While the first two episodes of HBO Max's "Lanterns" have garnered positive mainstream reviews, the series' creative choices regarding comic book elements have sparked dissatisfaction among fans.
Even before its premiere, the series faced criticism for its lack of space sequences, costumes, green visuals, and ring constructs. Producer Damon Lindelof previously stated that the show's title omitted "Green" because "we all agreed that the 'Green' was stupid." This remark drew fire from Grant Morrison, the acclaimed writer behind comics like "All-Star Superman" and "Green Lantern," who decried it as an "athletic disdain for superhero conventions."
Morrison recently shared his premiere review on his Substack, admitting he felt "obligated" to watch the series after his prior criticism of "writer-producer Damon Lindelof's casual dismissal of green."
"I liked Aaron Pierre's quiet and uptight performance as John Stewart," Morrison noted. However, he was blunt about Kyle Chandler's Hal Jordan, stating, "I thought Kyle Chandler anchored the show with a great turn as Doctor McCoy, but he wasn't any Hal Jordan I recognized. Willpower and booze don't mix for a start." Despite his reservations, Morrison added that he would "keep watching for the engaging Chandler."
Regarding the overall presentation, Morrison criticized the premiere for being "too much talk and not enough action." He argued that comparisons to "True Detective," particularly references to its first season, only serve to disadvantage "Lanterns."
He also pointed out that the absence of costumes and ring effects was glaringly obvious but could easily be attributed to budget constraints and a desire to distance the show from Ryan Reynolds' critically panned 2011 "Green Lantern" film.
"But that just makes you wonder, if that's the case, why make a Green Lantern series with a limited budget?" Morrison questioned. "DC has a ton of civilian heroes or characters with more subdued power sets to choose from. Why take a franchise that should be competing with 'Star Trek' or 'Star Wars' down this low-budget path?" Despite his criticisms, Morrison acknowledged that mainstream media reviews for the series have been largely positive.
via： CBM Substack@Xanaduum