Green Lantern, one of DC Comics’ oldest and enduring heroes is coming out the closest as the first proud, mighty and openly gay hero.

“The change is revealed in the pages of the second issue of “Earth 2″ out next week, and comes on the heels of what has been an expansive year for gay and lesbian characters in the pages of comic books from Archie to Marvel and others.

But purists and fans note: This Green Lantern is not the emerald galactic space cop who was, and is, part of the Justice League and has had a history rich in triumph and tragedy.

Instead, said James Robinson, who writes the new series, Alan Scott is the retooled version of the classic Lantern whose first appearance came in the pages of “All-American Comics” No. 16 in July 1940.”

And his being gay is not part of some wider story line meant to be exploited or undone down the road, either.

Source Associated Press FULL STORY AP