The Making of the Green Lantern Statue
DC, Visit Burbank, and Warner Bros. Discovery Unveil Green Lantern Statue
The American Fine Arts Foundry produced the Green Lantern statue. Brett Barney, the Chief Collaborator, speaks at the unveiling on November 14, 2024, in Burbank. This project, identified as number three, involved a collaborative effort with the city of Burbank, DC Comics and Warner Bros. The development of the statue took approximately a year to complete.
The Collaborative Triumph of DC Comics, the City of Burbank, and American Fine Arts Foundry
In the heart of Burbank, California, a new symbol of heroism has emerged—a stunning seven-and-a-half-foot-tall bronze statue of Green Lantern John Stewart at Hangar 28. This monumental sculpture is not just a testament to the enduring legacy of DC Comics but also a showcase of artistic excellence by American Fine Arts Foundry. Most importantly, it represents the tight collaboration between DC Comics, the City of Burbank, and American Fine Arts Foundry in creating engaging “selfie points” across the city. Let’s delve into how this partnership brought the iconic piece to life, enhancing community spirit and tourism in Burbank.
“We’re here today to celebrate the third in the series of DC Comics superheroes that are here to protect the city of Burbank.”
A Series of Heroes Protecting the City
With these words, the unveiling ceremony on November 14, 2024, highlighted the ongoing series dedicated to showcasing iconic DC Comics superheroes throughout Burbank. The Green Lantern statue joins the ranks of Batman in downtown Burbank and Wonder Woman at the entrance to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour. These monumental sculptures serve as symbolic guardians of the city, offering residents and visitors unique opportunities to engage with beloved characters in real life.
The Collaborative Vision
When DC Comics and the City of Burbank envisioned bringing these superheroes to the streets, they turned to American Fine Arts Foundry—a leader in fine art casting and fabrication. The project was more than just creating statues; it was about capturing the essence of heroes who symbolize willpower, justice, and diversity, while enriching the city’s cultural landscape.
PRODUCTION, SHIPPING & INSTALLATION
The Making of the Green Lantern Statue
1. Conceptualization and Design Interface
Understanding the Character: American Fine Arts Foundry worked closely with DC Comics’ creative team to grasp the nuances of John Stewart’s character, ensuring the sculpture would resonate with fans and newcomers alike.
“John Stewart represents an important milestone in DC history as our first modern Black costumed superhero, debuting in Green Lantern #87, published in October of 1971,” said Jim Lee, DC President, Publisher, and Chief Creative Officer. “For writer Dennis O’Neil and artist Neal Adams to create a character like John Stewart was nothing short of visionary… He’s John Stewart, period.”
Design Translation: Translating comic book art into a three-dimensional, larger-than-life sculpture required meticulous attention to detail. The statue’s design was inspired by acclaimed DC artist Jamal Campbell, ensuring an artistically faithful representation.
2. Manufacturing and Production
Maquette Creation: Starting with a scaled-down model, the foundry developed a maquette to finalize the pose, expression, and overall aesthetics.
Scaling Up: Utilizing advanced technologies and traditional sculpting techniques, the design was scaled up to its monumental size without losing any detail.
3. Casting the Sculpture
Mold Making: High-quality molds were created to capture every intricate detail, from the textures of the suit to the determined look in John Stewart’s eyes.
Bronze Casting: Employing the lost-wax casting process—a method that dates back millennia—the foundry ensured durability and longevity for the outdoor installation. The statue weighs over 600 pounds, exemplifying the substantial effort involved.
Assembly and Welding: The large-scale bronze pieces were expertly welded together, seamlessly forming the towering figure.
4. Patination and Finishing
Artistic Patination: The sculpture underwent a specialized patination process to achieve the desired coloration, highlighting the Green Lantern’s iconic suit and emblem.
Protective Coating: A protective layer was applied to safeguard the sculpture against the elements, ensuring it remains a shining beacon for years to come.
5. Installation at Hangar 28
Site Coordination: Collaborating with the City of Burbank, the foundry coordinated the logistics of transporting and installing the massive sculpture at Empire Center’s Hangar 28 located at 1775 N Victory Place, Burbank, CA.
Foundation Preparation: Structural engineers ensured the site could support the weight and stature of the sculpture, laying a solid foundation.
Unveiling Ceremony: The installation culminated in an unveiling event attended by local government and business luminaries, including Burbank Vice Mayor Nikki Perez; DC President Jim Lee; and DC writers Jeremy Adams, Morgan Hampton, and Tim Sheridan.
Community and Tourism Impact
The project is sponsored by the Burbank Visitors Organization as a way to draw people into the city. By installing these superhero statues, the city aims to enhance tourism and community engagement.
“The project has been in development for about a year in collaboration with the city and DC Comics,” noted representatives from American Fine Arts Foundry. “It is sponsored by the Burbank Visitors Organization as a way to draw people into the city. This initiative has provided a wonderful opportunity to engage and collaborate with the local community.”
These statues serve as interactive “selfie points,” providing residents and visitors with memorable experiences that celebrate Burbank’s deep ties to the entertainment industry.
Join the Creative Journey
The Significance of the Green Lantern Statue
Cultural Impact: The statue honors the legacy of John Stewart, promoting diversity and representation. As Jim Lee emphasized, “His adventures in comic books and animation… have become an enduring part of DC’s storytelling legacy. And with the character’s upcoming live-action debut on DC Studios’ Lanterns TV series, John Stewart’s future couldn’t be brighter.”
Economic Boost: As a new landmark, it’s expected to attract tourists and fans, benefiting local businesses and stimulating the economy.
Artistic Achievement: The collaboration showcases the pinnacle of bronze sculpting and public art installations, setting a new standard for future projects.
Interfacing with DC Comics and the City of Burbank
Regular Communication: American Fine Arts Foundry maintained open lines of communication with DC Comics and city officials to align on vision, timelines, and address any challenges.
Compliance and Regulations: Ensuring all aspects of the sculpture and installation met local regulations, safety standards, and environmental considerations was paramount.
Community Engagement: By involving local artisans and providing public updates, the project fostered community interest and pride.
American Fine Arts Foundry: Masters Behind the Art
With decades of experience, American Fine Arts Foundry has been the go-to expert for artists and organizations aiming to transform visions into monumental realities. Their commitment to excellence combines traditional craftsmanship with modern technology.
Expert Team: Comprising skilled artisans, engineers, and project managers dedicated to delivering quality.
State-of-the-Art Facilities: Equipped to handle projects of any scale, from small sculptures to massive public installations.
Sustainable Practices: Employing environmentally friendly methods and materials whenever possible.
