7 Great DC Characters That Have Only Appeared in the Arrowverse

Regardless of personal opinions, the Arrowverse stood as DC Comics’ longest-lasting live-action series from 2012 to 2023, airing on The CW. This collection of shows brought numerous DC characters to life, including heavyweights like Batman, Superman, Supergirl, Green Arrow, and the Flash. However, there were tensions between the Arrowverse and DC’s movie division, leading to the elimination of characters such as Deadshot who were gaining traction in films. In response, The CW creatively introduced lesser-known characters on TV following their live-action debuts, giving them significant roles despite their limited potential elsewhere.

Although largely constrained throughout its span, the Arrowverse managed impressively, surviving even longer than the DC Extended Universe. Its success is owed to many characters, but some truly shine among them.

1) Wild Dog

Following the departure of Black Canary at the end of Arrow Season 4, Oliver Queen and their team find themselves short on personnel for Season 5. One of their initial recruitment efforts is directed towards Rene Ramirez, also known as Wild Dog, who dons a mask and a hockey jersey to combat crime in his local area. The Arrowverse reimagines the character of Wild Dog, and although he bears little resemblance to his comic book persona, he excels in his role as Star City’s guardian, even contributing significantly to the defeat of the Anti-Monitor during “Crisis on Infinite Earths.

2) Wally West

It’s surprising that Wally West has only made a live-action appearance in the Arrowverse given that he often takes on the role of the main Flash in comic books. However, despite this, Wally is one of the more intriguing characters featured in the Arrowverse. He acquired his speed during the third season of The Flash, and since then, he’s continued to push himself forward. Unlike his mentor, Barry Allen, Wally uses spiritual enlightenment to differentiate himself as a unique kind of speedster.

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3) Citizen Steel

In contrast, Citizen Steel is not widely recognized like other characters, as he didn’t establish a solid presence within DC Comics. However, Nate Heywood, a historian who debuted in Season 2 of The CW’s Legends of Tomorrow, has gained popularity due to his compelling portrayal. He acquires the power to transform his body into metal and experiences a rollercoaster of emotions while living onboard the Waverider. Along this journey, he loses friends and loved ones, but maintains an optimistic outlook throughout, contributing significantly to resolving numerous crises.

4) Vixen

In the beginning, Vixen’s adventure in the Arrowverse commences on a web series, later transitioning into live-action on the show Arrow. Regrettably, the portrayal of this character doesn’t last long, as her grandmother assumes the role and becomes part of the Legends team aboard the Waverider. Her distinctive powers, which enable her to draw strength from various beasts, prove beneficial during the Legends’ confrontation with Reverse-Flash and the entire Legion of Doom.

5) Hunter Zolomon

Initially posing as DC character Jay Garrick, Hunter Zolomon eventually unmasks himself as a deceptive speedster and reveals his intention to seize Barry Allen’s speed. Known as Zoom thereafter, this villain causes Barry significant distress throughout an entire season, culminating in the murder of Henry Allen, Barry’s father. Remarkably, even death doesn’t deter Zolomon, as he resurfaces later on, appearing as the ominous Black Flash.

6) The Monitor

The storyline “Crisis on Infinite Earths” revolves around the conflict between Mar Novu and his malevolent counterpart, the Anti-Monitor. Instead of relying solely on his powers, Monitor gathers a team from the Arrowverse, such as Green Arrow, Flash, and Supergirl, to aid him in this battle. What sets Monitor apart from his comic book version is that he displays more character depth, often scolding Oliver when the hero voices doubts about his tactics.

7) Reign

In the third season of her standalone series, Supergirl encounters a formidable opponent named Reign, another Kryptonian bent on causing chaos on Earth. Kara Danvers struggles to outsmart this villain until the finale of Season 3 when she introduces fresh allies into the mix. Although Reign’s tenure in the Arrowverse is brief, her influence lingers significantly on Supergirl and her circle of friends.

The Arrowverse shows are streaming on Netflix.

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2025-06-12 21:10