DC Comics has built an impressive legacy over many decades, introducing an array of heroes who spark the interest of fans. While icons like Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman remain in the spotlight, there exists a treasure trove of less recognized characters who deserve equal attention, such as Conner Hawke, Cassandra Cain, and Max Mercury.
With the vastness of the DC Multiverse, numerous heroes hold the potential to shine, yet some would benefit from a breather from the ongoing narratives. After all, the market is saturated with Batman stories, and there are many obscure DC heroes longing for the chance to shine in this new era.
10 Spotlight: Vixen
First Appearance: Action Comics #521 by Gerry Conway, Curt Swan, Frank Chiaramonte, Gene D’Angelo, and John Costanza
A cherished member of the Justice League, Mari McCabe, or Vixen, has often been underutilized despite her notable presence during the team’s Detroit era. While she has been part of various League rosters and had prominent moments during Dwayne McDuffie’s tenure, her role has diminished significantly post-Flashpoint.
Vixen notably co-led Batman’s reformed Justice League of America, later evolving the team into the Justice Foundation. Despite this, her star has been dim, having recently joined the Birds of Prey with limited prominence. Given her captivating dual life as a fashion mogul, Vixen deserves the spotlight she is accustomed to.
9 Hiatus: Barry Allen’s Flash
First Appearance: Showcase #4 by Robert Kanigher, Carmine Infantino, Joe Kubert, and Gaspar Saladino
Barry Allen, the Silver Age Flash, has experienced a notable revival over the past twenty years, notably returning during the Final Crisis. Post-resurrection, he transitioned back into the limelight as DC’s leading Flash across various media adaptations, though some fans wished he had remained in the past.
Barry’s return sparked the chaotic Flashpoint storyline, complicating continuity in the years that followed. With Wally West reclaiming his position as the primary Flash in the Justice League, Barry’s reduced presence has surprisingly revitalized his character.
8 Spotlight: The Signal
First Appearance: Batman #21 by Scott Snyder, Greg Capullo, Danny Miki, FCO Plascencia, and Nick J. Napolitano
Duke Thomas, also known as The Signal, emerged as a standout character during the New 52 initiative, yet he has seldom taken center stage. As a metahuman with the ability to manipulate light, Duke’s uniqueness distinguishes him within the Bat-Family, highlighting the potential for rich narratives surrounding representation and identity in Gotham City.
Fans have seen him battle alongside Batman and Black Lightning, yet The Signal deserves a deeper exploration of his character as a day-oriented superhero. It’s time Duke took the forefront, showcasing the complexities of his role and abilities.
7 Hiatus: Titans
First Appearance: The Brave and the Bold #54 by Bob Haney, Bruno Premiani, Charles Paris, and Stan Starkman
The Titans, originally known as the Teen Titans, have historically represented the next generation within DC Comics. However, since the Justice League’s disbandment following Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths, the Titans have struggled to carve out their own legacy, falling short of expectations.
Currently, they seem caught in a cycle of comparison to their predecessors instead of embracing their distinct identities. A hiatus might provide the Titans with the necessary space to redefine their storyline, independent of established characters and narratives involving Trigon or Terra.
6 Spotlight: Yara Flor
First Appearance: DC Nation Presents: DC Future State #1 by Joëlle Jones and others
Yara Flor, introduced as Wonder Girl during the Infinite Frontier era, highlights the diverse potential within the Amazonian legacy. Initially receiving significant attention, Yara’s presence has waned as she became intertwined with the extended families of Wonder Woman, diminishing her unique narrative.
For those interested, be sure to explore Yara Flor’s solo series, Wonder Girl by Joëlle Jones, now available in both digital and collected formats from DC Comics. Yara’s complexity as a representative of her culture and potential for growth as a character can be fully realized with the right storytelling approach.
5 Hiatus: Batman / Bruce Wayne
First Appearance: Detective Comics #27 by Bob Kane and Bill Finger
Batman’s omnipresence in the comic market has become excessive, leading to questions about the necessity of his constant appearances. While immensely popular, this saturation might indicate a need for the Caped Crusader to step back and allow lesser-known heroes to share the stage.
4 Spotlight: Red Son and Starchild
First Appearance: Action Comics #1038 by Phillip Kennedy Johnson, Miguel Mendoça, Adriano Lucas, and Dave Sharpe
Recent years have seen a significant expansion of the Superman Family, notably with the introduction of siblings Osul-Ra and Otho-Ra, known as Red Son and Starchild. Rescued by Superman and Lois Lane, these Phaelosian characters fulfill a long-standing demand for fresh, young Kryptonian heroes.
However, they have recently faced sidelining as storytelling shifted focus away from the Superman Family narrative. Given their compelling backstory and unique abilities, Red Son and Starchild have the potential to emerge as prominent figures in the DC universe.
3 Hiatus: Jon Kent
First Appearance: Convergence: Superman #2 by Dan Jurgens, Norm Rapmund, Brad Anderson, and Sal Cipriano
As both Superboy and Superman, Jon Kent embodies promise but has yet to realize his full potential. Despite presenting himself as the new Superman, his character often feels superficial, lacking the depth and vigor characteristic of iconic heroes.
Regrettably, his altruism doesn’t seem to translate into compelling actions, leaving fans wanting more. While he’s recently shown promising development within the new Secret Six narrative, Jon Kent could benefit from a hiatus to reevaluate and refine his character arc.
2 Spotlight: Marilyn Moonlight
First Appearance: Superman #2 by Joshua Williamson, Jamal Campbell, and Ariana Maher
Marilyn Moonlight, the spectral heir to a Wild West legacy known as the Spirit of Metropolis, represents one of the most intriguing new heroes in recent DC Comics history. Though she has only briefly crossed paths with Superman, there lies a wealth of untapped potential in her character.
Her visually striking design and unique abilities set her apart from other heroes of Metropolis. Marilyn’s connection to the city’s historical narrative and her supernatural powers offer rich ground for storytelling, which deserves exploration beyond her limited appearances.
1 Hiatus: Tim Drake
First Appearance: Batman #436 by Marv Wolfman, Pat Broderick, John Beatty, Adrienne Roy, and John Costanza
Tim Drake is often regarded as the quintessential Robin, yet this reputation has paradoxically stifled his growth. Following his return to the Robin identity during the Young Justice reunion, he has struggled to establish himself as an independent hero, often overshadowed by his partner, Damian Wayne.
The complexities of his character have regressed, and fans are left yearning for the unique identity he previously forged outside Batman’s shadow. Tim Drake’s character deserves a hiatus from the Robin mantle to carve out a new path that reflects his potential beyond being solely the Caped Crusader’s companion.