The HBO series 'Lanterns' has brought a lesser-known element of the DC Comics universe to the forefront: Manhunters. These robotic beings, who were the Guardians of the Universe's initial attempt at an intergalactic police force, have become a central mystery in the show's second episode.
The Manhunters are a race of shapeshifting robots created by the Guardians to protect the innocent across the universe. However, their power grew, and they began to cause more harm than good. The prevailing understanding is that all Manhunters are supposed to be deceased, but the plot of 'Lanterns' Episode 2 suggests one has survived and is concealing itself within Rushville, Nebraska.
'Lanterns' Episode 2 follows John Stewart, a Green Lantern, who is abducted by aliens posing as humans. They force him to experience the genocide of their planet and task him with locating the hidden Manhunter, threatening to destroy the town if he fails. Stewart then confides in Hal Jordan, the current Green Lantern, who seeks out his former mentor, Sinestro, on the planet Oa to gain information about these villains.
A common point of confusion, particularly for viewers unfamiliar with the deeper lore, is the distinction between Manhunters and Martian Manhunter. Martian Manhunter, also known as J'onn J'onzz, is a distinct character from the planet Mars. Despite sharing the "Manhunter" moniker, he is not one of the robotic enforcers created by the Guardians. Martian Manhunter is a super-powered, shape-shifting Martian who is a member of the Justice League and is not depicted as appearing in the 'Lanterns' series.
The identity of the Manhunter hiding in Rushville remains the central mystery of the current storyline. Characters like Billy Macon, portrayed by Jason Ritter, and his father William, played by Garret Dillahunt, are among those under suspicion.
For those interested in the cinematic representation of the Manhunter concept, Michael Mann's 1986 film 'Manhunter' is available for streaming on Prime Video in the United States. The film's depiction of Sinestro in 'Lanterns' Episode 2 has been noted for its similarity to Hannibal Lecter's introduction in Mann's movie.