Simon Baz/Green Lantern
A Lebanese and Muslim-American born and raised in Dearborn, Michigan, Simon Baz is one of the latest of the several Green Lanterns to hail from Earth, but the first Muslim and West Asian person to do so. Created by Geoff Johns and Doug Mahnke, Baz made his debut in 2011 in a very brash way. He was a troubled and desperate character hit by the 2008 financial crisis, ultimately having him resort to stealing cars and selling them for parts. When he accidentally stole a car filled with explosives, he was arrested on suspicion of being a terrorist due to his background, and nearly sent to Guantanamo Bay. It was at this moment the Green Lantern ring chose him, and he became a protector of the universe. The ring took mercy on this troubled soul, giving him a second chance, and he rededicated himself to doing good with it. Among the Green Lanterns, Simon curiously has the extremely rare “Emerald Sight” ability that allows him to receive glimpses of the far future. Working with his partner Green Lantern Jessica Cruz, Simon now fights to protect the innocent. It’s been rumored that he’ll appear in the upcoming Green Lantern TV series on HBO Max, and it will hopefully be a landmark to have a Muslim Lebanese-American in such a high-profile role. No matter what though, Simon will have a bright future in the DC Universe.
