Green Lantern (John Stewart) Reading Order

This reading order is designed to give an outline of major storylines featuring Green Lantern (John Stewart) throughout DC Comics. It may not encompass every one of his appearances but is an outline of the major ones and the stories that affect them.

The continuity details relating to each specific storyline are explained in the “Review” of each storyline. Every “Review” link will provide a detailed continuity breakdown of that story and will explain any reference the story makes to other aspects of the DC Universe. All of this can be found under the “Continuity” section of each link.

Jump to: New 52 – Rebirth

New 52

With the start of the New 52, the DC Universe was reset. However, John Stewart and most characters related to the Green Lantern series were less affected by this reset than other characters. It appears as if most of John’s solo history was preserved, specifically his position and history within the Green Lantern Corps.

John Stewart’s major appearances in this era mostly play out through the Green Lantern Corps series, in which he had a starring role. His role in this series also allowed him to take part in numerous Green Lantern crossover events, including Rise of the Third Army (Reading Order), Wrath of the First Lantern (Reading Order), Lights Out (Reading Order), and Godhead (Reading Order). After the Green Lantern Corps series ended, John went on to be a major figure in the Green Lantern: The Lost Army and the Green Lantern Corps: Edge of Oblivion miniseries.

Green Lantern Corps issues are from the Vol. 3 series
Green Lantern issues are from the Vol. 5 series
Justice League issues are from the Vol. 2 series

Notes

1. John's role in this issue is not very large. However, it takes time to reflect on his current condition and emphasize his friendship with Guy Gardner.
2. These issues only feature very brief appearances from John Stewart. However, they help give a better picture of the story as a whole and explain what John is doing during it.
3. John appears alongside many other Green Lantern Corps members in these issues. Though they do not place much focus on John, they do show how he and the rest of the Green Lantern Corps had an impact on the Darkseid War (Reading Order) event.

Rebirth

The transition from the New 52 to the Rebirth era had a very minimal impact on John Stewart. His adventures in this era pick up immediately following the aftermath of the Green Lantern Corps: Edge of Oblivion miniseries.

John's major Rebirth appearances mostly play out through the Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps series. His contributions to that series range from large to small, but his presence in it continues throughout its run. Besides this, he also makes a few appearances alongside Simon Baz (Reading Order) and Jessica Cruz in the Green Lanterns series.

HJatGLC = Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps

Notes

1. This issue features a short cameo from John that helps tease his future role in this series.
2. This issue is a broad overview of the Green Lantern Corps' future. John is a part of this future but does not play a large role in the issue so it can be skipped if desired.
3. These issues are mostly focused on Simon Baz (Reading Order) and Jessica Cruz. However, they further highlight John's leadership role and begin to establish his relationship with these newer Lanterns. Note: John's appearance in Green Lanterns #20 is little more than a cameo that helps set up the rest of these issues.
4. This issue is mostly about Hal Jordan (Reading Order). However, it continues to highlight John's leadership role in a way some fans might find interesting.
5. This story arc introduces some changes for the Green Lantern Corps as a whole. John does not have a large role in the arc but appears as a supporting character throughout it.
6. John only makes a cameo appearance in the Justice League: No Justice (Reading Order) event. However, it helps prelude his involvement in the Justice League (Reading Order), which forms a prominent piece of John's story in the next era.

All DC Comics Reading Orders