Essential Guardians of the Universe Guide: Everything to Know Before ‘Lanterns

To truly grasp the significance of the Green Lantern Corps, one must delve into the origins of the Guardians of the Universe. These cosmic overseers have been subtly woven into the narrative of “Lanterns” and are expected to play a crucial role if the series continues. Curious about how these illustrious beings rose to prominence and why Hal Jordan, portrayed by Kyle Chandler, exhibits such tension towards them? Looper’s insightful explainer video offers the answers you seek.

Generally perched on high in their massive chairs on Oa, the Guardians originally came from Maltus. It was there that Krona, a Maltusian with grand ambitions, constructed a device to observe the universe’s birth, only for it to catastrophically explode. This event splintered the Maltusians into three factions, with one evolving into the Guardians. Relocating to Oa, they imposed order on a disorderly universe, initially through the creation of manhunters.

In the world of “Lanterns,” the ominous presence of a manhunter is noteworthy—and for good reason. Conceived by the Guardians to maintain universal order, these synthetic enforcers were turned uncompromising by Krona’s interference. They deemed any emotional sentient being as a potential threat, leading to the annihilation of Sector 666. This massacre birthed Atrocitus, the inaugural Red Lantern, who could be a hidden antagonist in “Lanterns.” The Guardians largely eradicated the manhunters, yet remnants continue to stir trouble for the Green Lantern Corps in the comics.

Aside from their foundational role in the Green Lantern Corps, the Guardians of the Universe are pivotal in broader DC Comics history. They orchestrated the voyage of infant Kal-El’s spaceship to Earth and divided Martians into green and white races, instilling a deep-rooted phobia of fire. Due to their immense power, the Guardians recurrently feature in significant DC narratives, often steering key events with their influence.

The Anti-Monitor attacks the Guardians in the “Crisis on Infinite Earths” arc where they lose a third of their members. They leave the universe but return in time for the “Emerald Twilight” storyline where Hal Jordan becomes infected with the cosmic parasite of fear, Parallax. After becoming a villain, Hal kills a bunch of Guardians, too, but they get revived in “Green Lantern: Rebirth.”

While they’ve only been referenced so far, “Lanterns” co-creator Chris Mundy confirmed that Laura Linney’s character, who’s been shown in some promotional material, is indeed a Guardian of the Universe. That may seem odd considering she doesn’t look like a short blue person, which is the form most Guardians of the Universe take. 

This could be a disguise, which has happened before. The Guardian Appa Ali Apsa took on a human form to accompany Hal Jordan and Oliver Queen on a cross-country journey in the “Hard Traveling Heroes” comic series. But to be ready for any revelation “Lanterns” throws at you, watch Looper’s full Guardians of the Universe video above.