The Peacemaker seemingly leading the charge into a reinvigorated universe. Still, there are others deserve to shine in the spotlight again. Especially when it’s been done so well for them before.
There are dozens of iconic DC characters that have been in a rut lately. Whether it’s a lack of focus or direction, these characters deserve way more love than they’ve been getting in recent years, be it in comics, games, or movies.
Beast Boy
Yes, Beast Boy is in Titans, but that show is hardly scratching the surface of Beast Boy as a character. Despite his hilarious jokes, Beast Boy is one of the more complex of the Teen Titans, especially when one re his time with Doom Patrol.
It’s high time that Beast Boy gets his time to shine as the main character. Too often he’s been relegated to the role of comic relief when his comic book arcs have delved into deeper stuff for his character. DC needs to show that Beast Boy is more than just Cyborg’s gaming buddy in Teen Titans Go!
Booster Gold
Ironically, Booster Gold is one of the most underrated superheroes in the DC Universe. There have been some truly fantastic runs with the character in the comics. Most of them, of course, being alongside his longtime friend Ted Kord, the original Blue Beetle. Their adventures could be a series in and of itself.
The concept of a random security guard slowly but surely turning into the hero he pretends to be is a story that lends itself to the cinema. He’s gotten some shine in CW shows as well as that amazing episode of Justice League Unlimited, but that’s not enough for the hero out of time.
Ted Kord
While it’s understandable that Jaime is the chosen Blue Beetle host for the movie, fans still hope that Ted Kord plays a major role. He’s beloved character who exemplifies the best parts of the bronze and modern ages of comics. He should be present as more than a er of the torch.
After all, Jaime is a very inexperienced Blue Beetle. It’s practically a subversion to have the mentor actually live past the first movie. Ted Kord could realistically stay on as a trainer to the young hero, and be the resident scientist of the DCEU. It’s actually quite strange how few techy people there are in DCEU at the moment.
John Stewart
Once upon a time, John Stewart was the Green Lantern that came into people’s minds. The popularity of Justice League Unlimited meant that for most of Gen Z and the Millenials, John Stewart was their Green Lantern. Despite that, he hasn’t been as present in modern media nearly as much as he should be.
John Stewart was also an important inclusion for the simple fact that he was a heroic black man. Dwayne McDuffie elevated black representation in a time that was far less progressive than today, and the character of John Stewart deserves recognition for that. Since Hal Jordan famously didn’t work out well theatrically, John Stewart should be given the spotlight once more.
Martian Manhunter
Another hero elevated by the Justice League animated series, Martian Manhunter was an iconic character for most of the 2000s. His unique look, powers, and tragic backstory made him instantly memorable. If Flash was the heart of the Justice League, then J’onn was the soul.
It’s saddening that his latest entrance into the mainstream consciousness was an odd cameo in the Snyder cut of Justice League. The character deserves far more focus than he’s been getting in recent years. J’onn is the main roster figure that never seems to get that main roster vibe on the big screen.
Donna Troy
Donna Troy is a beloved DC Comics character in the comics and is widely considered one of the best Teen Titans . However, her push in every other media hasn’t really made as many gains as they could. To be fair, her story is one that probably works best in a TV format.
Her constant reimaginings were so frequent that they became a multiversal facet of her character. Donna Troy was this constant snarl in the continuity and yet she was always incredibly fascinating. Think Everything, Everywhere All at Once levels of memory corruption.
Cassandra Cain
Cassandra Cain’s role as Batgirl was a precursor to what Damian’s run was going to be like. Yet while Damian continues to be a part of major storylines in movies, TV, and comics, Cass has honestly been left out to dry. Her weird villain run was best forgotten, and she’s just been meandering ever since.
It’s a shame because the de facto greatest martial artist in the DC Universe deserves a lot more love. Her character is so fascinating, and a great actress could really bring her body language to life. She’s a character that’s a highlight in any story she’s in, provided they don’t ruin it for a plot device.
Guy Gardner
Guy Gardner was once the de-facto Green Lantern of the Justice Society of America, despite his outrageously abrasive personality. People may not have liked him, but he had guts and an attitude during the era of comics where heroic optimism was the name of the game.
Despite Guy Gardner’s history with both the League and Hal Jordan, he hasn’t been featured in mainstream media as much as other Green Lanterns from Earth. Even if he’s not the main character, Guy deserves to be the Lancer in any Green Lantern movie. At worst, he could be the punching bag, like he usually ends up being.
Zatanna
Zatanna is one of the premiere magic casters in the DC Universe. Unlike her fellow magicians like Doctor Fate or John Constantine, Zatanna is far more open in her helpfulness. She doesn’t snark at the League nor is she bound to the wills of amoral gods of order. Zatanna is her own person, a constant optimist.
Zatanna could very well be the DCEU’s Doctor Strange if the writers would just let her. For one thing, Constantine’s not nearly as powerful as she is, and Doctor Fate has been amoral more times than people should be comfortable. Zatanna is a truly heroic magician who deserves her magical moments on the big screen.
Static
It’s hard to summarize just how beloved Static Shock’s TV series was. The show had Static creator Dwayne McDuffie as a creative driving force, and it showed in every facet of the show’s aesthetic and narrative. It was unafraid of delving into the realities of inner-city life such as racism, gun violence, family conflict, and other timely topics.
At the center of all this was Static, a boy who manages to retain his optimism despite an increasingly cynical environment. Static was a fanboy of superheroes who grew up to be one of the greats in his own right. The only thing missing in Static’s on-screen resume is an awesome solo movie.
