The Hierarchy Of Power In James Gunn’s DCU Is Officially About To Change

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James Gunn’s DC Universe is about to see a shift in its power structure with the new HBO Max series, Lanterns. Currently, Superman is widely considered the most powerful character in DC, and he’s the strongest hero we’ve met in the DCU so far. The entire power dynamic of the DCU is centered around Superman, with Supergirl being the only other character introduced so far who matches his strength.

Despite the new DC movies planned, no character will likely surpass Superman as the strongest in the DC Universe. The upcoming Man of Tomorrow will feature Brainiac, a villain intelligent enough to team up with Lex Luthor and Superman, but he’s not as powerful as the Man of Steel. Similarly, Supergirl will introduce Jason Momoa as Lobo, but he won’t be strong enough to challenge Superman’s position at the top.

The new show Lanterns won’t make any of the Green Lanterns – Hal Jordan, John Stewart, or Guy Gardner – more powerful than Superman. Superman is expected to remain the strongest hero in the DC Universe, even considering the power of the Lantern rings. However, Lanterns is still expected to shift the balance of power within the DCU, just not among its heroes.

Lanterns Looks Set To Introduce Parallax To The DCU

The latest trailer for the HBO Max series Lanterns suggests the show is setting up the introduction of Parallax to the DC Universe. In Green Lantern comics, Parallax is the living form of fear and powers the Yellow Lanterns. The well-known Green Lantern enemy Sinestro uses a Yellow Lantern ring and works for Parallax in battles against the Green Lanterns.

Parallax is a major villain from the Green Lantern comics, and DC seems to be setting things up for their appearance in the Lanterns show. With Sinestro confirmed to be in the series, it’s likely we’ll see the Yellow Lanterns and, eventually, Parallax – as Sinestro’s story often leads to that. The trailer also showed Hal Jordan talking to someone in prison, suggesting Sinestro may have already broken away from the Green Lanterns and started his own group, the Sinestro Corps.

The trailer subtly suggests the villain Parallax might be coming. Fans noticed Hal Jordan’s suit was yellow in some scenes, and his cautious behavior towards John Stewart, combined with his reckless use of the Green Lantern ring, could mean he’s starting to fall under Parallax’s control. In the comics, Parallax famously possessed Hal, and the new movie might follow that storyline. This could also explain why the Guardians have chosen John Stewart to replace Hal as a Green Lantern.

The latest trailer for Lanterns heavily emphasizes fear, repeatedly asking, “Are you afraid?” Given the history of Green Lantern comics, this question strongly suggests the return of Parallax. The trailer is filled with clues that Lanterns is building towards the introduction of Parallax and the Yellow Lanterns. Even the title itself – Lanterns, without the word “Green” – implies that the series won’t focus solely on the Green Lantern Corps.

While the first season of Lanterns might not directly feature Parallax, it strongly suggests the show will at least mention this powerful being. More importantly, Lanterns will likely show Sinestro’s fall from grace – either setting up his transformation into a Yellow Lantern or actually depicting it happening. Once that happens, it won’t be long before Parallax appears in the DC Universe and drastically changes the balance of power.

Parallax Would Be The Most Powerful Entity In The Entire DCU

Currently, Superman and Supergirl are the most powerful characters in the DC Universe due to their Kryptonian abilities. However, if the upcoming series Lanterns introduces Parallax, he would likely become the most powerful being in the DCU. While Superman and Supergirl are incredibly powerful, surpassing all other heroes and villains we’ve seen so far, even they are no match for the potential of Parallax.

As we’ve discussed, Parallax isn’t simply a person with powers. It’s a powerful, cosmic being – the very embodiment of fear – and a danger on a galactic scale. In many ways, Parallax is the DC Universe’s equivalent of a god or a terrifying, ancient entity. It can wipe out entire civilizations by spreading widespread fear, and it’s even strong enough to break the incredibly strong will of someone like Hal Jordan. Plus, Parallax is effectively immortal, and some stories show it changing reality itself.

Parallax is an incredibly powerful being, far beyond the level of even Superman and Supergirl. He’s so strong that he might be the reason the Justice League first unites in the DC Universe. No single hero stands a chance against Parallax; he’s simply that all-powerful.

If the show Lanterns introduces the villain Parallax, or even hints at its coming, the DC Universe will be forever changed. Parallax is powerful enough to surpass Superman as the most formidable character and poses a threat to the entire universe. It won’t rest until everything is consumed by fear, unless all of the DC Universe’s heroes unite to defeat it.

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2026-05-22 00:08