4 DC Characters Already Improved by James Gunn’s DCU

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Though the new DCU has only released three projects so far, James Gunn’s ambitious cinematic universe is already offering fresh and exciting interpretations of beloved comic book characters. Starting with last year’s animated series Creature Commandos, continuing with this year’s Superman movie, and including the fantastic second season of Peacemaker, the DCU is rapidly gaining momentum. It’s remarkable that the DCU has had such a strong start, especially considering that some of the reimagined characters are even more compelling than their previous versions.

Certain characters, such as Batman, have only briefly appeared in the DCU so far, making it too early to judge their impact. Others, including Superman and supporting figures like Lois Lane and Lex Luthor, have been reinterpreted for decades. While James Gunn and the actors have been praised for their recent portrayals, discussions about these characters will likely continue. However, there are four characters where the consensus is strong: those where the DCU improved upon existing ideas or significantly reimagined concepts that needed work.

4) Eric Frankenstein

While Frankenstein has appeared in DC comics for many years, the most popular version is the one featured in Seven Soldiers by Grant Morrison and Doug Mahnke. This version returned during The New 52 in his own series, Frankenstein, Agent of SHADE. The character as depicted in DC Comics is generally as you’d imagine – a quiet, older fighter who uses his unique, supernatural abilities to combat wrongdoing. Often, he functions more as a familiar character type than a fully developed individual.

Within the DCU, Eric Frankenstein (voiced by David Harbour in Creature Commandos) is portrayed with a surprisingly well-defined personality. This is a significant reimagining of the character, as he’s comically devoted to The Bride, yet consistently misinterprets social cues. In essence, the character offers a unique exploration of toxic masculinity and how it combines with immaturity to create damaging behavior. However, his backstory also presents him as a sympathetic, tragic figure with a distorted worldview. He speaks of his relationship with the Bride with poetic flair, but struggles with the fact that his affection isn’t returned, despite years of conflict. This isn’t just a new interpretation of Frankenstein from the comics; it’s a completely different take on the character as a whole.

3) Jimmy Olsen

Jimmy Olsen has been a key part of Superman comics for decades, and a major supporting character, but he’s often been treated poorly in different adaptations – sometimes even suffering extreme injuries without being identified! While some versions of Superman stories have stayed true to the original Jimmy Olsen – a classic, quick-witted reporter from the Golden Age of comics who shared a special bond with the hero – the version featured in James Gunn’s Superman is notably different and stands out from the rest.

Skyler Gisondo delivers a fantastic performance as Jimmy Olsen in the DCU, truly capturing the essence of the character. He embodies Olsen’s signature style, is a skilled journalist, and a loyal friend to both Clark and Lois. He also possesses a hidden romantic side, which hasn’t been prominently featured in previous portrayals. The biggest strength of this version of Jimmy Olsen is undoubtedly Gisondo’s acting; he brings excellent comedic timing to every scene. This, combined with his strong on-screen presence, makes him feel even more integral to the movie than his screen time suggests, solidifying his significant impact on the DCU.

2) Adrian Chase / Vigilante

Within the stories of DC Comics, Adrian Chase-and his alter ego, Vigilante-is a character deeply troubled by guilt. While he wasn’t typically a killer throughout most of his comic book appearances, Vigilante was often portrayed as a character who used guns to pursue criminals who escaped punishment on legal loopholes. He frequently dwells on the consequences of his actions, constantly questioning whether his methods are justified or not.

The version of the character in the DCU is surprisingly funny and endearing, yet also a complete sociopath who feels no guilt – an unusual combination that somehow works. Knowing that audiences didn’t need another gun-toting hero who suddenly finds their conscience, James Gunn focused Peacemaker’s TV series on this complex arc. Freddie Stroma’s portrayal emphasizes pretension in every scene; his silly goals and crazy personality are sources of humor and satire, rather than a deep look into the supposed virtues of fighting crime. This is a fresh take on the comic book character, and a departure from what viewers might expect – a change that has greatly benefited the DCU.

1) Nina Mazursky

Within the world of DC comics, Nina Mazursky appears as a member of the Frankenstein, Agent of SHADE team. While she has a unique history, her role mainly serves to include a character similar to the Creature From the Black Lagoon, completing the team which already features a vampire, mummy, and werewolf.

However, in the DCU’s Creature Commandos, Nina has a clear role as a team member, shaped by a heartbreaking backstory. In the comics, Nina develops her amphibious abilities herself, transforming into a monster after building an army of similar creatures. But in the DCU, her father is responsible for her transformation shortly after birth, due to her unusual biology. This origin story provides a stronger reason for *why* she became an amphibious monster and also greatly influences her personality throughout the series.

Nina is a genuinely kind person who easily forms bonds with her teammates, even those she doesn’t immediately see eye-to-eye with. This growth in Nina’s character ultimately leads to what many consider the most heartbreaking death in the DCU thus far, and it has significant consequences due to the alterations made to her. Killed by Princess Rostovic, Nina’s death is the catalyst that finally drives The Bride to resolve the season’s central conflict. The writers not only strengthened Nina’s position within the DCU but also ensured her legacy continued to have an impact on the story.

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2025-09-29 21:17