Why Green Lanterns Were Not Involved in the Battle Against Thanos

The Green Lanterns, often mistaken for Marvel characters due to their close ties with the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), are actually characters from the DC canon. Given the universes they inhabit, the Green Lanterns could not have joined the Guardians of the Universe (often mistaken for Marvel characters) in the battle against Thanos. This article explains why.

The Complex World of Superheroes and Universes

The Marvel and DC universes are distinct, with their own characters, stories, and rules. While some characters may bridge between these universes through crossovers, such as the shared movie franchises and events, certain characters like the Green Lanterns are firmly rooted in the DC canon. This is primarily due to the contractual and creative agreements between the respective comic book publishers and film studios.

The Guardians of the Universe vs. Green Lanterns

The Guardians of the Universe are wise, powerful extraterrestrial beings who govern the Green Lantern Corps and are often depicted as guardians of the universe. In the DC universe, the Green Lantern Corps is made up of individuals from across the universe who have mastered the use of the Green Lantern rings, which grant them extraordinary powers. These characters are not the same as the Marvel characters like the Guardians of the Universe, who are part of Marvel's cosmic storyline.

The Guardians of the Universe in the Marvel Universe

It’s important to clarify that in the Marvel Universe, the Guardians of the Universe do not exist. The Guardians of the Universe are a distinctive aspect of the DC universe and their counterparts in Marvel are separate entities. There is no direct crossover or identity confusion, which is a common misconception due to similar thematic elements in both universes.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe and DC

The characters and storylines of the Green Lanterns, along with other DC characters like Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman, are owned by DC Entertainment. These characters are integral to the DC universe and its internal consistency. On the other hand, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has maintained its own set of characters, such as Captain America, Thor, and the Guardians of the Galaxy. This distinction is crucial for the integrity of both universes.

Universes in Different Verses

The Justice League, which includes the Green Lanterns, Batman, and Wonder Woman, is from the DC universe, whereas the Avengers and other MCU characters are from the Marvel universe. To have a crossover where the Justice League could join the battle against Thanos, a significant event or storyline fundamentally connecting these universes would be required. Without such a crossover, it would not make sense within the established rules of each universe for the Justice League to participate in the MCU storyline.

Conclusion

Green Lanterns, being characters from the DC universe, could not have joined the Guardians of the Universe in the fight against Thanos. The complexities of the Marvel and DC universes and their distinct ownership by different companies mean that characters cannot easily cross over from one universe to the other. Understanding the distinction between these universes is key to fully appreciating the rich and varied world of superheroes in comic books and films.