Hal Jordan

Fear is the only enemy; will is the only weapon.

Harold 'Hal' Jordan is a celebrated test pilot for Ferris Aircraft and one of the most iconic superheroes in DC Comics history. Created in 1959 by writer John Broome and artist Gil Kane, he first appeared in Showcase #22 (October 1959) as a reinvention of the Golden Age Green Lantern, Alan Scott. Visually inspired by Hollywood actor Paul Newman, Hal serves as the protector of Sector 2814 on behalf of the Guardians of the Universe. A founding member of the Justice League alongside heroes like Batman and Superman, he wields a power ring that channels willpower into energy constructs for flight, combat, and creating shields or weapons.

Quick Facts

Publisher

DC Comics

Debut

Showcase #22 (October 1959)

Creators

John Broome; Gil Kane

Full name

Harold Jordan

Homeworld

Coast City

Alliances

Green Lantern Corps
Justice League
U.S. Air Force
White Lantern Corps

Partners

Flash (Barry Allen); Green Arrow

Lore & Background

Hal Jordan's history is marked by profound tragedy and redemption. In the early 1980s, he was exiled to space by the Guardians for focusing too much on Earth, leading him to resign from the Corps upon his return. The defining moment of his career arrived in the 1993 'Reign of the Supermen!' storyline when Mongul destroyed Coast City, killing seven million inhabitants. Overcome with grief, Jordan attempted to recreate the city using his ring.

When admonished by a Guardian projection for this misuse of power, he absorbed its energy, went insane, and attacked Oa. He defeated Kilowog and Sinestro, killed most of the Green Lantern Corps, and seized the Central Power Battery, becoming the villain Parallax. It was later revealed that an evil cosmic entity had corrupted him. Between his time as Parallax and his return to being a Green Lantern, he briefly served as the Spectre, an agent of God embodying divine wrath.

Reader's Guide

To understand Hal Jordan, one must trace his evolution from Silver Age creation to modern icon. He debuted in Showcase #22 (October 1959), created by John Broome and Gil Kane, who drew visual inspiration for the character from actor Paul Newman. His early years featured a core creative team including Julius Schwartz, Gardner Fox, and Neal Adams. In issue #76 (April 1970), Dennis O'Neil took over scripting to create socially conscious stories with Green Arrow, tackling racism and sexism.

Later, in issues #151–#172 (1982–1984), Jordan was exiled for a year before resigning. The 1990s saw his transformation into Parallax following the Emerald Twilight arc, followed by his brief tenure as the Spectre. In 2012, DC editors confirmed he is Jewish. His romantic life centers on Carol Ferris, who has also served as his enemy Star Sapphire. Other key villains include Hector Hammond and his former mentor Sinestro.

Did You Know?

In 2012, DC editors revealed that Hal Jordan is Jewish.
His first live-action appearance was in the 1978 television special Legends of the Superheroes, played by Howard Murphy.
The character's origin was re-told and expanded in two limited series titled Emerald Dawn and Emerald Dawn II.