DC Comics is no stranger to reinventing the origin stories for its beloved characters. Now the legendary comic book publisher has altered the backstory for the Green Lantern to include a trans origin.
This new origin is featured in the newly-released issue for Alan Scott: Green Lantern #2. The first issue of the new series confirmed that Alan Scott is now gay. This is an element that’s been gradually introduced over time.
As for the new trans Green Lantern origin, however, that comes in the form of Billie. The issue begins with Alan Scott having been checked into Arkham Asylum for conversion therapy. This is where he meets Billie, a trans woman who underwent a lobotomy to become “Billings.” Longtime fans will recognize Billings as being the individual who originally forges the green lantern for Scott.
The story continues as Alan grows tired of Arkham and the cruel treatment of its patients. After receiving electroshock therapy, he leads a breakout of the inmates. This leads to a tragic storyline in which Alan eventually acquires the power to become a Green Lantern.
It’s certainly a different take on the source material and one that has social media talking. Some users are surprised that DC Comics decided to take that route with the storyline, while others praise it as being “one of the best queer comics we’ve ever had.” Here are some of the reactions to the new series below:
So most of my comic reviews tend to be 600 – 800 words long. Tomorrow’s review of Alan Scott: Green Lantern #2 is 2,200 words. This series might be one of the best queer comics we’ve ever had, and I ended up going deep into issue two. I can’t wait for folks to have a read. pic.twitter.com/MHB8rxlZt4
— Amy Walker (@Amazing_Amy_W) December 4, 2023
Alan Scott: Green Lantern #2 might be one of the most important queer comics of the year, and moved me to tears. I go on a deep dive review for my favourite single issue of 2023.@iamtimsheridan #GreenLantern #AlanScott #LGBTQIA #ComicReview #Comics https://t.co/1EjO8SImL4 pic.twitter.com/S1ygVSbZWk
— Amy Walker (@Amazing_Amy_W) December 5, 2023
If there was any doubt about whether or not the new Alan Scott mini-series retcons his past, forget it.
I don’t know where Sheridan dreamed up this moment, but this is NOT how Alan Scott got his lantern.
Source: Alan Scott: Green Lantern #2#comics #greenlantern #Alanscott pic.twitter.com/4L385EHz9Q
— Gabe Hernandez – The Band-Aid Ripper (@MrGabeHernandez) November 28, 2023
As mentioned, Alan Scott has been associated with a number of LGBTQ topics over the years. This began with an alternate version of the character in 2011. The “original” version is later reintroduced in 2016, and by 2020, he makes the decision to come out to his children as gay.
The new issue of the series was penned by Tim Sheridan with art by Cian Tormey. Stay tuned to ScreenGeek for any additional DC Comics news as we have it.