Green Lantern Mythos Transforms DC Comics’ Most Controversial Villain with a Haunting Redesign

Warning: Spoilers for Green Lantern #18 Throughout the years, Green Lantern has encountered a myriad of formidable adversaries, yet none are as unsettling as the Predator. This complex villain holds a significant connection with Star Sapphire—the Violet Lantern and romantic interest of Hal Jordan—making his presence in the DC Universe particularly noteworthy. The Predator’s return signifies an important evolution in Star Sapphire’s character.

In the latest issue, Green Lantern #18, penned by Jeremy Adams with art by Xermánico, colors by Romulo Fajardo Jr., and lettering by Dave Sharpe, a cosmic war engulfs the DC Universe. While Hal Jordan and his allies tackle the Dark Star threat unleashed by Lord Premier Thaaros, Star Sapphire faces an individual battle against her historic foe, the Predator.

Green Lantern 16 The Predator appears in front of the Rann ship to find Star Sapphire

Star Sapphire’s “Toxic Ex”: The Predator Returns

Carol Ferris Confronts the Ultimate Cosmic Villain

The Predator is an entity rooted in the Emotional Spectrum’s inception. He embodies the darker aspects of love—specifically violent love. Similar to how each Lantern Corps draws from various emotions, the Predator serves as the incarnation of the toxic love characteristic of the Violet Lanterns. By attaching himself to a host, he can amplify their inner turmoil and twist their affection into fixation, feeding on it as a parasite…

In previous arcs, Star Sapphire was depicted as a villain, under the Predator’s sway, imbued with immense power linked to this tainted emotion. However, she renounced this power, liberating herself from the Predator’s grasp. Her journey of reclamation was highlighted in Green Lantern #12 as she used her powers not as a weapon, but to protect Hal. This marks a significant shift in her narrative from villainy to heroism, relying instead on the inherent strength of authentic love.

In Green Lantern #18, the Predator attempts to manipulate Star Sapphire back to his side. He reveals his hand in sending her Violet Lantern ring and expresses his love, which exemplifies the possessive and toxic nature of his affection. This scenario underscores the dysfunctional relationship borne from their complicated history.

The Predator: A Controversial Foe in Green Lantern Lore

The Evolution of the Predator’s Portrayal

Green Lantern 192 Carol Ferris' masculine side splits off and becomes the Predator

Historically, the Predator has been depicted in various forms throughout DC Comics. Initially, he appeared as a human figure attempting to seduce Carol Ferris. In Green Lantern #192 (by Steve Englehart and Joe Staton), the Predator is revealed as a manifestation of Carol’s masculinity, which leads to a perplexing and uncomfortable narrative where he impregnates Star Sapphire. This plotline has drawn criticism and scrutiny for its unsettling implications.

Fortunately, this version of the Predator was revised, leading to a clearer distinction in his character portrayal. No longer a product of Carol’s psyche, he is now depicted as a separate entity seeking to dominate and exploit a powerful Violet Lantern. This change manages to strip away the problematic aspects of his character while preserving the tension of their interactions.

Triumph Over the Predator: Star Sapphire’s Growth

Rejecting the Predator’s Toxic Love

Comic book art: Star Sapphire glows pink as she uses her ring.

Star Sapphire’s encounter with the Predator culminates in her decisive victory, demonstrating her liberation from his twisted ideals. In her triumphant declaration, she states that love should not be a parasite; it should be a force that gives. This pivotal moment signifies her transformation and serves as a powerful testament to her journey from villain to hero.

Having reclaimed her identity, Star Sapphire is now a core member of the Justice League, utilizing her love-based powers for the pursuit of justice rather than domination. Her triumph over the Predator assures that he will not threaten Green Lantern again, marking a significant shift in her narrative arc.

Green Lantern #18 is available now from DC Comics.

Source & Images