Green Lantern's 90s Replacement Is About to Replace Hal Jordan (Again) - Theory Explained

Summary Kyle Rayner is on track to replace Hal Jordan as the central Green Lantern in the DC Universe, due to recent dramatic events.

The Emotional Spectrum is under attack, causing Kyle to panic and leading the Green Lanterns to focus on him for a potential solution.

With the damage to the Emotional Spectrum, Kyle may become the star of the Green Lantern series, set to take on a more prominent role.

Warning! Spoilers ahead for Green Lantern #11!Just as he did in the 90s, Kyle Rayner is on the cusp of replacing Hal Jordan as the DC Universe's central Green Lantern. The Emotional Spectrum is under attack and it's having a drastic effect on Kyle. With such drastic changes in Green Lantern's corner, Kyle could be coming back into the spotlight.

In Green Lantern #11 by Jeremy Adams, Xermánico and Amancay Nahuelpan, the few members of the Green Lanterns' resistance gather deep in the Oan underground. The team discusses how the United Planets' leader Thaaros is behind the recent attacks on the Emotional Spectrum and formulates a plan to have him brought to justice.

Before moving out, Hal notices Kyle muttering to himself, panicking over how hurt the Emotional Spectrum is. Simon ensures Hal that Kyle will be fine with Salaak watching him and promises that once this is all over, the Green Lanterns will focus on Kyle.

Green Lantern Kyle Rayner is About to Get the Attention He Deserves

Kyle famously became the DC Universe's sole Green Lantern in the wake of "Emerald Twilight", the story that saw Hal Jordan destroy his beloved Corps. Despite the tremendous weight placed on his shoulders, Kyle did his duty and kept the DC Universe safe until the Green Lantern Corps was finally revived. Kyle has always been naturally attuned to the Green Light of Will and upon discovering the broader Emotional Spectrum, Kyle made a name for himself as the only Green Lantern who mastered the six other lights (even serving as a White Lantern for a short period).

With DC Comics currently only putting out two Green Lantern titles, Kyle hasn't had the chance to shine lately. However, this scene emphasizes that the damage to the Emotional Spectrum is more serious than people think. Out of all the Green Lanterns, no one knows the spectrum more intimately than Kyle and he's the best one to find a way to help it. Baz's words that they'll find a way to help Kyle after their struggle with the United Planets is over might be a hint that Green Lantern could turn its focus over to Kyle in an upcoming arc.

Green Lantern to Possibly Explore Kyle and the Emotional Spectrum's Devastation

With nearly 10 ring-slingers, not every Green Lantern can get a book. However, Green Lantern could easily shift its direction a little bit and put Kyle in the starring role for a bit. With the Emotional Spectrum suffering some serious damage, making Kyle the star of the book is the perfect choice. He's an empathetic and determined Lantern and if anyone is up for the job of fixing the Emotional Spectrum, it's Kyle. Hopefully, after the Green Lanterns take care of the United Planets, Kyle will finally step back into the limelight to set things right.

Green Lantern #11 is available now from DC Comics.

Green Lantern #11 (2024) Writer: Jeremy Adams

Artists: Xermanico, Amancay Nahuelpan, and Kevin Maguire

Colorists: Romulo Fajardo Jr. and Rosemary Cheetham

Letterer: Dave Sharpe

Cover Artist: Xermanico