Emotional spectrum
The emotional spectrum is a fictional concept in comic books published by DC Comics, in particular the Green Lantern titles. The colors of the emotional spectrum are harnessed as power sources by various fictional organizations wielding power rings.
Colors
The emotional spectrum is divided into the seven colors of the rainbow, with each color corresponding to a different emotion: rage (red), greed (orange), fear (yellow), willpower (green), hope (blue), compassion (indigo), and love (violet). However, it also represents the absence of color (black), which is death, and the combination of colors (white) which is life.[1][2][3][4][5][6] The two emotions on the far ends of the emotional spectrum (rage and love), have a much stronger influence over their users[7] while willpower, the center of the spectrum, can be used to overcome and maintain control over one's emotions.[6]
- Red Lantern Corps: A group of berserkers formed by Atrocitus,[2] the Red Lanterns draw upon rage in order to create constructs made of red light with their power rings.[1][2][6]
- Agent Orange: The sole bearer of the orange light is Larfleeze, also known as "Agent Orange", who draws upon greed to create constructs made of orange light with his power ring.[8] He also possesses the ability to steal the identities of people he's killed and transform them into orange light constructs which he uses to comprise his Orange Lantern Corps.[9]
- Sinestro Corps: A group formed by former Green Lantern Sinestro, the Sinestro Corps draw upon fear to create constructs made of yellow light with their power rings, usually of the target's worst fear.[10][11]
- Green Lantern Corps: An intergalactic police force founded and led by the Guardians of the Universe, their members draw upon willpower in order to generate constructs made of green light from their power rings.[12]
- Blue Lantern Corps: Formed by former Guardians Ganthet and Sayd, the Blue Lanterns draw upon hope in order to generate constructs made of blue light with their power rings,[citation needed] which are created from the target's hopes.[citation needed] Blue Lanterns can only have the full extent of their abilities unlocked in the presence of a green power ring.[5][13] A blue ring can also supercharge a green ring.[14]
- Indigo Tribe: A nomadic tribe lead by Indigo-1, the Indigo Tribe draw upon compassion in order to generate constructs made of indigo light with their power rings.[15] The tribe also possesses the ability to teleport and reproduce the abilities of other Corps.[16]
- Star Sapphires: Formed by the Zamarons, the Star Sapphire Corps were formed in order to spread love throughout the universe; drawing upon love in order to create constructs made of violet light with their power rings.[17]
- Black Lantern Corps: An army of zombies formed by Nekron, the Black Lanterns are composed of deceased people who are resurrected by a black power ring.[18] A black ring is fueled by death itself and enables the wearer to create constructs made of black light[18] as well as read the emotions of other being as colors within the emotional spectrum.[18]
- White Lantern Corps: Formed by Hal Jordan, the White Lanterns draw upon the power of life itself to create constructs made of white light with their power rings.[19] White rings can also resurrect the dead, restoring them to life.[19]
Emotional entities
Emotional entities are a small pantheon of creatures, within the DC Universe, that are pure embodiments of the emotions comprising the emotional spectrum.[20] At San Diego Comic Con, Johns clarified that all of the Corps have a related entity. As of Green Lantern (vol. 4) #54 all seven entities have been revealed within Green Lantern titles. Though the Black Lantern Corps (introduced as major antagonists within the Blackest Night plot line) are powered by death rather than one of the lights of the emotional spectrum, Green Lantern #43 reveals that their leader (Black Hand) is a similar entity as well.[21] In Blackest Night #7, Nekron unearths another similar being referred to as "The Entity." Like Black Hand, the Entity does not belong to the emotional spectrum, but instead is the embodiment of the white light that creates life in Johns' creation story for the DC Universe.[22] In Brightest Day it's revealed that the former guardian Krona was the Caretaker for the entities and is immune to the various lights of the emotional spectrum.[23]
The Butcher
The Butcher[24] is the embodiment of rage and is connected to the red light of the emotional spectrum and its appearance bears a resemblance to a demonic bull. The Butcher is born to the DC Universe after the first murder.[25] The head and horns of this emotional manifestation resembles the Red Lantern Corps insignia. This entity is first mentioned during the "Blackest Night" event in Green Lantern (vol. 4) #51. Atrocitus becomes mesmerized by the amount of rage he senses within the Spectre while it is under the possession of a black power ring. After a conflict with Parallax, Atrocitus attempts to recruit the Spectre as the entity of his Corps. Although he is briefly infected by the uniform and characteristics of a Red Lantern, the Spectre shrugs off the effects. He explains that he is God's rage, and does not belong to Atrocitus. However, the Spectre does claim to have faced "the crimson creature of anger," adding that Atrocitus will be destroyed if he seeks out the entity.[26]
The Butcher was eventually found by the Spectre and Atrocitus, and was contained inside Atrocitus' power battery,[27] until Krona managed with the help of Ophidian to capture the entity. Krona then invaded Oa and made the Butcher possess the Guardian of the Universe named Herupa. The Butcher is eventually freed from Krona's control after Hal Jordan defeated and killed the rogue Guardian.[citation needed] The Butcher is once again at large in the Universe.
Ophidian
Ophidian[24] is the embodiment of greed which is connected to the orange light of the emotional spectrum. This entity resembles a large serpent with the Orange Lantern insignia on its head. In its debut appearance, it is depicted being created when the first creature ate what it did not need.[25] In an interview with Newsarama,[citation needed] Johns revealed that the orange entity of greed resides in Larfleeze's power battery and speaks to Hal Jordan when he is briefly overwhelmed with the power of the orange light in Green Lantern #42. It was revealed that Ophidian had been trapped in the Orange Power Battery by Larfleeze.
After breaking out of prison and tracking down under the command of Krona, Larfleeze and Green Lantern Hal Jordan, Hector Hammond consumed the battery and became Ophidian's host. Currently, Ophidian has possessed one of the Guardians after Krona exorcised the greed entity from Hammond. Ophidian is eventually freed from Krona's control after Hal Jordan defeated and killed the rogue Guardian.[citation needed] Ophidian is once again at large in the Universe.
Parallax
Parallax is the embodiment of fear, born when one of the earliest life forms first felt terror,[25] and is connected to the yellow light of the emotional spectrum; it is insect-like in appearance, and the inside of its mouth resembles the Sinestro Corps symbol. In Green Lantern: Rebirth #3, Parallax is described as an entity of living fear that is born at the dawn of sentience itself. Parallax creates fear and paranoia in any civilization it comes across, and threatens to trap the entire universe in a vicious cycle of fear and violence. To prevent this from happening, the Guardians trap Parallax in a comatose state and seal it within the Green Central Power Battery. Its presence within the battery eventually becomes the "yellow impurity" that renders the Green Lantern Corps power rings useless against the color yellow.[28] However it is able to possess Hal Jordan after Coast City is destroyed, and makes him slaughter nearly all the other Corps and Oans.[citation needed]
At the conclusion of Green Lantern: Rebirth, Jordan, Kyle Rayner, John Stewart, Kilowog and Guy Gardner fight Parallax and re-imprison him in the Green Central Power Battery.[29] Following the creature's defeat in Rebirth, it is established that an experienced Green Lantern (with effort) can overcome the yellow weakness by recognizing the fear behind it and facing that fear.[30]
Parallax is the first of the seven emotional entities to be captured by Krona. When Krona invades Oa with Parallax and the other six entities and had them possess the Guardians, Parallax takes over the Green Lantern Corps' central power battery, restoring its impurity and gaining control of the Green Lanterns save for Hal Jordan, Guy Gardner, Kyle Rayner, John Stewart, and Ganthet.[31] Parallax is eventually removed from the Green Central Power Battery and is completely freed from Krona's control after Hal Jordan defeats and kills the rogue Guardian.[citation needed] Parallax is returned to the Yellow Central Power Battery.[citation needed]
Ion
Ion is the embodiment of willpower, born when life first moved of its own accord,[25] and is connected to the green light of the emotional spectrum. Ethan Van Sciver describes Ion as resembling a large, primitive whale or fish.[32] Representing the stability of willpower, Ion serves to support its host, providing a vast supply of power in return for the willpower provided by its host.[33] This contrasts with Parallax, who dominates its host, controlling them in order to inspire fear in others.[28] Ion is prominently featured in the "Sinestro Corps War" storyline, and is first seen when it is removed from Kyle Rayner.[34] The entity itself has several physical characteristics emulated by the Guardians and their Corps. The Guardians' insignia appears in a pattern on the creature's dorsal side. Ion also has a monk fish-like appendage that ends in a lantern-like lure.[35]
After being taken from Rayner, the Ion entity is held captive on Qward and experimented upon by the Anti-Monitor.[34] Later rescued by a team of Lanterns, it is returned to the Guardians of Oa, who bond the creature with Sodam Yat (a novice Green Lantern from the planet Daxam) in order to form an "ultimate weapon" to combat Superboy-Prime.[36]
Following its removal from Yat and captivity in Ryut, Ion is the second of the seven entities to be captured by Krona, who forces Ion to possess one of the Guardians of the Universe during Krona's invasion of Oa.[37] Ion is eventually freed from Krona's control after Hal Jordan defeats and kills the rogue Guardian.[citation needed] Ion is once again at large in the Universe.
Adara
Adara[24] is the embodiment of hope and is connected to the blue light of the emotional spectrum. It is bird-like in appearance, and has the Blue Lantern Corps' insignia on its chest. It is first shown during the "Blackest Night" storyline in Green Lantern (vol 4) #52, as Sinestro (recently transformed into a White Lantern) is recounting the creation of the emotional entities. The hope entity is depicted as being created from the first act of prayer from a sentient being during a flood.[38]
Adara is later captured along with Proselyte by Krona,[27] and after he invades Oa, Krona forces Adara to possess one of the Guardians of the Universe.[37] Adara is eventually freed from Krona's control after Hal Jordan defeats and kills the rogue Guardian.[citation needed] Adara is once again at large in the Universe.
Proselyte
Proselyte[24] is the embodiment of compassion, and is connected to the indigo light of the emotional spectrum. Proselyte is explained simply as: "Rage grows from murder. Hope from Prayer. And at last, compassion is offered to us all." This entity has a form similar to a cephalopod with four visible appendages. Its inner surface is lined with features that resemble the Indigo Tribe's insignia.[38]
Proselyte is captured along with Adara by Krona.[27] After he invades Oa, Krona forces Proselyte to possess one of the Guardians of the Universe.[37] Proselyte is eventually freed from Krona's control after Hal Jordan defeats and kills the rogue Guardian.[citation needed] Proselyte is once again at large in the Universe.
The Predator
The Predator is the embodiment of love and is connected to the violet light of the emotional spectrum. In earlier continuity, an energy-projection being named Predator is presented as a component of Carol Ferris' own personality, which acts as a masculine animus to the feminine anima of Star Sapphire. Falling into despair over losing Hal Jordan prompts the Predator to break off into a completely new individual with all of Ferris' ideal qualities in a man.[39] In Green Lantern (vol. 4) issue #43, Scar indicates that the Star Sapphires have access to an emotional entity that embodies love, which she also refers to as "the Predator". The Predator appears to reside on Zamaron, but its relationship with the women there is unclear. When Black Lantern rings reanimate the bodies of the couple whose eternal love fuels the Star Sapphires, Zamaron is devastated, and the Predator is able to escape its crystalline containment and return to the universe at large.[40] Eventually the Predator is returned to Zamaron, where it helps Carol Ferris prevent an invasion from Hawkworld.[41]
The Predator is captured off-planet by Krona.[42] When Krona invades Oa he forces the Predator to possess one of the Guardians of the Universe. The Predator is eventually freed from Krona's control after Hal Jordan defeats and kills the rogue Guardian.[citation needed] The Predator is once again at large in the Universe.
Similar beings
Nekron
Nekron is the embodiment of death in the universe as well as the physical embodiment for the Black Lantern Corps, which are powered by death.[citation needed] Nekron uses his necromancing abilities to control the Black Lantern Corps in order to destroy and end all life.[citation needed]
Black Hand
Black Hand, after killing himself, becomes the first Black Lantern as well as Nekron's link to the living world.[citation needed]
The Entity
The Entity is the manifestation of the white light that creates life and is the physical embodiment for the White Lantern Corps, which are powered by life.[citation needed]
Books of Light
The Books of Light are mystical artifacts connected to the colors that comprised the emotional spectrum, whose origin are unknown.[citation needed] It is known that within their pages lies all the knowledge, actions and views of all members of the different Lantern Corps.[citation needed]
The Book of Oa contains the history of the Guardians of the Universe and the Green Lantern Corps. One member of the Green Lantern Corps is selected by the Guardians as Keeper of the Book of Oa, a highly honored position.[43]
The Book of Parallax contains all the knowledge of the Sinestro Corps and everything every Sinestro Corpsman has ever done. A power ring is needed to translate the Book's text into words familiar to the ring wielder.[44]
The Book of the Black is written in black, corrupted blood, within its pages lies prophecies about the rise of the Black Lantern Corps and much forbidden knowledge. This Book, also known as "The Ultimate Facilitator of The Blackest Night", has in its pages all the forbidden history of the Guardians of the Universe.[45]
Though the Book of Rage has not made an appearance yet, it is first mentioned by Lyssa Drak while been questioned by the Guardians of the Universe who demanded to know the location of the Book of The Black. The Book is stated to contain fables of revenge which are attributed to the Red Lantern Corps.[46]
Others who tap the spectrum
Halo
A gestalt of a human woman named Violet Harper and an "Aurakle", an ancient energy-being resembling a sphere of iridescent color, Halo can create auras with the colors of the emotional spectrum around herself, each one giving her different powers.
During the "Blackest Night" storyline, Halo's powers proved highly effective allowing her to destroy Black Lanterns and their rings, a feat usually reserved only for the wielders of the various Lantern Corps and the users of the Dove power.[47]
Rainbow Girl
A character featured in Adventure Comics, Rainbow Girl (Dori Aandraison from Xolnar), also wields the powers of the emotional spectrum; resulting in unpredictable mood swings. She is able to tap into red, blue, and green energies when she and other members of the Legion of Substitute Heroes come to the aid of Superman and the Legion of Super-Heroes in their battle against the xenophobic Justice League of Earth.[48] She is also able to create a pheromone field, that surrounds her in coruscating light resembling a rainbow, giving her an irresistible personality to everyone.[49] Johns comments on her briefly, stating in an interview that she does not fully understand her powers and uses them more for fun.[50]
Kyle Rayner
In the aftermath of the Green Lanterns War, Kyle temporarily wields rings from the other Lantern Corps rings and briefly wields the power of the entire emotional spectrum.[citation needed] However, the strain of doing so leaves Kyle feeling significantly weakened by the effort that all of the rings, except for his own and the orange ring, turn to dust.[citation needed] Eventually, Kyle learns how to channel the seven lights of the emotional spectrum, developing the ability to harness and channel the white light as a result, and becomes a White Lantern.[51]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Johns, Geoff (w). Green Lantern v4, 28 (April 2008), DC Comics
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Johns, Geoff (w). Final Crisis: Rage of the Red Lanterns 1 (October 2008), DC Comics
- ↑ Johns, Geoff (w). Green Lantern: Rebirth 4 (March 2005), DC Comics
- ↑ Johns, Geoff (w). Green Lantern v4, 34 (May 2009), DC Comics
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Johns, Geoff (w). Green Lantern v4, 25 (December 2007), DC Comics
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Johns, Geoff. DC Comics: Green Lantern: Blackest Night (12:00). San Diego Comic Con 2009. San Diego Convention Center, San Diego CA. 25 July 2009. Accessed 2 August 2009.
- ↑ Johns, Geoff (w). Blackest Night 0 (April 2009), DC Comics
- ↑ "The Eve of Blackest Night: Geoff Johns on...Everything". Newsarama.com. 2009-07-03. Retrieved 2013-11-11.
- ↑ Johns, Geoff (w). Green Lantern v4, 40 (May 2009), DC Comics
- ↑ Johns, Geoff (w). Green Lantern: Sinestro Corps Special 1 (August 2007), DC Comics
- ↑ Johns, Geoff (w). Green Lantern v4, 21 (August 2007), DC Comics
- ↑ Jimenez, Phil (2008), "Green Lantern Corps", in Dougall, Alastair, The DC Comics Encyclopedia, New York: Dorling Kindersley, p. 149, ISBN 0-7566-4119-5, OCLC 213309017
- ↑ Johns, Geoff (w). Green Lantern v4, 38 (March 2007), DC Comics
- ↑ Green Lantern #38 (March 2009)
- ↑ "Green Into Black: Geoff Johns on the Night to Come". Newsarama.com. 2009-03-17. Retrieved 2013-11-11.
- ↑ Johns, Geoff (w). Blackest Night: Tales of the Corps 1 (September 2009), DC Comics
- ↑ Johns, Geoff (w). Green Lantern v4, 20 (July 2007), DC Comics
- ↑ 18.0 18.1 18.2 Blackest Night #1 (Sept. 2009)
- ↑ 19.0 19.1 Blackest Night #8 (April. 2010)
- ↑ Johns, Geoff (w). Green Lantern v4, 43 (September 2009), DC Comics
- ↑
- ↑ Johns, Geoff (w). Blackest Night 7 (April 2010), DC Comics
- ↑
- ↑ 24.0 24.1 24.2 24.3 Johns, Geoff (w). Green Lantern v4, 54 (July 2010), DC Comics
- ↑ 25.0 25.1 25.2 25.3 Johns, Geoff (w). Green Lantern v4, 52 (May 2010), DC Comics
- ↑ Green Lantern #51
- ↑ 27.0 27.1 27.2 Green Lantern #61
- ↑ 28.0 28.1 Johns, Geoff (w). Green Lantern: Rebirth 3 (February 2005), DC Comics
- ↑ Johns, Geoff (w). Green Lantern: Rebirth 6 (May 2005), DC Comics
- ↑ Green Lantern #39
- ↑ Johns, Geoff (w). Green Lantern v4, 1 (June 2010), DC Comics
- ↑ Van Sciver, Ethan (w). "The Symbols of the Spectrum!" Blackest Night: Tales of the Corps 2 (September 2009), DC Comics
- ↑ Johns, Geoff, Gates, Sterling (w). Green Lantern/Sinestro Corps Secret Files and Origins 1 (February 2008), DC Comics
- ↑ 34.0 34.1 Johns, Geoff (w). Green Lantern v4, 23 (November 2007), DC Comics
- ↑ Gibbons, Dave (w). Green Lantern Corps v2, 17 (December 2007), DC Comics
- ↑ Green Lantern Corps #17
- ↑ 37.0 37.1 37.2 Green Lantern #64
- ↑ 38.0 38.1 Green Lantern vol. 4, #52
- ↑ Englehart, Steve (w). Green Lantern v2, 192 (September 1985), DC Comics
- ↑ Green Lantern #46
- ↑ Brightest Day #13 (November 2010)
- ↑ Green Lantern #63
- ↑ Green Lantern (vol. 2) #188
- ↑ Green Lantern (vol. 4) #18
- ↑ Green Lantern Corps (Vvol. 2) #33
- ↑ Green Lantern (vol. 5) #7
- ↑ Outsiders (vol. 4) #24 (November 2009)
- ↑ Hamilton, Edmond (w). Adventure Comics 309 (June 1963), DC Comics
- ↑ Who's Who in the Legion of Super-Heroes #5 (September 1988)
- ↑
- ↑ Green Lantern: New Guardians #16 (March 2013)
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