“In Brightest Day, In Blackest Night, No Evil Shall Escape My Sight…”
DC, Visit Burbank, and Warner Bros. Discovery Unveil Green Lantern Statue
The Over Seven-and-a-Half-Foot-Tall Bronze Statue of Green Lantern John Stewart Is Inspired by Artist Jamal Campbell’s Design
The Statue Will Forever Stand Tall Among Visitors and Fans at Hangar 28 in Burbank, CA
BURBANK, CA (November 14, 2024) – The unveiling of a monumental bronze statue of Green Lantern John Stewart, standing over seven-and-a-half feet tall, marked a significant occasion for Burbank today. This remarkable figure, meticulously crafted from bronze, symbolizes the values of courage and justice that resonate deeply within the community. Situated prominently at Empire Center’s Hangar 28, this statue now joins the ranks of other iconic DC Super Heroes such as Batman, located in downtown Burbank, and Wonder Woman, who greets guests at the entrance to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour.
Today’s unveiling ceremony attracted a gathering of notable figures from local government and the business sector, including Burbank Vice Mayor Nikki Perez and DC’s President, Publisher, and Chief Creative Officer, Jim Lee. Esteemed DC writers Jeremy Adams, Morgan Hampton, and Tim Sheridan were also present to commemorate this special occasion.
“John Stewart represents an important milestone in DC history as our first modern Black costumed superhero, debuting in Green Lantern #87, published in October of 1971,” stated Jim Lee. He emphasized the groundbreaking nature of Stewart’s character, created by writer Dennis O’Neil and artist Neal Adams, describing it as a visionary move that shattered established superhero conventions. “He’s John Stewart, period,” Lee asserted passionately.
“His adventures in comic books and animation have become an enduring part of DC’s storytelling legacy,” Lee elaborated. He highlighted the character’s significance in well-loved series like Justice League, Justice League Unlimited, and Green Lantern: Beware My Power. With the anticipation surrounding John Stewart’s upcoming live-action debut in DC Studios’ new series Lanterns, Lee confidently stated that the future for this beloved character shines even brighter.
The impressive Green Lantern statue, weighing over 600 pounds, showcases the artistic prowess of acclaimed DC artist Jamal Campbell, while its intricate craftwork was expertly executed by Burbank’s American Fine Arts Foundry and Fabrication. To commemorate the addition of this striking statue to the cityscape, Visit Burbank has commissioned a special comic, titled Green Lantern John Stewart, Global Guardian, featuring narratives by John Ridley and Charlotte Fullerton McDuffie, accompanied by artwork from Amancay Nahuelpan, CHRISCROSS, and Jordi Tarragona, with cover art illustrated by Jamal Campbell.
The newly installed Green Lantern statue stands ready to inspire admiration, accessible to all who wish to visit at Empire Center’s Hangar 28, located at 1775 N Victory Place, Burbank, CA. This unique attraction will be available for public viewing 24 hours a day.
For the latest information on everything DC, visit www.dc.com and follow @DCOfficial and @TheDCNation on social media. The DC UNIVERSE INFINITE digital subscription service (DCUI) offers a treasure trove of classic and memorable stories highlighting John Stewart and the Green Lantern Corps; for more information and to subscribe, check out www.dcuniverseinfinite.com. DCUI is not available in all countries and is not intended for children.
What significance does the unveiling of the John Stewart statue hold for fans and the comic book community?
**Interview with Jim Lee: Celebrating the Unveiling of the Green Lantern John Stewart Statue**
*Interviewer:* Thank you for joining us, Jim. Today was a significant day for DC and the Burbank community with the unveiling of the Green Lantern John Stewart statue. What does this moment mean to you personally?
*Jim Lee:* Thank you for having me! This moment is incredibly special—not just for me but for the entire DC family and our fans. John Stewart has been a groundbreaking character since his introduction in 1971. He represents diversity and heroism, and seeing his legacy celebrated in this way is a testament to how far we’ve come and how important representation is in superhero storytelling.
*Interviewer:* The statue is inspired by your artistic collaborator, Jamal Campbell. Can you tell us about the design process and why you chose to honor Joe Stewart in this way?
*Jim Lee:* Absolutely. Jamal Campbell’s work is phenomenal and beautifully captures the essence of John Stewart as a character. The design embodies strength, courage, and justice, which are the core values of what it means to be a Green Lantern. We wanted this statue to resonate with visitors and remind them of the heroism that John Stewart stands for, so having Jamal’s touch in the design was essential in making that vision a reality.
*Interviewer:* The statue is a remarkable seven-and-a-half feet tall. What do you hope visitors will take away from seeing it in person at Hangar 28?
*Jim Lee:* I hope that when people see the statue, they’ll feel inspired. It’s not just about the height—it’s about the impact that John’s character has had on comic books and culture. I want visitors to reflect on their own capacities for courage and justice and maybe even see a part of themselves in this hero. It’s about celebrating the values that connect us all.
*Interviewer:* You’re looking forward to John Stewart’s live-action debut in the new series “Lanterns.” How do you think this will further his legacy?
*Jim Lee:* I believe it’s going to take John Stewart’s legacy to new heights. Live action opens up an entire new audience who may not be familiar with him yet. The storytelling potential in “Lanterns” is immense, and I’m excited to see how they bring the character to life. Introducing him to a new generation of fans can only further solidify his place in the pantheon of great superheroes.
*Interviewer:* Thank you, Jim. It’s always a pleasure to speak with you, and I look forward to seeing how John Stewart’s journey continues both in the comics and on screen.
*Jim Lee:* Thank you! The joy of storytelling is what drives us, and I’m excited for fans old and new to join us on this journey.
