The first trailer for DC Studios’ Lanterns has been released, and HBO is making a ‘surprisingly compelling’ crime thriller that combines superheroes with the silver detective badge, and it is definitely darker than most superhero shows.
The series focuses on long-time Green Lantern Hal Jordan (Kyle Chandler) and a young John Stewart (Aaron Pierre), who share a mentor-student relationship.
The trailer doesn’t rush to explosive action, but takes its time building its characters and the conflict between them.
The trailer builds the weary confidence of Hal Jordan and shows John Stewart as clever, determined and enthusiastic.
Stylistically, Lanterns is more like a crime drama than a standard comic book series, closer to such HBO series as The Sopranos and The Wire, than anything else.
The set is filled with dusty roads, rural towns, and shadowed crime scenes, none of which are designed to be visually engaging.
Cinematography is smooth and movie-like and the lighting is moody, lending a high-budget television look to the series.
The trailer shows glimpses of the iconic Green Lantern rings in action, some impressive energy constructs, and hints of some larger DC myths, such as the Manhunters and Sinestro.
These moments are used sparingly so that they do not overpower the story.
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The dialogue is commendable as well. The interactions between Hal and John feel real and the trailer skilfully paves the way for intrigue and mystery without giving away too much.
The trailer is a perfect balance between introducing new fans to the Green Lantern world and giving long-time fans of DC their satisfaction.
But if there’s one thing to be criticised, it would be that viewers who are looking for a space-travel epic of alien worlds might find the more down-to-earth approach.
The focus of the trailer is clearly on Earth and the superhero aspect is secondary to the investigation that is taking place.
That’s how it will be, and whether it meets the expectations of all Green Lantern fans is yet to be determined.
If the series lives up to the promise, Lanterns may be one of the highlights of the year for comic-book adaptations.
Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
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