Some of the bestDC Comicscharacters might be a tad older than they look, and it may surprise some fans to know that some of their favorite characters have been around on this Earth longer than they have. There are many iconicDC Comicscharacters that have been around for 70+ years, and while Batman, Wonder Woman, and Superman hold the title of some of the oldest heroes out there, these characters are quickly catching up.
Whether they are heroes or villains, DC remains strong with some of the best characters out there in pop culture, and throughout their time in comics, games, movies, and TV, these characters have truly excelled at bringing in new fans as well as evolving over time to the most refined versions of themselves.
6Deadshot
Created on: June, 1950
Deadshot may bea classic villainby today’s standards, but his original appearance in the 1950s would see him long forgotten. While Deadshot may have originated as just a tuxedo-wearing assassin, his redesign and revamp from Steve Englehart, Marshall Rogers, and Terry Austin in 1979’s Detective Comics would make him the wrist-mounted gun-wielded assassin that audiences know and love today.
Deadshot celebrates 74 years in 2024, and it’s amazing to see his original concept compared to today. Deadshot has been a primary antagonistin comics for Batmanbut also holds strong as one of the central characters in DC’s Suicide Squad.
5Martian Manhunter
Created on: November, 1955
Martian Manhunter has a lengthy history and pairswell with the 50sparanoia surrounding gray men from Mars. Originating as J’onn J’onzz, this Martian would go on to be one of the founding members of the Justice League, and his ability to shapeshift would make him one of the most powerful beings in the DC Universe, that is, unless fire is involved – and then this green Martian is toast.
J’onn J’onzz history as the Martian Manhunter is well respected, and his origins as an alien showcase a deeper understanding of life outside of Earth. J’onn’s fame has extended past comics and into hit animated DC shows, and a few solo mini-series have blessed the Martian Manhunter, showcasing a relaxed and calming demeanor – unless Chocos are in sight.
4Krypto
Created on: March, 1955
It seems that man’s best friend also extends to Kryptonians andKrypto was the family petof Jor-El and Kal-El. Krypto has a fun origin in which as Kal-El’s pet dog, he was sent off of Krypton in a rocket by Jor-El, and later reemerged on Earth, still loyal to his master. With Earth’s yellow sun, Krypto miraculously developed the same powers as Superman and even became a competent and loyal superhero (or super canine).
Krypto has been a loyal dog and a good boy by Superman’s side for decades, and it’s going to be great to see him debut in James Gunn’sSupermanmovie. Krypto’s cute Superman-themed dog collar and cape and super-canine intelligence make him a character who excels in the wildness of the 50s, but also a character who knows how to have fun in the modern era of comics.
3The Phantom Stranger
Created on: August, 1952
The Phantom Stranger is another fabled DC Comics character that was first created in the Vertigo library. With paranormal origins, the Phantom Stranger is a rare find in today’s comic world, but one of vital importance when it comes to battling the mysterious occults that may threaten reality as we know it.
The Phantom Stranger has led his own stories throughout the decades, and the mystique of his powers and the bind to walk the Earth for centuries makes him compelling to read. The Phantom Stranger’s past alludes to an origin yet to be written, but in the more recent era, his ties to Christianity and Jesus as the apostle Judas makes for an even more interesting read, even if hischaracter rarely features.
2Green Lantern (Hal Jordan)
Created on: October, 1959
One of the best characters to debut in the 1950s, but one who won’t turn 70 until another 5 years, is that of Hal Jordan. Hal Jordan isvital to the Silver Ageand is responsible for bringing the Green Lantern name back into the light, along with new lore and attributes to what makes a Green Lantern. Doing away with that of Alan Scott in the 40s, Hal Jordan represented a new sci-fi-inspired tale for DC Comics.
A former pilot who would join the intergalactic policeforce of the Green Lantern Corps, with Hal Jordan, audiences had a lens to explore the stars, along with a new member of the growing cast of the Justice League. While the modern era features an abundance of Green Lanterns, for many, Hal Jordan will always be the original.
1The Flash (Barry Allen)
Created on: October, 1956
While Barry Allen is just shy of two years away from hitting the big 70, it’s impossible not to mention this Scarlet Speedster. Barry Allen is the second Flash to hold the title after Jay Garrick, and he’s definitely the most well-known. With Barry Allen,concepts surrounding the Multiverse, time travel, and the Speed Force became more mainstream, and Barry proved rather quickly (pun intended) that he was the Fastest Man Alive.
Barry Allen excels in every decade he features, as both a prominent and distinct member of the Justice League, and as a costumed icon. Barry’s Flash costume is iconic, and his speedster abilities make him a fun man to follow. Barry’sessential to the Silver Ageof DC Comics, and it’s always fun to see his modern-era version scramble timelines and the multiverse.
