John Stewart - Hang in There — Richard Kightlinger

I’ve always liked John Stewart. He is one of the first black superheroes and was well written. I’m glad he’s has become more popular in these later years. Seeing him in comics as a kid gave me hope. Hope for a new world where all people will be accepted. We still have some work to do in then that area of acceptance (OK a lot) but if we hang in there and continue to try that world where all people are accepted will arrive.

Hang in there

“Try to hang in there, guys. Help’s here.” - John Stewart – Green Lantern *

There are a group of protectors that police the universe. They are the Green Lantern Corps. They were founded by a group of individuals named the Guardians of the Universe. The universe is broken in to sectors, and our sector is 2814. Each sector is given a “Green Lantern” to serve the special needs of that particular sector. Our sector is so busy it has had to have many corps members Abin Saur, Hal Jordan, Guy Gardner, and Kyle Rayner. Today let’s look at the Green Lantern –John Stewart. John Stewart not only helped the Corps; he helped the JLA, and the Teen Titans. Eventually John Stewart quit the Corps, joined the policing group the Darkstars, became crippled in a collapsed building and became a well-known architect. John helped train the youngest Green Lantern, Kyle Rayner. Eventually John regain the use of his legs and was given a Green Lantern ring to again become a member of the Green Lantern Corps.

There are times when we all need help. There are times when things seem so helpless and hopeless. There is an old colloquialism, “when lost in the woods don’t move and help will find you.” This cliché is true. Stop trying to fix what’s broken, let the help arrive. We can use many clichés here and all would apply. Let go and let god; first things first; don’t quit before the miracle; hang in there baby or tie a knot at the end and hang on! The trick is to ask for help, then let go and let help arrive. There is always someone to help – when help is needed, ask. Wait patiently for the help to arrive it will.

John Stewart – Green Lantern of 2814
First Appearance: “Beware My Power” Green Lantern Volume 2 #87, Dec. 1971

Creators: Dennis O’Neil (plot), and Neal Adams (art)

* “Crisis on Infinite Earths: The Untold Story” Legends of the DC Universe #1, Feb. 1999