5 Underrated DCU Heroes That James Gunn Needs to Add ASAP

by

James Gunn and Peter Safran’s new DC Universe is off to a strong start with its first phase, “Gods and Monsters.” It began with the animated series *Creature Commandos* on Max in December 2024, followed by Gunn’s *Superman* movie in July 2025, which was a critical and commercial success. The story continued with season two of *Peacemaker* in August, solidifying the official storyline of the DC Universe. This initial launch demonstrates the DCU’s plan to feature both well-known heroes like Superman (played by David Corenswet) and lesser-known characters, such as the team from *Creature Commandos*.

DC’s upcoming projects are building on recent successes, combining big-name heroes like Supergirl with the Batman and Robin team-up, *The Brave and the Bold*, alongside some surprising new genres. A scary, body-horror film about Clayface is planned for September 2026, and a gothic horror version of Swamp Thing is also in the works. For animation, an adult series based on the critically acclaimed *Mister Miracle* comic is coming soon, and it will dive into the cosmic side of the DC universe with the New Gods. DC Studios’ fresh approach is creating the perfect environment to finally showcase heroes who deserve their time to shine.

5) Vixen

Mari McCabe is a supermodel and activist who also fights crime with the help of a magical item called the Tantu Totem. This ancient artifact from the Zambesi River gives her the power to connect with all living things and take on the abilities of any animal. She can gain the strength of an elephant, run as fast as a cheetah, or fly like a hawk – her powers are incredibly adaptable and limited only by the diversity of the animal kingdom.

Vixen would be a great addition to the DC Universe, offering a fresh mix of magic, gritty action, and a truly international viewpoint. Her ties to African mythology through the Tantu Totem could expand the franchise beyond its usual American cities like Metropolis and Gotham. Plus, Mari McCabe is a well-rounded character with a fascinating double life – she’s a public figure who also secretly fights crime. This creates opportunities for a compelling individual story, and she’d also be a strong and unique member of the Justice League, bringing a different kind of power and a realistic perspective to a team of gods and the wealthy.

4) Deadman

Boston Brand was a famous circus performer who was tragically killed during a show by a man with a hook for a hand. After his death, a goddess named Rama Kushna gave his spirit the power to take over the bodies of other people. Now known as Deadman, he’s a ghost tasked with finding out who murdered him and helping others along the way. Because he’s invisible and can only affect the world by inhabiting living bodies, his story offers a lot of creative and unique possibilities.

Adding Deadman to the DC Universe would fit well with its growing focus on supernatural horror, as we’ve already seen with projects like *Swamp Thing* and *Clayface*. His story is a captivating blend of mystery and tragedy, dealing with loss, unresolved issues, and the pursuit of justice from beyond the grave. A *Deadman* series on Max could work as a supernatural detective show, with Boston Brand solving cases involving threats that other heroes can’t even sense. He could also be the key to bringing a team like Justice League Dark together, uniting the magical and monstrous sides of the DC Universe.

3) The Question

The Question, a character created by the renowned Steve Ditko, is the masked identity of Vic Sage, an investigative journalist. Operating in the crime-ridden city of Hub City, Sage is a highly skilled detective and martial artist dedicated to uncovering the truth. He doesn’t have any superpowers, instead depending on his intelligence and a strong, often independent, worldview. He’s best known for his Pseudoderm mask, which completely hides his face, creating a disturbing and enigmatic appearance that embodies his relentless pursuit of conspiracies and hidden realities.

The Question would be a great addition to the DC Universe, offering a grounded, realistic perspective alongside its more fantastical heroes. A series focusing on Vic Sage could be a compelling, gritty detective story, similar to classic crime dramas, and would fit well with the tone of shows like *Waller*. After gaining popularity in the *Justice League Unlimited* animated series, a live-action version of The Question would bring a unique, dark, and thought-provoking element to the DCU.

2) Animal Man

Buddy Baker is a committed husband and father who also happens to be a relatively unknown superhero. After an encounter with a crashed alien spacecraft, he gains the power to temporarily take on the abilities of animals around him. This is due to his connection to “The Red,” a vital force linking all animal life, letting him, for example, fly like a bird or gain the strength of an ant. Originally, his comic book stories were simple, but writer Grant Morrison famously reimagined the character. Morrison used Animal Man to explore complex themes like animal rights, the nature of storytelling itself, and the relationship between a fictional character and their creator.

Adding Animal Man to the DC Universe would be a great fit for James Gunn’s creative style. Buddy Baker is a down-to-earth character – a regular family man dealing with the challenges of an extraordinary life. Adapting Grant Morrison’s famous storyline could cleverly challenge typical superhero conventions, eventually revealing that Buddy knows he’s part of a larger cinematic universe. This would allow the DCU to be uniquely self-aware and innovative, helping it stand out from other superhero franchises.

1) Ambush Bug

Irwin Schwab is a man with serious mental health issues who finds a green suit from a wrecked spaceship. This suit gives him the ability to teleport anywhere instantly. He briefly tries being a villain, but quickly realizes he’d rather be a hero – much to the frustration of superheroes like Superman. What makes Ambush Bug truly unique is that he *knows* he’s in a comic book. He constantly talks to the reader, breaks the fourth wall, and uses his understanding of how stories work to create bizarre and funny situations.

Ambush Bug is a character perfectly suited to James Gunn’s comedic style and self-aware storytelling. His bizarre nature would be right at home in the new DC Universe, which has already shown it’s open to unusual ideas, as seen with the characters in *Creature Commandos*. Adding Ambush Bug would be a smart and daring choice, proving that the DCU isn’t afraid to explore the strangest, funniest, and most unique parts of its comic book origins.

Who’s a DC hero you feel doesn’t get enough attention and would be great in the new DC Universe? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!

https://comicbook.com/movies/news/superman-characters-next-dcu-movie-brainiac-power-girl/embed/#

Read More

2025-09-17 16:13