John Stewart is a prominent character in the DC Universe and one of the notable Green Lanterns. As a former Marine and talented architect, he possesses a strong sense of duty and a unique perspective on using the power ring. John Stewart became the 3rd Green Lantern and the first African American Green Lantern. He has been an integral part of the Green Lantern Corps, fighting alongside other members of the DC superhero community to protect the universe from various threats.
Related Reading Guides:
Tired of stumbling upon unwanted spoilers while researching what to read? Look no further! These carefully curated reading guides are designed with new readers in mind, ensuring you receive top-notch recommendations without sacrificing the element of surprise. Our central mission is to provide a spoiler-free experience, allowing you to embark on your reading journey with excitement and anticipation. Say goodbye to accidental reveals and embrace a guide that keeps the thrill of discovery intact!
NOTE: I do provide REVIEWS along the way that DO CONTAIN SPOILIERS, so proceed with caution.
This guide is by no means comprehensive. Instead it covers what I have read or plan to read, and I will continue to update as I continue on.
Pre-Crisis Reading Order:
During the Pre-Crisis era, John Stewart’s character development was relatively limited. He was primarily featured as a backup Green Lantern, serving in the absence of Hal Jordan. Despite this, his role contributed to the expanding diversity of the DC Universe, showcasing an African American superhero in a prominent position.
| Collected Edition | Story | Issues | Year | Author/Artist | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  Green Lantern/Green Arrow vol. 1 | First Appearance of John Steward | GREEN LANTERN vol. 2 87 | 1971 | Dennis O’Neil/Neal Adams | Read |
  Green Lantern: Sector 2814 Vol. 2 | Takes over for Hal | GREEN LANTERN vol. 2 #182-183, #185-189 | 1984 – 1985 | Len Wein/Dave Gibbons | Skip |
  Crisis on Infinite Earths Companion Deluxe Vol. 3 | Crisis Tie-ins | Green Lantern vol. 2 #194–195; #198 | 1985 | Steve Englehart/Joe Statton & Bruce Patterson | Read |
Post-Crisis Reading Order:
Following the events of Crisis on Infinite Earths, John Stewart’s character received significant attention and growth. He became a core member of the Green Lantern Corps and played a crucial role in several storylines. His prominence increased as he battled against powerful enemies and worked closely with other heroes, earning recognition for his unwavering dedication and tactical prowess.
Related Event Guides
| Collected Edition | Story | Issues | Year | Author/Artist | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  Green Lantern: Sector 2814, Vol. 3 | Lead GL | Green Lantern vol. 2 #194-200 (Overlaps with Crisis) | 1985 | Steve Englehart/Joe Statton & Bruce Patterson | Read |
  Tales of the Green Lantern Corps Vol. 3 | Earth Corps | The Green Lantern Corps (Green Lantern vol. 2 renamed) from issue #201 to #206 | 1986-1988 | Various | Skip |
  Green Lantern Corps: Beware Their Power Vol. 1 | Earth Corps | Green Lantern Corps #207-215 And Green Lantern Corps Annual #2-3 | 1986-1987 | Various | Skip |
  Millenium | Millenium | Millenium #1-8, Green Lantern Corps #220-221 | 1988 | Steve Englehart/ Joe Staton | Skip |
  Cosmic Odyssey | Cosmic Oddessy | Cosmic Odyssey #1-4 | 1988-1989 | Jim Starlin/Mike Mignola | Read (Review) |
  Green Lantern: The Road Back | The Road Back | Green Lantern vol. 3 #1-8 | 1990-1992 | Gerard Jones/Pat Broderick & Bruce Patterson | Skip |
| Uncollected | Mosiac | Green Lantern (vol. 3) #14–17 Green Lantern Mosiac 1-18 | 1992-1993 | Gerard Jones/Cully Hamner | Skip |
  Zero Hour Omnibus | Zero Hour Tie-ins | Darkstars #24 Justice League International #68 | 1994 | Dan Jurgens | Read (Review) |
This is as far as I have read! Beyond this point is what I plan on reading. Stay tuned for Updates.
Post-Zero Hour Reading Order:
John Stewart’s character continued to evolve and solidify his status as a key member of the Green Lantern Corps. He faced personal struggles and showcased his resilience in dealing with complex situations. The impact of his actions resonated beyond his solo adventures, often affecting the entire DC Universe, as his role expanded to include participation in pivotal events and crossovers.
Related Event Guides
Related Team Guides
- Darkstars
Alternate Collections
- Geoff Johns Omnibus vol. 1
- Green Lantern Rebirth #1-6, Green Lantern Corps Recharge #1-5, Green Lantern vol. 4 #1-25, Green Lantern Corps vol. 2 #14-18, Green Lantern: Sinestro Corps Special #1, Green Lantern Secret Files 2005 #1, Tales of the Sinestro Corps: Superman Prime #1 and Green Lantern/Sinestro Corps Secret Files #D
| Collected Edition | Story | Issues | Year | Author/Artist | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Green Lantern: Circle of Fire | New Journey/Old Paths, Circle of Fire | Green Lantern vol.3 #129-136, Green Lantern/Firestorm #1, Green Lantern/Adam Strange #1, Green Lantern/Atom #1, Green Lantern/Green Lantern #1, Green Lantern/Power Girl #1, and Green Lantern: Circle of Fire #1-2 | 2000-2001 | Judd Winick & Brian K Vaughn | |
  Green Lantern: Power of Ion | Power of Ion | Green Lantern vol.3 #142-150 | 2001-2002 | Judd Winick | |
  Green Lantern: Brother’s Keeper | Brother’s Keeper | Green Lantern vol.3 #151-155 | 2002 | Judd Winick | |
  Green Lantern: Passing the Torch | Passing the Torch | Green Lantern vol.3 #156-161 | 2003 | Judd Winick | |
  Identity Crisis | Identity Crisis | Identity Crisis #1-7 | 2004 | Brad Meltzer/Rags Morales | |
  Green Lantern by Geoff Johns Book One | Rebirth, NoFear, & Recharge | Green Lantern: Rebirth #1-6, Green Lantern vol. 4 #1-3 | 2004 | Geoff Johns | |
  OMAC Project | The OMAC Project (Countdown to Infinite Crisis) | OMAC Project #1-6 | 2004 | Greg Rucka, Geoff Johns, and Judd Winick |
Post-Infinite Crisis Reading Order:
John Stewart’s significance within the DC Universe continued to grow, as he became a crucial figure not only in Green Lantern storylines but also in broader cosmic events. He played a pivotal role in major story arcs, exploring the depths of his character and demonstrating his leadership abilities. The critical reception was generally positive, as he stood out as a strong, multi-dimensional character in the DC pantheon.
Related Event Guides
Related Team Guides
| Collection Edition | Story | Issues | Year | Author/Artist | Read? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  Green Lantern by Geoff Johns Book Two | Revenge of the Green Lanterns, Wanted Hal-Jordan | Green Lantern vol. 4 #4-20 | 2004-2007 | Geoff Johns/Ivan Ries & Doug Mahnke | |
  Green Lantern by Geoff Johns Book Three | Sinestro Corps War | Green Lantern vol. 4 #21-25, Green Lantern Corps vol. 2 #14-18, Green Lantern Sinestro Corps Special #1, Tales of the Sinestro Corps: Superman Prime #1 and Green Lantern/Sinestro Corps: Secret Files #1 | 2007-2008 | Geoff Johns/Ivan Ries & Doug Mahnke | |
  Final Crisis Aftermath: Run | Final Crisis Aftermath: Run | Final Crisis Aftermath: Run #1-6 | 2008 | Matthew Sturges/Freddie E. Williams II |
Post-Final Crisis Reading Order:
During this period, John Stewart’s character experienced various developments, but no significant events or storylines directly impacted his character arc. He continued to be an important member of the Green Lantern Corps, often participating in space-based adventures and occasionally collaborating with other heroes.
Related Event Guides
- Blackest Night
- Brightest Day
- Flashpoint
Alternate Collections
- Geoff Johns Omnibus vol. 2
- Green Lantern vol.4 #26-52, Blackest Night #0-7, DC Universe #0, Untold Tales of Blackest Night #1-2, Blackest Night Tales of the Corps #1-2
- Geoff Johns Omnibus vol. 3
- Green Lantern vol.4 #53-60, Green Lantern: Larfleeze Christmas Special #1, Green Lantern vol. 5 #1-20, Green Lantern Annual #1, Green Lantern Corps #58-60, and Green Lantern Emerald Warriors #8-10
| Title | Story | Issues/Year | Collected | Author/Artist | Read? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  Green Lantern by Geoff Johns Book Four | Rage of the Red Lanterns | Final Crisis: Rage of the Red Lanterns #1, Green Lantern vol.4 #26-38 | 2008-2009 | Geoff Johns/Ivan Ries & Doug Mahnke | |
  Green Lantern: Agent Orange | Agent Orange | Green Lantern vol.4 #39-42 | 2009 | Geoff Johns/Philip Tan | |
  Blackest Night Omnibus | Blackest Night | Green Lantern vol.4 #43-52, Blackest Night #1-8 | 2009-2010 | Geoff Johns & Peter J. Tomasi/Ivan Ries & Doug Mahnke | |
  Brightest Day Omnibus, Brightest Day GL | Brightest Day | Brightest Day #1-24 | 2010-2011 | Geoff Johns/Peter J. Tomasi | |
  Green Lantern Corps: The Weaponer | The Weaponer | Green Lantern Corps vol.2 #53-58 | 2011 | Tony Bedard/Tyler Kirkham | |
  Green Lantern: War of the Green Lanterns | War of the Green Lanterns | Green Lantern vol.4 #63-68, Green Lantern Corp vol.2 #58-60 | 2011 | Geoff Johns/Ivan Ries & Doug Mahnke | |
  Green Lantern: War of the Green Lanterns Aftermath | War of Green Lanterns Aftermath | War of the Green Lanterns: Aftermath, Part One & Part Two | 2011 | Tony Bedard & Peter J.Tomasi |
New 52 Reading Order:
With the launch of the New 52 initiative, John Stewart’s character underwent some alterations in his backstory and relationships. While his role as a Green Lantern remained intact, his experiences were reimagined, offering new perspectives and opportunities for growth. The critical reception varied, with some praising the fresh take on the character, while others missed elements from previous iterations.
Related Event Guides
- Convergence
- DC Rebirth
Alternate Collections
- Rise of the Third Army
- Green Lantern Annual vol. 5 #1, Green Lantern vol. 5 #13–16, Green Lantern Corps vol. 3 #13–16, Green Lantern: New Guardians #13–16, Red Lanterns #13–16, Green Lantern Corps Annual vol. 3 #1
- Wrath of the First Lantern
- Green Lantern vol. 5 #17–20, Green Lantern Corps vol. 3 #17–20, Green Lantern: New Guardians #17–20, Red Lanterns #17–20
- Lights Out
- Green Lantern vol. 5 #24, Green Lantern Corps vol. 3 #24, Green Lantern: New Guardians #23-24, Red Lanterns #24, Green Lantern Annual #2, Green Lantern #23.1: Relic
- Godhead
- Green Lantern/New Gods: Godhead #1, Green Lantern vol. 5 #35-37, Green Lantern Corps vol. 3 #35-37, Green Lantern: New Guardians #35-37, Red Lanterns #35-37, Sinestro #6-8 and Green Lantern vol. 5 Annual #3
| Collected Edition | Story | Issues | Year | Author/Artist | Read? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  Green Lantern Corps vol. 1: Fearsome | Fearsome | Green Lantern Corps vol. 3 #1-7 | 2011-2012 | Peter Tomasi/Fernando Pasarin | |
  Green Lantern Corps vol. 2: Alpha War | Alpha War | Green Lantern Corps vol. #8-14 | 2012 | Peter Tomasi/Fernando Pasarin | |
  Green Lantern Corps vol. 3: Will Power | Will Power | Green Lantern Corps vol. 3 #15-20 | 2012-2013 | Peter Tomasi/Fernando Pasarin | |
  Green Lantern Corps vol. 4: Rebuild | Rebuild | Green Lantern Corps vol. 3 #21-27 | 2013-2014 | Robert Venditti, Van Jenson | |
  Green Lantern Corps vol. 5: Uprising | Uprising | Green Lantern Corps vol. 3 #28-34 | 2014 | Robert Venditti, Van Jenson | |
  Green Lantern Corps vol. 6: Fearsome | Reckoning | Green Lantern Corps vol. 3 #35-40 | 2014-2015 | Van Jenson/Bernard Chang | |
  Green Lantern: Lost Army | Lost Army | Green Lantern: Lost Army #1-6 | 2015 | Cullen Bunn/Jesus Siaz | |
  Green Lantern Corps: Edge of Oblivion | Edge of Oblivion | Green Lantern Corps: Edge of Oblivion #1-6 | 2016 | Tom Taylor, Ardian Syaf/Ethan Van Sciver | |
  Convergence: Crisis Book One | Convergence Tie-ins | Convergence: Green Lantern Corps #1–2 | 2015 | Fabian Nicieza/Criscross | |
  DC Rebirth | DC Rebirth | DC Rebirth | 2016 | Geoff Johns/Ethan Van Sciver, Gary Frank, Phil Jimenez |
DC Rebirth Reading Order:
In the DC Rebirth era, John Stewart’s character returned to a more familiar portrayal, reconnecting with his established history and relationships. He resumed his position as a Green Lantern, once again embarking on cosmic adventures and working alongside other prominent heroes. The reception to his inclusion in the Rebirth initiative was generally positive, with fans appreciating the return to his classic characterization.
Related Event Guides
- Dark Nights: Death Metal
| Collected Edition | Story | Issues | Year | Author/Artist | Read? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  Hal Jordan & the Green Lantern Corps vol. 1 | Sinestro’s Law | Hal Jordan & the Green Lantern Corps: Rebirth #1 and Hal Jordan & the Green Lantern Corps #1-6 | 2016 | Robert Venditti/Rafa Sandoval & Ethan Van Sciver | |
  Hal Jordan & the Green Lantern Corps vol. 2 | Bottled Light | Hal Jordan & The Green Lantern Corps #7-12 | 2016-2017 | Robert Venditti/Rafa Sandoval, Ethan Van Sciver & Jordi Tarragoda | |
  Hal Jordan & the Green Lantern Corps vol. 3 | Quest for Hope | Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps #14 to #21 | 2017 | Robert Venditti/Rafa Sandoval, Ethan Van Sciver & Jordi Tarragoda | |
  Hal Jordan & the Green Lantern Corps vol. 4 | Fracture | Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps #22-29 | 2017 | Robert Venditti/Rafa Sandoval, Ethan Van Sciver & Jordi Tarragoda | |
  Hal Jordan & the Green Lantern Corps vol. 5 | Twilight of the Guardians | Hal Jordan And The Green Lantern Corps #30-31, #33-36 | 2017-2018 | Robert Venditti/Patrick Zircher & Jack Herbert | |
  Hal Jordan & the Green Lantern Corps vol. 6 | Zod’s Will | Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps #37-41. | 2018 | Robert Venditti/Rafa Sandoval | |
  Hal Jordan & the Green Lantern Corps vol. 7 | Darkstars Rising | Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps #42-50. | 2018 | Robert Venditti/Rafa Sandoval, Ethan Van Sciver, Fernando Pasarin & Jordi Tarragoda | |
  Green Lanterns vol. 9 | Evils Might | Green Lanterns #50-57 | 2018 | Tim Seeley/Mike Perkins |
Infinite Frontier Reading Order
Infinite Frontier is the latest reboot of the DC Universe and will be updated in the future
References:
Feature Image Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps #36 Kitson Variant Cover cover art by Barry Kitson
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