Since the debut of Robin in 1940, DC Comics has been a hub for sidekicks, a tradition that has persisted in superhero comics. Although not all sidekicks can match the iconic status of Batman’s numerous Robins, they each contribute unique elements to their respective roles. Interestingly, villains too have had their sidekicks, with some of these characters even spinning off into their own narratives. Unfortunately, as DC Comics is currently not actively focusing on teams like Young Justice or Teen Titans, the fascinating sidekicks are mostly relegated to brief appearances in the larger tales of their heroes and adversaries. This lack of attention seems unfortunate.
Here’s a list of 7 DC Comics characters who could use more attention as sidekicks: Some are heroes, while others are villains. It would be interesting to see these characters given more spotlight in future comics. Let’s dive in!
1) Speedy
Our preferred choice is Mia Dearden, also known as Speedy II, who has stepped into the role previously held by Roy Harper (Arsenal). Now serving as Green Arrow’s trusted partner, Mia was initially an orphan living in Star City, where she crossed paths with Oliver Queen upon his return. Over time, Oliver took a protective role in her life, leading to Mia adopting the role of his sidekick. Off-duty, their relationship is more akin to older siblings – an older brother and younger sister bond, where the latter admires and looks up to her brother, creating a harmonious dynamic.
When she’s in Green Arrow’s comic book, she infuses an engaging charm into her relationship with Oliver that no one has replicated. She not only made the Speedy role distinct but also owned it. Roy’s tenure was marked by struggles and addiction, while Mia resurrected the role with honor. Despite being diagnosed with HIV at fifteen, she continues to excel as a hero. Undeniably, she is one of Green Arrow’s most extraordinary sidekicks, surpassing all others (except for Connor, which we’ll discuss further later on.)
2) Spoiler
Stephanie Brown holds a unique position within the Bat-universe, as she has donned both the Robin suit and the Batgirl cowl. Simultaneously, her primary persona is Spoiler. Initially introduced as Tim Drake’s love interest, she stands out among the Bat Family as one of its members who joined without being specifically recruited. Unlike other sidekicks who were either motivated by their parents’ death, seeking vengeance, or adopted by Bruce Wayne, Stephanie Brown entered this world on her own terms.
Ever since then, she’s primarily taken on the role of Spoiler, often providing comic relief alongside Batman. Given their contrasting natures, she brings an enjoyable element to the team. However, when it comes to her tenure as Robin, she hasn’t received the recognition she truly deserves. She is a remarkable character who significantly enriches the dynamics among characters and has excelled in main roles. She deserves more opportunities to take center stage.
3) Superboy
Conner Kent, also known as the Steel Boy, is a clone of Superman (Kal-El) with a distinct set of abilities. After the events of “The Death of Superman,” Conner gained popularity within DC Comics. Despite his long-standing presence in various titles and numerous appearances on the list, his character seems inconsistent. This inconsistency may stem from two contrasting interpretations of his personality – one rooted in his classic portrayal, while the other influenced by Geoff Johns’ version. As a result, Conner Kent’s character appears fragmented across different stories.
Conner has been showing less enthusiasm ever since he doesn’t have companions similar to him on his team, following the arrival of Jon Kent. While both characters are exceptional, the initial Superboy feels sidelined in a comparable manner and finds himself in a secondary position despite being around for a longer time.
4) Wonder Girl
Cassie Sandsmark is one of several characters who have taken on the title of Wonder Girl. She was introduced as a younger counterpart when Donna Troy, along with other members of the New Teen Titans, began to mature. Prior to the series Young Justice, she was initially developed slightly earlier to be part of the young DC hero team. Equipped with her own lasso that summons Zeus’ thunderbolts, she has established a reputation for herself.
Cassie seems overshadowed by Donna Troy and Yara Flor, both older characters, but she’s got a lot of experience under her belt and doesn’t always get the recognition she deserves for being helpful to Diana. She brings a more human touch to the Wonder Woman narrative because she’s a demigod rather than fully Amazonian. Sadly, she’s not around much outside of her recent appearances in Tom King’s Wonder Woman.
5) Connor Hawke
From among Green Arrow’s family, we turn our attention to his son, Connor Hawke. Although some might debate the significance of Connor in Green Arrow’s storyline, it is undeniable that he played a crucial role. Not only did he serve as a valuable sidekick, but when Green Arow died temporarily, Connor stepped into the role. He is an accomplished archer and displays remarkable judgement as a hero. Despite his exceptional abilities and decision-making skills, Connor remains underappreciated. Unlike other heroes who have secret identities, Connor simply goes by his given name – he’s just Connor.
Although Roy is with the Titans at present, and it’s unclear where the rest of Oliver’s team members are, Connor joined the Justice League primarily to replace his father’s position, not due to being admired as a hero in his own merit. He truly deserves greater recognition.
6) Impulse
Bart Allen, also known as Impulse, Kid Flash on numerous occasions, finds himself in a comparable position to Connor Hawke. He starred in his own solo series, but during the New 52, he was rewritten into a different character, Bar Torr. After the Rebirth event, he started reappearing in the main universe, but has since been stuck in place. This lack of development is particularly noticeable when compared to other sidekicks who have been part of diverse teams. It seems like a missed opportunity for a more dynamic use of this character.
7) Punchline
To put it simply, Punchline hasn’t had a significant role in recent years, despite being more than just Joker’s love interest. She often collaborates with him, serving as both an accomplice and sidekick. Her independent schemes and admiration for his intelligence have earned her a place among modern fans. However, her appearances have been limited to cameos, without any major storylines in the past few years.
Instead of advocating for additional Joker characters, I’m simply suggesting that if he appears more often, his long-time love interest should also be featured. The dynamic between them offers a rich narrative, as she voluntarily chose her relationship with the Joker and wasn’t manipulated like Harley Quinn was. DC has a wealth of potential stories to explore in this area.
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2025-07-16 04:40