Warning: spoilers ahead for Green Lantern #12!
In the latest issue of DC Comics' Green Lantern, John Stewart finally stops resisting his destiny, becoming a New God known as the Emerald Knight. With the Green Lantern Corps having been depowered and nearing extinction, John Stewart quickly emerged as their only hope, able to reignite the lights of his fellow Lanterns. While John fears all of the new power he's absorbed, a cosmic conversation with the Source itself encourages him to take on a new role and title in the DC Multiverse going forward.
In recent issues of Green Lantern, the Corps had been nearly wiped out following the destruction of Oa's Central Power Battery. This attack was caused by a rogue Guardian named Koyos, seeking to restore magic to the universe after it was greatly limited due to the Guardians' creation of the Green Lantern Corps. In an attempt to correct what he saw as an affront to the universe, Koyos turned against his fellow Guardians and their Lanterns, with nearly every officer losing power once the Power Battery was destroyed. However, John Stewart finally chose to accept the immense power that comes with his ascension to godhood; something he's long been avoiding.
After defeating Koyos and absorbing the powerful cosmic energy known as the Godstorm, John Stewart is able to restart the Green Lantern Corps while also giving the Star Sapphires and Blue Lanterns a new home on Oa as well. John believes that releasing this energy will destroy him, but give his allies a fresh start. However, the Source itself (taking the form of comic legend Jack Kirby) confirms that John can't just die or reject the power he's been given in Green Lantern #12 from Geoffrey Thorne, Tom Raney, and Marco Santucci. The Godstorm is a reserve of power that never runs out and is intrinsically tied to John's ascension. While Stewart fears that the power will corrupt him, the Source confirms that all power does is reveal, reminding John that every time he's been given power he's used it for good. As such, John finally accepts his ascension and becomes the new Emerald Knight.
Not only is John able to provide a new status quo for the Green Lantern Corps and their allies, but he also creates a way forward for himself as a new DC god. Becoming the Emerald Knight, it seems as though Stewart will be protecting the Dark Sectors of the universe, with a new "Emerald Knights" series teased at the end of the issue. He's finally come into his own as a hero by accepting the power he was given long ago, all with the encouragement and approval of the Source itself.
Of course, John has good reason to worry. His worst mistake - arrogantly attempting to defuse a bomb which turned out to be immune to his powers - resulted in the destruction of an entire planet. But while it's admirable that Stewart would fear the immense and limitless power at his disposal, there's truly no one better to wield the Godstorm. As was noted by the Source, John Stewart is one of DC's purest heroes. who always gets back up to protect the innocent, no matter how many times he falls or makes mistakes. As such, it's going to be very exciting to see him return with his new god-status in an Emerald Knights series following DC's Green Lantern.