This Heroine Could Be the DCU’s Next Big Star, But the Comics Always Disrespect Her

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The DC Universe is off to a strong start, and James Gunn’s Superman movie exceeded expectations. If future films maintain this quality, they could become definitive versions of these iconic characters. A key part of this approach is introducing a lot of established heroes quickly. Just in Superman, we meet Superman himself, Supergirl, Krypto the Superdog, Green Lantern, Hawkgirl, Mister Terrific, and Metamorpho – and that’s just the ones named! Gunn plans to continue this trend in the upcoming Man of Tomorrow sequel, bringing even more characters into the mix.

According to industry insider Daniel Richtman, the upcoming film Man of Tomorrow is looking for an actress in her twenties for a significant part. Nexus Point News detailed that producers are seeking someone tall who can portray a physically strong and fierce “warrior.” While many believe this role is for Wonder Woman, I think it’s more likely to be Big Barda. Given the expected villain, Brainiac, and the likelihood of a space battle involving Superman and Lex Luthor, Barda fits the description perfectly and has the potential to become a major character in the DC Universe, despite being underutilized in the comics.

Big Hero, Giant Potential

Big Barda is a fascinating character created by Jack Kirby as part of his Fourth World saga, and that’s saying something! She was the result of a forbidden love between Big Breeda, a top warrior on the planet Apokolips, and a man she cared for deeply. Taken from her mother as a child, Barda was raised at Granny Goodness’s orphanage, a brutal training ground for Darkseid’s soldiers. She quickly showed exceptional strength and a fierce nature, leading Granny Goodness to prepare her as the future leader of the deadly Female Furies.

Barda’s life took a dramatic turn when she met Scott Free, also known as Mister Miracle, during a mission. They fell in love, and she aided him in escaping the hellish planet of Apokolips. Soon after, she joined him on Earth, and they quickly married. Their relationship is considered one of the most complex and affectionate in the DC Universe. Notably, and unusually for the time, especially considering her debut in 1971, Barda was the physically stronger partner, and this dynamic was presented positively, with both characters happy with the arrangement.

Big Barda is incredibly powerful, comparable to heroes like Wonder Woman and Superman. She was raised and trained to be a fearsome warrior, but actively chooses to be a hero despite never experiencing genuine kindness. The contrast between her immense strength and her longing for a normal life makes her a compelling character, and her ties to the other New Gods offer a lot of storytelling potential. With James Gunn indicating Darkseid won’t be the initial focus of the DC Universe, Barda would be an ideal character to gradually build towards his introduction. Unfortunately, DC Comics hasn’t fully explored Barda’s character and story.

Disrespect As Large As She Is

Big Barda is a powerful character in the DC universe, but she doesn’t often get the spotlight. Originally appearing as a supporting character in Mister Miracle in 1971, she’s usually seen alongside her husband. Like many of the New Gods, she typically only appears when major events are happening, and even then, she isn’t usually the main focus. While she’s become a regular member of the Birds of Prey team, outside of those stories or appearances with Mister Miracle, Barda rarely gets her own storylines, and those are infrequent.

Even when major villains like Darkseid and the New Gods appear, Big Barda rarely takes the lead. Take DC’s DC K.O. event, a fighting tournament to determine who will challenge Darkseid. You’d expect Barda, facing her cruel father-in-law in a brutal competition, to be a strong contender and get significant focus. However, previews suggest she’ll lose in the first round. While losing to Zatanna isn’t a terrible outcome, and this story primarily centers on Superman, this pattern of underutilization isn’t unique.

Barda is a powerful character, but she’s often used to demonstrate a villain’s strength simply because she isn’t one of DC’s most popular heroes. She has the ability to lead major storylines and events, but frequently takes a supporting role, even when she’d be ideal for the spotlight. Barda deserves more recognition, and a great way to start would be featuring her prominently in the upcoming Man of Tomorrow.

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2025-11-23 20:14