10 Best DC Comics Characters Created by Geoff Johns, Ranked

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As a huge DC fan, I definitely think Geoff Johns really shaped the modern DC Universe. Whether you loved his work or not, you couldn’t ignore it! He was behind so many key moments, especially with his fantastic work on Green Lantern and leading some of the biggest books during the New 52 era. Seriously, from the 2000s through the late 2010s, he was everywhere. And he created a ton of characters – heroes and villains alike – that we’re still seeing in DC stories today.

Geoff Johns worked on DC Comics for many years and introduced a lot of memorable characters. The Green Lantern franchise, for example, was significantly expanded with the addition of the Emotional Spectrum and figures like Atrocitus and Larfleeze. He also helped create some fantastic villains, including Grail (Darkseid’s daughter) and Zoom (the Reverse-Flash). It’s tough to choose the very best, but here are 10 of Geoff Johns’ most notable creations.

10. Girder

I admit I might be a little biased, but I’m a big fan of Girder, also known as Tony Woodward. He used to be an ordinary steelworker until a freak accident – falling into a vat of liquid metal mixed with S.T.A.R. Labs chemicals – transformed him into the rusty figure he is today. I just enjoy his character, whether it’s his unique look or his constant schemes against the Flash. He’s not one of the Flash’s most famous enemies, but he’s consistently been a problem for Central City for nearly 25 years.

9. Grail

Grail first appeared in the final storyline of the New 52 Justice League, called “The Darkseid War.” She’s the daughter of Darkseid and the Amazonian assassin Myrina, and a prophecy foretold she would unleash a new era of devastation. As a New God and an Amazon, Grail possesses immense power, including incredible strength, fighting skills, and the Omega Powers inherited from her father. She remains a persistent enemy of Earth’s heroes, particularly Wonder Woman, having battled her as recently as last year in a scheme to defeat Diana.

8. Pandora

Longtime readers of DC Comics might remember Pandora, a puzzling character who appeared during the launch of the New 52. Like the Pandora from Greek mythology, she opened a container that released all of humanity’s evils. As punishment, she was made to watch the suffering she caused. Though Doctor Manhattan killed her, she surprisingly reappeared at the end of DC K.O.. What’s next for her is unknown, but it’s good to see her back.

7. Chris Kent

Before Superman and Lois had a child together, Superman practiced being a father by raising Lor-Zod, the son of his enemies, General Zod and Ursa. Superman rescued Lor-Zod and gave him a new name, Chris, and the Kents raised him for a time. However, Chris was secretly possessed by the Kryptonian god Nightwing, which forced him to leave. Although Chris still exists, the timeline was altered by the Flashpoint event, and he’s now reverted to being Lor-Zod, with a personality much closer to his birth parents.

6. Simon Baz

Everyone remembers Geoff Johns’ amazing work on Green Lantern, especially how he added two new Green Lanterns. The first was Simon Baz, who joined the Corps just as the Guardians of the Universe launched the Third Army. What made Simon different from other Green Lanterns on Earth was that he originally carried a gun, though now he relies only on the power of his ring. He continues to be an important part of the Green Lantern Corps after its recent changes.

5. Atrocitus

Geoff Johns was eager to explore his concepts for the Emotional Spectrum, and one of his most exciting creations was Atrocitus, the leader of the Red Lantern Corps. Atrocitus is the only one who lived through the destruction caused by the Manhunters, who destroyed his entire sector of space. His intense anger became the foundation for the Red Lantern Corps. Through powerful, blood-based magic, he harnessed the Red Light of Rage and built an army of others fueled by justified fury. Even now, Atrocitus continues to relentlessly pursue violent justice.

4. Larfleeze

I enjoy Atrocitus, but Larfleeze is definitely the most memorable character Geoff Johns created using the Emotional Spectrum. Larfleeze used to be a pirate who found the Orange Lantern’s power source, which gave him incredible power fueled by greed and also drove him crazy. While he initially seemed like a major villain, he’s become much more popular for his funny, quirky personality. He can still be a threat, but he’s honestly much more fun as a comical character.

3. Zoom

A great part of the Flash stories is that almost every Flash has a dark opposite, a Reverse-Flash. For Wally West, that villain is Hunter Zolomon, who became known as Zoom. Zoom developed powers similar to the Flash’s speed, and used them to torment Wally. What makes Zoom a compelling villain is his twisted belief that he’s actually helping heroes grow by pushing them to their limits and forcing them to overcome challenges. He’s really put Wally through a lot, and while he isn’t as famous as Eobard Thawne, Zoom was a fantastic Reverse-Flash.

2. Jessica Cruz

Jessica Cruz is a Green Lantern who was first introduced in the Justice League comics. She deals with severe anxiety stemming from a traumatic event where she lost friends. Initially, she was considered as a candidate to wield the Power Ring, a dark counterpart from another universe. However, Jessica conquered her fears and became a fully-fledged Green Lantern. She has developed significantly since her first appearance, and now leads the entire Green Lantern Corps.

1. Stargirl

It’s clear Geoff Johns is deeply connected to the character of Courtney Whitmore, also known as Stargirl. He created her as a way to honor his late sister, and she carries on the legacy of Starman’s former sidekick, the Star-Spangled Kid. Stargirl has been a consistently important hero for her generation, participating in numerous major events, playing a key role in recent versions of the Justice Society, and even saving many sidekicks who were lost in time. More than any other character, Stargirl embodies Johns’ passion for superheroes and the rich history of DC Comics.

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2026-04-09 17:42