10 Best Fighters in the New DCU Ranked

The new DC Universe by James Gunn has begun its journey, leaving fans eager to witness the action unfold on-screen. With the debut of ‘Creature Commandos’, the release of ‘Superman’, and the upcoming second season of ‘Peacemaker’, the DCU is shaping up to feature an impressive lineup of formidable, creative, and simply awesome combatants drawn from various comics. The DC Universe you’re familiar with will be redefined, as it will showcase characters with extraordinary powers like shattering steel, skilled in ancient martial arts, and some that are straight-up battle monsters. Gunn has expressed his intention to highlight the eccentric, unpredictable, and occasionally enigmatic characters from the comics, many of whom excel in combat.

These ten combatants excel in various situations, from battling hordes of monstrous foes to challenging overpowering despots, or simply causing chaos with a weapon and a vendetta. The latest DC Universe boasts these top-tier fighters, making them worthwhile characters for enthusiasts to follow closely.

10) Metamorpho (Superman)

In my humble opinion as a film critic, one of the most exhilarating newcomers to Gunn’s Superman universe is none other than Metamorpho. He’s not just a beloved character hidden in the annals of fandom, but a walking, talking chemical weapon. While he might not immediately strike you as a conventional fighter, Rex Mason possesses an extraordinary ability – he can transform his body into any element found on the periodic table! That means he can shift into gas, stone, acid, or metal in the heat of battle. So, if you ever need a titanium wrecking ball, look no further than Metamorpho himself!

In the world of comics, Metamorpho showcases resistance to mental manipulation, immunity to harmful substances, and even the unique ability to pass through solid objects by transforming into a gas. Essentially, he’s both a sturdy frontline fighter and a versatile toolbox all in one. Although his initial appearance is reminiscent of classic pulp characters, Gunn’s DC Universe embraces Metamorpho’s quirks in an appealing manner.

Metamorpho’s unique and unforeseeable abilities make him one of the most multifaceted fighters within the DC Comics universe, which is why he’s a thrilling addition to Gunn’s DCU. His combat style revolves around transformation and adaptability, often leaving his toughest adversaries bewildered.

9) Hawkgirl (Superman)

Joining Gunn’s DCU is another notable figure, Hawkgirl. A fierce warrior with a sorrowful history, razor-sharp wings, and combat expertise spanning centuries, she’s more than capable of holding her own. Be it charging into battle with unmatched courage, causing a ruckus with her piercing shrieks, or wielding her iconic mace, Hawkgirl displays an intensity that few can rival.

Hawkgirl’s main weapon, an Nth metal mace, is not only powerful but also enchanted, able to interfere with energy streams and magical structures. Her wings, similarly imbued with this extraterrestrial material, provide her with the ability to fly and increased toughness. According to her portrayal, she’s also known for her exceptional healing abilities and resistance to psychic assaults.

In the comic books, she’s an expert in tight-quarter combat, having fought more battles than many heroes could ever count. Her ability to reincarnate means she possesses skills from numerous lifetimes, and if Gunn stays true to the original, this character will be a formidable war deity.

8) Rick Flag Sr. (Creature Commandos)

If you found Rick Flag Jr. impressive in “The Suicide Squad”, then it’s worth checking out his father, Rick Flag Sr., who leads the team in James Gunn’s “Creature Commandos”. This veteran soldier from a bygone era is bringing a fierce intensity to the table.

Flag Senior embodies the resilience of a soldier, backed by decades of battlefield wisdom. He may not be flamboyant, but he’s undeniably lethal. His expertise spans military strategies, weaponry, and close-quarter combats. What sets Flag apart is his unique ability to lead boldly in the thick of action, even when facing actual monstrous adversaries head-on.

7) The Engineer (Superman)

The Engineer is essentially a mobile, nanotechnology-empowered powerhouse weapon, and her entry into the world of Superman significantly alters the game. Her body is imbued with liquid machinery, allowing her to adapt her limbs into blades, guns, shields, or whatever is necessary in any given situation. Besides combat, her nanotechnology grants her control over satellites, hacking abilities, and advanced communication systems. In the comics, she’s been depicted taking on entire teams of metahumans simultaneously – and emerging victorious. Her membership in The Authority hints at a potentially extensive role within the DC Universe that stretches far beyond just Superman.

The Engineer is a character in DC mythology who possesses a high degree of moral complexity, which makes her an enigmatic and potentially lethal combatant. Her abilities grant her the capacity to fly, heal herself, and adjust swiftly, making it extremely challenging to corner her during a battle.

6) Bloodsport (The Suicide Squad)

Rest assured, we understand that Idris Elba’s Bloodsport was, technically speaking, part of the DCEU. However, James Gunn has officially established him as a canonical character in the new universe setup. In The Suicide Squad, Elba’s Bloodsport not only stole the limelight but also a fair share of body parts. This ruthless mercenary certainly lives up to his fearsome reputation, and it’s clear he possesses the skills to match it.

In the comics, Robert DuBois has engaged in hand-to-hand combat with Superman using kryptonite bullets and teleporting weapons. On screen, his suit is equipped with customizable weaponry, and every action he takes is meticulously planned. He’s not merely firing weapons; he’s devising strategies. In essence, he’s more than just a gun-wielding character – he’s a tactical mastermind.

Bloodsport, in just a short time on screen, has demonstrated an ability to match wits with both metahumans and monsters. He’s not just armed to the teeth; he’s smart, as his cunning prison escape and strategic combat tactics reveal a keen understanding of his surroundings that makes him particularly formidable. With his confirmation in the DC Universe, it’ll be exciting to see Bloodsport team up with Peacemaker again. However, there are two things that can easily undo him: his daughter and… well, keep rats away from him!

5) Judomaster (Peacemaker)

In the series “Peacemaker,” Judomaster may be the smallest character on this list, but his size is deceptive – he packs a punch like a tank! Nhut Le’s portrayal of Judomaster gained immense popularity due to his lightning-fast moves, pinpoint precision, and the humiliation he inflicts on his adversaries. A skilled martial artist, Judomaster prefers using momentum, misdirection, and speed instead of raw power in his take-downs, making them all the more awe-inspiring. In the show, not only does he endure blows, but he thrives on the chaos.

As a devoted fan, I’d say one of the rare few who managed to knock Peacemaker off his feet was none other than Judomaster. Not once, but multiple times! His nimbleness, fighting prowess, and unwavering courage place him in a league that surpasses even the main cast in the DC Universe. This tiny green powerhouse pours more heart (and dropkicks) into every fight than most other characters in the DCU.

4) The Bride (Creature Commandos)

Among the peculiar character names in the Creature Commandos, The Bride could be the most unexpected – and potentially the most dangerous. In both comic book stories and her DC Universe version, The Bride stands out as an exceptional combatant, boasting superhuman strength, durability, and a wealth of fighting experience spanning possibly centuries. She’s capable of tearing apart vehicles effortlessly, withstanding bullets without so much as flinching, and orchestrating combat operations with military precision. Her tactical acumen is as deadly as her punches. Whether she’s employing makeshift weapons or using her immense strength to bring down buildings, she emerges as a natural-born leader in a world filled with monsters.

What sets her apart isn’t merely her ability to fight on equal terms with undead soldiers and elite vampire commandos; it’s that she possesses a blend of the raw power of Frankenstein’s Monster, coupled with her keen intellect, tactical acumen, and unyielding ruthlessness when needed. Gunn has a unique talent for crafting extraordinary characters who capture audiences’ attention. If he plays his hand skillfully, The Bride could become one of the coolest – and most formidable – newcomers in the entire DC Universe.

3) Peacemaker (Peacemaker)

In the DC universe crafted by James Gunn, John Cena’s character, Peacemaker, has become an integral pillar, and rightfully so. He’s not just a tough guy, but a relentless fighter who can outmaneuver teams of expert assassins while dishing out witty one-liners. His expertise spans firearms, explosives, grappling, and intense close-quarter combat. What truly distinguishes Peacemaker is his unyielding endurance; he never tires in battle. Remarkably agile for his stature, he can evade blades and bullets during combat, adding an unexpected agility to his powerful presence.

The unique combat style of Peacemaker combines strategic precision with immense, destructive force. In movies like “The Suicide Squad” and his solo series, he demonstrates an uncanny ability to endure punishment and keep fighting, even improvising mid-battle to turn the tide in a violent manner. Although his moral compass may be hazy, there’s no denying that Peacemaker is one of the most formidable human fighters within the DC Universe. With a brief appearance in “Superman” and the second season of “Peacemaker” set to premiere, prepare for this character to take on a larger role as the universe expands.

2) Mister Terrific (Superman)

In the recent Superman film, Edi Gathegi’s portrayal of Mister Terrific has undeniably been the standout performance. Known as one of the sharpest characters within the DC Comics universe, Michael Holt is not just a brainy individual. Transforming into Mister Terrific, he exhibits masterful skills in martial arts, demonstrates extraordinary inventiveness, and possesses combat abilities that allow him to outsmart and overcome stronger adversaries through tactical prowess.

This character’s T-Spheres provide him with various strategic attack methods, all-around combat perception, hacking abilities, and the ability to levitate. In tight situations, he is skilled in numerous martial arts and possesses athletic prowess at an Olympic level. His concept of “fair play” doesn’t equate to holding back; rather, it involves fighting intelligently and with intention. In the comics, Mister Terrific is a part of the Justice Society and a genius with an intellect that often surpasses others, even Batman. However, when it comes to physical combat, he’s more than capable as well.

1) Superman (Superman)

Absolutely, there’s no denying it – I firmly believe Superman stands at the pinnacle among DC’s fighting legends. A list without him would be incomplete indeed. Beyond his legendary powers like heat vision, superhuman strength, flight, and invincibility, Superman is more than just a collection of abilities.

Over the years, Clark Kent has honed his combat skills to face off against an array of adversaries – from extraterrestrials to robots, gods, and cunning military strategists. He’s mastered various martial arts forms, even ones originating from his home planet Krypton. And when raw power isn’t enough, Clark knows how to adapt, employing tactical prowess that rivals the best of them.

Superman’s lightning-fast reactions, agile flight skills, and precise heat vision set him apart as a virtually invincible figure. In a fight, there aren’t many beings in the universe who can match his speed. However, Kal-El is more than just the strongest hero in the DCU physically; he possesses remarkable mental strength as well. He knows when to attack and when to restrain himself. Gunn’s portrayal of Superman skillfully encapsulates the enduring spirit of the character while incorporating modern sensibilities, with hints of the Silver Age comics woven in.

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2025-08-06 00:12