The Greatest Members of the Doom Patrol, Ranked (By Coolness)

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When reality gets truly strange – think otherworldly beings or terrifying cosmic events – the Doom Patrol is who you turn to. They’re always ready to save the day, and personal chaos usually follows them around. That’s what makes this team of oddballs so endearing: despite being bizarre, they’re compelling and surprisingly relatable characters, making them a joy to read about. Though they’ve had celebrated runs by creators like Grant Morrison, Rachel Pollack, and Gerard Way, there are still countless stories to tell about this original team of misfits.

The Doom Patrol wouldn’t be special without its oddball members. The stories written by Grant Morrison were particularly impactful, delving into the nature of reality and what it means to be these characters, which is why they’ve become so popular within DC Comics. However, some members are more compelling than others.

Here are the 7 best Doom Patrol characters, ranked.

7) Niles Caulder, The Chief

Professor Xavier of the X-Men often faces criticism, but Niles Caulder, the founder of the Doom Patrol, is far worse. He readily sacrificed his team, sending them on suicidal missions without a second thought. It was later discovered that Caulder was responsible for the very accidents that gave some of his heroes their powers, demonstrating a level of coldness and manipulation rarely seen in fictional characters.

Caulder’s time with the Doom Patrol was limited – he wouldn’t survive Morrison’s storyline, eventually existing only as a head. Stepping back from active duty and offering support actually benefited the team, though it wasn’t without its difficulties. While they were more stable without him, they also lacked direction and became somewhat impulsive. He’s definitely one of the best characters, but not because he was particularly heroic or kind.

6) Danny the Street

It’s unusual to think of a street as a teammate, but that’s exactly what Danny the Street is for the Doom Patrol. And it’s not just a clever idea – Danny is a living, teleporting street who can even communicate through shop signs and, occasionally, smoke! He’s more than just a place to hang out; he’s a vital part of the team, offering both support and a safe haven. Danny is always useful and is truly cherished by everyone.

Let me tell you, Danny’s really become the heart and soul of Doom Patrol. There’s just something incredibly endearing about him – he’s so wonderfully weird and unique that he draws you in, whether you’re watching the show or reading the comics. He’s a character everyone can connect with, and I think that’s a huge part of why fans adore him.

5) Elasti-Girl

As a huge fan, I’ve always been fascinated by Rita Farr, or Elasti-Girl. She’s one of the original heroes and her ability to change size and stretch is just incredible! It’s interesting though, because while she’s out there battling villains with the team, her husband, Mento, often feels like he’s playing a supporting role. Plus, she’s become a mother figure to Beast Boy, which adds another layer to her character. Honestly, she’s a really compelling hero and a total force to be reckoned with – a true powerhouse for the team.

4) Negative Man

Negative Man is a truly compelling member of the Doom Patrol, largely due to his unusual powers. Larry Trainor has the ability to separate his consciousness from his body and project a radiant energy form, allowing him to fly. This power also makes him a deeply conflicted character, struggling with feelings of disconnection from his physical self – a theme shared by many on the team. Ultimately, the core of Negative Man’s story is about a man feeling trapped within his own body.

Larry has a hard time controlling his abilities, but he’s still a key and recognizable member of the team. Because he can only use his powers for a short time, he adds a sense of urgency to every mission – it’s like there’s a limited time before his powers run out.

3) Crazy Jane

Let me tell you, Crazy Jane really stole the show for me on Doom Patrol. When she first appeared, she was just the new addition, but she quickly became a total fan favorite. What makes her so compelling is that she’s got 64 different personalities living inside her head! It’s not just a quirk, either – each personality has its own unique powers, making Jane an unpredictable and incredibly versatile fighter. You never quite know who is going to be in control, and that’s what makes watching her so captivating.

I’ve really fallen for Crazy Jane as a character, and I’m not alone! She’s quickly become a fan favorite on the team, and it’s about more than just her incredible powers. What really gets me is her friendship with Robot Man. It’s so much fun watching Cliff get to know all her different personalities, and their dynamic is honestly one of the most unique and heartwarming friendships I’ve seen in comics. It’s just a joy to watch!

2) Rebis

As a huge fan of Doom Patrol, I’ve always been fascinated by Rebis. It came about when Larry Trainor, his doctor Eleanor Poole, and this weird Negative Spirit basically… merged. What’s so cool about Rebis – and it was really groundbreaking for its time – is that it’s one of the first mainstream characters who wasn’t really defined by a gender. Its story isn’t just about superpowers (though it has Larry’s!), it’s about figuring out who it is, and that journey really centers on exploring identity, or the lack of needing one, when it comes to gender.

Grant Morrison, the creator of the comic book character Rebis, would later identify as non-binary in 2020. However, they originally created Rebis years earlier while writing Doom Patrol. This character provided much-needed representation for LGBTQ+ fans, offering someone to connect with and admire. Even within the established role of “Negative Man,” Rebis has consistently challenged gender norms for decades, becoming an inspirational figure for many readers of the series.

1) Robot Man

Robot Man is arguably the most compelling character DC’s Doom Patrol has ever created. Originally Cliff Steele, a race car driver, he had his brain transplanted into a robotic body after a devastating accident. This left him a deeply tragic figure, forever trapped in a form he didn’t choose, and became central to who he is.

Despite struggling with his physical form, Cliff has become the heart of the Doom Patrol, consistently doing the right thing even though he longs for his former life. His deep desire to feel truly human drives many of the most emotional and popular storylines in Unstoppable Doom Patrol, making him a beloved character.

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2025-10-25 03:12