Powerful Green Lantern Character DC Finally Unleashes in 2024 After Ban

In an unprecedented twist for superhero fandom, DC’s Green Lantern Corps has expanded its ranks to include an unexpectedly iconic character: King Kong. This noteworthy development occurred in 2024 and represents a remarkable integration of pop culture into the expansive universe of comic books. The move exemplifies DC’s talent for ambitious crossovers, merging beloved franchises in a fresh and engaging narrative.

King Kong’s Induction as a Green Lantern in 2024

The DC/Monsterverse: An Unforgettable Crossover

In 2024, the epic crossover titled Justice League vs. Godzilla vs. Kong emerged, marking King Kong’s official debut as a Green Lantern. This comic, created by the talented team of Brian Buccellato, Christian Duce, Luis Guerrero, Jimmy Betancourt, and Richard Starking, brought together the DC Universe and the formidable Monsterverse. While Godzilla made his mark in Marvel Comics back in the 1970s, DC enthusiasts have awaited such a conjunction for decades, raising anticipation for future encounters between these iconic heroes and the King of the Monsters.

This crossover offered DC the chance to incorporate the legendary movie monsters from the Monsterverse, presenting thrilling scenes, such as Godzilla’s nuclear breath nearly overpowering Superman. Although King Kong remains under copyright, this crossover provides a rare glimpse of the colossal ape within the DC narrative. Furthermore, the storyline artfully blends comic and kaiju mythology, enriching both universes.

The event also introduced exciting new elements, including Batman’s anti-kaiju mech and Lex Luthor’s innovative interpretation of Mechagodzilla.

Kong’s Epic Clash with the Skull Devil

The Power Behind King Kong’s Lantern Ring

King Kong unleashed his newfound Green Lantern powers in a dramatic showdown against the Skull Devil, enhanced significantly by a rejuvenating Lazarus Pit, known for reviving Batman’s old nemesis Ra’s al Ghul. Despite almost succumbing to this formidable opponent, the spirit of Guy Gardner’s legacy guided the ring to recognize Kong as its next worthy bearer.

Green Lantern rings are known for selecting individuals with immense will, a quality critical for generating energy constructs. While creativity is frequently key for a Lantern’s strength, King Kong adopted a practical approach: employing a protective force field and wielding a colossal axe reminiscent of his weapon in Godzilla vs. Kong. Alongside allies Superman and Godzilla, they managed to vanquish the Skull Devil and Luthor’s upgraded Mechagodzilla, returning both titans to their rightful realms.

This crossover served as an exceptional opportunity for DC to marry its superhero saga with the beloved Monsterverse characters. Readers were treated to innovative concepts, such as Lex Luthor’s revamped Mechagodzilla, Batman controlling an anti-kaiju mechanized suit, and the Teen Titans’ Beast Boy transforming into a massive green gorilla to assist in battle.

Batman Mech and Mechagodzilla Featured DC

Surprisingly, King Kong’s induction into the Green Lantern Corps doesn’t even rank among the strangest selections throughout its history. Fans excited by Justice League vs. Godzilla vs. Kong should stay tuned for another significant crossover: Godzilla vs. Marvel, a six-issue series set to debut in 2025.

Kong’s Transformation: A Surprising Yet Lore-Appropriate Addition

A Rich Tapestry of Unusual Corps Members

Though the idea of King Kong receiving a Green Lantern ring may come as a shock, it aligns perfectly with established DC lore. The Green Lantern Corps comprises members from diverse backgrounds, requiring only that they possess the ability to surmount fear through sheer willpower. Across the cosmos exist animal, plant, and even mineral Green Lanterns, each serving to safeguard specific sectors of space. When one falls, their ring ventures forth to find a new champion. Kong may not be the most intelligent hero, but his undeniable willpower makes him surprisingly suitable for a role among the Green Lanterns.

Astonishingly, Kong is not even the most peculiar figure to bear a Green Lantern ring. Although Earth’s emissaries tend to be human, the broader universe boasts a plethora of uniquely bizarre guardians, such as:

Mogo: A sentient planet that directs fallen Power Rings to their new wielders.
Driq: A resurrected hero sustained by his lantern ring.
The Dark Fortress: A haunted dwelling serving as a refuge for other Corps members.
Olapet: A plant-like entity that can project her consciousness into her seeds, achieving a form of immortality.
Ch’p: An alien that resembles creatures from Earth.
Dkrtzy RRR: A living equation.
Leezle Pon: A sentient smallpox virus.
Flodo Span: A sentient gas that can form a physical body using its ring.
Rot Lop Fan: An alien unable to see, who unlocked its Power Ring by conceptualizing the notion of a ‘Green Lantern’ as an ‘F-Sharp Bell.’

It would be fascinating to see King Kong interact with these extraordinary Green Lanterns in future narratives, as fans undoubtedly deserve to witness the kaiju’s complete integration into the Green Lantern lore.

Justice League vs. Godzilla vs. Kong is currently available at your nearest comic book store and online.

Source & Images