Alan Scott, the original Green Lantern, is being reintroduced into DC Comics in a big way: as the main superhero of the parallel-world Earth 2, and as a gay man.

The second issue of DC's Earth 2 series (in comic shops and online Wednesday) begins the new origin of the character, who first appeared in a 1940 issue of All-American Comics. The longtime Justice Society of America member is now a young media mogul and important figure in the creation of a group of heroes to replace the seemingly deceased Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman of his world.

"He's going to be the leader of the team, this dynamic hero, he'll do anything to save people, the bravest man on the planet. Why not just make him gay as well?" says Earth 2 writer James Robinson.

Read more and check out a preview of the new Green Lantern in USA Today.