10 Superheroes Who’d Be Perfect In The New DCU, Ranked

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Commencing with MAX’s adult animated series Creature Commandos, Warner Bros. and DC Studios have officially revealed to fans a brand new shared universe spearheaded by James Gunn & Peter Safran, which will further gain traction with James Gunn’s upcoming 2025 release Superman. Establishing various characters throughout DC Comics and putting these figures across films, TV shows, etc. not only connects this universe as one expansive franchise but also offers several artists the chance to explore different genres within the superhero medium.

Whether working in science fiction, fantasy, action or other literary genres, the comic book medium fosters terrific storytelling that has been adapted many times before in the entertainment industry. At the same time, DC Comics has a plethora of great characters who can make any project exciting, where some superheroes could operate in this new DCU and get a moment to shine amongst other heavy hitters who’ve been in the spotlight before.

10

Big Barda Offers Cosmic Warfare & Character Growth

Among Jack Kirby’s greatest contributions to comic books, The New Gods dives into fantastical and dramatic stories that jump off the page for readers, where one standout character, Big Barda, would be perfect for a big-budget spectacle film. Beginning her journey as a servant to the tyrannical ruler Darkseid and warrior for Granny Goodness, Big Barda’s transformation from a tool of violence into a freed superhero fighting alongside New Genesis, makes her one of the most empowering figures in DC Comics.

Thematically, a Big Barda film could deliver large-scale space battles, a sweeping tale of love & revenge and gorgeous production design. Additionally, Big Barda’s relationship with her husband, Scott Free/Mister Miracle, can serve as a window into the character’s psyche, while a menacing villain like Granny Goodness can provide a sizable threat for the story, potentially evoking an operatic and character-driven narrative.

9

Red Tornado Can Highlight Humanity Within the Artificial

Although created by mad scientist and supervillain T.O. Morrow as a force for evil, Red Tornado ultimately became a superhero and has appeared alongside many characters and super teams in DC Comics. As an android with immense/dynamic capabilities, the character lends itself to visually unique action choreography and can be utilized in live-action or animated form, where Red Tornado’s fast-paced powers can excite audiences whenever he engages in a fight or assist vulnerable civilians that need help.

However, the character’s most fascinating attribute is his emotional quest for a normal life and desire to be more than just a machine. Having been a strong supporting player within several groups, particularly the Justice League, Red Tornado’s nuanced feelings of being trapped as a hero can resonate with viewers who want to see the character settle down and find happiness. Moreover, the character’s underdog perspective fits right in with James Gunn’s offbeat & dramatic characterization of superheroes.

8

Firestorm Merges High School Angst with Nuclear Stakes

Sticking with the Ronnie Raymond & Martin Stein iteration of the character, Firestorm’s dual hosts of a high school student and physicist merged as a staggeringly powerful hero, can ignite a well-executed buddy comedy feature or a sharp televised series dealing with teenage drama and superhero adventures. At the same time, whether interpreting the character’s origins & vast powers in animation or live-action, audiences will be thrilled to see the combat possibilities from Firestorm’s imaginative skillset.

The relationship between Ronnie Raymond & Martin Stein is the heart of the character and can offer viewers great story development during a superhero origin story. With Ronnie serving as the everyman for the audience and Martin as Ronnie’s mentor, Firestorm could become a legacy character for the DCU, where the hero grows as a person and also transforms into a team player should he be utilized in the Justice League or other super groups.

7

Space Cabbie Delivers Hilarious Adventures Across the Galaxy

Mainly written as a side character in DC Comics, Space Cabbie’s role as a taxi driver traveling through the cosmos has led to the character getting into all sorts of escapades with his clients. The character’s comedic sensibility makes him a perfect candidate for a lighthearted weekly episodic series and can be produced with dynamic animation. Furthermore, James Gunn’s love of obscure characters also benefits the space traveler, as an opportunity to showcase Space Cabbie’s charm to a wider audience would give the character a whole new life outside of comics.

At the same time, Space Cabbie’s adventures across the outer reaches of space would also emphasize the scale and endless possibilities that can be portrayed in the new DCU. As this building franchise needs to establish various sections of its universe, Space Cabbie would more than satisfy its galactic landscape, while still retaining elements of a human perspective within different regions of space.

6

Deadman Hones in on Emotionally Resonate Horror

Before being murdered by an unknown assailant, Boston Brand was a talented acrobat who transformed into a disembodied spirit that must fight the forces of evil, where the character’s tragic backstory and unique powers would make for an interesting character-driven horror flick. As a rare sub-genre within superhero media, horror can delight viewers with chills & thrills that not many other superhero films or TV shows deliver and a character like Deadman could bridge the gap of executing elevated horror with a comic book character.

Blending paranormal and possession elements, a Deadman horror film can present scares, while also delving into the character’s journey of finding purpose. An unfiltered and devastating Deadman feature could also bring mature-rated storytelling/imagery to this comic book universe; which further explores the endless narrative possibilities of the genre and helps the new DCU stand out from its competitors.

5

Vixen Blends Slick Beauty & Formidable Power

Stylistically interesting and a powerhouse when it comes to fighting crime, Mari McCabe a.k.a. Vixen has a distinct combination of femininity, grace, skill and engaging magical capabilities, all thanks to her Tantu Totem. Having a family lineage to her powers, Vixen’s sense of responsibility and confidence to do what’s right make her a fierce character and one that can instantly connect with viewers. At the same time, Vixen’s unique powers are ripe for a big-budget film, where she can appear as a solo act or alongside a stacked superhero team.

In prioritizing a more diverse DCU, Vixen can easily fit the mold as an underrated hero who can amass a huge fanbase. Furthermore, Vixen’s globe-trotting exploits as a model/superhero also tackle great character analysis, where Mari’s struggle to balance a public civilian life juxtaposed with her superhero job as Vixen can lead to themes of identity, trauma and much more.

4

The Shining Knight Invites Viewers to a Fantasy Adventure

Among DC Comics’ oldest characters, Sir Justin a.k.a. Shining Knight was once a noble knight in King Arthur’s court and worked alongside his loyal horse Winged Victory, until being frozen and awakened in modern times to become a superhero. Operating as a man out-of-time character, Shining Knight’s fantasy aesthetics are meant to be in stark contrast with the modern world and, given the current DCU’s plans to introduce more out-of-the-box characters, Shining Knight would fulfill the fantasy genre elements of this franchise.

Unlike many DC characters, Shining Knight doesn’t rely on some overly complex backstory, rather, he is just a man of honor who wants to do the right thing, no matter what era he’s in. As a morally incorruptible figure, Shining Knight can offer important values & sincerity that have been abundantly missing from more recent superhero projects. Furthermore, Shining Knight’s medieval past can also introduce more magical entities in the DCU and can be fleshed out for more installments of films or TV shows down the line.

3

Vigilante Exudes the Best Aspects of the Western Genre

Focusing on the Greg Saunders version of the character, Vigilante was a Western hero in DC Comics’ early days and has since sporadically appeared across various comic titles throughout the company’s history. By featuring a heroic gunslinger fighting crime in the Old West, Vigilante can highlight this franchise’s commitment to playing with various genres. The character’s personality and unparalleled skill would delight audiences on the big screen or as a concise miniseries detailing Vigilante’s rousing adventures in an era fraught with lawlessness.

Having garnered acclaim with some appearances on Cartoon Network’s animated series Justice League: Unlimited, DC fans would be more than happy to see the beloved character make the leap to the DCU and would also appreciate seeing Vigilante reach as large an audience as possible; considering that the gunslinger oozes charisma and perfectly exemplifies why the cowboy archetype still resonates with viewers in entertainment.

2

Plastic Man Can Get Silly & Bring Inventive Action for Fans

Relaying equal parts comedy and a redemptive quality, former criminal Patrick “Eel” O’Brian turned superhero Plastic Man is among DC Comics’ most visually dynamic characters and one that lends itself to fun spectacle. By embracing the character’s oddball elastic powers, the DCU can showcase amusing displays of action and creatively challenge the norm of a traditional superhero protagonist.

Whether adapted in live-action or animated form, Plastic Man needs a committed comedic performer, who can bring the character’s humorous sensibility to life while not playing the hero as a caricature but instead as a three-dimensional figure trying to change his life for the better. The character’s collection of farcical villains can also keep up with the hero and help service a film or television series by delivering several forms of comedy.

1

Zatanna Charms Viewers With Spectacular Magic & Nuance

Hailed as one of DC Comics’ most powerful heroes, Zatanna evokes the best of what the comic book medium has to offer, where her creative powers, likable personality and various interesting story arcs, make the character a perfect candidate for the new DCU. Zatanna’s mastery of magic already promises a big scale production for a film, where several filmmaking techniques are needed to help capture the fantasy aspects on screen; which can both impress an audience and challenge the norm of superhero cinema.

Moreover, Zatanna’s ability to work in any setting also qualifies her as a team player for multiple super groups throughout the DCU. With a long history throughout DC Comics, Zatanna has yet to be given the proper respect she deserves and should she be included in the DCU, the heroine would definitely add to the franchise in more ways than one; especially considering that the DCU has to utilize every multifaceted hero it can in order to have something new to say.

“}]] As the new DC Universe is beginning to forge a unique era of comic book media, some superheroes from DC comics would fit right in this landscape.  Read More