Overview of DC’s Oldest Heroes
- Wonder Woman, with an age of approximately 2,200 years, stands as the oldest member of the DC Trinity.
- Hawkman, a character that cycles through reincarnation, boasts an age of around 3,100 years.
- Doctor Fate, controlled by the mystical helmet imbued with an ancient being, is estimated to be about 10 billion years old.
The DC Comics universe is a tapestry woven with intricate timelines and dynamic character arcs, complicating the task of tracking each character’s age. Many iconic figures have graced the pages of comics for nearly a century, evolving through numerous reboots and storylines that challenge our understanding of their ages.
These heroes and villains interact within the expansive realms of the Justice League, which has seen countless members over the years. Consequently, identifying the oldest characters necessitates a broader exploration across the DC Universe, encompassing entities that have seemingly defied mortality.
Wonder Woman
Approximately 2,200 Years Old
- Real Name: Diana of Themyscira
- First Appearance: All Star Comics #8 (1941)
Recognized as a powerful symbol of strength and resilience, Wonder Woman has been an indelible part of the DC narrative. Rooted in the island of Themyscira, Diana, although one of the younger Amazons, possesses the fierce spirit and vast knowledge of a warrior who has lived for centuries. Her extensive experience positions her as a formidable opponent, far older than either Superman or Batman.
Hawkman
Approximately 3,100 Years Old
- Real Name: Katar Hol
- First Appearance: Flash Comics #1 (1940)
Hawkman is unique, as his existence spans across countless lifetimes through reincarnation. His journey began in ancient times when a divine being granted him the power to return. As an early member of the Justice Society, Hawkman has navigated various adaptations, showcasing his ability to evolve while retaining his core identity as a warrior.
Black Adam
Approximately 4,600 Years Old
- Real Name: Teth-Adam
- First Appearance: The Marvel Family #1 (1945)
Black Adam embodies complexity; born from humble beginnings in Ancient Kahndaq, he rose to become a powerful champion through wizardly empowerment. His character oscillates between heroism and villainy, adding depth to his narrative. Although his stint with the Justice League during Infinite Frontier marked a period of redemption, his darker nature is often prevalent, reflecting the struggles many face due to their pasts.
Martian Manhunter
Approximately 225,000,000 Years Old
- Real Name: J’onn J’onzz
- First Appearance: Detective Comics #255 (1955)
Martian Manhunter is an enigmatic character associated with the tragic fate of his Martian race. His experience spans hundreds of millions of years, marked by the tragic genocide of his people. As the sole survivor of their extinction, his battles for justice place him among the oldest and most powerful beings in any universe.
Orion
Approximately 4,000,000,000 Years Old
- Real Name: Orion
- First Appearance: New Gods #1 (1971)
As the powerful son of Darkseid, Orion exemplifies the complexity of family and legacy within the DC Universe. Traded during a peace treaty, he was raised as a New God on New Genesis. His participation in pivotal battles alongside the Justice League showcases his strength and determination against formidable foes, revealing his deep-rooted ties to the fabric of the universe itself.
Doctor Fate
Approximately 10,000,000,000 Years Old
- Real Name: Nabu
- First Appearance: More Fun Comics #55 (1940)
Doctor Fate is a character with a legacy steeped in mysticism and ancient lore. Several individuals have manifested the powers of Doctor Fate through the helmet of Nabu, an entity that traces its origins back nearly 10 billion years. As one of the Lords of Order, Nabu’s influence spans epochs, representing the constant struggle between order and chaos in the universe.
Hawkgirl
Has (Almost) Always Existed
- Real Name: Shayera Thal
- First Appearance: The Brave and the Bold #34 (1961)
Initially believed to share a similar age with Hawkman, Hawkgirl’s true history reveals her to be far older, having lived as a herald of the divine long before Earth came into existence. Within her vast accumulated wisdom lies an intricate understanding of life’s lessons, making her one of the most formidable figures in the DC Universe.
The Spectre
Has Always Existed
- Real Name: Aztar
- First Appearance: More Fun Comics #52 (1940)
The Spectre, often seen as the embodiment of divine retribution, is a cosmic force whose existence predates humanity. As a former angel cast out for rebellion, this “Wrath of God” traverses the universe, making his age unfathomable and unique among other heroes, possibly marking him as the oldest character within the Justice League.
In assessing the ages of these legendary figures, it becomes evident that the DC Universe is not only a battleground for good versus evil but also a historical account of timeless beings, each with their unique narrative that enriches the fabric of storytelling across generations.