DC’s First 10 Superheroes Ranked by Importance

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DC Comics has been publishing superhero stories longer than any other company. The huge popularity of Superman helped create the entire superhero genre, and it’s still thriving today with both classic and new characters. While heroes like Batman and Superman remain iconic, not every early superhero achieved lasting fame. Back then, the idea of a ‘superhero’ was still being defined, and creators experimented with lots of different concepts. Some of those ideas were hits, others weren’t, but they all played a role in shaping the amazing world of superhero comics and deserve recognition.

Today, we’re taking a look back at DC’s original ten superheroes and ranking them by their lasting impact over the years. It’s worth remembering that when superhero comics first became popular, other types of comics—like adventure and mystery—declined. DC often repurposed popular characters from these genres, turning them into superheroes. For this ranking, we’re only including characters who started as superheroes—not those who transitioned from other genres like Americamando. Essentially, we’re defining a superhero as someone who fights crime while wearing a costume and keeping their identity a secret. With that settled, let’s get started!

10) Whip

First appeared in Flash Comics #1, November 20, 1940.

Rod Gaynor – and that is his real name – was the Whip, a crime-fighting vigilante operating in Seguro, New Mexico. A wealthy polo player and socialite, he dedicated his life to fighting against unfair landlords and improving living conditions for others. Considered the hero of the American Southwest, he later joined the All-Star Squadron. While the Whip identity has been passed down through the years, there isn’t anyone currently using the name. Still, the original Whip carved out a unique place for heroism, though he shares quite a few similarities with the legendary Zorro.

9) Crimson Avenger

First appeared in Detective Comics #20, September 9, 1938.

Lee Travis, known as the Crimson Avenger, is often considered a predecessor to Batman. A wealthy newspaper publisher with a butler, he was one of DC’s earliest masked crimefighters. He focused on taking down gangs and corrupt figures – his first case involved a crooked lawyer. Within DC’s history, the Crimson Avenger is recognized as one of the very first superheroes, especially considering the shifting timeline of Superman’s origins. Though not a mainstream hero today, he has a significant place in DC lore, and a new hero now carries on his name, earning him the ninth spot on this list.

8) Johnny Thunder

First appeared in Flash Comics #1, November 20, 1940.

Though his costume was simply a tuxedo, Johnny Thunder was a genuine superhero with a hidden identity. Born with extraordinary luck, he could summon the incredibly powerful genie Yz, also known as the Thunderbolt, by saying the magic words “CEI-U.” Johnny became a key member of the Justice Society of America, DC’s original superhero team. Now, his powers have been inherited by Jakeem Thunder, who continues his legacy on the JSA. Johnny served as the team’s source of humor and a vital asset, and though not the most well-known member, he was incredibly important to the JSA and the DC Universe.

7) Sandman

First appeared in New York World’s Fair Comics #1, April 30, 1939.

Wesley Dodds was a prominent hero from the Golden Age of comics, and many consider him the most recognizable. As a skilled detective, he used a unique sleep gas gun to easily subdue criminals. The character of Sandman later gained even greater importance, connecting the world of superheroes to the powerful, immortal beings known as the Endless, after Wesley began experiencing prophetic dreams thanks to Dream. Wesley was a founding member of the Justice Society of America, and another hero now carries on his legacy within the team. Considering DC Comics is named after detective stories, Wesley Dodds’ status as one of their most famous detectives is particularly significant.

6) Zatara

First appeared in Action Comics #1, April 18, 1938.

Though often overshadowed by Superman, Zatara is a significant figure in DC Comics history. He debuted in the same comic as Superman, making him the second official DC superhero. This master magician traveled the world fighting crime. While he hasn’t been a central character in many stories or part of major teams, his influence remains. Most importantly, Zatara is the father of Zatanna, DC’s leading magical expert, and he taught her everything she knows. He paved the way for her famous backwards-speaking spells, and his legacy continues through her iconic character.

5) Spectre

First appeared in More Fun Comics #52, December 28, 1939.

The Spectre was a groundbreaking hero, being the first to return from death as the Spirit of Vengeance, Jim Corrigan. Starting as a supernatural detective who brought ironic justice to criminals, he’s grown into one of DC’s most powerful beings. Today, the Spectre is essentially the physical form of God’s anger and a major power for the side of good. A key member of the JSA, he’s played a vital role in both large-scale events and smaller stories. When everything goes wrong, people turn to the Spectre, knowing he’ll deliver divine punishment to those who deserve it.

4) Hawkman

First appeared in Flash Comics #1, November 20, 1940.

Hawkman’s story is a complex one. He first appeared as Carter Hall, believed to be the reborn Egyptian prince Khufu, seeking revenge for his own murder and that of his beloved. Later, the truth was revealed: Hawkman was actually Ktar Deathbringer, a killer doomed to live countless lives until he balanced the scales by saving as many people as he’d harmed. Despite often being the subject of jokes, Hawkman is a crucial figure in DC Comics’ history, helping to establish a cohesive timeline. He’s been a key member of both the Justice Society of America and the Justice League, and serves as a vital link between Earth and the alien race from Thanagar. Often working behind the scenes, he’s quietly played a major role in countless superhero narratives.

3) The Flash

First appeared in Flash Comics #1, November 20, 1940.

DC Comics recognized the potential of the Flash even before his first appearance, so much so that they titled a comic book series after him. Since his debut, the Flash has remained a central figure in the DC Universe. While Jay Garrick, the original Flash and a founding member of the Justice Society of America, is significant, his true importance lies in establishing the Flash’s enduring legacy. The title of ‘The Flash’ has been passed down more than any other heroic identity in DC, and this focus on legacy is a defining characteristic of the DC Universe.

As a comic book movie fan, let me tell you, the Flash—whether it’s Jay, Barry, or Wally—is a huge deal. Each one could easily carry their own franchise, but together? They’re legendary. These speedsters didn’t just run fast; they practically invented the idea of the multiverse and showed us the incredible Speed Force. And let’s not forget Flashpoint, the event that completely reshaped DC’s universe with the New 52! Honestly, when you look at DC’s biggest heroes, the Flash consistently ranks right up there with the Trinity—Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman—and has been central to almost every major storyline they’ve ever told.

2) Batman

First appeared in Detective Comics #27, March 30, 1939.

As a huge fan, I don’t think I even need to explain why Batman is such a legendary hero. He’s a cornerstone of DC, right up there with Superman and Wonder Woman, and he’s been featured in more comics than almost anyone! He arrived at just the right moment, blending the popular detective stories of the time with the exciting new world of superheroes. He really captured the best of both worlds, appealing to fans old and new. Like Superman, he just clicked with audiences, and his popularity has only grown over the years. I truly believe he’s the second most influential superhero ever created, because he showed us what a hero could look like if they didn’t have superpowers. Honestly, I think the whole superhero landscape would be completely different if it weren’t for Batman.

1) Superman

First appeared in Action Comics #1, April 18, 1938.

There’s no question this place belongs to Superman, the original DC superhero and the standard for all others. He truly defined what a superhero could be, and remains the best example even today. Superman’s unwavering kindness and selflessness – his dedication to saving everyone – are inspiring. He shows us how to be better, and rightfully represents DC Comics. He’s the foundation of the entire superhero genre; without him, superheroes as we know them might not exist, and DC wouldn’t be where it is today.

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2026-01-15 20:16