Kyle Rayner is dead, or at least it sure looks that way right now.

Last week, DC Comics released an eight-page "The Omega Men" story by writer Tom King and artist Barnaby Bagenda, leading into the June-debuting ongoing series. In the story, as promoted since solicitation text was released in March, Kyle Rayner -- formerly DC's primary Green Lantern and most recently the sole White Lantern -- appears to be murdered on camera.

ROBOT 6 reached out to writer Ron Marz, who created Kyle Rayner with artist Daryl Banks, for his reaction on the apparent death of the character, who debuted in 1994's Green Lantern #48:

Well, this might come as a shock to some people, but comic-book deaths aren't always what they appear to be. I've actually heard that sometimes they're not even permanent! But to be serious for a moment, I know nothing beyond what readers know. If this is indeed Kyle's last ring-sling, I'll be happy that he's been around for two decades, and very satisfied that he was able to connect with a generation of readers. Either way, nothing is forever in comics. There are always more stories to tell.

Rayner was a controversial figure when introduced, attracting resentment from Hal Jordan fans for replacing the long-running character as DC's main Green Lantern. Over the years, the character attracted a following of his own, and had remained a prominent figure in the DC Universe.

For King's part, the writer told CBR News, "'Omega Men' has high stakes. Characters will die. In the beginning, and in the end. This is not a story where you know who will win and who will lose. Every person in the book is vulnerable. That starts with Kyle. The question shouldn't be, why Kyle? It should be, who comes next?"

"Omega Men" #1 is scheduled for release on June 3.