth, including Hal and John's complex mentor-mentee relationship and their personal struggles, culminating in an emotionally resonant finale.

"Lanterns" signals a potential shift in how major comic book properties are adapted for television, prioritizing complex narratives and character studies over traditional superhero spectacle. By treating the Green Lantern lore with a grounded, detective-noir sensibility akin to "True Detective," the series demonstrates that established superhero IPs can serve as vehicles for mature, serialized storytelling. This approach could encourage other studios to take similar creative risks with their own franchises, potentially broadening the audience for comic book adaptations beyond existing fanbases.

The success of "Lanterns" as a self-contained story, with optional future ramifications, suggests a market appetite for creator-driven narratives within expansive universes. Showrunner Chris Mundy's ability to weave in lore and new characters like Guy Gardner seamlessly indicates a viable model for integrating established elements without alienating new viewers. This flexibility may influence future development strategies, allowing for more ambitious, character-focused projects that can stand alone while contributing to a larger tapestry.