Power Ring

A power ring is a fictional object featured in comic book titles published by DC Comics. It first appeared in All-American Comics #16 (July 1940).

Origin
The first appearance of a power ring was in All-American Comics #16 (July 1940), the flagship title of comic book publisher All-American Publications, which featured the first appearance of Alan Scott. Green Lantern's original alter ego was Alan Ladd, a play on the name Aladdin, until a conflict arose regarding the actor Alan Ladd. Creator Marty Nodell has cited Richard Wagner's opera cycle The Ring of the Nibelung and the sight of a trainman's green railway lantern as inspirations for the combination of a magical ring and lantern. It has been claimed that another original inspiration for the Silver Age interpretation of Green Lantern was the Lensman series, a serial science fiction space opera, by E.E. "Doc" Smith, but the creators have vehemently denied this claim.

Alan Scott's ring is powered by the Green Flame (revised by later writers to be a mystical power called the Starheart), a magically empowered flame contained within an orb (The orb was actually a green, metal meteorite that fell to Earth which Chang the lamp maker found. This was later explained as just a fragment that cracked off of the main Starheart that was still floating in space) which was fashioned into a lantern and ring by the character. Unlike the objects featured more prevalently in modern comics, "[s]cience in the original Green Lantern series was never a concern." This early version of the ring is shown as being powerless against wooden objects.

When the Green Lantern character was reinvented, beginning with the introduction of Hal Jordan, the magical ring concept was replaced with a scientifically based one.  The new version of the ring is created by the Guardians of the Universe, who also create the Green Lantern Corps. They divide the universe into 3600 sectors, each originally patrolled by only one Green Lantern, who were equipped with power rings to assist them in their duties. The new concept for the ring also came with new limitations (though they would be removed or altered in later volumes). Specifically, the ring's charge would only last as long as one planetary rotation of the ringbearer's home planet, which for the Green Lanterns of Earth is twenty-four hours and "due to a flaw in the unique metal that powers the battery" was ineffective against anything yellow. The power ring is fueled by the willpower of its wearer.

Red_Lantern_power_ring.jpg
Atrocitus, a member of the Empire of Tears on the prison planet Ysmault, forges the first Red Power Battery from the innards of Qull, the being who tells Abin Sur the prophecy of "the Blackest Night". Red power rings are powered by rage, feed on the rage of their users and anyone nearby, and are charged by the blood of those the user kills.  Unlike Green Lantern rings, which provide a helpful commentary to their user, red rings are depicted as constantly emitting violent commands ("Kill," "Rage," "Pain," "Hatred," etc.), driving their wearers insane with rage and reducing them to little more than snarling beasts. The rings, however, seek out beings with great rage.

A user's red ring functionally replaces the user's heart, tainting their blood with red energy, and forces it out of their body through their mouth as a highly corrosive substance. The red ring's energy is also capable of corrupting the energies of other power rings, keeping them from functioning properly. The aura of a red ring is savage and rough in comparison to a green ring, but can be used similarly with sufficient focus, as Atrocitus demonstrates by creating a giant construct of Mera. Originally, a Blue Lanterns' energy was the only known power source capable of neutralizing the Red Lanterns' influences, and are also the only means of removing a red power ring from its user without killing them. Mogo managed to purify Guy Gardner during the Blackest Night but as Guy has not been cured by a Blue Lantern, traces of the Red Rage remain. Also a Star Sapphire, working with a Red Lantern's true love, is capable of restoring a Red Lantern.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-BN8_39-0">



Orange
An orange ring is powered by avarice (greed). Unlike the other Corps, Larfleeze (initially known as "Agent Orange") is the only living individual to wield the power of the orange light, although Lex Luthor briefly shared that power during the "Blackest Night" storyline, and both Hal Jordan and Kyle Raynor have briefly become Orange Lanterns by taking the Battery from him.

Some of Larfleeze's abilities are shared with other Corps: flight, aura projection, and orange light constructs. As a side effect of wielding the orange light, Larfleeze is burdened with an insatiable hunger that is never quelled regardless of how much food he eats.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-gl41_40-0"> The power of the orange light allows Larfleeze to steal the identities of those he kills, transforming them into an "Orange Lantern" construct.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-gl39_41-0"> These Orange Lanterns are able to steal the identities of others for Larfleeze in the same way. The orange light also has the power to absorb the energies of other power rings.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-gl40_42-0"> However, it cannot absorb constructs produced by violet or blue power rings.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-gl41_40-1"> By being in constant contact with his main power battery, Larfleeze has become one with his power source. This allows him to maintain a power level high enough to support an entire Corps of orange light constructs even when separated from it.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-gl42_43-0"> Larfleeze and his constructs are resistant to magic and the abilities of green power rings, but do not retain the same protection against blue or violet rings.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-gl41_40-2"> <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-gl40_42-1"> The blue light of hope can also nullify his insatiable hunger when he is near a bearer of it.

Sinestro_Corps_power_ring.jpgw
The first yellow ring is acquired by Thaal Sinestro following his banishment to the antimatter universe of Qward, and could only be recharged by fighting a Green Lantern. After his imprisonment in the power battery his ring was taken by Guy Gardner who used it until it was destroyed by Parallax. Upon his return to life, Sinestro was seen wearing a new yellow power ring. Before he could be defeated Sinestro retreated to the anti-matter universe where he spent the year creating his Sinestro Corps.

Yellow Power rings are now fueled by fear instead of willpower, but function the same as their green counterparts. Members of the Sinestro Corps are chosen for their ability to instill great fear in others.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-gl18_45-0"> In order to become a member of the Sinestro Corps, one must free themselves from a small prison. With their yellow power ring completely drained of its energy, they must provide it with the spark it needs to accomplish this feat by facing their own greatest fear.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-gl20_33-1"> Originally Yellow rings could be charged by Manhunter androids that have yellow power batteries built into themselves, which in turn are connected to the Central Yellow Power Battery on Qward. There are also portable batteries similar to those used by Green Lanterns. Aside from the recharging limitations common among the various Corps, their only known weakness is that their power can be drained by a Blue power ring or disrupted by a Red Power Ring.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-gl38_46-0">

According to Ethan Van Sciver, the ring's symbol is based on ancient carvings made by beings who had looked into the gullet of Parallax and survived.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-47">

Blue
As the Sinestro Corps War ends, former Guardians of the Universe Ganthet and Sayd create the first blue power ring. The home planet of the Blue Lanterns and the Central Blue Power Battery is the planet Odym, an idyllic planet orbiting the star Polaris.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-gl36_48-0"> Blue power rings are fueled by hope; they give their users the most power, but they must be near an active Green power ring to tap into their full potential. Otherwise, the blue rings are only capable of the abilities of ordinary green lantern rings.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-gl38_46-1"> This is because hope requires willpower to enact it.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-gl38_46-2">

While within the proximity of a Green Lantern's ring, a blue ring can heal wounds, neutralize the corrupting effects of a red power ring, block the energy-stealing properties of orange rings, can drain the power from yellow power rings, and recharge a green power ring to twice its maximum power level.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-rage1_30-5"> <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-gl38_46-3"> <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-gl36_48-1"> This effect can also negatively impact a green ring, as close proximity to the blue central power battery will overcharge a green ring, causing it to implode (taking the user's hand with it).<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-gl36_48-2"> If a Blue Lantern wishes it, it can also dampen the hunger caused by the orange light. A noteworthy ability of blue rings is the power to scan a target's psyche and create illusions based on their hopes. A blue power ring is capable of feeding off the hope of other beings, eschewing constant recharging while still performing impressive feats, including reversing a dying sun's age. Blue rings can also grant precognitive visions to their wielders.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-49">

Indigo


The Indigo Tribe, wielders of the indigo light of compassion, make their first extended appearance in Blackest Night: Tales of the Corps #1 (July 2009). Unlike other Corps, the Indigo Tribe carry carved, lantern-like staves with them.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-50"> In Blackest Night #5, it is established that Indigo Tribe members use their staffs instead of power batteries to charge their rings. In addition to being able to store indigo light energy, they are also capable of replicating the power of other emotional lights as well, providing indigo power rings access to the abilities of other Corps.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-bntales1_51-0"> To use the power of another Corps, Indigo Tribesmen must be in the vicinity of one of that Corps' members. Without that closeness, their access to the abilities of that emotional light fades.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-gl48_52-0"> While channeling another Emotional energy, an Indigo Tribesman can be used as a Battery to Charge the ring of that Corp. However, this is "simulated energy" and thus does not provide the full range of Abilities. For example, a Green Lantern charged thusly can create constructs and a uniform, but cannot fly.

Like all power rings, indigo rings are capable of the default Corps abilities of flight and protective aura generation.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-bntales3_53-0"> Indigo power rings give their users the ability to perceive compassion in others and to force compassion onto those who feel none.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-gl48_52-1"> <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-bn3_54-0"> Paradoxically, indigo light has the ability to heal individuals with great empathy and to expose people to pain they've inflicted on other people.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-bn3_54-1"> <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-gl46_55-0"> Indigo Power Rings can teleport their users and others over intergalactic distances. This ability utilizes a great deal of power from an indigo power ring, and Indigo Tribe members try to use it sparingly.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-gl46_55-1">

Violet


At the conclusion of the Mystery of the Star Sapphire story-arc, the Zamarons realize that the power of the Star Sapphire gem is too great for them to control and forge a Violet Power Battery and power ring out of the Star Sapphire gem, using the bodies that sparked the Star Sapphire as a mediator. This allows them to distribute its powers throughout an entire Corps of Star Sapphires.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-gl19_56-0">

Violet power rings are fueled by the emotion of love.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-gl20_33-2"> They allow their wearer to fly, generate a protective aura (which creates distinct feathered and organic shapes), and create violet light constructs.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-glc29_57-0"> <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-glc32_58-0"> Violet rings have several unique abilities. They can create crystals which can be used to imprison members of other Lantern Corps on the Zamaron planet.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-glc31_59-0"> Over time, the rings of the prisoners trapped in stasis within the crystals are infused with violet energy. After spending enough time inside, the prisoner will emerge as a Star Sapphire.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-gl36_48-3"> The rings can also detect when a love is in jeopardy, locate it, and then create a connection to the embattled heart that can be used as a tether. Sapphires are also shown as being able to show others their greatest love.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-glc32_58-1"> Unlike constructs created by Green Lanterns, Orange Lanterns cannot absorb those made by Star Sapphires.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-gl41_40-3"> Star Sapphires are able to teleport in order to escape attackers, while their constructs release a disorienting dust when destroyed. These two abilities can be combined effectively to avoid being pursued.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-gl42_43-1"> Violet power rings can restore the recently deceased to life by drawing power from the heart of one that loves them.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-60">

Although Violet Power Rings do not have a particular weakness to other colors, they are more susceptible to controlling their user by their own power. Love is one of the two emotions on the far ends of the emotional spectrum, and has a much stronger influence over its user.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-bn0_61-0"> Unlike the Star Sapphire gem, which could force itself on a user, violet power rings must be accepted by the wearer."

Black


Black Power Rings are fueled by death, instead of a light from the emotional spectrum. In the concluding issues of the Sinestro Corps War, Superboy-Prime hurls the Anti-Monitor into space. His dying essence crashes onto the dead planet of Ryut and is encased in the Black Central Power Battery.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-gl25_32-4"> Black Hand becomes the first Black Lantern after killing his family and committing suicide; Scar comes to him and regurgitates the first black power ring.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-gl43_63-0"> As noted by Ray Palmer, the structure of black rings is similar to dark matter.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-bn2_64-0"> The symbol on black power rings (a triangle pointing down, with five lines radiating up) is the same symbol used by Green Lantern villain Black Hand and his family.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-gl43_63-1">

Black power rings are wielded by the deceased. In addition to the abilities granted to them by the rings, Black Lanterns retain any superpowers they may have had in life.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-bn1_65-0"> If the ring bearer's body is severely damaged or destroyed they can bring the body back to life, the black ring will partially reconstruct the body, restoring it to a working state.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-JohnsonBN_66-0"> Black Lanterns rings are able to read the emotions of the living as colored auras that correlate to the emotional spectrum.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-bn1_65-1"> Multiple emotions read as a multi-colored aura, while unreadable emotions come out as white or black.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-bnt2_67-0"> A state of suspended animation is also enough to fool a black ring's senses.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-bnbat3_68-0"> Emotionless hearts, such as Scarecrow's, render their bearers equally invisible to Black Lanterns.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-bn4_69-0"> When facing beings with warped mental states or otherwise addled minds, the correlation between the emotion detected and the color seen is inverted.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-70">

A combination of green light with any other light of the emotional spectrum can neutralize black rings, rendering them vulnerable. Once a black ring is destroyed, the corpse it animates becomes inert.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-bn3_54-2"> Black Lanterns are vulnerable to white light, described in Blackest Night #3 as the "white light of creation." Other methods exist for destroying Black Rings. Kimiyo Hoshi and Halo can destroy black power rings using their light-based powers.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-71"> <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-72"> Conner Kent uses the Medusa Mask to force two Black Lanterns to experience the fullness of the Emotional Spectrum, irritating their black rings enough that they remove themselves and flee.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-bns3_73-0"> Superboy-Prime takes control of a black power ring and is forced to experience all of the emotional spectrum except for hope, forcing the ring to shift abilities and uniforms as his emotions go out of control. The ring ultimately detonates.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-74"> The "touch" of a Black Lantern, used to remove their victims' hearts and drain them of emotional energy, can sever the connection between other Black Lanterns and their black ring.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-75"> Time travel can deactivate a searching black ring.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-bn6_37-1">

Some characters have been shown as able to resist black rings for various reasons, including: having once been a zombie,<sup class="Template-Fact" style="white-space:nowrap;"> being immortal,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-76"> being at complete peace after death, or being a Red Lantern.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-77"> Wonder Woman and Conner Kent were also able to fight their ring's control.

White


The first white power ring is depicted during the Blackest Night event,"the Entity."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-bn7_78-0"> The exact capabilities and limitations of white power rings are still unknown, but they have been shown as capable of providing their bearers with the default Corps abilities of flight, protective aura generation, and light construct creation.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-gl52_79-0"> Their most notable and unique ability to date is the power to restore the dead to life.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-bn8_80-0"> The first instances of this ability were shown not by the intention of any individual, but by the ring itself. They are also shown "overriding" power rings of other colors, turning them white for a period of time.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-bn8_80-1">

Boston Brand, aka Deadman, was brought back to true life through the power of the white ring. Unable to control it or remove it, the ring rendered him invisible and teleported him across Earth and Mars so that he could observe events "The Entity" deemed important. His white ring allowed him to make constructs of other lanterns, similar to the orange light, but only when he was in danger and expressed a desire to keep living.