New Delhi, July 30 -- a standing ovation before he had said a word.

That moment, irreverent and knowing and perfectly calibrated, may have told you everything DC Studios intends for Lanterns, its new HBO drama that previewed seven exclusive clips and unveiled its official trailer at San Diego Comic-Con Friday. The series - premiering August 16 at 9 p.m. ET - has been positioned since its announcement as DC's response to prestige television, the superhero show that doesn't play by superhero rules. What Hall H confirmed is that the creative team, showrunners Chris Mundy, Damon Lindelof, and Tom King, is serious about that gamble.

Leave your fear behind. The official trailer is coming tomorrow. #Lanterns premieres August 16 on HBO Max. pic...