The Red Lantern was recently introduced as part of the modern Justice Society of America revival. Earlier comics detailed how he was the archenemy of Green Lantern Alan Scott and the first superhero of the Soviet Union. Now, the full history of the Red Lantern and his secret connection to the first Green Lantern have been revealed.
Alan Scott: The Green Lantern #4 by Tim Sheridan and Cian Tormey recalls the early years of Vladimir Sokov. Born in Belarus, Sokov learned English at an early age, thanks to several books on mythology provided by his mother. This education served him well when he enlisted in the Russian army to escape his abusive father.
Sokov was tapped for spy work after his superiors learned that he could speak English. However, his knowledge of mythology proved just as essential to his first mission. Sokov infiltrated a particular US Army Corps of Engineers team. His mission was to claim the mythical Crimson Flame of Death they sought for the Soviet Union. It was here Sokov came to serve alongside a young Alan Scott.
Red Lantern Was Alan Scott’s First Love
Sokov recognized early on that Alan Scott was attracted to him. He seduced Alan, nominally to hide the fact that he had no training as an engineer. However, something grew between the young officer and the man he knew as Johnny Ladd.
Johnny Ladd was thought to be killed by the Crimson Flame of Death. However, Vladimir Sokov survived. Moreover, he succeeded in his mission and wielded the Crimson Flame of Death. He also recognized the American Green Lantern, who tapped the Emerald Flame of Life, as his former lover, Alan Scott. Thus began a bitter rivalry after the first Green Lantern learned who his first love truly was.
Alan Scott: The Green Lantern #4 is now available in comic shops everywhere.
