In DC Comics,the Emotional Spectrummanifests in unique ways depending on the Lantern Corps harnessing its essence, with the willpower-imbuedGreen Lanternand the rage-fueledRed Lanternsbeing two of the most powerful groups of ring-slingers in the known universe. Recently premiering a new Red Lantern in the pages ofGreen Lantern,DC’s latest crimson-tinged villain has given Hal Jordan a run for his green constructs, all thanks to an acquired skillset that makes this new foe one of the scariest Lanterns around.
Commanding the power of anger, Red Lanterns utilize their corrosive blood as a weapon and create crimson constructs that aim to terrify. Led by the violent Atrocitus and rostered by sadistic recruits likethe killer cat Dex-Starrand the former princess-turned-loyal soldier Bleez, the Red Lanterns aren’t a crew to take lightly.
InGreen Lantern #20,an alien blacksmith named Erastus makes his debut as a new Red Lantern prospectwho worked as a capable weapons-makerbeforeacquiring his crimson-tinged power, with his unbound rage acting as the perfect tool to hone Erastus’ ability to create objects that kill effectively.
DC’s Newest Red Lantern Is a Blacksmith Who Knows How To Create the Perfect Bludgeoning Weapon
Green Lantern #20- 2025 (Jeremy Adams and Jack Herbert)
Tired of getting shaken down for money by his superiors on his home planet of Alteon-X and fed-up with the unfaithfulness of his fate partner, Aleen,Erastus’ anger and hate eventually boil over, unleashing hisRed Lantern powerin the form of a scarlet hammer that he uses to slaughter those around himin a terrifying display of workplace violence. Taking on Green Lantern Hal Jordan when he arrives on the scene later in the issue, Erastus gives Hal one helluva fight, forcing him to use full construct armor and even cracking some of his shielding with his explosive hate.
Green Lantern’s Greatest Villain Debuts Huge Upgrade, Redefining What Powers a Red Lantern Can Have
One of Green Lantern’s greatest foes has become a rage-filled Red Lantern, and they have quickly become its leader, and greatest member.
Not usually chosen for their creativity or even their specific talents, a Red Lantern’s ability to let their hate run rampant is paramount to their success, withErastus’ previous knowledge as a skilled blacksmith giving him a murder weapon perfectly crafted for its intended purpose. Creating a hammer construct but also coating his original one in a scarlet hue, Erastus prefers these familiar tools while in his Red Lantern state, with the potential for what he can create thanks to his weapon knowledge being a huge threat to theGreen Lantern Corpsas well as the rest of the galaxy.
Red Lantern Erastus Is a Terrifying Villain Who Needed More Time in DC Comics
Green Lantern: Fractured Spectrum’s Ongoing Story Could Change That
Technically never getting a Red Lantern ring by issue’s end — Erastus dies after exploding from all the pent-up rage he harbors during his fight with Hal, leaving only his original blacksmith hammer behind —Erastus being able to amplify his raw talents via the hate that flows through him brings new levels of terror tothe Red Lantern Corps, and sets a precedent for recruits to become more than rage-addled warriors.Green Lanternsmust be ready for threats like Erastus, with his unfilteredRed Lanternanger and subsequent death because of it, being a cautionary story of someone pushed too far.
