In-Universe History · 2012–2013
The Third Army Rises
The Guardians betray everything they built.
2012–2013
The story
The Guardians of the Universe had always been afraid. Afraid of emotion, afraid of the Corps they created, afraid of the prophecy that foretold their doom. And so, in secret, they built a replacement: the Third Army — an army of blank, faceless beings that assimilated all life into mindless drones.
It was the ultimate betrayal. The Guardians, who had founded the Green Lantern Corps to protect life, now sought to erase free will entirely. They unleashed the Third Army across the universe in Green Lantern (vol. 5) #13-16 (2012-13), and world after world fell silent.
The Corps fought back — Hal Jordan, Sinestro, the New Guardians, and Kyle Rayner as the White Lantern. In the end, the Guardians were defeated, but the cost was immense. The old order was shattered. And from its ashes, a new question emerged: who watches the watchmen?
Green Lantern (2005) #63 cover by Gary Frank, showing Krona and the entities. This earlier cover accompanies the discussion; it does not depict the Third Army. Artwork source & details.
Artwork credits (1 image)
Credits refer to the illustrations shown here. Open a record for sources, adaptations and unresolved details. Some artwork and source pages contain story spoilers.
- Wotgl — Green Lantern (2005) #63 — main cover. Gary Frank (cover art).