Marvel’s gamble with introducing less known characters paid off brilliantly with Guardians of the Galaxy, Doctor Strange, and Captain Marvel. Now back on its track, the DCEU must introduce lesser-known heroes to the silver screen if it really wants to stay relevant. Here, we have compiled a list of 10 heroes who should have their own movie. Interested? Let’s hop in!
10. Blackhawk
Created as an anonymous ace pilot in the World War II era, Janos Prohaska leads the Blackhawk Squadron. Equipped only with their sheer will and hatred for Nazis, the Blackhawk squadron is a lethal flying unit which wreaked havoc on Nazi forces.
Having based the first Wonder Woman movie against the backdrop of the First World War, it would be easy to slide in a Blackhawk movie in the gap between Wonder Woman and Wonder Woman 84. A group of ace pilots who also specialize in espionage, a movie on Blackhawk is rumoured to be directed by Steven Spielberg. To maintain continuity in the DCEU, the current leader of the Blackhawks is Lady Blackhawk which brings us to our next hero…
9. Hawkgirl
Kendra Saunders aka Hawkgirl is a prominent member of the Justice League. Her popularity in the Justice League Animated series has since dipped due to lack of representation.
A Hispanic woman, Kendra Saunders suicide allowed Shiera Hall, the first Hawkgirl to use Kendra’s body as a vessel for her soul. As a result, Kendra Saunders has two different memories inside her which frustrate her a lot. Her relationship with Hawkman is quite interesting as both of them keep incarnation over the centuries. If well made, a Hawkgirl movie can explore much-matured themes with some exciting aerial battles.
8. The Question
Created by Steve Ditko, Vic Sage aka The Question is one of the greatest detectives of DC Universe. Despite having no superpowers, the Question has been a member of the Justice League solely for his analytical abilities.
A master detective, the Question is a conspiracy theorist and often finds clues which are overlooked by most people. A fearsome interrogator, his abilities are on par with Batman when it comes to making criminals confess. His faceless mask enables him to change disguises easily which makes him a lethal character. An old school detective-noir movie can easily make him a fan favourite.
7. The Spectre
The Spirit of Vengeance, Jim Corrigan aka The Spectre is one of the most fearsome and powerful characters in the DC Universe. After Jim Corrigan’s brutal murder, he was chosen as the host to be the Spectre to fight evil.
Having all the powers of God, the Spectre is technically unbeatable. Often using extremely violent and inventive ways to punish evil-doers, bringing the Spectre to the silver-screen with an R-rating can portray the detective work of Jim Corrigan during the day and his vengeance on evil as the Spectre during the night, thus humanising a literal god. A balance between wrathful supernatural rage and hard-boiled detective work is all it needs.
6. Zatanna
One of the most powerful sorceresses of DC, Zatanna belongs to the species of Homo Magi. Her magic comes from her genes, making her an extremely powerful magician.
As a member of the Justice League, she is a close friend of Batman. She is also a member of the Justice League Dark which protects Earth from supernatural threats. Romantically linked with John Constantine, it can be a truly magical love story if adapted on the silver screen.
5. Starfire
Belonging to the Tamaranean race, Starfire has the ability to absorb ultraviolet rays and harness them as her power source. She can fly at supersonic speeds and gains considerable superhuman traits when charged with ultraviolet rays.
Her conflict with her Blackfire, her own sister makes an interesting arc as forgiveness and jealousy are the major themes. Starfire is Nightwing’s romantic interest and also a member of the Teen Titans. To maintain DCEU’s anthology-style universe, a movie on Starfire’s adventures in space can be a great watch.
4. Mister Miracle
A master escapologist, Scott Free aka Mister Miracle is the son of Highfather, a New God. As a part of truce with Darkseid, Scott Free was exchanged with Darkseid’s son Orion to prevent a war.
Despite the hellish conditions on Apokolips, Scott was able to retain his inherent goodness and finally escaped from Darkseid’s clutches. He married Big Barda, who was a student of Granny Goodness in Apokolips. Despite his New God physiology, Mister Miracle is a pacifist. Ava DuVernay’s upcoming New Gods movie hopefully introduces Mister Miracle and his years of torture on Apokolips.
3. Raven
A powerful empath, Raven is the half-daughter of the inter-dimensional demon Trigon. Her empathic abilities can induce extreme stress or alleviate pain. Her gothic image and preference to work in the shadows make her a prominent member of the Teen Titans.
Her abilities to manipulate time, energy, and emotions paired with her strong affinity towards magic can be a spectacular visual addition to the DCEU. With Scott Derrickson leaving the MCU, the time is ripe for another magical ride.
2. Midnighter
Did you find Zack Snyder’s Batman too violent? Wait till you meet Midnighter. A member of the rogue superhero team The Authority, Midnighter is the true representation of a violent and a bit superpowered Batman.
Midnighter is openly gay with his partner Apollo. The lack of LGBTQ+ representation can be easily filled in with Midnighter with a dark, grisly R-Rated DCEU movie. Extremely violent, the Midnighter possesses super-human speed, strength and agility. His regenerative powers are quite legendary too since he can easily recover from bullet wounds and fractured bones within days. He is also immune to the mental attacks, to the extent that he could block DC’s most powerful telepath. Which brings us to…
1. Martian Manhunter
J’onn J’onzz aka Martian Manhunter is the last remaining person of his entire race. As the last of his kind, the trauma of survivor’s guilt and the things he had to do for his survival makes him one of the most tragic characters in DC Comics.
As a Green Martian, his abilities are numerous starting from shape-shifting to telepathy, making him one of the strongest members of the Justice League. His fear of fire stems from witnessing his entire race being wiped out by the fire. Detective by day, J’onn J’onzz is one of the original founding members of the Justice League. A hero with a tragic past and vast empathy, we can already visualize Keanu Reeves playing the part.
