There are tons of different Lanterns in the DC Universe, with Green Lantern typically being the most famous and well-known. While the Orange Lanterns are a fascinating idea in theory, the way DC decided to execute it with Larfleeze — who debuted sixteen years ago in 2008 — was surprisingly problematic, and it’s hard to imagine fans responding well to it today.

Larfleeze tells his tragic tale in Larfleeze #1 by Keith Giffen and J.M. DeMatteis. In this story, Larfleeze recalls his origin as just another child of an abusive family. He wasn’t special, he wasn’t important, and he was born into poverty. Before Larfleeze even had the chance to do much with his life, his planet was attacked, and his people enslaved.

Larfleeze spent the next section of his life in the mines, where he worked away for the people who had enslaved him. He eventually would manage to escape and become the Orange Lantern. While this seems like a happy ending, the way DC portrays this is actually rather shocking.

Larfleeze’s Life Was Miserable, Which Apparently Makes Him a Villain

Larfleeze #1 by Keith Giffen, J.M. DeMatteis, Scott Kolins, Mike Atiyeh, and Dave Sharpe

Larfleeze had nothing in his life. He was poor and abused and ended up enslaved. Eventually, he had to turn to thievery just to survive, which led him to the Orange Lantern Power Battery. After being transformed into an Orange Lantern — the embodiment of greed — Larfleeze then becomes murderous and overly avaricious. It’s understandable that he would want to hold onto the power that he finally has, but DC turning Larfleeze into a murderous monster the second he gets something is a bit suspect considering his backstory, especially nowadays when people are far more critical of those who hoard wealth.

Implying that Larfleeze, an abused former slave, would immediately become evil and destructive the second he gained anything isn’t exactly the best look for DC Comics. It’s unlikely that DC would ever try such an origin these days, especially with how the publisher’s stories have been slowly stripping away the resources of the wealthier characters, such as DC recently removing Batman’s billionaire status. It’s especially strange since DC already had a more fitting Orange Lantern during the Blackest Night event: Lex Luthor transformed into an Orange Lantern, which is far more fitting for a ruthless billionaire.

Lex Luthor Already Embodied Greed, Making Him the Perfect Orange Lantern

Lex’s Greed Destroyed the Universe

Plenty of characters have tragic backstories that turn them into who they are. But taking an abused poor former slave and making him the literal avatar of greed seems a bit misplaced. Larfleeze didn’t necessarily have to become a hero due to his upbringing, but using this backstory to frame him as a villain seems especially tasteless. With characters like Lex Luthor — who already covet and have so much — it makes sense when they become an Orange Lantern driven by greed. Even though Larfleeze’s debut — an essential part of Green Lantern lore — was only sixteen years ago, it’s unlikely DC would ever repeat his origin story today.

Larfleeze #1 is available now from DC Comics!