Like every comic book universe, eventually things can become convoluted and worlds get messy. This inspires new runs, by new writers, who occasionally revamp a character. Writer James Robinson decided to do this with Alan Scott for the new Green Lantern, making him gay by letting people know immediately in a new issue where he kisses his boyfriend.

Making Alan gay was important to Robinson, as with the new universe his gay son Obsidian would have been erased. And giving a little nod to his son by making Alan Scott gay was exactly what Robinson felt was needed.

Alan Scott is a self-made Green Lantern as he was not appointed by the Guardians of the Universe, but from a being knows as the “Starheart” which was once imprisoned by the Guardians themselves. Ironically enough, however, when the Starheart escaped, it took the appearance of a green lantern, and saved Scott’s life from a train disaster.

Once bonded together, the Starheart influenced Scott to create a ring from the Starheart which would tap into the being’s power and allow him to harness it. To honor the Starheart, he adopted the Green Lantern alias and, although not appointed by the Guardians, became a hero exactly like them.