IT’S GREEN LANTERN!

After weeks of speculation, it’s been confirmed that the original Green Lantern will be re-introduced to the comic book world as an openly-gay character.

On Friday, publisher DC Comics revealed that Alan Scott, the first Green Lantern character now “happens to be homosexual”.

Those who do not follow comic books may be unaware that there are a number of Green Lantern characters, one of which, Hal Jordan, was featured in the 2011 film starring Ryan Reynolds.

Scott, however, was first introduced in July 1940 by creator Martin Nodell and is one of the oldest “Golden Age” characters within DC Comics’ pantheon.

The company said that in his new appearance in the upcoming issue of its Earth 2 series, “he’ll be updated for contemporary times to reflect the world we live in”.

Scott’s new storyline and sexual orientation is as a result of DC Comics’ efforts to take a fresh look at its characters.

“I think old-time readers will be pleasantly surprised by how, in some ways, I’m trying to show the ‘classic’ Alan Scott at the same time. He’s still the same dynamic, heroic guy he was. He’s still the head of a media empire like he was in his prior version, but of course with the form of media changing and evolving with the times,” commented series writer James Robinson.

“Alan’s sexuality is just one facet of him, along with his innate goodness, valor, charisma and skill at leadership that makes him the perfect man to wield the power of the green light in the world of Earth 2,” he added.