The original Justice League consisted of one woman, one Martian, and five white dudes.
Green Lantern, secret identity John Stewart, who besides being an ex-Marine and gifted
architect, was a prominent and respectable African-American superhero was introduced
for the first time in Justice League TV Series which aired from 2000. Later he was depicted
in the comic also.
If you guys are familiar with the TV Series, you should know that John and Shayera loved
each other very much and they were a happy and passionate couple, Until the Thanagarians
arrived. Hawkgirl was actually on a scouting mission
on earth and only Batman knew that, and How is that? Because he is Batman, it’s his
super Power.
For a sometime I was also angry with Hawkgirl (actually it was until I watched the next
episode) because of her completely changed behaviour. However, Shayera wanted
to tell John about her secret million times but she was bounded to a code, just like in
military. When ‘Thanagarians’ arrived, she had to pick sides, although first it seems
like she was betraying the League and happily going back to his former lover, truth was
somewhat different.
It was evident in her actions and later revealed to viewer through her own words when she said,
" I came to this planet as a patriot. I had a mission and I carried it out...
what I couldn't know, was that I would come to care for the Earth and her people, that I'd come to care
for all of you. Specially you, John. But it doesn’t matter now ”
She then disappeared to the vast Blue Sky for months. We again get to see her after
eight Episodes in Justice League Unlimited.
So, after the brake up, John began a relationship with Vixen, but during one adventure when
they traveled to the future, it turns out Green Lantern and Hawkgirl have a son together.
Also in Justice League Unlimited there is an episode named Ancient History where the
past story, 8000 years ago history being revealed. Chay-Ara the Queen of Empire fell in love
with Egyptian General Bashari, John Stewart's previous incarnation betraying the Emperor
Katar Hol. Although they somehow managed to seal shadow thief again inside Joseph Gardner
reincarnation of Katar Hol, it later brews chaos down the line.
So, here’s the story from there onwards.
John and Vixen continues to passionately love each other in the Watch Tower as Hawkgirl
awkwardly looked on from behind the cafeteria walls.
Story pick up with John and Vixen on a date. An important date. He is nervous but has to
play this part to continue the story. But the storyline suddenly changes when the past
interferes with the present.
You know what’s the dramatic characteristic of superhero comics? Superheroes are meant
to suffer. Unfortunately, Green Lantern learns this the hard way. The very hard way.
Shadow thief once again appear in John’s life but this time there wasn’t Hawkman
to stop or seal him. Completely free Shadow thief, begins his revenge on Stewart from
Vixen. Vixen was no match for Shadow thief.
With Vixen’s death weighing heavily on poor John, it’s time he puts his power ring to
good use. It seems like the Hawkman has left this world, yet even in death his part of
evil spirit (shadow thief) remains angry that Hawkgirl chose Green Lantern over him.
As Green Lantern and Hawkgirl confront the Shadow Thief, the dark mood of the arc stays
in full-blown effect. By the way did you know that John served as a sniper during his time
in the Marines? I thought you’d like to know.
After taking the life of Vixen, shadow thief is going after Shayera’s life. But not in
a million years, John would allow anyone to hurt Shayera. As soon as Shayera was at stake,
John goes full badass mode. In comics, no DC title contains more bloodshed and killing
than the Green Lantern comics. But the danger was evaded at a greater cost.
In the cartoon world, the Green Lanterns like to keep their hands murder-free. So, when
one of their own caps does a pretty nasty thing, of course a moral spanking will be
administered.
So, the Guardians decide, ‘John Stewart bear thy judgment. Thou shalt no longer suited
to carry the power of will hence stripped and banished from the Corps of Lantern, Green’
Look, it’s sad having no Green Lantern, but Earth does have hundreds of other superheroes
patrolling it. Like a half dozen Kryptonians and a small village of Bat-people. That’ll
probably be enough. For our two protagonists (and after Vixen’s funeral) they decide
to spend few days in the Village of Zambesi, which was the home of Vixen.
Days turned into weeks and weeks led to months, Both John and Shayera decided to settle down
in the Village as now both of them want the same thing, the company and warmth of each other.
Nine Months Later,
Both John and Shayera retired from the League and moved to Africa to raise their new born,
the fruit of their love and labor. They taught him Maths, Science, History unraveling the
Mystery, it all led up to a fine Metal Winged young man and a warrior whom someday will
free his Mother’s planet and serve his Parents’ and his home world.
And those stories are for another day. Hope you enjoyed the Happy Ending!