Admittedly, Hal Jordans pal Pie Face was a big step forward in terms of representation of non-white characters in superhero comics at the time. But thats because they were so terrible, that even the introduction of an Inuit character with that stupid and borderline offensive of a nickname was considered progressive by comparison. Where Green Lantern really paved the way for bigger and better things for DC (and superhero comics in general) was in the introduction of John Stewart as the main GL. Selected by the Guardians to replace a comatose Guy Gardner as the backup Green Lantern for Hal Jordan, he became the books lead for a while. And, in the process, he became not only a fan-favourite character who also appeared as the main Green Lantern in the Justice League animated series, but he was also DCs first black superhero. The first in a proper leading role, anyway, not a second-stringer or racist caricature. Which might very well have been the publisher bringing money and mouth in alignment. After all, his first appearance coincided with the infamous scene of Hal Jordan confronted by a black man, asked what he does for him. As editor Julius Schwartz said of the decision, we ought to have a black Green Lantern, not because were liberals, but because it just makes sense.
Tom Baker is the Comics Editor at WhatCulture! He's heard all the Doctor Who jokes, but not many about Randall and Hopkirk. He also blogs at http://communibearsilostate.wordpress.com/
