Curious about the Manhunters in Lanterns and how they threaten the DC Universe? As John Stewart and Hal Jordan investigate strange events in Rushville, Nebraska, a shapeshifting alien menace lurks among the townsfolk. The mystery deepens with every episode, and the Manhunter’s true identity could change everything.
Here is a breakdown of who the Manhunters are and what they mean for the show.
Who is Lanterns’ secret Manhunter?
Lanterns episode 2 introduces the Manhunters as a major new threat to the DC Universe. The alien Antaan and his crew abduct John Stewart after a lengthy chase sequence. Antaan reveals he pursues a creature known as a Manhunter hiding in Rushville, Nebraska.
The Manhunters originate from DC Comics lore as artificial creations by the Guardians of the Universe. Jack Kirby created them, and they first appeared in 1975. The Guardians designed them as a galactic peacekeeping force before the Green Lantern Corps existed. Their programmed credo was “No Man Escapes the Manhunters.” A Guardian called Krona corrupted their mission, and they massacred an entire galactic sector.
The show’s version features shapeshifting aliens, which differs from the comics’ robotic constructs. This change bears a striking similarity to Martian Manhunter, the Justice League hero J’onn J’onzz. The Guardians originally modeled the Manhunters after the Martian police force in the comics.
Antaan’s people located the last known Manhunter on Earth in Rushville. The town’s alien-detecting technology prevents Antaan’s crew from entering directly. They recruit John Stewart as their eyes on the ground to find the creature.
Actor Garret Dillahunt, who plays William Macon, has fueled speculation about the Manhunter’s identity. “It might be a front for some other kind of character that’s very familiar to you all,” Dillahunt said. He added that “maybe ‘William Macon’ is just a secret identity that had to be created.” Other suspects include Hal Jordan, Sheriff Kane, Zoe Macon, and Billy Macon.
The show’s writers Damon Lindelof, Tom King, and Chris Mundy craft narrative misdirections throughout the series. Only one Manhunter exists in the show’s storyline, and its intentions remain unknown.
