Bruce Timm needs no introduction when it comes to the animation industry. The man, the myth, the legend was responsible for creating much of the childhoods of 90s/early 2000s kids whenever they were not at school. His DC creations such as Batman: The Animated Series, Superman: The Animated Series, and Justice League have achieved legendary status over time, and once pushed Cartoon Network’s ratings and viewership to sky-high levels.
Apart from the amazing artwork and breathtaking action scenes, these animated adaptations enthralled young minds due to the variety of characters that graced the screen, especially in Justice League and its later installments. Comic book enthusiasts would know that initially, Hal Jordan was the Green Lantern who joined the ranks of the Justice League. But in the show, it was John Stewart who replaced him as the ring-wielding superhero.
Why Did John Stewart Replace Hal Jordan in the Justice League Animated Series?
In both the Justice Society of America and the Justice League of America, a Green Lantern has always been one of its founding members. For the Justice League, it has traditionally been Hal Jordan. However, showrunner Bruce Timm decided that the animated version needed to have a different Green Lantern. In an interview with Think McFly Think, Timm revealed the reason for choosing John Stewart in his stead:
“Well for one to be honest, it was affirmative action. Every hero included at that point was white, it was my idea to include him. I felt we needed not only a diversity in ethnicity but also in personality, and Stewart was great for both.”
Timm’s decision ultimately proved to be the right one, as not only did the new team cater to a larger group of audience, but John Stewart grew to be one of the most beloved Green Lanterns from Lantern Corps.
Why Are John Stewart’s Eyes Green in Justice League?
One of the most peculiar things fans might’ve noticed about John Stewart’s Green Lantern’s appearance is that he never wears a mask – albeit his eyes are always green, the color of his ring. In a behind-the-scenes interview from the Justice League 2001 series, Timm explained the reason for his strange look:
“He is the first Green Lantern to say, ‘ No forget it I’m not wearing a mask, I am not ashamed of being a Green Lantern’…but for purely visual sake, we felt we needed to give some kind of visual gimmick for his close-ups. So we came up with the idea that he’s been Green Lantern for so long that the energy of the Green Lantern has kind of infused his entire being, so it’s even in his bloodstream and it glows out of his eyes and it certainly makes it an interesting visual.”
John Stewart’s inclusion not only played a big role in the show’s diversity, but the character also became one of the most powerful ones in the show. Highlighting the sheer willpower that powered his ring, Stewart made sure to fight through impossible odds, both on the brightest of days, and in the blackest of nights.
Justice League can be streamed on Max.
