It’s Past Time for DC’s Legacy Heroes to Take Over

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For a considerable period, DC Comics has been deeply associated with legacy, a connection that began about 9 decades ago through the character Dick Grayson, who served as Robin. This role represented the readers’ stand-in and was not meant to be a solitary figure as time progressed; characters such as Green Arrow and the initial Sandman were also given sidekicks. Over the years, DC has consistently introduced sidekicks, with figures like Donna Troy (a retconned version of Wonder Woman), Wally West’s Kid Flash, Aqualad, and numerous others. The heroes from Earth-Two of the Justice Society even joined the fray in the 70s. However, DC’s emphasis on legacy became more pronounced following the Crisis on Infinite Earths in 1985-86. During this period, the teenage superheroes across different realities were merged onto a single Earth, maturing together, with Wally West serving as the new Flash and spearheading the growth of a new generation.

Over the years, DC Comics has experimented with elevating its established characters’ roles significantly. For instance, Dick Grayson became Batman, Kyle Rayner assumed Green Lantern duties, and Wally West emerged as the superior Flash. Donna Troy took on Wonder Woman’s role, Speedy transformed into Red Arrow, and Superman’s son Jon Kent matured to become the new Superman. However, it is worth noting that the original characters often returned, which I believe was an error in judgment. It’s high time for the newer generation to take center stage; nonetheless, this transition doesn’t necessarily imply a complete departure from the original characters.

DC’s Legacy Heroes Can Take Up the Fight but the Originals Don’t Have to Disappear

In the ’90s, I immersed myself in DC Comics, experiencing an intriguing era marked by significant changes. Superman had perished and was succeeded by four new champions. Batman faced a severe injury that led to his temporary replacement. Wally West, who assumed the mantle of The Flash in 1986, saw tremendous popularity for his series. Hal Jordan’s transformation into an antagonist and subsequent replacement left only Kyle Rayner as the remaining Green Lantern. This shift made Green Lantern a beloved title among fans. The concept of legacy became increasingly significant throughout this period, with DC introducing a new generation of heroes like Young Justice who were more than capable of combating evil effectively. Things seemed optimistic, but eventually, it was decided to reverse these changes and restore the original lineup. During this phase, Dick Grayson stepped into the role of Batman, only for the old guard to return shortly afterward. Since then, DC Comics has often expressed interest in legacy but hasn’t fully implemented it. Now, I believe we’re at a point where reintroducing these legacy heroes could satisfy fans of the original characters.

It’s great that Wally West is considered the best Flash, but it was enjoyable having Barry Allen too. Couldn’t we have both in the comic books? Initially, when Barry returned, he and Wally were both the Flash. Similarly, Dick Grayson and Bruce Wayne served as Batman. It seems reasonable for DC Comics to adopt this approach. After all, characters like Superman and Batman already have multiple titles. Why not have two Supermen and Batmen? Why not feature Wally West and Barry Allen? Take the Green Lanterns, for instance; some have solo books while others are part of the Justice League. The Titans don’t always fight the same villains every time, so why stick to tradition?

It seems that DC is hesitant to make the newer generation of heroes significant. However, there’s no logical reason not to do so. I was excited about Titans when they were supposed to be the new Justice League team, but it turned out to be just another Brother Blood story. The DC Universe is vast, offering endless storytelling opportunities. If legacy is to matter, DC needs to embrace it fully.

This change would benefit newer heroes by allowing them to rise in prominence. Frankly, Superman and Bruce Wayne could use a break. When Superman last took a break, we got “Warworld Saga” and “Superman, Son of Kal-El.” It was refreshing to have Bruce traveling the world as Batman while Dick Grayson was in Gotham. Diana could fight gods and monsters, and Donna Troy could be Earth’s Wonder Woman. The DC Multiverse is vast, with countless tales yet to be told. If legacy is to hold meaning, DC needs to let it unfold.

The Old Order Changeth

I admit that I’m a big fan of Kal-El as Superman, and I can’t imagine a universe without him. But, I’d also love to see more of Kon-El as Superboy and Jon Kent as Superman. In fact, I want more Supermen! As for Batman, I think Dick Grayson could take over the mantle alongside Bruce, or Tim Drake could get his chance while Dick stays as Nightwing and takes on a sidekick. Donna Troy deserves her own solo adventures too. It’s clear that there’s plenty of room for legacy characters in the DC Multiverse.

Kal, Bruce, Green Arrow, Hal, Barry, Aquaman, and Diana are characters we all admire, and there’s plenty of space in the comics for each of them. By blending the original heroes with new ones, we can create dynamic teams that both pay homage to the past and embrace the future. The Justice Society of America has been doing this successfully for years, showcasing teams consisting of both original and legacy heroes. DC Comics has demonstrated that they can utilize legacy characters effectively and it’s high time they continue to do so. It’s past due for these second-generation heroes to shine more prominently. In fact, when DC is serious about giving them the spotlight, their stories are often compelling and well-received. Let’s see more of this commitment in the future!

What do you think legacy in the DC Multiverse? Sound off in the comment below.

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2025-08-17 23:21