Despite only debuting 12 years ago, the Blue Lantern Corps have gone through a massive amount of change and turmoil in the DC Universe. The intergalactic peacekeeping force has worked alongside other groups to try and protect the galaxy, even when things take a turn for the disastrous.
Now, CBR is taking a look back at the history of the Blue Lanterns, and what kind of role they may play in the future of the DC Universe.
WHO ARE THE BLUE LANTERNS?
The Blue Lanterns were first introduced in 2007's Green Lantern #25 by Geoff Johns and Ethan Van Sciver. The group was formed by Ganthet and Sayd, two members of the Guardians who were kicked out of the order for becoming emotionally compromised.
Despite being exiled from Oa, the pair were determined to help fight back against the coming of Nekron. The pair find themselves on the planet of Odym and craft the first Blue Lantern ring. The ring only works at full power when it's used in concert with the Green Lantern rings, but has the potential to be one of the most powerful kinds of rings.
The first Blue Lantern introduced is Saint Walker, who came to the rescue of Hal Jordan during the "Rage of the Red Lanterns" storyline. Walker quickly revealed his ability to supercharge Green Lantern rings. He also helped soothe a Red Ring corrupted Jon Stewart, showcasing how the Blue Lanterns could help save lives across the cosmos. Walker brings Hal to Odym to formally introduce him to the Corps, as well as the second member of the group - Warth.
The Blue Lanterns operate in an individual manner unlike any other Corps, especially in terms of recruitment. Instead of being an instantaneous and automatic process (like the Green Lanterns), the Blue Lantern candidates are actually brought to Odym and formally offered the position. While this means there are fewer Blue Lanterns than other groups (due to the lengthy recruitment process), it also means they're particularly dedicated in their mission.
WHO ARE THE MEMBERS OF THE BLUE LANTERNS?
Saint Walker quickly became the most prominent Blue Lantern. He worked with Hal extensively to fight the Red Lanterns Corp, even giving Hal his own ring to use. Coveting the Blue Lantern ring, Larfleeze quickly attacked Odym with his army of constructs.
Thanks to the timely intervention of the Green Lanterns, the Blue Lantern Corps survives with no fatalities. This keeps the Black Lantern Rings from claiming any of them. Walker quickly joined a coalition of representatives from the different Corps to combat Nekron, and played a major role in the climax of Blackest Night. During that story, the Blue Lantern Corps even briefly recruited Barry Allen aka the Flash.
After the battle, Sayd was forced to leave the Blue Lantern Corps to appease Larfleeze demanding his own Guardian. During "War of the Green Lanterns," Saint Walker was trapped by Lyssa Drak. His ring was given to Kyle Rayner, who learned how to wield another type of ring in the process. Eventually, Walker was released and able to resume his duties as a member of the Blue Lantern Corps. However, things soon took a dark turn for the organization.
WHAT HAPPENED TO THE BLUE LANTERNS?
After Ganthet is captured by the Guardians and has his emotions forcibly removed, Saint Walker steps up and becomes one of the New Guardians. He works alongside other heroes like Kyle Rayner to protect the universe. Odym is soon attacked by the Reach, forcing the Blue Lantern Corps into a real battle. In the end, however, Odym falls and the Blue Lantern Corps Central Battery is taken by the Reach. The Blue Lanterns established a new base on the planet Elpis, but even that was short-lived. The world was destroyed by Relic during "Wraith of the First Lantern," and the planet's destruction took most of the Blue Lantern Corps with it.
Only Saint Walker was saved, although his ring was depowered and his hope was shattered, Kyle Rayner eventually helped inspire him to resume his duties. Eventually, the Blue Lantern was able to rediscover his powers, and becames one of the leading heroes of the cosmic DC Universe. In the pages of Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps, Saint Walker is tasked by Ganthet and Sayd to travel the universe and find a new generation of Blue Lantern candidates, so that group can be reestablished.
While the Blue Lantern Corps has been brought down all across the universe, Saint Walker keeps the group and the hope it represents alive. While they might be down for now, it probably won't be too long before the Blue Lanterns are restored to their former glory, so they can help save the universe once again.