Top 10 DC Superheroes of the ’70s

The 1970s signified a shift in DC Comics, moving from the Silver Age to the Bronze Age (1975-1985). During the Silver Age, comics were characterized by vibrant, eccentric stories and characters, but they also faced intense censorship restrictions that significantly impacted their content and the artists. Since children were a significant demographic for comic books during this era, there was particular sensitivity regarding violent imagery and tackling sensitive social topics like racism and mortality.

Over time, the tight control of censorship laws on the comic book industry gradually lessened, enabling comics to evolve. During this period, known as the Bronze Age, superhero comics started featuring darker themes and more complex stories. Villains became formidable adversaries, while horror elements were incorporated into various comic series. Moreover, increased diversity marked this era, leading to the creation of many prominent characters of color. As a result, DC Comics was now free to delve into themes and genres that were previously forbidden due to the stricter censorship during the Silver Age.

In the ’70s, the DC Comics universe grew and transformed in fresh and captivating manners, broadening from divine beings to darker entities. Characters without established lineage started to dominate and were at the heart of deeper, more contemplative narratives.

10) Nubia

Introduced in 1973, Nubia was the first Black female superhero in DC Comics. Born as twins with Wonder Woman, they were sculpted by their mother Hippolyta from clay at the same time. However, Ares, the God of War, kidnapped baby Nubia and raised her to become Wonder Woman’s sworn enemy. By using a magical ring, Ares brainwashed Nubia into leading his army against the Amazons, even defeating Diana in one-on-one combat. But when Diana destroyed Ares’ ring, she freed Nubia from his control. Eventually, Nubia reconnected with her birth family and, in 2022, became queen of Themyscira after her mother stepped down to fight for justice in the human world.

9) Etrigan

In 1972, Etrigan was born as one of the most identifiable demons in the DC Comics universe. Originating from the depths of Hell, the rhythmically versed Etrigan was initially a reluctant servant of the sorcerer Merlin in medieval Camelot. When Etrigan grew unmanageable, Merlin exacted retribution by binding him to the body of the nobleman Jason Blood. This enchantment halted Jason’s aging and sealed Etrigan within Jason’s form for centuries. Now, Jason Blood and the imprisoned Etrigan collaborate to safeguard the world from malevolent magic. By uttering “Gone–gone the form of man–rise, the demon Etrigan!”, Jason transforms and relinquishes control to Etrigan. Upon release, Etrigan employs his prodigious strength, razor-sharp talons, and fiery breath to obliterate adversaries. The alliance between Jason Blood and Etrigan is a testament to their shared origins in Hell.

8) Power Girl

Originating from an alternate Earth, I’ve been fortunate enough to introduce myself as Kara Zor-L, more famously known as Power Girl. Making my debut back in 1976, I entered this universe as a more mature and powerful version of the original Supergirl from the Prime realm. Born with Kryptonian lineage, I inherited all the abilities of Superman – superhuman strength, flight, and heat vision. Much like my counterpart from the Prime universe, I was dispatched to Earth to avoid the impending doom of Krypton.

Following the cataclysmic event known as the Crisis on Infinite Earths, which obliterated Earth 2, I found myself stranded in a reborn version of the prime universe. Once again, I stood as the lone survivor from another planet. Adapting to this new reality, where I was surrounded by doppelgangers of my deceased friends and family, proved challenging. However, I eventually discovered my niche among the ever-growing Super Family, finding a sense of belonging in this unfamiliar universe.

7) Orion

In 1971, renowned Marvel creator Jack Kirby began his tenure at DC Comics with a groundbreaking project known as the Fourth World. This innovative universe introduced a unique pantheon of gods hailing from a higher dimensional realm. The New Gods of the Fourth World significantly reshaped the cosmic structure of the DC Universe.

Within this utopian world, New Genesis, one of its planets, was born as part of the Fourth World. Among the inhabitants of this planet, Orion stands out as their foremost warrior. Orion is Highfather’s adopted son, a peace treaty agreement between him and Orion’s biological father, Darkseid, the tyrant ruler of Apokolips. Despite his tranquil upbringing, Orion carries within him the aggressive tendencies inherited from Darkseid.

Nicknamed “the War Dog,” Orion is one of the most powerful New Gods in the entire pantheon and can hold his own against his father in battle. However, Orion grapples with an ongoing internal conflict between his peaceful upbringing and his violent lineage.

6) Black Lightning

First appearing in 1977, Jefferson Pierce, also known as Black Lightning, was the pioneering Black character to headline his own comic series. As a dedicated teacher within Metropolis’ inner city, Jefferson has tragically witnessed numerous friends and students succumb to gang violence. To safeguard his community, he turned to his trusted friend and tailor, Peter Gambi, for assistance. Gambi crafted the Black Lightning suit, which included a belt capable of creating force fields and emitting electricity from the user’s hands. With this outfit, Jefferson transitioned into a crime-fighting vigilante. However, the suit’s power was volatile, granting Jefferson the ability to generate electricity even without the costume, enhancing his powers. Eventually, Jefferson joined the superhero group, the Outsiders, and Black Lightning became a hero forever ready to act.

5) Firestorm

1978 saw a nuclear blast merge high school athlete Ronnie Raymond and Professor Martin Stein, creating the fiery superhero Firestorm. In this combined form, Ronnie takes charge of the conscious mind and body, while Martin remains in the subconscious realm, providing advice and knowledge. When they fuse into Firestorm, Ronnie can unleash potent bursts of nuclear flames and alter the atomic structure of inorganic objects into whatever he imagines. This extraordinary power earned him a spot in the Justice League at a young age, making him the youngest member at that time. Known as one of DC Comics’ mightiest superheroes, Firestorm is always prepared to raise the temperature.

4) Big Barda

Originating from the planet Apokolips, Barda was destined to lead the Female Furies, a formidable squad serving as Darkseid’s personal guard. However, everything shifted when she crossed paths with Scott, also known as Mr. Miracle. Love blossomed between them, and he persuaded her to renounce her brutal upbringing, transforming into an agent of good instead. They fled Apokolips for Earth, where they now reside permanently. Barda’s physique as a New God endows her with superhuman strength among Earth’s superheroes. Her main weapon is the Mega-Rod, resembling a mace, capable of discharging powerful energy bursts and creating gateways. Having transcended her tumultuous past, Barda stands ever vigilant, ready to engage in combat if it safeguards her adopted home.

3) Mr. Miracle

In a peace agreement between New Genesis and Apokolips, Highfather’s son, Scott Free (also known as Mr. Miracle), was swapped with Darkseid’s son, Orion. Despite years of torment at Darkseid’s hands, meant to crush his spirit, Scott never wavered. Eventually, he masterfully escaped from the universe’s strongest prison, earning him the title of “Super Escape Artist.” Accompanied by Barda, Scott ventured to Earth and decided to stay. As a superhero, he employs advanced New God tech to combat crime and shield Earth from extraterrestrial perils. His signature tools include the Aero Disks, which allow him to fly swiftly. Clever and adaptable, Scott demonstrates that even in the bleakest situations, there remains a glimmer of hope.

2) Swamp Thing

Originating in 1971, Alec Holland, known as Swamp Thing, is a trailblazer in the realm of horror superheroes. As a botanist, Alec was conducting experiments with new chemicals in the marshlands when an accidental explosion occurred, seemingly taking his life. However, it seemed that life found a way, as the flora of the swamp absorbed Alec’s consciousness and morphed into the grotesque Swamp Thing. This being, carrying Alec’s memories, became the embodiment of The Green: an omnipresent consciousness linked to all plant life on Earth. As The Green’s avatar, Swamp Thing commands control over every flora entity on the planet. Being composed of vegetation, he has the ability to reshape his form at will and adapt to various sizes. Moreover, as long as a single sprout remains on Earth, Swamp Thing endures. A being that straddles the boundary between man and nature, Swamp Thing stands as The Green’s most dedicated protector.

1) Green Lantern (John Stewart)

Originally a U.S. Marine and an architect, John Stewart had all the necessary qualifications for becoming the next Green Lantern. Making his debut in 1971, John Stewart has since earned immense love from DC Comics fans due to his tactical acumen, exceptional leadership abilities, and indomitable spirit. After Guy Gardner sustained severe injuries during a fierce fight, the Guardians chose John as Gardner’s replacement within the Corps. Just like Gardner before him, John’s courage and heroism propelled him rapidly into becoming a full-time member of the Corps. John’s heroic actions and strategic intellect eventually paved his way to leadership of the entire Green Lantern Corps. From humble beginnings to leading the most powerful peacekeeping force in the universe, John Stewart stands as an emblem of what can be achieved through determination and creativity.

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2025-07-24 20:12