Warning: Spoilers for Justice League Unlimited #1The reformedJustice Leagueis kicking off its ambitious new era, as every hero in the DC Universe is welcomed to join the ranks of the iconic super-team. Surprisingly, aGreen Lanternhasn’t been featured on the roster, andStar Sapphirehas instead risen up as the Justice League’s primary Lantern - and she may be the strongest yet.
Justice League Unlimited#1 by Mark Waid, Dan Mora, Tamra Bonvillain, and Ariana Maher debuts theteam’s extensive new rosteras they take on a perilous mission, and Star Sapphire - or Carol Ferris - stands out among the usual suspects. When the League is tasked with rescuing civilians, Star Sapphire leads the charge with a massiveconstruct generated from her ring.
Star Sapphire’s admittance into the Justice League in place of Green Lantern proves that she’s become the DC Universe’s most powerful Lantern, and this promotion is the perfect payoff for the heroic journey she’s been embarking on.
Star Sapphire Is Officially the Justice League’s Strongest Lantern
This Former Villain’s Latest Feat Proves She’s Justice League Material
This issue marks Star Sapphire’s first mission as amember of the Justice League, and she plays a pivotal role as part of the rescue crew. To help Carol learn the ropes,Black Lightningis assigned to guide her as they try to save as many lives as possible amid the destruction in South Africa.Star Sapphire unleashes powerful constructs using her Lantern ring, allowing her to fill in where a Green Lantern would typically be needed. However, though her powers are similar to those of a Green Lantern, she also possesses her own unique ability that sets her apart from other Lanterns.
Star Sapphire hasn’t always used her powers for good, and her ascent to the Justice League is the culmination of a long journey from villainy to heroism.
While Green Lanterns are fueled by willpower,Violet Lanterns- such as Star Sapphire - are fueled by love. Carol encounters an injured man on the verge of death and, upon seeing his wedding ring, realizes that she can use her powers to heal him. Once the League tracks down the man’s wife and brings her to him,Star Sapphire uses her power ring to channel their love into a healing force that mends his wounds. This impressive feat saves the victim’s life and cements Star Sapphire’s status as a genuine hero who’s more than worthy of her Justice League status.
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Star Sapphire hasn’t always used her powers for good, and her ascent to the Justice League is the culmination of a long journey from villainy to heroism. Carol first acquired her superpowers in 1962’sGreen Lantern#16 by John Broome, Gil Kane, Joe Giella, and Gaspar Saladino, when she was abducted by Zamarons and selected to be their new queen. She then transformed into Star Sapphire, powered by herlove for Hal Jordan.Carol’s feelings for him warped into a twisted obsession that turned her into an adversarywho sought to either kill or marry him, depending on her mood.
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Ultimately, Carol Ferris gave up her Star Sapphire powers after one too many backslides into villainous ways, but the Lantern lifestyle isn’t keen on letting her go that easily. InGreen Lantern#12 by Jeremy Adams and Xermánico,Carol learns that Hal is in danger and equips a Star Sapphire ring again to help him. She unleashes her Violet Lantern powers on behalf of good, rather than slipping back into her original corruption. Once reunited,Star Sapphire and Green Lanternrekindle their romance as fellow Lanterns, and this moment commences her path to the Justice League.
Star Sapphire Joins the Justice League to Follow in Fellow Heroes' Footsteps
Carol Ferris' Hero Journey Has Reached Its Long-Awaited Resolution
Green Lantern is one of several characters whoinspires Star Sapphire to become a proper superhero. The Justice Society of America influence her as well when they take her in duringAbsolute Power: Task Force VII#3by Adams and Marco Santucci. Despite being left powerless byAmanda Waller’s Amazos, the JSA continues to fight bravely to defend the world, andtheir determination in the face of adversity instills Star Sapphire with a sense of purpose. She joins the Green Lantern Corps in their fight for the cosmos, and now she’s a key member of the Justice League alongside the likes of Superman.
Star Sapphire is already giving every Green Lantern a run for their money as the Justice League’s greatest Lantern yet.
Star Sapphire may have occupied Green Lantern’s usual spot in the Justice League’s lineup, but that doesn’t mean that she’s replaced him entirely. The Justice League’s “unlimited” roster promises space for every hero in DC’s continuity, and that includes theGreen Lanterns of Earth. Hal Jordan and other fan-favorite Green Lanterns like John Stewart and Jessica Cruz all have the opportunity to join Star Sapphire on the team any time they please. They should do so sooner than later, though, becauseStar Sapphireis already giving everyGreen Lanterna run for their money as theJustice League’s greatest Lantern yet.
Justice League Unlimited#1is available now from DC Comics.
Green Lantern
Green Lantern is the name given to multiple enforcers of intergalactic justice in the DC Universe. Green Lanterns can harness the cosmic energy of willpower, and create unique spectral objects to face off against their enemies. Though some Green Lanterns have assisted with the Justice League, they primarily belong to the Green Lantern Corps.
