WARNING: This article contains spoilers for Batman Universe, by Brian Michael Bendis, Nick Derington, Dave Stewart, and Troy Peteri, on sale now from DC.

In Batman: Universe, the creative team of Brian Michael Bendis and Nick Derington took readers on a literal tour of the DC Universe. It all began when the Riddler stole a Fabergé egg with a mysterious power held inside. Batman was quickly after it, and his quest took him one from corner of the Earth to the far side of the DC Universe. In fact, while hunting for the egg, Batman went to Gorilla City, then to the planet Thanagar and back on Earth again. He was also transported to the past where he met Jonah Hex, and he tangled with Vandal Savage for the fate of the universe itself.

While this was quite an adventure for the Dark Knight, it was all because of what was held inside the egg. As it turns out, the power source hidden inside the priceless artifact was actually a White Lantern Power Ring. But this ring was different than DC's other White Lanterns. In fact, this power ring is arguably DC's most powerful ever.

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White Lantern Corps

Previously, we have seen the White Lanterns in action in such comics as the 2009 event series Blackest Night or the Green Lantern title. There, we learned the White Lanterns were powered by the Life Entity, the embodiment of all life in the universe. They have their own logo and their own power set. But this is not what we see in Batman: Universe.

In fact, the ring that Batman and Vandal Savage wield is more akin to a Green Lantern ring -- but it is immensely more powerful and more dangerous. This White Lantern ring is actually a precursor to the Green Lantern ring. As a matter of fact, it was the first ring ever created. Constructed by a Guardian of the Universe named Seda, this ring selects a wielder based on "biochemical courage, cultural morality and appropriate sense of self."

On top of having all the abilities that come with wielding a power ring, from allowing flight, creating constructs and armor, this ring is defective and highly unstable. Throughout the miniseries, we have seen that the ring is able to transport its wielder across space itself. What's more, it can even travel through time. The ring is so powerful in fact that with it, Vandal Savage was able to (briefly) erase Batman from existence.

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On top of all of that, the ring has a mind of its own that allows it to protect its wielder whenever it perceives danger -- even if that danger is the entire Green Lantern Corps. The Corps recognizes the great threat it poses, and they try to contain it. But this one power ring is able to push back back against an entire corps. They're only able to contain it thanks to Batman's indomitable will.

In this way, the White Lantern ring resembles another ancient and incredibly powerful ring: the Phantom Lantern Ring. The Phantom Lantern ring was created billions of years ago, and it was meant to channel all the powers of the full emotional spectrum. It's dangerous, to be sure -- but the original White Lantern ring is perhaps even more of a threat to the universe.

Now, the original White Lantern Power Ring finds itself in the custody of the Green Lantern Corps, where it will hopefully remain secure for a long time to come. But a weapon as powerful as that is bound to make a return, sooner or later. The only question is, who will be the one wielding it when it does?

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