“In Brightest Day, In Blackest Night, No Evil Shall Escape My Sight…” This legendary Green Lantern oath now resonates with even greater significance in Burbank, CA, as a massive seven-and-a-half-foot bronze statue of Green Lantern John Stewart was unveiled today, joining Wonder Woman.
Standing tall at Empire Center’s Hangar 28, this remarkable statue, a tribute to one of DC’s most iconic superheroes, symbolizes both courage and justice for the city’s residents and visitors alike.
Crafted with intricate detail by Burbank’s American Fine Arts Foundry and Fabrication, the statue is based on designs by acclaimed DC artist Jamal Campbell. Weighing over 600 pounds, it joins Burbank’s prestigious lineup of DC statues, standing alongside the city’s tributes to Batman and Wonder Woman.
Jim Lee, DC President, Publisher, and Chief Creative Officer, highlighted the importance of John Stewart’s character, saying, “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.” He continued, “For writer Dennis O’Neil and artist Neal Adams to create a character like John Stewart was nothing short of visionary, as it broke a lot of the usual conventions when it came to superheroes, including his being one of the few to not wear a mask in his role as a Green Lantern to hide who he is. He’s John Stewart, period.”
Lee also emphasized Stewart’s impact through comic book and animated appearances and noted, “His adventures in comic books and animation with Justice League, Justice League Unlimited, and Green Lantern: Beware My Power have become an enduring part of DC’s storytelling legacy.” Lee continued. “And with the character’s upcoming live-action debut on DC Studios’ Lanterns TV series, John Stewart’s future couldn’t be brighter.”
Today’s unveiling was attended by notable figures from the community, including Burbank Vice Mayor Nikki Perez and DC writers Jeremy Adams, Morgan Hampton, and Tim Sheridan.
In celebration of this monumental addition, Visit Burbank has also commissioned a special comic, Green Lantern John Stewart: Global Guardian, written by John Ridley and Charlotte Fullerton McDuffie with art by Amancay Nahuelpan, CHRISCROSS, and Jordi Tarragona, featuring cover art by Jamal Campbell.
The Green Lantern statue at Empire Center’s Hangar 28, located at 1775 N Victory Place, Burbank, CA, is open for viewing 24/7, welcoming all who wish to experience this symbol of bravery and resilience up close.
