10 Greatest B-List DC Heroes

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DC Comics introduced iconic superheroes like Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman, establishing a foundation of A-list characters. Following this, they expanded their universe with a wealth of popular, though lesser-known, heroes – the B-list. These Golden Age characters were well-received, and DC has continued to create many more fantastic B-listers over the years – heroes who aren’t quite as famous as the top stars, but are still beloved by comic book fans. DC consistently boasts a deep roster of compelling characters, and its B-list heroes are a particularly special part of that legacy.

For 86 years, DC Comics has created iconic superheroes, and many memorable characters have emerged. While some lesser-known heroes fade away, the best ones endure, appearing in team-ups, limited series, and even their own ongoing comics. Here are ten DC characters who aren’t the most famous, but are still fantastic.

10) Superboy

The story arc “Reign of the Supermen” brought four new characters into the role of Superman, one of whom was a unique take on Superboy – not quite a man, but definitely not a child. This version of Superboy quickly became a favorite among readers in the 1990s – and remains popular today. Conner Kent has evolved significantly over the years, facing universal threats, experiencing both death and resurrection, and consistently aiding the Superman family. His recent storyline in Action Comics, “Phantoms,” which saw him become a Khund warlord, was a compelling development, and fans are eager to see more of his story. While there have been different Superboys, Kon-El stands out as the most engaging.

9) Tim Drake

Tim Drake truly earned the role of Robin, and it’s unfortunate he’s been sidelined recently. He successfully modernized the character for a ’90s audience and became popular enough to headline his own series, appearing less frequently in the main Batman comics. While characters like Damian Wayne have overshadowed him, Tim Drake remains the best Robin, with consistently compelling stories. His recent comeback confirms what fans have always known: Tim Drake is a fantastic character and a true star.

8) Cliff Steele

Let me tell you about Cliff Steele, or as most know him, Robotman. This guy’s story is wild. He was a race car driver, a really good one, until a crash – a crash orchestrated by the mysterious Professor Caulder, no less – left him… well, mostly gone. They saved his brain, stuck it in a robotic body, and Robotman was born. Honestly, it’s a setup for complete chaos, and as a member of the Doom Patrol, he gets plenty of it. What’s amazing is how grounded he remains, despite everything. Cliff is just a fantastic character – funny, relatable, and with a ton of personality. He’s truly the heart of that team, always looking out for his friends, whether it’s offering a kind word or, you know, taking down the bad guys with extreme prejudice. He’s a standout, for sure.

7) Donna Troy

Donna Troy is a famously complex character, largely because her backstory has been repeatedly rewritten. Originally conceived as a younger version of Wonder Woman, similar to Superboy being a young Superman, she was later made a unique individual when she joined the Teen Titans. These constant changes to her origins have made it difficult for some fans to connect with her. Despite all the complicated history, at her core, Donna is a kind and loyal person who deeply cares for her friends and sister, Diana, and is always willing to help others. She’s appeared in many fantastic stories and remains a compelling character despite her convoluted past.

6) Cyborg

Cyborg first gained popularity in the 1980s with the New Teen Titans and has become a much more prominent hero over the last 40 years. While his origin story and abilities have been updated a few times – he even spent some time as a founding member of the Justice League – his core character has remained consistent. DC Comics has finally given this New Teen Titans member a chance to truly stand out, and it’s been a success. Cyborg is now more vital to the superhero world than ever, which has only strengthened his character. Now, a consistent, long-running solo comic series is all he needs to become a top-tier hero.

5) Zatanna

Zatanna is a major heroine in the DC Universe, now considered one of its leading characters. Following in her father Zatara’s footsteps, she mastered magic and became a powerful superhero. She’s served on both the main Justice League team and the Justice League Dark, and has risen to become a key figure and leader among magical heroes, often called upon when extraordinary power is needed. Zatanna has starred in several ongoing and limited-run comic series, proving her consistent popularity and ability to lead both teams and solo adventures.

4) Black Canary

Black Canary first appeared in DC Comics back in 1947, as part of the Golden Age of comics. She was a member of the Justice Society and even had her own stories in multiple comic books. Like many heroes of that era, she became less prominent as Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman rose in popularity. She later rejoined the Justice Society and eventually moved to Earth-One, where she began a well-known relationship with Green Arrow. Since then, she’s become a respected leader within the Justice League. Black Canary is incredibly popular, and the character has evolved into a legacy, with the current Black Canary being the daughter of the original. (This family connection may need to be updated soon!) Though often considered a secondary hero, Black Canary has proven her worth and earned her place among the top-tier characters.

3) Hawkman

For 85 years, Hawkman has been one of DC’s fiercest heroes. He originally led the Justice Society and even had his own serial adventures before becoming less prominent. The character started as an Egyptian prince who was reborn to fight evil using traditional weapons like a mace. Later, he was reimagined as a police officer from the planet Thanagar and joined the Justice League. Hawkman’s backstory has been complicated by several reboots, especially after the ‘Crisis’ event, but a clearer version of the character finally emerged in the 21st century. Though he’s been a consistent presence in DC Comics for decades and was one of their earliest heroes, Hawkman has a dedicated fanbase but hasn’t quite reached superstar status.

2) Alan Scott

Alan Scott is a legendary figure in the DC Universe, and he paved the way for all the Green Lanterns who followed. A powerhouse hero from the Golden Age, he remained popular with fans for decades. In recent years, Alan Scott has seen a resurgence, appearing in acclaimed team books like JSA and Justice Society of America. He’s also been recognized for his groundbreaking portrayal as a gay man and starred in his own critically acclaimed miniseries, Alan Scott: Green Lantern. Scott is a truly inspiring character – a noble, complex hero who continues to resonate with fans as a timeless icon.

1) Jay Garrick

Jay Garrick debuted in Flash Comics #1 and quickly became a beloved comic book hero. He was a key member of the Justice Society, known as the relatable, everyday man with superpowers who always lent a helping hand. A landmark moment in comic book history occurred when he met Barry Allen in The Flash #121, bridging the gap between the Golden and Silver Ages. He’s remained a regular participant in the annual Justice League/Justice Society team-ups and is now considered part of the modern Flash family. Even after all these years, he’s still a central figure in the Justice Society. He’s even had his own miniseries and gained a daughter through time-travel adventures. Jay Garrick is a fan-favorite, often seen as the kindly, experienced mentor, and hopefully, he’ll continue to appear in stories for many years to come.

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2025-12-29 21:12