First Look: Green Lantern's New Guy in Town

When Cartoon Network's Green Lantern: The Animated Series returns in September, Hal Jordan is finally back on Earth, having vanquished the rage-feuled Red Lantern Corps. But producer Jim Krieg cautions the audience "not to get too comfortable with the happiness Hal is feeling in his heart, because we're just gonna mess up his life again." That begins as soon as Hal gets home and finds he's been replaced as the Green Lantern of Sector 2814 by Guy Gardner, a character well-known to comic-book fans as a tactless and hotheaded bruiser. "He's like Hal Jordan cranked to Level 10," says producer Giancarlo Volpe. "He's that much cockier, more brash and a womanizer."

Voicing the role is Diedrich Bader, star of the late, great Batman: The Brave and the Bold, who gives the character a comedic touch. "Somehow he did this thing where he made lines funny that weren't even supposed to be funny," Volpe says.

A rival ring-bearer will be the least of Hal's problems as the season progresses. He'll face a threat from the Anti-Monitor, a legendary DC Comics villain. To face this colossal enemy, Hal will need to reunite with teammates Kilowog, Aya and Razer — who aren't going to be immediately available or interested. Jokes Krieg, "Essentially it's the plot of The Blues Brothers — but there's less music."