Green Man (comics)

Green Man is the name of two fictional comic book superheroes, both extraterrestrial from the planet Uxor in the Vega star system, one a member of the Omega Men and both members of the Green Lantern Corps. Green Man first appeared in DC Comics' Green Lantern (vol. 2) # 164 (May 1983), and was created by writer Todd Klein and artist Dave Gibbons.^[1]

Fictional character biography

"Green Man" is the adopted name of the Green Lantern from the Space Sector designated 2828 by the Green Lantern Corps. Uxorians frown upon individuality, and in Green Man’s own words, “On Uxor, all are one.” Green Man was a misfit who rebelled against his society’s anti-individualism, and longed for a personal identity. When the Guardians of the Universe offered him a position as a member of their Green Lantern Corps, Green Man jumped at the chance. ^[2] One of the complications of this choice was that Green Man could never again legally enter his home star system, because of the pact the Guardians made with the Psions of Vega, which prohibits the Corps presence in that sector. Green Man's enlistment of the aid of the Omega Men in attacking the nestworld of a group of humanoid arachnids called the Spider Guild a few light years outside the Vega system resulted in a reprimand by the Guardians, which ultimately led to the Green Man quitting the Green Lantern Corps and joining the Omega Men.

As a member of the Omega Men, Green Man encountered many other beings in his adventures, such as the goddess X'Hal, who lived inside the star Vega; the whale-like Viathans; the Psions, who performed experiments on Green Man when he was brought to their research center, Wombworld; the Tamarans, and others. The Green Man was killed by Durlans in the Invasion! mini-series when the Omega Men were attacked by a coalition of aliens who were eliminating any opposition, including members of the then-disbanded Green Lantern Corps.

In the non-canonical Green Lantern Versus Aliens Green Man assists in placing the titular aliens on the planet Mogo. ^[3]

Second Green Man

Green Man (right), with his partner Stel, from Green Lantern Corps: Recharge #4 (February 2006). Art by Patrick Gleason and Prentis Rollins.

A second Uxorian also known as Green Man is partnered with the robot Stel, the Green Lantern of the planet Grenda, in Sector 3009, as seen in the miniseries Green Lantern Corps: Recharge. Green Man is one of the Lanterns who participated in the defense of Oa against the onslaught of Superboy-Prime, as depicted in Infinite Crisis #7. Showing remorse over the apparent death of his partner, Green Man searched for Stel, and found him badly damaged, but functioning. The two then retreated to Mogo to ready themselves physically and mentally for the attacking Sinestro Corps.

Following the Sinestro Corps War, the Guardians of the Universe established a new unit within the ranks of the Green Lantern Corps to uphold the Ten New Laws of the Book of Oa. This unit became known as the Alpha Lantern Corps. Green Man has been confirmed as a member of the Alpha Lanterns. He is later shown in Final Crisis #1. He appears again in issue #5, during Hal Jordan's trial and the subsequent events that clarify fellow Alpha Lantern Kraken is possessed by Granny Goodness.

Death

As part of DC's "Brightest Day" storyline, Cyborg Superman hijacked the Alpha Lantern Corps. After he was defeated and the Alphas freed from his control, Ganthet managed to restore their emotions, including Green Man's.^[4] During the War of the Green Lanterns storyline, Alpha Lantern Varix felt that all the Alphas had become dangerously mentally unstable. He caused a reaction which killed all the Alpha Lanterns. ^[5]

Powers and abilities

The Green Man, after being stripped of his ring and lantern by the Guardians, demonstrated an ability to produce a portal which he could hear and see though and use to transport himself. He was also able to pick up on the brainwaves of others in a form of telepathy. After becoming a cyborg, Green Man has no more need for sleeping, resting or eating. Fully powered by his internal power battery, Green Man is mainlined to the Central Battery and the Book of Oa.

Uxorians possess a deadly nerve toxin in their blood stream, which acts as a defense mechanism against predators. Uxorians are also amphibious. Upon his induction in the Alpha Lanterns Corps he is turned into a cyborg, fully covered with metallic plates. He carries a power battery embedded into his chest, no longer needing to recharge his ring from an external source, and a secondary face under his faceplate able to drain power rings, like the Manhunters have.

In other media

Green Man is one of the Green Lanterns who appear in the animated film Green Lantern: First Flight fighting Sinestro.

Green Man also appears in a cameo in the Green Lantern live-action film. His appearance in the film differs to some extent from the comics, as he is shown as less humanoid, although his design retains his more prominent features from the comics, such as his spotted green skin, the mask and robust frame. He is also part of the film toyline.

References

External links

• Green Man at the Book of Oa
• Green Lantern #164 at the Grand Comics Database