5 DC Characters So Weird They Deserve Their Own Series

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In the expansive DC Comics world, it’s not just the star-studded Justice League who steal the show; there’s so much more to explore. Over almost a century, DC has brought to life countless characters, many of whom challenge our imagination in captivating ways – which is crucial for any great comic book character. These original creations offer a rich tapestry for storytelling. However, due to various factors like their unique, single-use concepts or eccentricities that were too bold for mainstream acceptance, some of these intriguing characters have been overshadowed and, in many instances, overlooked by the general public.

While certain characters serve as unique, standalone jokes and may not require reappearance in the main cast, others have such intriguing oddities that warrant a more extensive examination. Characters like these often inspire DC to delve deeper into their backgrounds by launching individual series for them. Here, then, are some of DC’s most peculiar characters who could benefit from having their own dedicated stories.

1) Crazy Jane

The Doom Patrol stands out for its array of unusual characters, each sporting peculiar abilities and distinct personalities. Among them, none embodies this uniqueness more than the enigmatic character Crazy Jane. Created by Grant Morrison and Richard Case, Crazy Jane first appeared in issue #19 of Doom Patrol (1987). Upon initial observation, Crazy Jane might seem harmless with her petite stature and occasional shyness. However, a closer look reveals a far more intricate narrative. Unlike a typical individual, Crazy Jane is actually composed of 64 different personalities, each possessing its own extraordinary power. The personality in charge determines Crazy Jane’s capabilities, allowing her to unleash fireballs or psychically activate images she’s drawn.

A significant part of Crazy Jane’s comics narrative revolves around her association with the Doom Patrol, offering an overall picture of who she is and her intentions. However, a solo series could offer a deeper exploration of her background, especially her internal realm inhabited by multiple personas. This series would also provide an opportunity to scrutinize her various identities in greater depth, as only a few have been comprehensively explored thus far. Each installment could concentrate on a distinct personality, offering a colorful perspective of her fragmented mindscape. In essence, such a series would illuminate one of DC’s most captivating characters – what else could one desire from an engaging comic book?

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2) Danny the Street

In the captivating realm of DC Comics, I’ve come across few characters as uniquely bizarre yet brilliantly conceived as Danny the Street. This iconic character, a product of Grant Morrison’s extraordinary imagination, made his debut in issue #35 of ‘Doom Patrol’ (1987). As a sentient street with the uncanny ability to teleport to any location worldwide through roads, Danny isn’t just a street; he’s a shape-shifter, transforming buildings, shop windows, signposts, and even flora to serve his needs. Remarkably, he provides sanctuary, safety, and refuge to those he chooses to defend and aid.

A unique concept revolves around a sentient piece of infrastructure, whose adventures could be extraordinary if we explore its relationships with the residents of the streets it inhabits. For example, imagine a storyline where Danny cohabits with a young Bruce Wayne or a fugitive Joker, which holds great potential. Additionally, there are stories that delve into Danny’s everyday interactions with ordinary city dwellers.

Furthermore, we should consider exploring Danny’s personal journey – how the people living on him impact him and what thoughts he has about all the experiences he encounters. As one of DC Comics’ most distinctive characters, further developing his solo series would undeniably enhance his legend.

A story about a thinking, feeling piece of infrastructure could be extraordinary when connected to its interactions with street residents. For instance, stories involving Danny living with young Bruce Wayne or an on-the-run Joker are promising, as are more down-to-earth tales where Danny interacts with regular city folk. We should also look into Danny’s personal story: how the people who live on him affect him and what he thinks about his experiences. One of DC Comics’ most unique characters, developing a solo series for him would only add to his legendary status.

3) Captain Strong

For decades, comic book publishers like DC and Marvel have had a practice of taking well-known characters from their competitors and altering them slightly to pass them off as unique creations. While some of these changes are made in good fun, others are strategic moves aimed at drawing fans away. One unusual example from DC’s collection is Captain Horatio Strong, who bears a striking resemblance to King Features Syndicate’s Popeye the Sailor Man. Similar to Popeye, Strong is a cheerful character with a tender heart for those in need. However, instead of obtaining strength from spinach, he draws his power from a specific type of seaweed that causes effects similar to being under the influence of a drug rather than promoting good health.

Instead of anything more captivating than a serial focusing on an adored figure, who was once famous for their comedic antics, transitioning into a tougher, gloomier, and more intense style? This transformation worked marvelously for Batman, and given Captain Strong’s current portrayal, it seems plausible that similar success could be achieved for Popeye’s counterpart. Indeed, the internal struggle of Captain Strong over his excessive seaweed consumption presents fertile ground for character-centric stories. His profession as a sailor also implies that the entire globe serves as his operational theater, constantly presenting him with fresh challenges in each issue. It’s clear that Captain Strong’s unique blend of absurd satire, tragic dependency, and immense might makes him an intriguing character with a deep reservoir of narrative potential for a continuous series.

4) Starro the Conqueror

In my view, a tale about a child trapped in slavery who, due to an unexpected blunder by his oppressor, not only regains his liberty but also obtains the tools to enslave his previous master is captivating enough for its own comic book series. But when you add the twist that this former slave flips the script so dramatically that he transforms into a conqueror unrivaled in the cosmos, it takes things to an entirely new level. And remarkably, that’s precisely what unfolds in the story of Starro the Conqueror.

Initially appearing in “The Brave and the Bold” comic book issue #28 (March 1960), Starro has evolved through various stages, demonstrating progress at each step. The initial Starro, driven by a goal to conquer Earth, may not have encountered Cobi, the young slave who would later control it. However, even in its early form, Starro proved a worthy adversary for the combined might of the Justice League of America. With Cobi as its leader, Starro showcased an unprecedented level of power in its quest to dominate humanity.

The basic outline for Starro the Conqueror’s tale has been laid in both “The Brave and the Bold” and “R.E.B.E.L.S. Annual #1”, leaving a lot more to uncover. From its cosmic conflicts, like its attack on Earth, to its time under Cobi’s home world, and ultimately its return to Earth, Starro continues to be one of DC Comics’ most intriguingly peculiar characters. Probing further into its mythology, especially Cobi’s journey from a compliant servant to a brutal monarch, provides ample opportunities for fascinating narratives when handled by the right creative minds.

5) Doctor Double X

Originally, Dr. Simon Ecks, or Dr. Double X, was a Batman villain from the 1960s whose story didn’t hold up well over time. However, this has recently changed. Dr. Double X made his debut in Detective Comics (1937) #261, and he represents a Silver Age reinterpretation of the classic “Jekyll and Hyde” tale with a sinister twist: both personas are evil, but one is significantly more malevolent. What makes this character even more peculiar is that both identities can coexist simultaneously. Dr. Ecks is less wicked, driven primarily by his passion for scientific research. In contrast, Dr. Double X poses a greater threat as he doesn’t care about the harm he causes, only about achieving his goals. Dr. Ecks brings technical brilliance to the table, while Dr. Double X possesses Superman-like power. Together, they make a powerful team, but their inability to cooperate makes them a formidable adversary for our heroes.

Dr. Double X might not have been popular previously, but the current moment seems perfect for his character to shine. His struggle with two distinct identities and the anxiety and solitude that ensue are relatable to audiences who grew up on comics like Red Hood, Mr. Miracle, and Batman: Echo. Furthermore, the fact that Ecks and Double X can coexist in the same space introduces a captivating twist that invites deeper examination. This is especially true of his villainous side. In fact, few superhero narratives have delved into the idea of a genius working alongside a powerful warrior, where the hero is an embodiment of the genius. The possibilities for a series are endless.

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2025-06-19 16:11