There are eleven known Lantern Corps in the DC universe. These powerful groups harness different aspects of the Emotional Spectrum, using their respective emotions as a source of power.
The Emotional Spectrum and Its Corps
The DC universe is home to an intricate system of power based on the Emotional Spectrum, a cosmic force fueled by the various emotions of sentient beings. Each primary emotion corresponds to a specific color and is channeled by a unique Lantern Corps, granting its members extraordinary abilities. While most corps draw directly from an emotion, others tap into concepts like life and death, or more subtle aspects of the spectrum.
Understanding the Spectrum's Power
The Emotional Spectrum is a fundamental force, with its different wavelengths resonating with distinct emotions. When an individual experiences an emotion intensely, they can, under certain conditions, attract a power ring that allows them to channel that emotion into constructs and energy blasts. This system not only dictates the powers of each corps but also their philosophies and, often, their inherent conflicts.
The Eleven Lantern Corps
Here's a breakdown of the known Lantern Corps, their associated emotions or concepts, and their primary goals:
| Corps Name | Color / Emotion | Primary Goal / Power Source | Key Members (Examples) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green Lantern Corps | Willpower (Green) | Protect the universe, maintain order | Hal Jordan, John Stewart, Kyle Rayner |
| Sinestro Corps | Fear (Yellow) | Instill fear to maintain order | Sinestro, Arkillo |
| Red Lantern Corps | Rage (Red) | Unleash wrath, exact vengeance | Atrocitus, Dex-Starr |
| Orange Lantern Corps | Avarice (Orange) | Possess all, consume power | Larfleeze |
| Blue Lantern Corps | Hope (Blue) | Inspire hope, amplify Green Lanterns | Saint Walker, Ganthet |
| Indigo Tribe | Compassion (Indigo) | Spread compassion, enforce rehabilitation | Indigo-1, Munk |
| Star Sapphires | Love (Violet) | Guide and protect love across the universe | Carol Ferris, Fatality |
| Black Lantern Corps | Death (Black) | Eradicate all life, bring cosmic oblivion | Nekron, Black Hand |
| White Lantern Corps | Life (White) | Preserve and nurture all life | Kyle Rayner (briefly), Swamp Thing |
| Ultraviolet Lantern Corps | Shame / Self-Loathing (Invisible) | Enforce conformity, control the unseen | Umbrax, John Stewart (briefly) |
| Gold Lantern Corps | Justice / Order (Gold) | Uphold order in the future | Kala Lour (future Legion member) |
Exploring Specific Corps
Each corps offers a unique perspective on power and purpose within the DC Universe:
- Green Lantern Corps: The most well-known, operating as an intergalactic police force, powered by the collective willpower of its members. They are the guardians of sector 2814 and beyond.
- Sinestro Corps: Formed by the renegade Green Lantern Sinestro, this corps wields yellow light, weaponizing fear to impose their version of order.
- Red Lantern Corps: Born from unadulterated rage and vengeance, their red light is a corrosive force, burning with hatred against those who have wronged them.
- Orange Lantern Corps: A unique entity controlled by the insatiable greed of Larfleeze, the only Orange Lantern. He absorbs the identities of those he kills into his constructs.
- Blue Lantern Corps: Serving as beacons of hope, their blue light can supercharge Green Lantern rings and pacify the more destructive emotions, though they are less effective alone.
- Indigo Tribe (Indigo Lanterns): The Indigo Tribe doesn't just wield compassion; they often force it upon their members and enemies, acting as a powerful, mysterious force for "good."
- Star Sapphires: Guided by the violet light of love, they seek to protect and spread love throughout the cosmos, often with a fierce and passionate intensity.
- Black Lantern Corps: This terrifying force is an antithesis to life itself, composed of animated corpses of heroes and villains, all serving the entity of Death.
- White Lantern Corps: The polar opposite of the Black Lanterns, the White Lanterns channel the pure energy of life, capable of healing, creating, and resurrecting.
- Ultraviolet Lantern Corps: A newer discovery, this corps draws power from the invisible spectrum of emotions like shame, self-loathing, and societal pressure, imposing control through hidden influence.
- Gold Lantern Corps: Hailing from a future era, the Gold Lanterns are depicted as a more refined, justice-oriented force, embodying a form of perfect order.
Each corps plays a critical role in the ongoing cosmic dramas of the DC universe, with their interactions and conflicts often shaping the destiny of countless worlds.
