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Kilowog

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Kilowog
Kilowog as depicted in Green Lantern Corps: Recharge #3 (December 2005).
Art by Patrick Gleason.
Publication information
PublisherDC Comics
First appearanceGreen Lantern Corps #201 (June 1986)
Created bySteve Englehart
Joe Staton
In-story information
Full nameKilowog
SpeciesBolovaxian
Place of originBolovax Vik
Team affiliationsGreen Lantern Corps
Rocket Red Brigade
Justice League
Justice League Europe
PartnershipsHal Jordan
Guy Gardner
John Stewart
Kyle Rayner
Notable aliasesDark Lantern
AbilitiesUse of power ring grants:
  • Uniform (suit and mask; Kilowog refuses mask)
  • Flight
  • Force field
  • Space travel
  • Generation of hard-light constructs
  • Real-time translation of all-languages

Bolovaxianite physiology:

  • Superhuman strength, speed, stamina, and durability
  • Genius-level intellect

Kilowog is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character is a member of the Green Lantern Corps.[1]

Kilowog has been substantially adapted into media outside comics, primarily in association with Green Lantern. Michael Clarke Duncan, Kevin Michael Richardson, Dennis Haysbert, and Henry Rollins, among others, have voiced the character in television series and films.

Publication history

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Kilowog first appears in Green Lantern Corps #201 and was created by Steve Englehart and Joe Staton.[2]

Fictional character biography

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Origins

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A towering alien with a brutish cross of porcine and bull-doggish appearance, Kilowog is renowned throughout the Green Lantern Corps as the primary trainer of the Corps' newest recruits.[3] The Guardians of the Universe recruited Kilowog, a gifted genetic scientist, from the planet Bolovax Vik, located in Space Sector 674. Kilowog was trained by Lantern Ermey (a reference to R. Lee Ermey), who would often use the word "poozer", which means "useless rookie" (a word Kilowog would later adopt, albeit in a friendlier way). In the middle of a particularly arduous training session, Ermey had Kilowog and his fellow rookies help stop an attack on a group of Lanterns, one of whom was the future renegade Sinestro. Ermey, fatally wounded in battle, commended Kilowog on his abilities, telling him that he had the makings of a great leader.[4] In addition to serving with distinction as the Green Lantern of that sector, Kilowog also began to spend extensive periods of time on the Green Lantern Corps' home planet of Oa instructing new recruits on how to handle and best utilize their power rings. In this capacity, Kilowog acted as the first trainer to a young Hal Jordan. Kilowog and his new recruit helped the Guardians confront Abin Sur's murderer, Legion.

Crisis

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Bolovax Vik is destroyed during Crisis on Infinite Earths, rendering Kilowog the last surviving Bolovaxian. However, he recovers the Bolovaxians' consciousnesses and stores them in his ring.

Crisis on Infinite Earths saw the Guardians divided over how to battle the Anti-Monitor, with 14 of the Guardians being killed in the ensuing battle. The Corps also suffered hundreds of casualties. The Guardians then decided to end their direct leadership of the Corps, and left for another dimension with their former mates, the Zamarons.

Earth years

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Before leaving, the Guardians informed the remaining Green Lanterns that the Corps was now theirs to administer; they were no longer bound by their former assignment to one particular Space Sector and could deploy themselves as they saw fit. Adrift following the destruction of his Sector and the end of his role training new Green Lanterns for the Guardians, Kilowog relocated to Earth with his former pupil Jordan and the group of Green Lanterns that had decided to make their base there. They ultimately became the Green Lantern Corps of Earth. While his appearance at first frightened most humans, Kilowog briefly became a celebrity following his defeat of the villain Black Hand on live television in a battle over Anaheim Stadium.[5]

This goodwill was soon squandered, though, when he was approached by a KGB agent and invited to live in the Soviet Union, as the society of Bolovax Vik was somewhat similar to a communist system. During his time in the Soviet Union, Kilowog was instrumental in the creation of its first super-powered force, the Rocket Red Brigade.[6] Kilowog ultimately became disenchanted with the Soviet Union and the flawed communist nations of Earth.

While adventuring with the Green Lantern Corps of Earth, Kilowog found a world in Space Sector 872 which would make a suitable "Bolovax Vik II". Moved to action, he tapped into his ring and reconstituted the entire population of his world, some 16 billion beings. Soon afterward, the world was obliterated by Sinestro, with all 16 billion Bolovax Vikians being permanently killed.[7] The trauma of this drove Kilowog temporarily insane, but he was helped back to his senses by fellow Green Lantern Arisia Rrab, to whom he confessed his love. He was also supported by other Green Lanterns, who made an effort to be near him, as they knew Kilowog's race enjoyed being in crowds.

Shortly after this adventure, the Corps was destroyed when they voted as a body to execute the captured Sinestro for crimes against the universe; this set in motion a chain of events that led to the dissolution of almost all power rings. Around this time, Kilowog is allowed to be one of the honor guard at Superman's funeral.[8]

Emerald Twilight

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Kilowog as the Dark Lantern. Art by Ariel Olivetti.

In Emerald Twilight, Hal Jordan murders Kilowog after becoming Parallax.[9] The surviving Green Lanterns recover Kilowog's spirit and temporarily resurrect him as the Dark Lantern before Kyle Rayner and Ganthet restore him to normal.[10]

The New Corps

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After the reformation of the Corps, Kilowog retakes the role of Green Lantern drill sergeant, training new recruits under the Guardians of the Universe. In Infinite Crisis, Kilowog and Kyle Rayner played a key role in the Rann–Thanagar War and its aftermath.

In Superman/Batman #30, Kilowog is deeply affected by a force that has turned most of the superpowered aliens allied with Earth hostile against all humans. He, or the force controlling him, attempts to violently sway Superman into hating all humans, but a confused Man of Steel does not fall for it. It is later revealed that Kilowog and other alien heroes are being affected by Despero and an alien armada. The threat is swiftly neutralized by Superman and Batman.

During the Sinestro Corps War, Kilowog was on the front line during the battle of Mogo. When the conflict moved to Earth, Kilowog battled his Sinestro Corps counterpart Arkillo. Kilowog defeated the villain and removed his ring. After the war's climax, Kilowog was seen on Mogo, eating dinner with energy constructs of his family members.

"Blackest Night"

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During the 2009 "Blackest Night" storyline, Oa is invaded by a swarm of black power rings, that turn all the deceased Lanterns in the Oan crypt into Black Lanterns, who promptly attack the living Lanterns.[11] Kilowog is attacked by the reanimated Ermey, who berates him for not preventing his death, and for saving the life of Sinestro, citing the deaths Sinestro had caused as being Kilowog's fault. He also torments Kilowog over the death of the current class of Green Lantern rookies, whom Ermey himself has just slain. Gaining the upper hand, Ermey attempts to rip out Kilowog's heart, but is interrupted by the announcement that Black Lanterns' rings have reached one hundred percent power. The Black Lanterns are given new instructions to devour the Central Power Battery. Kilowog joins the Green Lanterns in their attempt to protect the battery.[12]

"War of the Green Lanterns"

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In 2011 storyline "War of the Green Lanterns", Kilowog and Arisia Rrab accompany Guy Gardner on a mission to the 'unexplored sectors'. When Krona launches his attack on the Green Lantern Corps by infecting the power battery with Parallax, Kilowog is the only alien Lantern not to fall under Krona's influence due to his past experience with the entity.[13] Krona deduces the reasons for Kilowog's resistance, forcibly placing a new ring on his finger to bring him under his control.[14]

Following the war, Kilowog briefly attempts to resign from the Corps after the Guardians discharge Hal Jordan and allow Sinestro to at least provisionally remain a Lantern, but is convinced to rethink his decision by Salaak due to the obvious upheaval the Corps will have to undergo in future due to the destruction of Mogo. Kilowog instead retires from his duties as a drill instructor, which is taken over by Stel.[15][16]

The New 52

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In 2011 DC Comics cancelled its entirely line of monthly comics, and restarted it with 52 new titles, featuring a rebooted continuity, an endeavor called the New 52. In this new continuity, Kilowog is back to being drill instructor of the Green Lantern Corps, and is part of the team that breaks John Stewart out of prison when the Alpha Lanterns sentence him to death.[17] He and Salaak have also uncovered the Guardians' plans regarding the Third Army.[18] Later when the Guardians attempt to lure their Green Lantern members to Oa under a fake inoculation treatment for the Third Army so they would be assimilated into it, Kilowog by then had secretly contacted trusted members within the corps and assembled them into a small army to face the Guardians. By having the now powerless Guy Gardner serve as a distraction, Kilowog used the opportunity to seize control of the Central Power Battery and not only freed the Lantern members the Guardians immobilized, but also ended the communication blackout allowing him to warn the approaching members of the Guardians deceit.[19]

Kilowog stays with the Lanterns through the destruction and overthrow of the Guardians. He accepts the leadership of Hal Jordan. Despite knowing use of the lantern power endangers the universe, Kilowog volunteers to fight back when the actions of the New Gods endanger all ring wielders.[20]

In Dawn of DC, Kilowog is seemingly killed when the Green Lantern central power battery explodes. He is later revealed to have survived.[21]

Powers and abilities

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As a Green Lantern, Kilowog possesses the same power ring and power battery used by all Green Lanterns. The Great Power Battery, located on Oa, is the repository for billions of years' worth of willpower in energy form. This energy has been harnessed and focused by the Guardians and is tapped by each GL's power battery. This in turns feeds it to their individual power rings. By applying willpower and concentration, the ring can accomplish anything of which the wielder can conceive, and is therefore as limited or limitless in abilities as the wielder. In Kilowog's case, he has shown an affinity for creating astoundingly complex machinery using the ring. In terms of combat, Kilowog tends to eschew the "giant boxing glove" fighting style of Hal Jordan and mainly uses his ring to fly and to absorb any enemy's attacks long enough for him to get close enough to batter them into unconsciousness.[citation needed]

In addition to his power ring, Kilowog possesses the natural super strength and durability of his species, as well as a powerful intellect that surpasses many of his fellow corpsmen. Under mind control, Kilowog even manages to combine all of these abilities to easily hold his own against Superman.[citation needed]

Other versions

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Elseworlds

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Kilwog appeared in various Elseworlds tales: including JLA: The Nail,[22] its sequel,[23] Batman: In Darkest Knight,[24] and Superman: Last Son of Earth.[25]

Flashpoint

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In the alternate timeline of the Flashpoint event, Kilowog is killed by Nekron.[26]

Fourth Reich

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In an alternate future where the Earth is controlled by Nazi supermen, Kilowog is one of the thousands of Green Lanterns to participate in a rescue mission. All who participate are slain.[27]

Planetary

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In an alternate universe ruled by evil versions of the 'Planetary' heroes, Kilowog's corpse is one of many Green Lanterns on display in the Planetary headquarters.[28]

Earth One

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In the alternate universe of Earth One, Kilowog is a scientist living on Bolovax Vik, one of the few independent planets left in explored space, at the fringes of the Manhunter's sphere of influence. He is the latest in a long line of self-proclaimed Green Lanterns and protectors of Bolovax, he wears a homemade uniform and carries a power ring and battery passed down through the centuries following the destruction of the Corps. When Hal Jordan crash-lands on Bolovax, Kilowog treats his wounds and gives him some basic lessons in the history of the Green Lanterns and the use of his power ring. The Homeguard, the military of Bolovax, attempt to arrest and destroy Jordan for fear that he will bring the Manhunters to their world, but the point is rendered moot when the Manhunters attack anyway. The two pseudo-Lanterns are unable to beat the Manhunter invasion force, and Jordan escapes with an unconscious Kilowog, and the two of them decide to seek out the few remaining ring bearers in the galaxy to help fight off the assault on Bolovax. After multiple failed attempts, the two are separated when Jordan is captured by a Manhunter slave ship and taken to Oa. Kilowog is the first to respond to Jordan's distress call, and joins him in nominating Arisia for leader of the new Green Lantern Corps. After the Central Power Battery is liberated, Kilowog and Jordan successfully fight off the stragglers of the Manhunter force on Bolovax.

In other media

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Television

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Kilowog as he appears in Justice League.

Film

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Live-action

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Kilowog as he appeared in Green Lantern

Animation

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Video games

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Miscellaneous

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  • Kilowog appears in Legion of Super Heroes in the 31st Century #6.[32]
  • Kilowog appears in Smallville Season 11.
  • Kilowog appears in the Injustice: Gods Among Us prequel comic. In response to Superman's growing tyranny and alliance with the Sinestro Corps, Kilowog joins the Green Lantern Corps in traveling to Earth and fighting them, only to suffer heavy casualties. Kilowog and the survivors are subsequently imprisoned by the Trench for two years as prisoners of war until Plastic Man mounts a prison break, though Kilowog is killed by Sinestro while assisting Plastic Man.

References

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  1. ^ Cronin, Brian (February 11, 2019). "How Did Kilowog Survive Being Killed in Emerald Twilight?". CBR. Retrieved May 2, 2019.
  2. ^ Cronin, Brian (April 30, 2019). "When Did Kilowog Become a Green Lantern Drill Sergeant?". CBR. Retrieved May 2, 2019.
  3. ^ Cowsill, Alan; Irvine, Alex; Korte, Steve; Manning, Matt; Wiacek, Win; Wilson, Sven (2016). The DC Comics Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Characters of the DC Universe. DK Publishing. p. 166. ISBN 978-1-4654-5357-0.
  4. ^ Blackest Night: Tales of the Corps #3 (September 2009)
  5. ^ Green Lantern Corps #206-207 (January 1987)
  6. ^ Green Lantern Corps #208 (January 1987)
  7. ^ Green Lantern Corps #218 (November 1987)
  8. ^ Superman: The Man of Steel #20 (February 1993)
  9. ^ Green Lantern (vol. 3) #50 (March 1994)
  10. ^ Green Lantern (vol. 3) #169 (November 2003)
  11. ^ Blackest Night #1 (September 2009)
  12. ^ Green Lantern Corps (vol. 2) #41 - 46 (October 2009 - May 2010)
  13. ^ Green Lantern: Emerald Warriors #2-8 (November 2010 - May 2011)
  14. ^ Green Lantern (vol. 4) #65 (April 2011)
  15. ^ War of the Green Lanterns: Aftermath #1 (July 2011)
  16. ^ War of the Green Lanterns: Aftermath #2 (August 2011)
  17. ^ Green Lantern Corps (vol. 3) #12 (August 2012)
  18. ^ Green Lantern Corps (vol. 3) #14 (November 2012)
  19. ^ Green Lantern Corps (vol. 3) Annual #1 (March 2013)
  20. ^ Green Lantern Corps (vol. 3) #35 (December 2014)
  21. ^ Franey, Christopher (January 9, 2024). "Green Lantern #7 review". AIPT Comics. Retrieved November 29, 2024.
  22. ^ JLA: The Nail #2 (September 1998)
  23. ^ JLA: Another Nail #1 (May 2004)
  24. ^ Batman: In Darkest Knight one-shot (February 1994)
  25. ^ Superman: Last Son of Earth #1 (July 2000)
  26. ^ Flashpoint: Abin Sur - The Green Lantern #1 (June 2011)
  27. ^ Justice Society of America (vol. 3) #38-40 (June–August 2010)
  28. ^ Planetary JLA: Terra Occulta one-shot (November 2002)
  29. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n "Kilowog Voices (Green Lantern)". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved December 18, 2023. A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.
  30. ^ Simpson, George (November 25, 2017). "Justice League: Deleted post-credits scene REVEALED – What does it mean for Green Lantern?". Express.co.uk.
  31. ^ Greenberger, Robert (May 19, 2011). "Henry Rollins Trains as Kilowog for Green Lantern: Emerald Knights". ComicMix. Retrieved May 9, 2022.
  32. ^ "Legion of Super-Heroes in the 31st Century #6 - Attack of the Green Lantern Corps (Issue)". Comic Vine. Retrieved July 29, 2023.
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