The DCU
Breakout Character in this franchise. open/close all folders
Comic Books
Comic Books
The following have their own pages:
- Aquaman:
- Aquaman (Arthur Curry)'s streamlined lore and strong amount of Character Development made him a major fan favourite during the New 52 era, when previously he'd often struggled to stay in prominence compared to the other Justice League founders. Notably, the Aquaman lore was one of the few parts of the N52 to remain more or less untouched after the era officially ended in 2016.
- Black Adam, the archenemy of Captain Marvel. Despite being a one-shot character in the Golden Age (who died in his one and only appearance), he was brought back in the 1970s for good, and proved to be a massively popular character in the 90s, eventually starring in his own miniseries, joining the JSA, and being a big player in the DCU. In fact, it got to the point where Black Adam has more presence in the DCU than the Big Red Cheese himself.
- Magog, an anti-hero from the DC Elseworld graphic novel Kingdom Come, was so well-liked among fans (and the writers themselves) that he eventually got his own series and was incorporated into the main DCU. Things soon soured, however.
- Static of the Milestone Comics line. Originally created as one series among many during the companies run in the 90's, Static started off as a fan favorite. Later on, he was even star of the, at the time, company's swan song; Static Shock: Rebirth of the Cool. Due in part to his cartoon series, Static has gone on to become the most well known and famous of the Milestone characters, and has since become the poster child of the line.
- Watchmen: Rorschach is easily the most popular and influential character in the comics, with some people viewing him as the protagonist. This is especially true for Jackie Earle Haley's interpretation, which remains one of the most acclaimed things about the 2009 film. Before Doctor Manhattan's role in Rebirth, Rorschach was the most consistently used character of Watchmen in DC comics, appearing through cameos in Kingdom Come and The Question trying to imitate him in one of his issues (and calling him a loser for his ineffective methods). He is also the protagonist of the licensed Watchmen game.
- Wonder Woman:
- Wonder Woman herself. Originally the character was featured in the eighth issue of All-Star Comics. She proved popular enough to be awarded the lead feature in Sensation Comics. Today, Wonder Woman is not only the most famous female superhero of DC Comics, but the most famous female superhero in the world.
- Artemis of the Bana-Mighdall. Introduced in the William Messner-Loebs run as a rival and Anti-Hero Substitute for Diana during a storyline in which Hippolyta was trying to prevent Diana's death, Artemis died in battle against a the villain known as the White Magician. She was resurrected during the John Byrne run who developed her character as a Foil and valuable ally to Diana. Artemis's popularity increased greatly and she became one of the more consistent elements of Wonder Woman's ever-changing supporting casts. Her portrayal in the Phil Jiminez run in particular was well received. Her return in Red Hood and the Outlaws was met with much joy and increased her popularity even more.
Films
Films
- The LEGO Movie's Batman received his own film.
- Parodied in Teen Titans Go! To the Movies where Alfred, the Batmobile and Batman's utility belt all get their own movies before Robin does.
- DC Extended Universe: Harley Quinn experienced a massive surge in popularity following Suicide Squad. Subsequently she was given a starring role in Birds of Prey, which was eventually retitled Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) to capitalize on her fame, and was brought back for another main role in The Suicide Squad as one of the few returning characters from the first movie.
Live-Action TV
Live-Action TV
The following have their own pages:
- Smallville: This version of Lois Lane was only meant to serve as a cameo, but she proved so popular, she quickly became one of the core characters, and eventual Female Lead.
Video Games
Video Games
- Batman: Arkham Series: An interesting example. While Killer Croc (Waylon Jones) didn't reach the heights of becoming a major antagonist like Scarecrow did, Croc's appearance in Arkham Asylum was still an extremely memorable part of the game. As such, he's one of the four villains to appear in every mainline game of the series alongside Joker, Harley, and Riddler, and in-fact has the most direct boss fights out of all of them. It is slightly Downplayed, however, in that he was demoted to The Cameo in Batman: Arkham City, a status he also had in Batman: Arkham Knight until he was given in own side-quest in Season of Infamy.
Western Animation
Western Animation
- Batman: The Animated Series
- Harley Quinn of this series. Joker's Perky Female Minion who was madly in love with him. Despite her sidekick status, she became so popular that she was brought into the main comic continuity, where her popularity continued to the point where she's now synonymous with the Joker. By her 20th anniversary, she's become one of the most popular characters in the DC roster, appearing in countless comics and other media as a main character, in everything from the Batman: Arkham Series, to Suicide Squad, to Birds of Prey (2002). To say nothing of her own ongoing comic and animated series.
- Although created back in 1966, Poison Ivy remained an obscure villain except only to devoted comic readers. Just like with Mr. Freeze, her inclusion in the series elevated her into the top level of Batman and DC villains, and now every media outside the comics always includes her, showing her significance in DC's franchise.
- This version of Mr. Freeze became the quintessential archetype of "Mr. Freeze" going forward with constant references to "TAS Mr. Freeze". Fans instantly took to his reworked Dark and Troubled Past involving his wife making him an Anti-Villain which made this his preferred origin.
- His debut episode, "Heart of Ice", is also widely recognized as the most popular episode of the animated series; having two films (animated "Sub-Zero" & live-action "Batman & Robin") and an entire DLC in the popular Batman Arkham series, "Cold, Cold Heart" for Arkham Origins, being directly inspired by it.
- Hard to believe, isn't it? In the years since The Condiment King's one-shot appearance in the series, other Creators just can't resist finding ways to include him in the comics and other DC-connected media.
- A minor example, but yes. Aloicious has gone on to reappear in several video games (usually as a co-boss alongside Ivy) comic books (cameos) & served as the basis for merchandise, such as the snapping flytrap weapon Poison Ivy's original Kenner toy possessed. Then, of course, there's the sheer amount of Ivy fan art featuring it.
- Batman: The Brave and the Bold: AQUAMAN. Promotional material put more emphasis on other supporting heroes like Green Arrow and Blue Beetle, but AQUAMAN emerged as the most popular character. There was even several episodes where he was the actual main character.
- Green Lantern: The Animated Series: Razer and Aya are by far the most popular characters within the fandom, marked both by their compelling character development and romance.
- Static Shock
- Rubberband Man. Meant to be a one-off villain like he was in the comics, he was so sympathetic that he's allowed to reform and becomes a recurring ally to Static.
- Richie Foley. He was so popular with fans that he was promoted to a superhero in the third season; Dwayne McDuffie once said that Richie's popularity alone was what got them a fourth season of the series.
