For almost a century, the DC Comics Multiverse can be likened to the longest-running soap opera in existence, rife with twists, retcons, and transformative narratives surrounding the world’s most revered superheroes. Within this rich tapestry are tales filled with unexpected family connections and revelations that often astound both readers and the heroes themselves.
In the realm of DC Comics, hidden family ties abound, revealing intriguing relationships that many characters are unaware of, adding depth to their stories and complicating their experiences in the superhero universe.
10
Booster Gold and Rip Hunter: Father and Son
Revealed in Booster Gold #21 by Dan Jurgens, Norm Rapmund, Hi-Fi Design, and Sal Cipriano
Originating from the 25th Century as a washed-up athlete, Booster Gold is often perceived as a mere time-traveling opportunist. However, beneath this exterior, he possesses a courageous spirit, a fact that Rip Hunter, his time-travel companion and secret son, well understands. Rip not only motivates Booster to safeguard time itself but also plays a dual role as both mentor and son, complicating the usual hero-villain mentor dynamic.
This unique connection remains largely concealed, even from Booster Gold, which poses a significant risk to both characters should their adversaries uncover their true lineage.
9
Aquaman and Zatanna: Cousins
Revealed in 52 #34 by Mark Waid, Brian Bolland, and Travis Lanham
While Aquaman and Zatanna have collaborated numerous times within the Justice League, their familial relationship ties back to the legendary Atlantean sorcerer, Arion. Arion’s lineage underscores their connection; he is the common ancestor linking Zatanna through her mother, Sindella, and Aquaman through his royal bloodline.
This revelation transforms their professional alliance into a familial bond, highlighting how intertwined their destinies are despite the centuries that separate their respective story arcs.
8
Vandal Savage and Roy Harper: Distant Descendant
Revealed in Arsenal #3 by Devin Grayson, Rick Mays, Sean Parsons, and Jason Martin
Vandal Savage stands as one of DC’s most formidable villains, and his extensive lifespan has led to an array of descents, including the heroic Roy Harper, known as Speedy and Arsenal. This connection was officially recognized in Arsenal #3, affirming Roy as Savage’s descendant.
While the implications of this relationship often remain unaddressed within the narratives, the connections between villainy and heroism add layers to Roy’s story, exposing the nuances of family ties in the comic world.
7
Hawkman and Dr. Fate: Father and Son
Revealed in JSA #3 by David S. Goyer, James Robinson, Stephen Sadowski, Michael Bair, John Kalisz, and Ken Lopez
Hawkman is renowned for his reincarnated adventures through history, including one pivotal life where his son, Hector Hall, embraced the identity of Dr. Fate. As a member of Infinity Inc., Hector’s journey highlights the intertwined legacies of the heroes, showcasing how familial bonds shape their destinies.
Hector’s transition into Dr. Fate not only exemplifies his innate ability with magic but also creates a narrative bridge between him and Hawkman, emphasizing the timeless connection of their heroic pursuits against evil.
6
Green Lantern and Air Wave: Cousins
Revealed in Green Lantern #100 by Denny O’Neil, Alex Saviuk, Frank Giacoia, and Vince Colleta
While Hal Jordan is often synonymous with the Green Lantern title, he isn’t the only hero in the family. His cousin, Air Wave II, offers an additional layer of legacy, as he is the child of the original Air Wave. Raised by Hal’s brother, Jack, Air Wave II carries on the family tradition, allowing the two heroes to share adventures within the evolving landscape of the DC Universe.
As the current landscape of DC shifts, with both characters playing active roles in the modern storytelling, their mutual connection may lead to greater collaboration and shared experiences moving forward in new arcs.
5
Impulse and Captain Boomerang II: Half-Brothers
Revealed in The Flash #225 by Geoff Johns, Howard Porter, John Livesay, James Sinclair, and Rob Leigh
The legacy of The Flash Family encapsulates not just heroism but unexpected ties to some of DC’s most notorious villains. An unexpected connection lies between Impulse, Bart Allen, and Captain Boomerang II, Owen Mercer, who are half-brothers through their mutual mother, Meloni Thawne.
This familial link has remained largely unexplored in the comics, adding an intriguing twist to their destinies, shaped by a family history that merges heroic pursuits with the weight of their lineage.
4
Lex Luthor and Jimmy Olsen: Cousins
Revealed in Superman’s Pal, Jimmy Olsen #12 by Matt Fraction, Steve Lieber, and Nathan Fairbairn
Despite their distinctly opposing ideologies, Lex Luthor and Jimmy Olsen share an unexpected familial tie; they are distant cousins. This shocking revelation stems from a historical connection between their ancestors: Alexandria Luthor and Jimberly Jimmington Olsen, leading to a surprising familial relationship that intertwines their legacies.
This relationship even offers Jimmy a share in Lex’s vast fortune, creating an unusual dynamic that underscores the continuity of their familial history even amidst their contrasting goals.
3
Raven and Etrigan: Aunt and Nephew
Revealed in The Demon: Hell is Earth #3 by Andrew Constant, Brad Walker, Andrew Hennessy, Chris Sotomayor, and Tom Napolitano
Raven, a core member of the Teen Titans, is more closely intertwined with Etrigan the Demon than many realize, as she is his aunt. This shocking familial connection traces back to her demonic father, Trigon, and Etrigan’s father, the sorcerer Merlin.
Embarking on a potential narrative of dualities, Raven’s struggle with her dark heritage and Etrigan’s acceptance of his, provides fertile ground for exploring themes of family, identity, and the complexities of their magical legacies.
2
Hawkman and Superman: Ancestor Via Adoption
Revealed in The Brave and the Bold #10 by Mark Waid, George Pérez, Bob Wiaceck, Tom Smith, and Rob Leigh
The heroes Superman and Hawkman share a profound connection beyond their roles in the Justice League. Their histories are intertwined through the cycle of reincarnation; Hawkman’s past as the Arthurian hero Silent Knight, known as Brian Kent, makes him a distant ancestor of Superman’s adoptive father, Jonathan Kent.
This complex lineage underscores their heroic destinies, linking them eternally through shared morals and values. Coupled with Hawkman’s significant past involvement with Krypton, their intertwined tales go beyond mere coincidence.
1
The Flash and Reverse Flash: Distant Descendant
Revealed in The Flash #144 by Mark Waid, Brian Augustyn, Pop Mhan, Chris Ivy, Tom McCraw, and Gaspar Saladino
The rivalry between Barry Allen, the second Flash, and his nemesis, Reverse Flash (Eobard Thawne), is legendary. However, their enmity carries a surprising twist: both share blood ties as distant relatives. Eobard Thawne is the descendant of Malcolm Thawne, who is, startlingly, Barry Allen’s long-lost twin brother.
This shocking familial connection not only adds a new dimension to their bitter conflict but also challenges fans to reconsider the dynamics of their relationship, blending personal history with superhero lore.