Top 10 DC Superheroes of the ’10s

The 2010s saw intense debate and intricacy within the realm of DC Comics. In 2011, they introduced the New 52, a radical overhaul of their entire universe. Characters from yesteryear received fresh or entirely novel histories, while their looks and personalities took on a more somber tone. Some cherished characters were eliminated to make room for new ones, causing widespread controversy as reactions ranged from admiration to disdain. The bold move towards a new direction either resonated with fans or provoked criticism, with some praising the innovative stories it spawned, while others felt it strived too hard to be trendy and edgy. As a response to this backlash, DC Comics launched Rebirth in 2016 – not another total overhaul like New 52 but rather an attempt to merge the most appealing aspects of the classic DC Universe with the New 52 Universe. This resulted in the return of beloved characters and a greater emphasis on hope over cynicism. However, opinions remain divided as some fans continue to appreciate the darker elements of the New 52. It’s clear that the 2010s were an era marked by significant controversy for DC Comics.

Looking back on the past ten years, a period brimming with retcons and reboots, the DC Universe seemed to be in a whirlwind of confusion. Amidst the turmoil, however, a host of fresh and unforgettable superheroes emerged onto the scene. Here are my top 10 picks that truly left an indelible mark:

1. Wonder Woman – A fierce Amazonian warrior who embodies compassion and wisdom.
2. Aquaman – The King of Atlantis, a hero who commands the oceans with his trident and heart.
3. The Flash – The fastest man alive, Barry Allen brings hope and justice with his lightning-fast speed.
4. Green Lantern – A member of an intergalactic police force, John Stewart’s unwavering courage inspires us all.
5. Cyborg – Victor Stone, a blend of technology and humanity, fights for truth and justice in this high-tech age.
6. Batwoman – Kate Kane, the dark knight who protects Gotham with intelligence, strength, and determination.
7. Supergirl – Kara Zor-El, the last daughter of Krypton, stands tall as a beacon of hope for humanity.
8. Martian Manhunter – J’onn J’onzz, a powerful Martian detective who uses his empathic abilities to help those in need.
9. Shazam – Billy Batson transforms into the mighty Captain Marvel, learning what it means to be a hero along the way.
10. Black Canary – Dinah Lance, a skilled martial artist and singer, who uses her voice both on stage and as a formidable heroine.

10) Crush

In 2018, we were introduced to Xiomara Rojas, also known as Crush, who is half-Czarnian, the daughter of the infamous intergalactic bounty hunter Lobo. As a baby, she crash-landed on Earth and was adopted by a drug-addled couple. At the crash site, she was found with a living, intelligent chain named Obelus that obeyed her commands. As a half-Czarnian, Xiomara possesses her father’s superhuman strength, resilience, and healing abilities, as well as his fondness for violence. After her parents were brutally murdered, she turned to underground fighting as Crush. Unlike her father, however, Xiomera is more inclined to use her powers for good rather than for financial gain. This made her a prime target for Damian Wayne’s recruitment into his new Teen Titans superhero team. As a member of the team, she leveraged her powers and aggressive nature as their muscle. Although she eventually went solo, Crush continues to be a beacon of good in the world.

9) Killer Frost (Caitlin Snow)

Originating in 2013, Caitlin Snow, also known as Killer Frost on three occasions but uniquely striving for heroism, was a scientist who survived an assassination attempt by terrorists using a freezing device. This near-death experience resulted in her skin turning blue and gaining the ability to create and manipulate ice. To live, she must absorb others’ warmth, a compulsion that bordered on obsession and drove her mad. In the end, she clashed with Firestorm, who subdued and imprisoned her. During incarceration, she reflected on her past mistakes and sought redemption. She played a crucial role in saving the world alongside the Suicide Squad and was granted parole. Later, Batman enlisted her into his reformed Justice League of America. Since then, she has assisted in defeating numerous villains despite battling her own icy killer tendencies. Caitlin Snow’s journey shows that even those with a chilly past can strive for and achieve redemption.

8) Kid Flash (Wallace West)

Following the New 52 reboot that originally eliminated Wally West, a new character called Wallace West emerged in 2014. This Wallace West had a tough upbringing; his father, Daniel West, transformed into the villain known as Reverse Flash. After being struck by a lightning bolt from a “Speed Force Storm,” Wallace gained super speed abilities. Barry Allen, also known as the Flash, took Wallace under his wing and they teamed up to save Central City on numerous occasions from various villains. In 2016, the original Wally West reappeared, and Wallace became one of his trusted allies. Despite being a controversial replacement for a beloved character, Wallace has since made a name for himself as Kid Flash, becoming an iconic hero in his own right.

7) Signal

During the night, Batman along with the rest of the Bat Team safeguard Gotham City. On the other hand, Duke Thomas, famously known as Signal, maintains vigil during the daytime. As a young boy, Duke admired Batman immensely. When the Joker pushed his parents to madness, Duke initiated the “We Are Robin” group. This was a collective of numerous Gotham teenagers who banded together to defend the city while Batman was absent for several months. Upon Batman’s return and the dissolution of the We Are Robin team, he took Duke under his wing, but instead of becoming Robin, Duke was molded into the more public hero known as Signal. Furthermore, Duke learned that he possessed metahuman abilities, which included light-sensitive powers in his eyes that enabled him to trace targets and anticipate opponents’ movements. With these superpowers and his role as Gotham City’s daytime guardian, Duke stands out as one of the most distinctive members of the Bat Family.

6) Red Arrow (Emiko Queen)

Debuting in 2013, Emiko Queen is the half-sibling of the Green Arrow (Oliver Queen). Her father is Robert Queen, while her mother is the infamous assassin Shado. As a baby, Emiko was abducted and raised by Simon Lacroix, also known as Komodo. He led her to believe he was her dad, teaching her deadly combat skills and marksmanship. Emiko often joined forces with Green Arrow, Komodo’s archenemy, under the belief that he was a foe. However, when Emiko discovered her true parentage from her mother, her loyalties shifted dramatically. In a fit of anger upon learning the truth, she killed Komodo. Now, going by the name “Red Arrow,” Emiko collaborates with her half-brother and the rest of the Arrow Family to protect Star City’s citizens.

5) Batwing

Starting in 2011, Luke Fox emerged as a character of note; he’s the son of Lucius Fox, who heads Wayne Enterprises and creates many of Batman’s devices and vehicles. Luke had a burning desire to be Batman’s apprentice, so he honed his skills in martial arts and engineering to catch his eye. He even managed to rescue Bruce Wayne from an assassination attempt. His wish came true when David Zavimbe, the original pilot of the Batwing, decided to retire and pass the suit on to Luke. The Batwing suit is a state-of-the-art armor, bulletproof and equipped with retractable wings for powered flight. It also boosts the wearer’s strength and enables them to generate force fields. Now, Luke soars through the skies as Gotham City’s flying hero, and he belongs to both the Bat Family and the Outsiders.

4) Green Lantern (Simon Baz)

In 2012, Simon Baz, a Muslim man who had been racially profiled and falsely accused of a car bombing, found himself in custody. But fate had other plans when an FBI agent tried to shoot him – a Green Lantern ring miraculously appeared and bonded with Simon, allowing him to flee and defend Earth from extraterrestrial threats. The ring granted Simon typical Green Lantern abilities, but he also possessed a unique power called “Emerald Sight,” enabling him to catch glimpses of the impending future. Though he carried a gun as a precaution in case his ring failed, it was merely a source of anxiety and served as a symbol of his fear. Over time, Simon relinquished his firearm, learning to rely on himself and the powerful green energy ring that drew strength from his willpower and determination.

3) Aqualad (Jackson Hyde)

In the 2010 animated series “Young Justice”, Jackson Hyde, also known as Aqualad, quickly gained popularity due to his impressive leadership skills and extraordinary abilities. His mother, Lucia, is an Atlantean, while his father is Aquaman’s main adversary, Black Manta. To shield Jackson from this truth, Lucia concealed his Atlantean heritage and the identity of his villainous father. However, Jackson eventually uncovered the truth and fled to join the Teen Titans. Apart from the typical powers associated with an Atlantean’s physique, such as super-strength and underwater breathing, Jackson demonstrates hydrokinesis and electrokinesis. Hydrokinesis allows him to manipulate water and create weapons, while electrokinesis enables him to produce potent electrical currents. A confidant of Aquaman, Jackson rejects his father’s cruelty and becomes a champion of both land and sea.

2) Superboy (Jon Kent)

Jon Kent, their son, possesses the powers and kindness of Superman and Lois Lane. He first appeared in 2015, aspiring to emulate his father as a young boy and becoming the new Superboy at just ten years old. A mishap with a black hole sent him to a parallel world for six years when he was eleven. From everyone else’s perspective, he had been gone for only a few weeks. Now, at seventeen, Jon is stronger and more knowledgeable. When it seemed like his father and the rest of the League had perished, Jon stepped up and protected Earth in their absence as Superman. His father was incredibly proud when he returned to find that Jon had grown into an admirable man. Together, they now jointly carry on the role of Superman, spreading hope throughout the world.

1) Green Lantern (Jessica Cruz)

Initially, in 2014, Jessica Cruz appeared to be an unlikely candidate for the Green Lantern Ring. Following the tragic loss of her friends at the hands of mobsters and battling with PTSD, she found herself targeted by Volthoom – a malevolent Lantern Ring from Earth 3. This sinister entity seeks out individuals with weak wills to possess them and cause chaos across the universe as the villain “Power Ring.” Jessica fought against Volthoom’s control over her body and the ring’s power, but eventually, it took over her mind and body temporarily. However, she regained control momentarily, using the ring’s power to eliminate Volthoom and save the Flash by sacrificing the ring to the God of Death, the Black Racer. Upon her selfless act, a Green Lantern ring was bestowed upon Jessica, making her a member of the Green Lantern Corps. Jessica represents the remarkable inner strength that can be discovered when one triumphs over fear.

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2025-07-28 15:12