Okay, I'm sure there's a perfectly logical in-story reason for why each of the four Green Lanterns above gets what colored ring, and I'm sure race had nothing to do with it, but man, Indigo Lantern John Stewart's get-up is certainly grotesque compared to his fellow Lanterns' new costumes.Purple on purple glowing camo? Uggh. I can barely stand to look at him.The others look like they basically have costumes that blend their regular Green Lantern costumes with those of the other Lantern Corps, but instead of putting Stewart in a purple version of his costume or an Indigo Tribe costume (which, as generic space native clothing, perhaps might have been decided against to avoid the appearance of a racist or at least stereotypical choice of who wears what), they put him in a costume that recalls his retconned career as a Marine sniper (Of course, Hal Jordan's not wearing a yellow bomber jacket, Guy's not wearing a red football uniform and Kyle's not wearing a blue Nine Inch Nails t shirt).
I'm not a fan of the Stewart-as-Marine portrayal, although I understand it's in keeping with the version of the character that appeared on the Justice League cartoon and is now the predominant one. I guess I've just read too many Batman comics over the years, but guns reveal a lack of imagination to me (plus, they're a coward's weapon, as Batman always says), particularly when they're ring-generated guns made out of space-alien wish-power capable of creating anything at all. Giving artists a reason to give him that costume seen above is another strike against it.
Anyway—John Stewart, what are you wearing, man? I think you might even look better in Carol Ferris' Star Sapphire costume than all-purple camo.
It seems the Indigo ring reverts their wielder costumes to their "roots".
ReplyDeleteLike having Ray Palmer back into his Sword of the Atom (and not random native) look, when he was happier and all that.
though John's costume's pretty ugly, sure.
For some reason it makes me think of Captain Boomerang (??).
And also, it's not just a rifle, it's a staff-rifle! Like those staffs the Indigos carry around! Look at the 2nd cover, the bottom of the rifle!
Oh and one more post!
ReplyDeleteIt seems that Guy's wearing a Warrior-inspired costume in his Red Lanterns look!
...
But John's indigo's still ugly..
Have you seen the other members of the Indigo Tribe? They use minimalist tribal/indigenous-like clothing and tattoo or tribal painting over the exposed skin. Even The Atom sported that kind of outfit during his short time as an Indigo at the end of Blackest Night.
ReplyDeleteHere is my theory: can you imagine the kind of noise DC Comics would get from media, trolls and polemicists if they took their only african-american Lantern and dressed him like a tribal warrior, wearing a purple loincloth, some necklaces with animal teeth and tribal tattoo? And a carved staff like the other Indigos?
DC would literally have a Purple, Intergalactic Kunta Kinté flying around! Now that would be bold, but really ill-advised in face of all the politically correct watchdogs running free.
But I would approve.
So now John's the Lantern equivalent of Mace Windu?
ReplyDeleteThe upside to John's terrible outfit, is that if/when DC Direct or Mattel decides to knock out a batch of action figures for this one, John will require some sculpting. Hal, Guy, and Kyle's outfits would be pretty straight repaints. That's a tiny silver lining on a pretty big cloud, but still.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I can't say that I am in love with John's outfit either. I DID love the costume that Ray Palmer wore as an Indigo, those boots were fabulous.
ReplyDeleteSadly, John doesn't have much fashion sense.