Thanks to Marvel and the MCU, the superhero genre is one of the most popular in the world. Its growth has resulted in other companies and brands producing similar movies and shows, providing fans with a feast of superhero content. However,DCis the other major superhero brand besides Marvel, and while they don’t have the benefit of a good movie universe (for now), they still have a rich and vital history.
Some of the most influential heroes come from DC Comics, reminding fans Marvel isn’t the only powerhouse. While it is unfair to compare the two, Marvel’s popularity has skyrocketed, but it is crucial to acknowledge DC as well. This list willrank ten DC superheroes who are better than most MCU heroesbased on a mix of everything,including creativity and popularity, but most importantly, cultural relevance and the importance of their stories.
10Swamp Thing
First Appearance: House of Secrets #92 (1971)
Fans don’t usually connect horror with the superhero genre, butSwamp Thingis an essential DC character that proved viewers wrong. While there are many versions of this character, the most popular is when a doctor’s subconscious enters a group of vegetation in a freak experiment, creating the creature. The doctor is long dead and Swamp Thing must realize he isn’t a human anymore, but a pile of swamp.
Swamp Thing guards the swamps and nature in general, becoming a protector of the green, with many of his stories following environmentalism and horror plotlines.He is a unique character with great importanceand influential stories, specificallyAlanMoore’s run in the 1980s.Oscar-nominated director James Mangoldwill bring Swamp Thing to the DCU, making it about time the general audience experiences his revolutionary story.
Swamp Thing
First Appearance: Hawkman #4 (1964)
Magic isn’t the most common aspect of superheroes, but some popular characters do wield it, like Doctor Strange. However, one of DC’s most prominent magic wielders is Zatanna. Daughter of a powerful magician, she has appeared as a member of the Justice League, Teen Titans, and Young Justice, making her an adaptable and versatile character who can fit into any setting they put her in.
Zatanna is one of themost powerful DC characters, producing astounding magic and magnificent creations to deal with imposing villains. She isn’t the first or most influential magic user, but she lands on this list because she is a fan favorite.Zatanna has a dedicated fanbase and is a beloved characterfor her infectious personality, unique aesthetic, and fun powers. She breaks the trope of a dark and brooding magic user and spices up the DC world.
Justice League Dark
8John Constantine
First Appearance: Swamp Thing #37 (1985)
Like Swamp Thing and Zatanna, John Constantine dwells in the dark and mystic world of DC, but instead of flashy magic or humble protection, he is a supernatural detective. With his dry wit and constant scheming, Constantine fits into the universe as a hero willing to lean on the dark side. Many fans may remember the movie starring Keanu Reeves, for which thedirector Francis Lawrence is planning a sequel.
If fans were to take his characteristics, they would find many heroes have one or two of these aspects, but what makes Constantine so special is the combination of these elements. He is a renowned hero and one of the most popular characters in DC because of his iconic popularity. However, his stories are just as good,delving into fascinating and intriguing supernatural mysteries.
Constantine
7Robin/Nightwing
First Appearance: Detective Comics #38 (1940)
At this point in the list, the entries get a lot more predictable, as DC has a select handful of characters who are undeniably critical to superhero history. Indeed, Nightwing is too cool to leave off this list. The Boy Wonder is commonly known as Batman’s sidekick, fighting crime with an eager spirit, resulting in many conflicting storylines within the dangerous city of Gotham.
Sidekicks used to be an essential part of superhero stories, but they have slowly died off, especially in Marvel, which barely uses them anymore. However,Dick Grayson proves that sidekicks are still vital to superhero storieswith their everlasting popularity and importance. These characters continue to innovate with new stories and roles for a sidekick, making it about timeRobin lands on the big screen.
First Appearance: Flash Comics #1 (1940)
It took far too long to get the fastest man alive on the silver screen with 2023’sThe Flash, but fans were less than pleased with the result. With multiple characters donning the title, including Barry Allen and Wally West, the Flash can be anyone, resulting in a diverse range of stories and characters. WhileThe Flashbombed at the box office, it shouldn’t dissuade them from bringing back this important speedster.
Speedsters aren’t anything special anymore, but Flash popularized this type of superhero, revolutionizing the comic industry. Even among speedsters, Flash is exceptional and the most popular. While Quicksilver is a great character, he has nothing on Flash’s legacy and importance. As Hulk is synonymous with superstrength,Flash is synonymous with superspeed, highlighting how important he is alongside his groundbreaking and popular storylines.
5Green Lantern
First Appearance: All-American Comics #16 (1940)
Green Lanter is arguably the most unique of all the heroes on this list. The intergalactic space cop is part of a Corps, with each member patrolling a designated planet or galaxy. Using the power of their ring, they can create anything their mind can imagine through sheer willpower. Many characters wear the green ring, introducing countless classic stories that will hopefully be in the upcomingLanternsTV show.
There isn’t a Marvel character like Green Lantern, making them a unique piece of superhero history. The innovative hero comes in many shapes and sizes, increasing the likability with a variety of characters.Green Lantern also has plenty of influential stories, such as Blackest Night and Sinestro Corps Wars. There will likely be even more revolutionary stories, asLanternsmight have the best sci-fi scriptof all time.
4Teen Titans
First Appearance: The Brave and the Bold #54 (1964)
Superhero groups are arguably more important than individual heroes, with The Avengers and the Justice League being prime examples. However, the Teen Titans are the most popular group of younger members. While the members are always different, it usually follows Robin, Starfire, Beast Boy, Raven, and Cyborg, which was the cast of Cartoon Network’sTeen Titans, one of themost popular animated superhero TV shows.
While Marvel has attempted to create young superhero groups like The Young Avengers, none have come close to the Teen Titans. Whether it be their influential stories like the Judas Contract or their popular TV show,the Teen Titans introduced many young fans to DC, making it an essential series. The group comprises unique personalities responsible for relevant stories and cultural significance.
Teen Titans
3Wonder Woman
First Appearance: All Star Comics #8 (1941)
Now that this list is at the final three, fans can pretty much guess who the remaining heroes are. It was only a matter of time before this list featured Wonder Woman, one of the most influential superheroes who appeared as a prominent member of the Justice League and in two solo movies. WhileGal Gadotwore the tiara for a bit and killed it in the role, it is time fora new Wonder Woman in the DCU, a prospect that has gotten fans excited.
Marvel has a lot of powerful female characters. However,Wonder Woman is more influential than all of them, becoming a symbol of female strength. She has many popular storylines, but most importantly, she trailblazed the path for women in comics, kicking off the trend of female heroes. Wonder Woman defines strength and is an essential figure in DC, one of the most culturally popular superheroes andthe most recognizable female hero.
First Appearance: Detective Comics #27 (1939)
Everyone knew who the top three heroes on this list would be, but the only question was the order. While some fans may be disappointed that Batman isn’t number one, Superman is far too important not to earn the top spot. The dark and brooding Caped Crusader went through many revisions and is entirely different from his origins. However, they have perfected the formula as he protects the streets of Gotham.
While Iron Man may share some similarities,Batman is in a world of his own in terms of popularity and influence. Even when DC movies started failing, they could always count on Batman, who features in many ofDC’s most essential movies. He is always culturally relevant and changes with the times, highlighting the landscape of the era no matter what.The Dark Knight is arguably the most popular superherobecause of his countless influential stories.
First Appearance: Action Comics #1 (1938)
While the previous entry spoiled who would be number one, this shouldn’t come as a surprise to any fans, consideringSuperman is the most legendary hero. He may not have technically been the first superhero, but the Man of Steel was a trendsetter and the figure who kicked off the genre. Coming to Earth from Krypton, Superman would become the protector of Metropolis and the world through truth, justice, and the American way.
Every fan should be in agreement with the placement of Superman. No other hero, Marvel, DC, or other, is better than Superman. While he has his fair share of haters for being boring and overpowered, he represents everything good about the genre and what it should be, being a positive symbol for the world.Marvel has tried to replicate Superman, but nothing has come close to the Last Son of Krypton, which is why the upcomingSupermanis one of themost anticipated movies in 2025.
