Lanterns: What’s the Deal with ‘Mogo Doesn’t Socialize’?
Unlocking the Mystery of Mogo
Alright, folks! So, we’re still waiting for our rad Green Lanterns, Hal Jordan and John Stewart, to strut their stuff in those classic green tights. But hold onto your capes – episode two of Lanterns is packed with comic book craziness! We got mentions of the infamous Manhunters and even John crafting a slick construct. And hold onto your rings, because there’s a lantern stashed away in a pocket dimension! It’s like a cosmic game of hide and seek that started back in the Silver Age, thanks to legends like John Broome and Gil Kane.
What’s That Phrase?
But wait, the real kicker? It’s Hal’s passphrase that opens the gateway to that sneaky pocket dimension. When John approaches the secret stash and lifts the phone, Hal casually throws out, “Mogo doesn’t socialize.” Boom! Not only does it pop the box open, but it sends comic book fans into a delightful tizzy. Why, you ask? Because that line is pulled straight from a classic tale by the ingenious Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons – the team behind Watchmen.
Back to the Roots
Let’s rewind a bit! The phrase “Mogo Doesn’t Socialize” hails from 1985’s Green Lantern #188 and kicks off a series of backup stories known as Tales of the Green Lantern Corps. The Green Lantern Corps was a fresh idea that Broome, Kane, and their trusty editor Julius Schwartz tossed into the cosmic stew during the Silver Age. We originally had Alan Scott with his magical wishing ring made from a meteorite and then *boom*, Hal Jordan arrives on the scene in 1959’s Showcase Comics #22, claiming his spot among the intergalactic peacekeepers.
The Corps Gets Colorful
Quickly, Broome and Kane started introducing other members of this cosmic crew, like Tomar-Re popping up in 1961’s Green Lantern #6 and Katma Tui making her debut in 1964’s Green Lantern #30. But it wasn’t until Mike W. Barr, Len Wein, and Joe Staton blessed us with the 1981 miniseries Tales of the Green Lantern Corps that we began to see these characters shine—though Hal was still hogging the spotlight. Beginning in 1982, back-up stories began to introduce the quirky members of the Corps and their wildly imaginative backstories. Who doesn’t love aliens and adventures?
Moore’s Imagination Runs Wild
The anthology format allowed writers to stretch their creative muscles, catching the eye of Alan Moore. He turned out some gems in three Green Lantern Corps stories. “Tygers” in the Green Lantern Corps Annual #2 gave us a spooky tale about Hal’s predecessor choosing a spaceship over his ring… because who wouldn’t want a little horror with their space adventures? Then, in the next Annual, we have “Blackest Night” sending Katma Tui on a quest to find Rot Lop Fan, who just can’t wrap his head around colors and lights! They end up inventing a new way to communicate through sound. Talk about green teamwork!
Meet Mogo
Now let’s dive into “Mogo Doesn’t Socialize.” This story features an unyielding bounty hunter, Bolphunga the Unrelenting, on a mission to catch the elusive Green Lantern known as Mogo. Armed with bravado, Bolphunga scans the planet, only to find out that Mogo is a bit harder to catch than he thought. As he combs through the forest, he starts to realize that he might not be searching in the right places after all—because Mogo is the planet itself! Yep, you heard that right – a sentient planet that’s part of the Green Lantern Corps. Mind officially blown!
Where’s Mogo Now?
Fast forward to the 2000s when Geoff Johns takes over Green Lantern and starts weaving the threads from Moore’s classic tales into the mainstream. Rot Lop Fan finally joins forces with the Corps in the 2011 crossover event, “War of the Green Lanterns.” And yes, Mogo starts popping up more often, even taking center stage in 2006’s Green Lantern Corps #2, courtesy of Mogo’s co-creator Dave Gibbons.
Mogo’s TV Debut?
So, where does that leave our buddy Mogo in the Lanterns series? Well, as cool as he is, let’s not expect to see a whole living planet rolling around on screen anytime soon – unless they pull a fast one like James Gunn did with Ego the Living Planet in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. Until then, we’ll just settle for a cheeky nod to Mogo and accept that he doesn’t socialize in the world of television either.
Catch the Show!
Don’t forget, new episodes of Lanterns drop every Sunday at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max. So grab your snacks, put on your favorite tights, and get ready for a night of cosmic charm!