Shocking Origins: 5 DC Heroes Whose Backstories Will Leave You Speechless!

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DC Comics is renowned for creating some of the most cherished and long-lasting superheroes ever known, yet not everything about their origins is met with warmth or affection. Superman kicked off what would later grow into the DC Universe in Action Comics #1, where he was introduced as Kal-El, an alien refugee from the destroyed planet Krypton, living among humans disguised as Clark Kent while safeguarding the world as Superman. Characters such as Batman and Wonder Woman subsequently emerged with their backstories of Bruce Wayne transforming into Batman after his parents’ murder and Princess Diana of Themyscira becoming the Amazonian heroine Wonder Woman in the human world, paving the way for a template of superhero origin tales that would be followed by future DC heroes.

Although some beloved DC characters have had rocky debuts, encompassing iconic heroes and villains from the DC universe. An origin story serves as a crucial part of every superhero or villain’s inception, but there are certain characters whose origins continue to irk many DC enthusiasts despite their overall popularity. Here is a list of 5 DC characters known for their contentious origin tales.

Barbara Gordon Became Oracle After a Horrifying Attack By The Joker

In essence, Barbara Gordon, a key figure in the Bat-Family, has two distinct superhero origins. The initial narrative involves her training and partnership with the iconic Batman as Batgirl. However, her transformation into Oracle, the tech-savvy partner of Batman, is a more well-known and heartrending tale, stemming from the graphic novel “Batman: The Killing Joke“. In this storyline, the Joker shoots Barbara, leaving her paralyzed from the waist down. Despite this, she continues to aid Batman using her intellect and technological skills as Oracle. Yet, the event that led to her transformation – her attack by the Joker – is a topic of much debate among DC fans due to its tragic nature and the impact it had on Barbara. While Oracle is an important ally for the Caped Crusader, the circumstances surrounding her origin are not universally admired.

Jason Todd Returns As The Red Hood (After Being the Most Hated Robin & Killed Off)

Over time, multiple young sidekicks have taken on the role of Batman’s partner Robin, but none have been as poorly received as Jason Todd, the second Robin. In fact, he was so disliked that DC Comics decided to let fans decide his fate through a 1-900 vote in 1988. This decision led to Jason being killed by the Joker in the comic book “A Death in the Family.” However, much like other superheroes, Jason’s death was not permanent, and he later resurrected as the Red Hood. Despite his return and embracing an anti-heroic persona that seems more fitting than Robin ever did, Jason Todd remains a controversial figure within the DC Universe.

Damian Wayne is the Progeny of Batman’s Uneasy Romance With Talia al Ghul

Over time, various characters have assumed the role of Robin, frequently perceived as Batman’s adoptive offspring. Eventually, the mantle was given to Batman’s biological son, Damian Wayne. In contrast to the popularity of previous Robins like Dick Grayson and Tim Drake, Damian’s arrival in the Bat-Family was marked by tumultuous circumstances. This was due to Batman’s romantic involvement with Talia al Ghul, daughter of his arch-nemesis Ras’ al Ghul, leader of the League of Assassins. Talia concealed Damian’s existence from Bruce for years while training him under the harsh regimen of the League. The League even planned to have Damian assassinate Batman. Additionally, Damian’s training with the League has made him more inclined towards lethal force, and his arrogant demeanor often irks comic book fans. Despite being equally skilled as Batman, Damian carries a significant amount of emotional baggage due to his upbringing as a child assassin, hidden from his father, who was intended to ultimately take him out.

Harley Quinn’s Romance With The Joker is the Definition Of an Abusive Relationship

The story of Harley Quinn sets her apart from other DC characters; initially conceived exclusively for the animated series “Batman: The Animated Series” as a temporary ally to the Joker, she was Dr. Harleen Quinzel before her transformation. Her popularity skyrocketed to such an extent that she became a regular comic book character and has since appeared in numerous DC video games, movies, TV shows – both animated and live-action. However, her beginnings are rooted in a toxic relationship with the Joker, who manipulated her into becoming his girlfriend and accomplice, often treating her with disdain that mirrors the worst type of partner. The origins of Harley Quinn, given these circumstances, spark much discussion, with some emphasizing her manipulation by the Joker while others praise her as a strong character independent of him. Regardless of personal views, it’s undeniable that Harley Quinn is a cherished DC character with a contentious backstory.

Superboy-Prime’s Dark Spin on Superman’s Origin Makes Him A Divisive Character

In the world of DC Comics, it’s not surprising to encounter variations of Superman with more ominous pasts, such as Superboy-Prime from Earth-Prime (essentially our world). This young Clark Kent gains his powers due to the cosmic events of “Crisis On Infinite Earths.” However, after the destruction and subsequent restoration of Earth-Prime, this teenage metahuman becomes a threat in the main DC universe as Superboy-Prime. He sees himself as the true Superman and employs ruthless tactics in his pursuit of Truth, Justice, and the American Way. Despite being redeemed and returning to Earth-Prime to become the Superman of his own world, his origin story, marked by acts like murder, joining the Sinestro Corps, and even harming Krypto the Super Dog, is widely considered the least popular among all Supermen in DC’s multiverse due to its uncharacteristic nature.

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2025-05-02 20:12