10 DC Heroes That Desperately Need a Comeback

DC Comics is the home of some of the most iconic heroes ever created, including Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman. These characters, along with the Flash, Green Lantern, and Aquaman, are globally recognized, and DC’s comics have sold countless copies, pioneering the modern superhero universe. Over the decades, DC has introduced a vast array of additional heroes, from those with minor appearances to those given prominent storylines. While some heroes enjoy a period of popularity before fading into the background, they often leave a lasting impression on fans who wish they appeared more often.

Certain characters are simply too valuable to lose. They’ve earned their spot in the DC Universe and consistently contribute to its rich history. These ten DC heroes deserve a return, and a chance to shine in the world’s greatest comics.

10) Amazing Man

Amazing Man is a legacy hero with a history stretching back to the Golden Age of comics. The original, William Everett, Sr., recently reappeared in “JSA: Year One” after fighting alongside teams like the Justice Society and the All-Star Squadron. His unique ability allowed him to transform into anything he touched, making him a standout hero of his time. While his grandson, William Everett III, briefly carried on the mantle before his death, and Markus Clay also joined the Justice Society as Amazing Man, the character’s history allows for future iterations to become prominent heroes.

9) Detective Chimp

Detective Chimp started as a humorous, briefly appearing talking animal detective from DC’s Golden Age. More recently, in the mid-2000s, he was reimagined as a magical character and became a supporting player in stories like Day of Vengeance, Shadowpact, and Justice League Dark (Vol. 2). While he often makes cameo appearances, it’s time Detective Chimp had a more prominent role – either as a key member of a team or, ideally, in his own solo series. He’s a fantastic DC character, and fans deserve to see much more of him.

8) Red Star

For years, New Teen Titans was considered a landmark comic book, delivering some of the best superhero stories ever told. It featured many young heroes, including a unique Starfire – Leonid Kovar, a Russian national and the USSR’s greatest hero. After his initial battle with the Titans, he adopted the name Red Star and eventually joined their ranks as an ally and teammate. With powers like super strength, invulnerability, flight, and energy manipulation, Red Star is a powerful force, and it feels like the right time for a Russian hero grappling with their country’s past. Plus, he’s always been an enjoyable character who deserves a fresh spotlight.

7) Cyclone

The storylines in JSA and Justice Society of America (Vol. 3) represent a peak for team-based comics, and the latter was particularly great at introducing new heroes who carried on famous legacies. Cyclone was one of the best examples. As the granddaughter of the original Red Tornado – a strong woman who protected her community – she inherited tornado-based powers. While she initially appeared as an adult in Kingdom Come, readers later got to see her as a teenager in the mid-2000s. She fit in perfectly with the team, especially alongside Stargirl and Jakeem Thunder, and remains one of the most overlooked teen heroes. It’s been a long time since we’ve seen her, and she deserves another opportunity to shine.

6) Crazy Jane

Grant Morrison’s work on Doom Patrol revitalized the series, bringing back its bizarre and imaginative spirit and introducing some of the most memorable characters in DC Comics. Among these, Crazy Jane quickly became a fan favorite. Haunted by a traumatic childhood, Jane developed multiple personalities, each of which gained unique superpowers after exposure to a powerful energy source during the “Invasion!” event. Throughout Morrison’s run, Jane underwent a powerful transformation, learning to trust others, embrace love, and seek help for her past trauma. Now in control of her own mind, she’s become a leader, guiding the Doom Patrol and helping other superpowered individuals. Her journey has reached an inspiring new peak, and fans are eager to see more of her story.

5) Vixen

Vixen is a powerful, yet often overlooked, member of the Justice League. Mari McCabe, a former African supermodel, gained incredible abilities by connecting with the Tantu Totem, which lets her mimic the powers of animals. While she’s been a part of the League several times – notably during the 1980s and again in 2006 – and even led her own team in Justice League of America (Vol. 4), many fans feel she doesn’t get the spotlight she deserves. With a growing desire for more prominent Black heroes in DC Comics, now is the perfect time for Vixen to make a triumphant return.

4) Steel

Steel, also known as John Henry Irons, is a fantastic hero in the Superman universe who deserves more attention. Originally a weapons designer, he turned away from that life and built his own powerful armor after one of his creations fell into the wrong hands in Metropolis following Superman’s death. While he’s a popular character, it’s been too long since he’s headlined his own comic – many fans still rave about his previous series, Steelworks. Recently, he married Lana Lang, and it would be great to see them team up in their own adventures. Steel is a truly iconic character, and DC Comics should give him the spotlight he deserves.

3) Waverider

Waverider first appeared in the “Armageddon 2001” comics as a time traveler from a troubled future, sent to prevent disaster. Created by prominent Superman artist and writer Dan Jurgens, he was a recurring character in the 90s, but has largely remained in the background since then. He’s a compelling character with significant untapped potential, and could easily become a key member of a major DC team or star in his own time-travel series. Time-traveling heroes aren’t often given the spotlight, and Waverider has the potential to break that trend.

2) Animal Man

Grant Morrison, Chas Troug, and Tom Grummett’s work on Animal Man (Vol. 1) is widely considered a classic, establishing the character as a major figure in the Vertigo line for many years. Despite appearances in events like Infinite Crisis and 52, a New 52 series, and Justice League Dark (Vol. 1), Animal Man hasn’t been a prominent character recently. Buddy Baker deserves to be recognized as the icon he is, and DC Comics could explore many more stories with him and his family – fans would certainly welcome it.

1) Blue Beetle II

The second Blue Beetle was created by Steve Ditko, one of the creators of Spider-Man, for Charlton Comics. When Charlton Comics went out of business in the 1980s, DC Comics acquired the rights to its characters. Blue Beetle II first appeared in Crisis on Infinite Earths and later gained prominence as a member of the Justice League International. He’s particularly known for his close friendship with Booster Gold, considered one of the best in comic books. Though he’s experienced both death and resurrection, DC hasn’t given this popular character the attention he deserves in recent years, which many fans find surprising.

2026-06-01 03:12