‘Lanterns’ Features Major DC Universe Easter Egg Hinting at Hawkman and Hawkgirl

HBO’s ‘Lanterns’ has been meticulously establishing a broader DC Universe than its initial small-town murder mystery premise suggests. Created by Chris Mundy, Damon Lindelof, and Tom King, the series follows rookie Green Lantern John Stewart and veteran Hal Jordan as they delve into a case that hints at connections extending far beyond their own segment of the Corps.

This expansive universe approach has become a hallmark of the show, with each episode subtly dropping references that reward keen viewers. Episode three, which focuses on flashbacks to young John Stewart’s upbringing, continues this trend with a background detail that has sparked excitement among fans searching for hidden meanings.

In a scene featuring a young John Stewart walking home, observant viewers noticed graffiti reading “Midway City Panthers” on a nearby wall. In DC Comics lore, Midway City is famously known as the home base of Hawkman and Hawkgirl, the reincarnating warrior duo who have been integral to the Justice Society and Justice League since their inception in the 1940s.

The significance of this reference is amplified by its context. Midway City is explicitly located in Michigan in the comics, the same state from which John Stewart originates in his comic book backstory, indicating that the graffiti is not merely a random detail but a purposeful connection to Stewart’s own narrative within the show’s flashback sequence.

Hawkman and Hawkgirl’s ties to Midway City date back to their earliest comic book appearances, where Carter Hall and Shiera Sanders first established themselves as museum curators in the city under their civilian identities. This setup, rooted in Golden Age storytelling by creators Gardner Fox, Joe Kubert, and Julius Schwartz, has remained a consistent element of the characters’ mythology through various incarnations over the decades.

Currently, neither Hawkman nor Hawkgirl has been confirmed for any upcoming DC Studios projects, making this type of subtle, background reference precisely the kind of teaser that James Gunn’s DCU has previously utilized to plant seeds without committing to specific casting or storyline announcements. It serves as a low-risk method to gauge fan reactions while keeping the possibility of future appearances open.

For a series centered around a slow-burn mystery in small-town America, moments like this have become integral to what keeps ‘Lanterns’ engaging upon rewatch, rewarding viewers who take the time to pause and examine the background rather than simply following the main plot. Given how much the series has already connected its flashback structure to real comic book geography, it’s likely that more references like this are waiting to be uncovered in future episodes.

With the John Stewart-focused episode already sparking considerable discussion regarding his backstory, this kind of subtle world-building adds yet another layer for fans to explore.

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