To some, revenge is a dish best served cold. But for the Red Lantern Atrocitus, it’s best served with fire, blood and an unprecedented amount of rage.

Millions of years ago, the Guardians of the Universe created the robotic Manhunters as their intergalactic peacekeeping force. But after a programming glitch, the Manhunters rampaged through Space Sector 666, eradicating almost all life—including those of Atrocitus' wife and children, who died brutally before his eyes. One of the massacre’s few survivors, Atrocitus swore revenge against the Guardians. But despite his considerable strength, skill and efforts, he was captured and imprisoned by the Guardians as they hid their horrendous mistake from the universe.

Locked away for years, all that kept him alive was his hatred, until at last it consumed him. Atrocitus harnessed the red energy of rage and through blood rituals forged a Power Battery, creating the Red Lantern Corps. With a veritable army at his command, Atrocitus seeks his revenge—intent on killing every last one of the Guardians and willing to cut down any force that stands in his path of vengeance.