u/Jheel33

In this video, I give my non-spoiler review of Lanterns Episode 1, sharing my first impressions of the new Green Lantern series and whether the premiere actually works.

I talk about the show's take on John Stewart, Hal Jordan, the Green Lantern mythos, the tone, performances, writing, visuals, and overall direction without spoiling the episode for anyone who hasn't watched it yet.

While I discuss the premiere, I'm also penciling pages from Zatswan, my own original superhero comic. So if you enjoy Green Lantern, DC Comics, superhero discussion, indie comics, comic book art, or watching a comic creator work while talking through the latest superhero projects, this one is for you.

Does Lanterns Episode 1 deliver? Does it feel like a strong start for Green Lantern in the DCU? And most importantly, does it leave me wanting to see where the series goes next?

Let me know what you thought of the premiere in the comments, but please keep major spoilers clearly marked for anyone who hasn't seen it yet.

You can learn more about Zatswan at Zatswan.com.

#Lanterns #GreenLantern #JohnStewart #HalJordan #DCU #LanternsHBO #Zatswan

In this video, I talk about the Hal Jordan problem and why DC seems to be moving away from Hal Jordan as the clear face of Green Lantern and toward John Stewart as the future of the franchise.

For years, Hal Jordan has been treated as the central Green Lantern in the comics, especially through the Geoff Johns era, Green Lantern: Rebirth, Sinestro Corp War, Blackest Night, the 2011 film and the Animated Series. But the question is whether that version of Green Lantern has actually connected with a mainstream audience outside of a select group of hardcore comic book fans.

I explain why some Hal Jordan fans seem genuinely confused or frustrated by DC’s direction, especially with the upcoming HBO show Lanterns putting John Stewart in such a major position. But I also argue that comic book importance is not the same thing as mainstream demand. Hal Jordan may be historically important to Green Lantern, but that does not automatically mean he is the best answer for the future of the DCU.

This video gets into Hal Jordan, John Stewart, Lanterns, the DCU, James Gunn’s DC Studios, Green Lantern fandom, the legacy of the 2011 Green Lantern movie, why John Stewart has a cleaner mainstream path, and why DC sees John as the Green Lantern who can make the concept work for a wider audience, as he did during the Justice League and Justice League Unlimited cartoons.

While discussing all of this, I am inking artwork from my own indie comic book series, Zatswan. Zatswan is my hand-drawn cosmic superhero fantasy comic about A.C. Cooper, a hero pulled into a multiverse-spanning adventure of action, romance, destiny, and cosmic mystery.

Check out Zatswan: Multiversal Guardian:
Zatswan.com

In this video, I give my reaction, thoughts, and predictions after the new Lanterns trailer, and I honestly think this may be the best thing to come from the DCU so far.

I talk about why Lanterns looks like it could be a major critical and commercial hit for DC Studios, how the show may help save the DCU after a rocky Supergirl showing, and why John Stewart may secure his position as the definitive Green Lantern for a mainstream audience. I also get into my predictions about Hal Jordan and what that could mean for John Stewart, the Green Lantern mythology, and the future of the franchise.

The response to the Lanterns trailer seems much more positive than a lot of people expected, and I discuss why that matters. After years of Green Lantern being a confused brand, Lanterns may finally give the franchise a clear tone, a clear lead, and a real sense of importance in the DCU.

I also talk about Hal Jordan fans, John Stewart fans, the possibility of John becoming the central Green Lantern going forward, and why Lanterns could be the project that changes how general audiences see Green Lantern. If this show works, John Stewart may no longer be treated as the alternate Green Lantern or the backup Green Lantern. He may become the Green Lantern.

While talking about all of this, I am also penciling artwork for my own indie comic book series, Zatswan. Zatswan is my hand-drawn cosmic superhero comic about A.C. Cooper, a young hero pulled into a multiverse-spanning adventure of action, romance, destiny, and cosmic mystery.

Check out Zatswan: Multiversal Guardian:
Zatswan.com

In this video, I talk about the growing Green Lantern fan war surrounding Hal Jordan, John Stewart, Lanterns, and the future of the DCU. I wanted to discuss what this whole situation says about the state of Green Lantern fandom — especially the way some Hal Jordan fans have been venomously attacking John Stewart and crashing out over the possibility of John being the main Green Lantern for a wider audience.

I get into why John Stewart fans are tired of being told to wait, compromise, or care about what Hal Jordan fans want when Green Lantern has spent decades revolving around Hal’s mythology, Hal’s status, and Hal’s place at the center of the franchise. If John Stewart is finally getting a major live-action spotlight through Lanterns, then DC needs to commit instead of constantly protecting the old, failed hierarchy.

I also talk about the DMCA strike I got for innocently talking about Lanterns news, the tension between Hal Jordan fans and John Stewart fans, and why I do not believe every fandom conflict can be solved by “building bridges.” Sometimes different fanbases want fundamentally different outcomes, and Green Lantern is one of those cases.

While discussing all of this, I’m also watercoloring artwork from my own indie comic book series, Zatswan. Zatswan is my own superhero comic, created from my love of cosmic adventure, romance, multiverse storytelling, and my disappointment with how mainstream superhero companies often handle Black male heroes like John Stewart. Constantly positioning them behind other characters, sidelining them, refusing to make them central and as awesome as they can be.

In this video, I go through rapid-fire Green Lantern questions while inking artwork from my own indie comic book series, Zatswan. Instead of focusing on one single Green Lantern topic, I’m answering bigger questions about the entire franchise: what is Green Lantern supposed to be, who should be the face of the brand, and does DC actually know how to sell this concept to a mainstream audience?

I talk about Hal Jordan, John Stewart, the Green Lantern Corps, Lanterns, DC Studios, Green Lantern fandom, the problem of having too many human Lanterns, and why the franchise often feels confused despite having one of the strongest superhero concepts in comics. Is Green Lantern a character, a mantle, a police force, a cosmic mythology, or all of the above? And can DC make the franchise work without choosing a clear direction?

While answering these rapid-fire questions, I also connect the conversation to my own experience as an indie comic creator working on Zatswan. Creating my own superhero universe has made me think a lot about character identity, brand clarity, audience expectations, and what it means for a hero to actually have a strong emotional hook.

MASSIVE Lanterns HBO spoilers are being discussed after a reported Episode 1 leak claims that the show may open with a shocking twist involving Hal Jordan. If true, this could completely change how fans view Lanterns, John Stewart, Hal Jordan, and the future of Green Lantern in the DCU.

In this video, I talk about the alleged Lanterns pilot leak, what it could mean for John Stewart’s role in the series, and why Green Lantern fans are already reacting so strongly. Is this a bold way to establish John Stewart as the future of Green Lantern, or would it feel like DC is using Hal Jordan as a stepping stone? I also discuss the tension between Hal Jordan fans, John Stewart fans, and the larger problem of Green Lantern’s confused brand identity.

While giving my thoughts, I’m inking artwork from my own indie comic book series, Zatswan. As an indie comic creator, I look at these DC decisions not only as a fan, but as someone who thinks deeply about character ownership, brand strategy, storytelling, and how audiences react when a beloved character’s role changes.

Topics include Lanterns HBO, Hal Jordan, John Stewart Green Lantern, Green Lantern spoilers, DCU leaks, James Gunn’s DCU, Green Lantern fan reaction, Hal Jordan fans, John Stewart fans, DC Studios, and my indie comic Zatswan.

Now that Supergirl has flopped, the DCU may be facing one of its biggest tests yet: can John Stewart Green Lantern help carry the future of DC Studios? In this video, I talk about why Lanterns matters so much now, why John Stewart cannot be treated like a side character in his own moment, and why DC needs to understand what John Stewart fans actually want.

I also get into the ongoing tension between John Stewart fans and Hal Jordan fans, especially when Hal Jordan/Geoff Johns-era Green Lantern fans enter spaces meant to advocate for John Stewart and try to tone-police or shut down stronger pro-John discussions. Is advocating for John Stewart really “gatekeeping,” or are some fans just uncomfortable with John becoming a real threat to the old Green Lantern hierarchy?

While working on my own indie comic Zatswan, I also discuss a related issue in Black comics discourse: some Black comic fans and commentators use shame, racial loyalty tests, and “white validation” accusations to pressure Black creators into making fiction that validates their personal racial politics. Black creators deserve criticism like anyone else, but they do not owe anyone control over their imagination, their romances, or their stories.

Topics include Supergirl bombing, the future of the DCU, John Stewart Green Lantern, Lanterns on HBO, Green Lantern fandom, Black comic creators, indie comics, Zatswan, racial gatekeeping, and why representation should not mean creative control.

In this video, I talk about the strange state of Green Lantern right now. We have My Adventures With Green Lantern reportedly starring Jessica Cruz, Lanterns putting John Stewart in the live-action spotlight, and the current Green Lantern comic book focusing on Kyle Rayner. Meanwhile, Hal Jordan fans are crashing out because every Green Lantern project does not revolve around Hal Jordan.

The problem is not simply that DC is using different Green Lanterns. The problem is that DC seems to be putting out multiple conflicting versions of what Green Lantern is supposed to be before the brand has even been properly stabilized for a mainstream audience. Is Green Lantern a cosmic superhero epic? A grounded HBO detective story? A young adult animated adventure? A Corps ensemble? A Hal Jordan franchise? A John Stewart franchise? A Jessica Cruz franchise? A Kyle Rayner franchise?

I also discuss why My Adventures With Green Lantern does not sound much like Green Lantern to me, and why I think launching another alternate take could be detrimental to the brand. Before DC starts experimenting with major reinterpretations, it should probably establish what the core Green Lantern identity actually is for modern audiences.

Green Lantern has incredible potential, but DC’s inconsistent approach keeps making the franchise feel scattered instead of powerful. John Stewart is starring in Lanterns, Kyle Rayner is leading the comic, Jessica Cruz is getting an animated project, and Hal Jordan fans are still fighting for Hal to remain the center of everything. At some point, DC needs a clear direction.

While talking about all of this, I’m also working on the logo for my next graphic novel, Zatswan: Stardust Embrace, the follow-up to Zatswan: Multiversal Guardian. Visit zatswan.com for more information on that.

#GreenLantern #JohnStewart #Lanterns #DCStudios #Zatswan

DC Comics keeps using John Stewart when they want Green Lantern recognition, but why does it still feel like they refuse to fully commit to him as their main Green Lantern across the board?

In this video, I talk about John Stewart’s strange place in DC Comics right now. On one hand, John has been featured in projects like Green Lantern: Beware My Power and will be one of the central characters in Lanterns. But on the comic book side, DC still seems hesitant to push him with real initiative. Instead of giving John Stewart a clear solo direction, a major marketing push, or a true spotlight, he often gets placed back into Green Lantern Corps stories where he has to share space with several other Earth Lanterns.

Meanwhile, DC can make a big promotional event out of characters like Supergirl, but when John Stewart has a major TV appearance coming, where is the same energy? Why does DC keep benefiting from John Stewart’s popularity without fully backing him as a leading Green Lantern?

While discussing all of this, I’m also coloring artwork from my own comic, Zatswan. The piece shown in this video is actually finished now, and if you want to see the properly scanned version, visit Zatswan.Com.

In this video, I talk about why John Stewart tends to get so much love from fans, animation, film, video games, etc, and why some other versions of Green Lantern do not get the same reaction. I get into John Stewart, Hal Jordan, cultural penetration vs. comic book publication history, Green Lantern fandom, and why certain versions of a character connect with audiences while others do not.

As I discuss all of that, I’m also working on artwork for my independent comic book, Zatswan. If you enjoy comic book commentary, DC Comics discussion, Green Lantern analysis, indie comics, and behind-the-scenes comic art, this video is for you.

Let me know what you think in the comments. Why do you think John Stewart resonates so strongly with fans, and what do you think the other Green Lanterns are missing?

Should black comic book fans support causes outside their own interests, or should every group focus on advocating for itself? In this video, I explore the idea of solidarity, coalition-building, fandom activism, and what people actually owe one another.

Do comic book fans have a responsibility to support every movement that comes along? Is it possible to respect another group's concerns without actively joining their cause? Where should the line be drawn between solidarity and self-interest? These are the questions I tackle in today's comic book ramble.

Along the way, I discuss fandom culture, comic book communities, activism in entertainment, representation in comics, consumer advocacy, and the challenges that arise when different groups attempt to work together toward shared goals.

While discussing these topics, I'm also inking a picture from my creator-owned comic book series, Zatswan. If you're interested in comic book creation, comic art, independent comics, worldbuilding, storytelling, and behind-the-scenes comic production, you'll get to watch the latest progress on Zatswan while listening to the discussion.

What do you think? Should comic book fans support causes outside their own interests, or is every group ultimately responsible for advocating for itself? Let me know your thoughts in the comments.

The #dcblackout movement by  BlerdWithoutFear  and his friends has folded after only a few days, raising questions about whether the campaign ever had the commitment necessary to achieve its goals. In this video, I discuss the rise and rapid collapse of DC Blackout, the reaction from comic book fans, and what this situation says about activism, fandom, and the realities of the comic book industry.

I also share my thoughts on comic book writer Brandon Easton and some of the frustrations creators face when trying to build successful careers in comics. Success in the comic book industry is never guaranteed, and I discuss the expectations, challenges, and realities that creators encounter.

In addition, I talk about the ongoing debate surrounding John Stewart and Hal Jordan, including why some fans continue to react strongly whenever John Stewart's prominence is discussed.

All of this takes place while I ink artwork from my independent comic book series, Zatswan. If you're interested in comic book creation, storytelling, independent comics, character development, and comic industry commentary, you've come to the right place.

In this video, I discuss the growing conversation surrounding the #DCBlackout movement and why some Black comic book fans are calling for a boycott of DC Comics. What frustrations are driving this discussion? Is DC Comics failing certain segments of its audience? And what does this controversy say about the current state of the comic book industry and these fans?

As I break down the debate, share my thoughts, and examine different perspectives on the situation, I'm penciling art from my independent comic book, Zatswan. If you're interested in comic book creation, storytelling, worldbuilding, and the realities of producing an independent comic, you'll get a behind-the-scenes look at my creative process while we talk comics.

In this video, I talk about  BlerdWithoutFear 's recent comments toward comic fans and why his “you’re buying comics wrong” attitude reminds me of the same preorder begging and industry talking points we’ve heard recently from people like Dan Slott and Joseph Illidge.

Instead of addressing why so many readers walked away from modern comics, or never get into them in the first place, too many industry defenders blame the audience while acting like fans are obligated to financially support the broken direct market comics system, instead of holding the industry itself accountable to meet modern readers where they are at.

While discussing all this, I’m also inking pages from my own independent comic series, Zatswan — a cosmic sci-fi fantasy universe I created partially out of my frustration with modern corporate comics and my desire to build something original with passion, scale, romance, mystery, and mythology.

Here is the BlerdWithoutFear video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKxqpMvyqIg

In this video, I talk about why I don’t often network as an indie comic creator and why I’ve chosen to focus on finding my own creative formula instead of following the paths that are generally considered “correct” in the comic industry.

A lot of creators are told that success comes from constantly networking, getting your work in front of the right people, joining social circles, engaging in community politics, building connections, and becoming part of scenes or groups. But over time, I realized that approach doesn’t fit my personality or the kind of creator I want to be.

While discussing all of this, I’m coloring pages from my independent comic series, Zatswan, using colored pencils and traditional comic art techniques.

This is a discussion about indie comics, making comics independently, creative discipline, artistic individuality, outsider creators, comic book culture, and staying focused on your work instead of distractions.

The new Lanterns trailer has finally dropped, and it reveals a LOT about the direction DC appears to be taking Green Lantern. In this video, I break down my overall impressions of the trailer, discuss the growing focus on John Stewart, the reaction from Hal Jordan fans, and what all of this potentially means for the future of the Green Lantern franchise.

I talk about the ongoing divide within the Green Lantern fandom, the legacy of the Justice League Unlimited version of John Stewart, Geoff Johns’ impact on the franchise, why many fans are emotionally attached to different versions of Green Lantern, and whether DC is gradually shifting the brand toward broader audience recognition and appreciation (John Stewart) instead of hardcore comic reader expectations (Hal Jordan).

While discussing all of this, I’m coloring a page from my independent comic series, Zatswan, using colored pencils. As someone actively creating my own sci-fi/fantasy superhero comic series, I spend a lot of time thinking about franchise identity, audience perception, storytelling, worldbuilding, and what makes characters resonate with people across generations and different media.

Today I’m talking about why John Stewart is becoming the face of Green Lantern for DC Comics and so many fans. From the impact of the Justice League Unlimited era to the way audiences connected with his personality, leadership, and presence, John Stewart’s rise says a lot about how comic book characters evolve beyond their original status quo.

Was this inevitable? Did Hal Jordan lose cultural ground? And why does John Stewart resonate so strongly with an entire generation of comic and cartoon fans?

I’m breaking down my thoughts on the history of the Green Lantern franchise, fan perception, representation, animation, and why John Stewart feels like the definitive Lantern to many people today, and why DC is ultimately choosing him to lead the way for Green Lantern moving forward.

While discussing this, I’m inking my own independent comic series, Zatswan, a cosmic multiversal sci-fi adventure featuring original characters, massive stakes, and cosmic romance. If you enjoy discussions about comics, art, worldbuilding, and independent creators building something from the ground up, you’re in the right place.

In this video, I discuss the reaction to Robotech Masters, which stars Dana Sterling and Bowie Grant, fandom perception, and why certain character dynamics consistently create controversy in science fiction and anime fandoms. Was Robotech Masters genuinely disliked because of its writing and structure, or did parts of the audience simply reject what the series represented, their preconcieved expectations because of Macross, who starred in it, and what was focused on?

I also talk about fandom behavior, nostalgia, adaptation differences between Robotech Masters and Super Dimension Cavalry: Souther Cross, audience expectations, and why certain reactions in geek culture feel strangely predictable over time.

While discussing these topics, I’m a inking page from my own independent comic series Zatswan using Koh-I-Noor Rapidograph technical drawing pens. As an indie comic creator building my own sci-fi fantasy universe, which also happens to have black man and white girl leads, I spend a lot of time thinking about audience perception, character dynamics, worldbuilding, and how fandoms emotionally attach themselves to certain stories and archetypes. Lastly, I also talk about other old anime series that I like!