The upcoming DC Universe (DCU) film franchise is set to launch with great excitement, and there are numerous underrated DC Comics teams that deserve to be featured on the big screen. With James Gunn and Peter Safran steering the ship, the DCU is just months away from introducing a new era, starting with Superman. However, there is potential beyond the iconic hero that fans shouldn’t overlook.
While the Justice League’s appearance seems inevitable, and teams like the Titans are already in the pipeline, there’s an abundance of intriguing yet under-appreciated teams waiting for their moment in the spotlight. Iconic groups like the Outsiders and the Metal Men, along with a team that could easily rival Marvel’s Fantastic Four, could greatly enhance the cinematic landscape of the DCU. Rather than solely focusing on headlining heroes, here are ten exceptional DC Comics teams that would seamlessly fit into Gunn and Safran’s expanded universe.
10 The Freedom Fighters
First Appearance: Justice League of America #107
The Freedom Fighters have become a quintessential element of the DC landscape, despite not being original to the brand. Presiding over Earth-X—a world where the Axis powers triumphed in World War II—the group embodies the struggle against tyranny. Their diverse abilities, from Doll Man’s shrinking powers to the explosive potential of the Human Bomb, provide an exciting range of dynamics. Imagine witnessing a live-action Uncle Sam engaging in combat alongside other DCU heroes! This kind of spectacle would be both thrilling and unique.
9 The Outsiders
First Appearance: The Brave and the Bold #200
8 Time Masters
First Appearance: Showcase #20
True to their name, the Time Masters are responsible for safeguarding the timeline of the DC Universe. Headed by the time-traveller Rip Hunter, this team combats threats to temporal stability, making their inclusion especially relevant given the confirmation of a Booster Gold series. Introducing Rip Hunter alongside this fan-favorite character would open doors for captivating time-travel narratives.
7 Batman Inc.
First Appearance: Batman and Robin #16
Batman remains a central figure in the DC Comics universe, yet his most ambitious creation, Batman Incorporated, has yet to make its mark in the DCU. This unique initiative sees Bruce Wayne enlist heroes from around the globe to fight crime, introducing fan-favorites like Argentina’s El Gaucho and South Dakota’s Man-of-Bats. Imagining them in a live-action setting would undoubtedly excite audiences.
6 Shadowpact
First Appearance: Day of Vengeance #1
While fans are familiar with the mystical counterpart Justice League Dark, Shadowpact presents an opportunity for a more distinct identity within the DCU’s supernatural realm. Formed to counteract the Spectre’s war against magic, this group is filled with unique magical heroes. With Gunn’s penchant for assembling quirky teams, Shadowpact could serve as the DCU’s version of Guardians of the Galaxy.
5 Justice League China
First Appearance: New Super-Man #1
The Justice League of China may not fall under the traditional definition of an underrated team, yet they were independently created to represent a unique governmental initiative. Led by Kenan Kong, who unexpectedly gains Superman’s powers, this team provides a fresh take on the hero genre. A standalone film or series could offer viewers a compelling narrative about young heroes inspired by DC’s iconic characters.
4 The Terrifics
First Appearance: The Terrifics
In the post-Dark Nights: Metal era, DC Comics introduced The Terrifics, a team reminiscent of Marvel’s Fantastic Four, comprising distinctive heroes who embark on surreal adventures throughout the DC Universe. With Metamorpho and Mister Terrific confirmed to appear in Superman, integrating Plastic Man and Phantom Girl into a film would create a dynamic and entertaining ensemble.
3 The Metal Men
First Appearance: Showcase #37
The Metal Men, the creations of Doctor Will Magnus, offer a thrilling mix of superhero action and science fiction. These shape-shifting automatons are designed to adapt to any situation, making their potential invaluable to the DCU. With hints in previous projects, the groundwork has been laid for their emergence. Should Gunn choose to include the Metal Men, it would undoubtedly captivate fans.
2 The Doom Patrol
First Appearance: My Greatest Adventure #80
Despite having enjoyed a successful run on streaming platforms, the general audience still doesn’t view the Doom Patrol as A-list players. Known as “the World’s Strangest Heroes,”the team is ripe for new narratives and challenges yet unseen in live-action. Embracing the quirky nature of the Doom Patrol could provide a refreshing contrast to more traditional superhero fare in the DCU.
1 The Legion of Super-Heroes
First Appearance: Adventure Comics #247
As Superman takes center stage in the new DCU, there lies a remarkable opportunity to introduce the Legion of Super-Heroes, a team from the future inspired by Superman’s legacy. Despite facing some continuity challenges, their exciting roster and unique powers deserve to grace the cinematic realm. Spotlighting the Legion could inspire an entirely new generation of fans.