Warning: contains spoilers for DC vs. Vampires #1
The newly released comic DC vs. Vampires reveals that Hal Jordan, Green Lantern, is actually a vampire—a fact that gets spoiled before readers even make it to the first page. In the light, Green Lantern just looks like himself, but when fans shut the lights off, his face morphs into that of a menacing vampire, with fanged-teeth, pointed ears, and eponymous green glow. Understandably, fans were in awe of this impressive cover art.
Hal Jordan’s Green Lantern made his first appearance in DC Comics’ Showcase #22 in 1959. After his father died in a crash, he learned how to overcome this trauma by becoming a pilot himself. Renowned for his mental resilience and grit, he earned the honorary title Green Lantern and received the Green Lantern Power Ring (aka Power Ring) giving him superhuman abilities. In DC vs Vampires #1 Green Lantern's powers take on a new twist and it's revealed that he is actually a vampire and has a vampire army that plans to wipe out all of humanity.
As revealed by Twitter user Ben Abernathy, the new cover art for DC vs. Vampires #1 doesn’t leave much to the imagination as readers see a glow-in-the-dark-vampire-version of Green Lantern. Still, this doesn’t make the reveal in the comic to be any less exciting (or terrifying). The issue shows a badly-burned Andrew Bennett (aka I, Vampire), in distress as he tries to warn the Justice League about a potential vampire takeover. Green Lantern finds him as the bright sun ravages his flesh and brings him to safety in the Hall of Justice. Green Lantern and Zan (one-half of the Wonder Twins) question him and Bennett reveals that his ex-girlfriend Mary, Queen of Blood leader of the Cult of Blood Red Moon was murdered. Green Lantern sneakily hides his true vampire nature by pretending to loathe vampires in a flippant retort to this new information. He says, “I’m sorry for your loss. But forgive me if I don’t shed a tear because the evil vampire cult leader is gone.” Bennett goes on to warn them that “Vampires have taken over the Legion of Doom” and plan to go to war.
Nearing the climax of the issue, Bennett cautions that, since these vampires could be anywhere, it’s nearly impossible to trust anyone. He believed that turning to the Justice League was his safest option. Unbeknownst to him, Green Lantern is in on the whole vampire takeover thing. Having previously insisted that he was the only one at the Hall of Justice, Green Lantern’s cover is blown when Zan blurts out that the rest of the Justice League is actually in the vicinity. He quickly ensnares Zan, punishing him for his big mouth, before revealing his fangs to Bennett in the ultimate twist.
Aside from his other powers, Green Lantern definitely has a knack for masquerading as one of the good guys. But, Batman and the rest of the Justice League are certainly in for a rude awakening in the upcoming issues of DC vs. Vampires whenever they learn of Green Lantern’s betrayal.