10 DC Heroes Improved by the Arrowverse

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DC Comics has a truly extensive and detailed past. Over the decades, many talented artists and writers have contributed to the company, developing the characters we now see in films and TV shows. While these adaptations are based on the original comics, they also need to be original and avoid simply copying the source material. This often means taking creative risks, and the Arrowverse is particularly known for doing so. Sometimes, it seems like The CW’s shows use established names as a starting point to build something completely fresh, prioritizing how it fits into the larger story rather than strict adherence to the comics.

The Arrowverse doesn’t always get adaptations right. Take Mister Terrific, who was quite different from the comic book version until his role in *Superman* finally showed his potential on screen. Despite some missteps, The CW has also successfully improved many DC heroes. Here are 10 examples.

10) Vibe

The comic book character Vibe doesn’t get nearly enough attention. While he appears in a few big Justice League storylines, he’s usually just in the background. The TV show *The Flash* fixes this by making Cisco Ramon, who has Vibe’s powers, a central and vital member of the team. He not only creates dimensional openings, but also uses his intelligence to help solve problems throughout Central City. What fans really love about the character, though, is his relatable, nerdy personality, which is a perfect fit for the environment at S.T.A.R. Labs.

9) The Atom

Ray Palmer is a brilliant scientist in the DC Universe, but he’s often portrayed as somewhat dull. However, when he joins the Legends of Tomorrow and travels on the Waverider, his personality really shines. While he can be a little naive, which sometimes gets him into tricky situations, he’s also incredibly loyal to his friends.

8) Wild Dog

The Arrowverse often features lesser-known characters, like Wild Dog, who hasn’t appeared much in the comics. Instead of directly adapting the comic book version, *Arrow* created an original character, Rene Ramirez, and gave him the Wild Dog persona. This turned out to be a great decision, as Rene became a key emotional force in the show’s later seasons, while also being a skilled fighter.

7) Steel

The TV show *Legends of Tomorrow* keeps most of Nathaniel Heywood’s history the same – he’s still related to Commander Steel. But the show adds a lot more to his character, showing him join the Legends on the Waverider after learning they were in trouble. Throughout the series, Nate makes a close friend, finds romance, and repeatedly helps save the world – things his comic book counterpart never got to experience.

6) Arsenal

In the comics, Green Arrow often teams up with his sidekick, Speedy. The TV series *Arrow* uses the name Speedy for Oliver Queen’s sister, Thea, so Roy Harper goes by his other nickname, Arsenal. The show puts Roy through a lot – he even dies and comes back to life – but he remains committed to doing what’s right. Ultimately, his dedication is rewarded when he ends up reunited with Thea.

5) Ragman

Horror is hard to pull off in comic books because sound is so crucial for creating scares – that’s why characters like Ragman work so well on shows like the Arrowverse. Even though he doesn’t get a lot of screen time with the main team, Rory Regan, as Ragman, still leaves a strong impression, particularly after his confrontation with Felicity Smoak about the destruction of his home. Plus, he’s consistently portrayed as the physically strongest member of Team Arrow, and that definitely matters.

4) Impulse

Bart Allen is often portrayed as irritating and talkative, and the Arrowverse version is no different. However, this Bart strives to be more than just a chatterbox. He’s driven by a personal mission: to avenge the death of his mentor, Jay Garrick, who was killed by Godspeed in a future timeline. This desire for revenge sets Impulse apart from other speedsters in *The Flash*, who typically focus on finding the best in others.

3) Black Lightning

Jefferson Pierce, the character Black Lightning, is a standout in the world of comic books. He’s known for his distinctive abilities and consistently fighting for what’s right. The TV show *Black Lightning* takes his story in a compelling direction by focusing on his role as a father, showing him protecting his daughters and guiding them to become heroes themselves. Many consider it one of the most overlooked shows in the Arrowverse, largely due to its strong portrayal of the main character.

2) Green Arrow

A common criticism of the Arrowverse is that it turned Green Arrow into a character resembling Batman more than the original comic book version. While there’s some truth to that, it doesn’t diminish Oliver’s strength as a character. Over nine seasons, his story showed that people aren’t defined by their past errors. Furthermore, Green Arrow motivated a whole new wave of heroes, and that kind of impact is priceless.

1) The Flash

Barry Allen, also known as The Flash, is a hugely popular DC hero with a long history of great stories. It’s significant that the Arrowverse continues to explore new directions for his character. The Flash on The CW is known for being genuinely good-hearted, making him relatable even when he makes mistakes. He’s truly the emotional center of the Arrowverse, and his presence has been key to the franchise’s success.

The Arrowverse shows are streaming on Netflix.

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2025-09-17 00:11