10 unused DC superheroes who could transform the DC universe forever

DC comics have a rich history of creating superhero characters that have a multitude of abilities and have therefore enthralled fans with their adventures. However, it is time that the DC universe expands its boundaries and include these scintillating comic book characters into the world of movies and series. From the philosophical depth in the character of The Question to the dynamic and stylish persona of the Vixen, DC has an array of comic book characters that need to be adapted to the screen.

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Vixen, Animal Man, and other superheroes that could transform the DC universe

1. The Spectre

DC comics and the movies by DC have always stood apart from other comic book movie adaptations on the basis of its focus on darker and more deep themes. Movies like Batman and Joker have proved that DC likes to infuse their superhero stories with questions about mortality and free will. Often, the superheroes of the DC universe have to tackle with heavy questions about identity. Therefore, The Spectre, is an ideal choice for darker and philosophical storytelling. First introduced in 1940, the antihero is a divine entity that represents vengeance. He is extremely formidable and fuses with a human soul. The Spectre delivers justice by punishing in brutal ways. His presence fits in both theology and horror and that makes him the perfect hero to be explores in the movies. An addition of The Spectre would elevate the DC universe and incorporate questions about justice, morality, and divine judgement.

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2. Phantom Stranger

The Phantom Stranger first made his debut in 1952 in DC Comics. The character has a mysterious origin and is neither fully alive nor dead. The Phantom Stranger is someone who battles occult and paranormal forces. As such, his figure is enigmatic and could add another layer and depth to the DC universe. The character is both an observer and a cosmic manipulator. He is often seen in the comics as someone who is a silent narrator or a cryptic persona. Therefore, incorporating a character with such supernatural and metaphysical properties could make the DC universe richer and more layered. Phantom Stranger could bring in questions about death and afterlife and heaven and hell. Plus, the incorporation of a figure like Phantom Stranger could add to the mythology of the movie universe and also make him the ideal character who could play a cameo in a movie. With Phantom Stranger in the mix, questions about mysterious origins and mythic lore could find a place in the DC universe.

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3. Animal Man

The character of Animal Man was introduced in DC comics in 1965. Animal Man is the alter ego of Bernhard Buddy Baker, who becomes the Animal Man after being close to an exploding extraterrestrial spaceship and gaining the ability to borrow the abilities of animals. His inclusion in the DC universe could make for an interesting character addition. In the comics, the character of Animal Man has been stretched to explore stories about surrealism, eco-horror and metafiction. Animal Man is a superhero who has been deeply philosophical in nature and has questioned reality and the role of heroes themselves. Therefore, the addition of Animal Man in the movies could change the tone of the DC universe and make it deeper and more philosophical. A live-action adaptation could incorporate the genre of psychological thriller and even body horror. Animal Man’s addition could make DC more thoughtful and add an insightful and emotional layer.

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4. Blackhawk

While most characters of the DC comics have some element of the philosophical within them, the Blackhawk is one of the few comic characters who is primarily engaged with taking the enemy down. Introduced in 1941, Blackhawk is a mysterious man who leads the Blackhawks. The Blackhawks are a squadron who comprise of World War II-era ace pilots and comes from different nationalities. Clad in blue and black uniforms, the team operates from a hidden based known as the Blackhawk Island and fly a special fighter aircraft to take down evil oppression. The beauty of a character like Blackhawk and Blackhawks is that they all have different personalities, which can make the DC universe richer. Each of them has their strengths and their flaws and not only do they carry out air battles but they also fight on land as spies. The incorporation of such a team of superheroes could be interesting because they don’t have any superpowers at all. The inclusion of Blackhawk and by extension, the Blackhawks, could add a framework of storytelling in the DC universe that could focus on the World War II era. Viewers who don’t want to watch philosophical movies and want pure action would definitely enjoy a Blackhawk movie.

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5. Captain Atom

Captain Atom became a part of DC comics in 1985 when DC purchased Charlton comics in 1983. The character was made to rival Superman and therefore has extreme strength. Even though he is one of the most powerful superheroes in the DC canon, he has been underused in the movie universe. His origins begin when Nathaniel Adam, a military officer, gets transformed into a quantum-powered hero. Therefore, the character of Captain Atom has strengths like flight, energy manipulation, and even time travel. Apart from the character’s supernatural origins, Captain Atom also has a political angle to him because of his ties with the US government. Therefore, the inclusion of a character like Captain Atom could lead to stories about the military-industrial power and the politics of the government. A Captain Atom movie or series could mix political angles with superhero duties and therefore add social commentary.

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6. Icon

Also known as Augustus Freeman IV, Icon is one of the most important superheroes in the DC canon. First introduced in 1993, Icon is a black superhero who has many powers and abilities and also has social awareness. His origins began when he crash-landed on Earth as an alien and was then raised as an African American. Icon has been present on Earth since the 1800’s and he therefore knows the past and the present condition of racism and systemic injustice. Icon can be an important vehicle for socially aware storytelling in the DC universe and could blend social issues with superhuman narratives. The character’s stories often explore historical and present-day inequalities and adding a character like Icon could make the DC universe more socially aware. The issues that other mainstream heroes ignore, could be tackled by Icon. Further, Icon is incomplete without his sidekick, Rocket, and therefore, their partnership could lead to entertaining stories and intergenerational dynamics. Icon’s addition to the DC universe could single-handedly make the canon more activist in nature, which is the need of the hour in today’s world of social awareness.

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7. The Question

The Question is one of the most interesting superhero characters in the DC comics. He first appeared in 1967 and he has been known by different names like Vic Sage and Charles Victor Szasz. Currently, Sage’s protégé Renee Montoya has ascended to the role. The Question is an intelligent and street-level detective who adds a later of philosophy and depth to his enemy encounters. His faceless origins make him the perfect canvas to offer a gritty and nuanced take on urban justice. The Question is a skeptic character and his perspective is therefore grounded. As he works at night, a movie or series in the DC universe with the character would require it to be neo-noir in nature and add questions about existentialism and politics. Rather than just punching and fighting against villains, The Question, is a cerebral character that could add depth to the DC universe. Movies or series on the character would rely on sharp atmosphere and writing and could lead to a critically acclaimed hit.

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8. Orion

Orion is the son of the evil Darkseid and is raised by the noble Highfather of New Genesis. He first appeared in 1971 and is also a member of the Justice League. Therefore, Orion is a character who inherited evil and rage but was raised with morality. Therefore, this tussle is an important part of his character and gives him layers and nuance. While DC universe has ignored the potential of his character, Orion could be the perfect entry point for cosmic storytelling. Orion is a part of the New Gods and making a movie or series on him could open up the world regarding the New Gods saga. With Orion, the DC could also incorporate the evil character of Darkseid and add a story about the fight between good and evil. Questions about celestial wars and ancient powers could also make an entrance in the DC universe through Orion. While Marvel has its own vehicle for cosmic storytelling like Thor and Guardians of the Galaxy, DC currently lacks one. Therefore, Orion could be the perfect character to make DC shift into the mythic and the cosmic.

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9. Deathstroke

Deathstroke first appeared in 1980 and quickly became one of the most dangerous assassins in the DC comics. His origins detail that Slade Wilson was a former US army operative who gained physical and mental abilities from a super soldier serum and became the deadly mercenary, Deathstroke. While he is an adversary to heroes like Batman and the Justice League, his character arc is so rich that a movie or series about his origins needs to be in the DC universe canon. Deathstroke is trained militarily and also has the abilities of martial arts. He can easily control pistols, rocket launchers, and explosives. Further, he gets healed easily and is highly intelligent as he uses 90% of his brain. As his children turn against him and that make him all the more evil, Deathstroke has a hint of tragedy and magnificence in his character that makes him apt for a full-blown movie about him. His addition could make him one of the most significant villains in the DC canon along with the Joker.

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10. Vixen

Vixen is another important black superhero that deserves her own entry into the DC universe canon. As the alter ego of Mari McCabe, Vixen has the ability to tap into the abilities of the animals through her magical Tantu Totem. Therefore, she has many different qualities that make her apt for a DC universe movie or story. Further, she is also highly dynamic as she is a businesswoman, an activist, and a member of teams like Justice League and Suicide Squad. First appearing in 1981, Vixen has been an important symbol as she stands for a powerful black female lead. Adding Vixen’s story to the movie or show universe could open up narrative about cultural heritage and nature. Her appearance in the DC universe will have to be set in nature and that could provide a different world to the largely urban-centric superhero fare. Dynamic and stylish, she could expand the global reach of the DC universe.