Dennis O’Neil and Neal Adams created John Stewart, first appearing in Green Lantern (Volume 2) #87 (December 1971/January 1972). His original design was based on actor Sidney Poitier. He was introduced as a substitute Green Lantern for Hal Jordan, who was injured and needed a backup. John was chosen by the Guardians of the Universe, the leaders of the Green Lantern Corps because he was a man of conflict who desired peace. He was also an architect, which gave him a unique perspective on creating constructs with his power ring.

John Stewart was a strong-willed and outspoken hero who often clashed with authority figures and challenged social injustices. He was also a loyal and courageous member of the Green Lantern Corps, who fought alongside other Lanterns like Katma Tui, Guy Gardner, Kilowog, and Kyle Rayner. He became the primary character of Green Lantern Vol. 2 from issues #182 through #200 when Hal Jordan relinquished his place in the Green Lantern Corps (1984–1986). He continued to star in the book when the title changed to The Green Lantern Corps from issue #201 to #224 (1986–1988).

Some of John Stewart’s most notable storylines include:

– Mosaic: After the destruction of the planet Xanshi, which John failed to prevent, he was assigned to guard a patchwork world called Mosaic, where an alien force fused fragments of different planets. John had to deal with the cultural and racial conflicts of the diverse inhabitants, as well as his guilt and grief. He eventually became the Master Builder, a cosmic entity that could shape reality with his will.
– Emerald Twilight: When Hal Jordan went mad and became Parallax, he killed many Green Lanterns and destroyed the Central Power Battery on Oa. John Stewart tried to stop him but was severely injured and left paralyzed. He later regained his mobility with the help of an alien device called the Quagmire.
– Rebirth: After Hal Jordan returned from death and restored the Green Lantern Corps, John Stewart rejoined the ranks as one of Earth’s four Green Lanterns. He also became a Justice League Reserves member, forming a romantic relationship with Hawkgirl/Shayera Hol.
– Blackest Night: During the war between the different Lantern Corps, John Stewart faced his greatest fears and regrets when Black Lanterns Katma Tui and Xanshi confronted him. He also briefly became a Star Sapphire, a member of the love-powered corps.
– War of the Green Lanterns: When Krona, a renegade Guardian, corrupted the Central Power Battery and took control of all Green Lanterns, John Stewart was one of the few who resisted his influence. He teamed up with Hal Jordan, Guy Gardner, and Kyle Rayner to stop Krona and free their fellow Lanterns. To do so, he had to kill another Green Lantern, Mogo, the living planet that served as their headquarters.
– Rise of the Third Army: When the Guardians decided to replace the Green Lantern Corps with a new army of emotionless soldiers, John Stewart led a rebellion against them. He also became an Indigo Lantern, a member of the compassion-powered corps.
– Wrath of the First Lantern: When Volthoom, the First Lantern, escaped prison and threatened to remake reality in his image, John Stewart joined forces with other Lanterns to stop him. He also confronted his past mistakes and learned to forgive himself.
– Lights Out: When Relic, a scientist from another universe, attacked the emotional spectrum and drained its energy, John Stewart tried to reason with him and find a peaceful solution. He also discovered he was connected to the Source Wall, a cosmic barrier separating reality from unknown realms.
– Godhead: When Highfather, the leader of the New Gods, decided to steal the power rings from all Lantern Corps to fight Darkseid, John Stewart led a team of Green Lanterns to infiltrate New Genesis and retrieve them. He also faced off against Orion, Highfather’s son and one of the most potent New Gods.
– Lost Army: When John Stewart and several other Green Lanterns were mysteriously transported to another universe where they encountered ancient enemies and allies, he took charge and tried to find a way back home. He also learned more about the history and secrets of the Green Lantern Corps.

John Stewart has also appeared in various media outside of comics, such as:

– Justice League and Justice League Unlimited: John Stewart was the main Green Lantern in these animated series, voiced by Phil LaMarr. He was portrayed as a former U.S. Marine and a veteran member of the Green Lantern Corps. He had a romantic relationship with Hawkgirl and later with Vixen. He also had a rivalry with Batman and a friendship with the Flash.
– Green Lantern: The Animated Series: John Stewart made a cameo appearance in the final episode of this animated series, voiced by Phil Morris. He was shown as one of the Green Lanterns who came to Hal Jordan’s aid when he faced the Anti-Monitor.
– Green Lantern: First Flight: John Stewart appeared in this animated film, voiced by Michael Jai White. He was shown as a rookie Green Lantern trained by Sinestro before discovering his mentor’s betrayal.
– Justice League: Doom: John Stewart appeared in this animated film, voiced by Nathan Fillion. He was shown as a member of the Justice League who was targeted by Vandal Savage and his Legion of Doom, who used his love for Katma Tui against him.
– Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths: John Stewart appeared in this animated film, voiced by Cedric Yarbrough. He was shown as a member of the Justice League who fought against their evil counterparts from an alternate universe, the Crime Syndicate.
– Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox: John Stewart appeared in this animated film, voiced by Danny Huston. He was shown as a member of the Justice League who died in an alternate timeline where Aquaman and Wonder Woman waged war against each other.
– DC Universe Online: John Stewart appeared in this video game, voiced by Ken Thomas. He was shown as a playable character and a mentor for players who chose the Green Lantern Corps as their faction.
– Injustice: Gods Among Us: John Stewart, voiced by Phil LaMarr, appeared in this video game. He was shown as a downloadable skin for Hal Jordan, with his voice and dialogue.
– Lego Batman 3: Beyond Gotham: John Stewart appeared in this video game, voiced by Ike Amadi. He was shown as a playable character and a member of the Justice League who helped stop Brainiac from shrinking the Earth.
– Arrowverse: John Diggle, a character played by David Ramsey, was revealed to be John Stewart in the series finale of Arrow. He was shown as a former U.S. Army Special Forces soldier and a vigilante who worked with Oliver Queen/Green Arrow. He also received a mysterious green box that hinted at his future as a Green Lantern.
– Zack Snyder’s Justice League: John Stewart was supposed to appear in this film, played by Wayne T. Carr, but his scenes were cut from the initial release. He was shown as a Green Lantern who visited Bruce Wayne/Batman after the defeat of Steppenwolf.
– Lanterns: John Stewart will appear in this upcoming series on HBO Max, which will explore the stories of different Green Lanterns across time and space.