DC Comics introduced Superman and Batman, two of the earliest and most iconic superheroes, and has consistently published highly-regarded stories since. For a long time, DC dominated the comic book industry – a funny situation considering their sales often increased when apes appeared on their covers! They were instrumental in establishing many of the common themes and conventions seen in superhero comics. While the popularity of Marvel Comics eventually challenged DC’s leading position, DC remains responsible for creating some of the most beloved superheroes ever.
For decades, DC Comics has benefited from its well-loved characters, who have become famous in movies, TV shows, and more. Though traditionally behind Marvel in popularity, the new DC Universe initiative is making DC more popular than ever before. Here are ten of DC’s most iconic heroes – the ones who truly shaped the idea of what a superhero is.
10) Catwoman
Catwoman started out as a villain – a captivating thief who frequently clashed with Batman in Gotham City. There was always a romantic tension between them, and she was often depicted as more of a mischievous rival than a true villain. Over time, especially with memorable appearances in *Batman Returns* and *Batman: The Animated Series*, she became a beloved character and eventually joined the ranks of Batman’s closest allies, known as the Bat-Family.
Catwoman isn’t simply a hero or villain; her moral compass shifts, much like her ever-changing suit. Over the years, she’s become incredibly popular, and her complex connections with Batman and his allies have cemented her status as a legendary figure.
9) Robin
Over the years, there have been several characters who’ve taken on the role of Robin, and the character has become a cornerstone of comic books. The very first Robin was Dick Grayson, and he introduced a new idea to DC Comics: a young superhero that readers could relate to and imagine themselves being while playing Batman.
Over the years, six different characters have taken on the role of Robin – Dick Grayson, Jason Todd, Carrie Kelley, Tim Drake, Stephanie Brown, and Damian Wayne – each with unique experiences and connections to Batman and the wider DC Universe. Robin is an incredibly famous character and a key part of DC’s enduring popularity.
8) Green Lantern (John Stewart)
While many characters have held the title of Green Lantern, John Stewart is arguably the most well-known. Though he wasn’t the first or second Green Lantern, he spent years as Hal Jordan’s backup, appearing in numerous Justice League and Green Lantern Corps adventures. Despite not having his own comic book for a long time, John Stewart gained widespread popularity through his prominent role in the *Justice League* and *Justice League Unlimited* animated series that aired in the 2000s.
As a lifelong comic book and movie fan, I’ve always loved John Stewart. He’s had a bit of a rollercoaster ride in the superhero world, but things are really about to take off! He’s set to make his big debut in the new HBO series *Lanterns*, and honestly, it’s about time. For a lot of people, he *is* the Green Lantern – and the comics have really done a great job building on his popularity since he first became a fan favorite.
7) The Flash
The Flash has been a part of DC Comics since 1940, with several different heroes taking on the mantle. But Barry Allen and Wally West are the two most well-known and popular versions of The Flash.
Although many fans favor Wally West as the best Flash, Barry Allen is more recognizable to most people thanks to the CW television series and the DC movies. Wally West is popular too, especially among those who grew up with the DC animated shows and the Flash comics from the 1990s and 2000s. Ultimately, it doesn’t matter who’s wearing the red and gold suit – The Flash is a hugely popular character who played a key role in the beginning of DC’s Silver Age and remains one of the franchise’s most famous heroes.
6) Green Arrow
Green Arrow first appeared nearly 90 years ago, originally resembling a Batman-like figure inspired by Robin Hood and William Tell. Over time, he’s evolved into a passionate and outspoken advocate for progressive causes within DC Comics. The CW television series *Arrow* significantly boosted the character’s popularity, emphasizing the similarities between Green Arrow and Batman even more than the comics have recently.
I’ve been a Green Arrow fan for years, and it’s amazing to see how popular he’s become! Even though his comic book sales peaked about 25 years ago, things like TV shows and movies have really boosted his profile, making him one of DC’s biggest characters today.
5) Nightwing
Dick Grayson is famous as the very first Robin, and remains the most recognizable one. He later became the hero Nightwing, and even briefly became Batman. Throughout his 85-year history, he’s stayed incredibly popular, becoming a beloved character across television, film, and video games, and cementing his place as one of the greatest superheroes ever created.
Many Americans recognize Dick Grayson – also known as Robin and Nightwing – even if they’ve never read a comic book. Nightwing has become a hugely popular DC comic series in recent years, and Grayson is now considered one of DC’s most significant characters, alongside icons like Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman.
4) Harley Quinn
Harley Quinn first appeared as the Joker’s girlfriend in the animated series *Batman: The Animated Series* and quickly became a fan favorite. It wasn’t long before she transitioned to comic books, debuting in *The Batman Adventures: Mad Love*. By 1999, she had joined the main DC Universe and become a popular antiheroine.
Harley Quinn has become increasingly popular over the years, appearing in her own animated show, the Suicide Squad films, and a team-up movie of her own. Her widespread appeal has cemented her place among DC’s most iconic characters like Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman, making her a globally recognized fan favorite.
3) Wonder Woman
Wonder Woman broke ground as one of the first popular female superheroes and remains a globally recognized character today. From the start, she represented feminist ideals, and her story has continued to evolve and adapt over the years.
Wonder Woman hasn’t received as many adaptations as other DC characters like Superman and Batman. While she’s appeared in a TV show and a couple of movies, she’s only had one animated film and hasn’t been a major player in the DC Animated Universe. Even a planned video game was canceled. Although she doesn’t sell as many comics as some other heroes, Wonder Woman is still widely recognized.
2) Superman
Superman truly launched the entire superhero genre. Almost everything we now associate with superheroes – like having a secret identity, a captivating love interest, and memorable side characters – all started with him. Iconic elements like capes and prominent chest symbols? They all began with Superman. He’s incredibly powerful, yet still has vulnerabilities, a concept he pioneered. Superman is a globally recognized icon, instantly familiar to people everywhere.
Superman, or the Man of Steel, embodies the best qualities of humanity within an incredibly powerful being. He’s a modern echo of the legendary heroes of the past, representing an ideal we’ve imagined and reinvented throughout history. He’s not just a colorful superhero; he’s a reflection of a deeply rooted, age-old hope within us all.
1) Batman
Batman, similar to Superman, was a key figure in shaping the modern superhero. He blended the exciting elements of old adventure stories with the mood and mystery of detective fiction, resulting in one of the most iconic and beloved characters of the last hundred years. For a long time, Batman and Superman were equally popular, but ultimately, Batman surpassed Superman to become the most popular superhero of all time.
As a huge movie fan, I can confidently say Batman is *everywhere*. He’s become a true legend, and honestly, pretty much everyone knows who he is. When you think of iconic superhero stories – in movies, comics, TV, you name it – Batman’s always right up there, starring in more of the very best ones than any other hero, period.
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2025-10-13 13:11