DC comics has created some truly iconic characters and some which should probably stay forgotten. Many of them are now decades old and as we enter a new 10 year period we look to what we will remember in the far future.
There are plenty of newer characters that DC has created that are really popular right now but might not stand the test of time. Others will stick around for years to come. Here are 5 DC characters that will be featured in the next decade and 5 we'll likely forget about.
10 FORGOTTEN: THE GRIM KNIGHT
The Grim Knight has become part of this ongoing Batman story that looks to completely reinvent everything we know about Bruce Wayne. However, this parallel Earth version of the dark knight isn't as fleshed out as we would like.
He is only memorable because he uses guns and actually kills, but is overshadowed by another character on this list. We've seen versions of Gotham's protector like this before, so in 10 years' time we probably won't be seeing the Grim Knight heavily featured.
9 STICK AROUND: BATWOMAN
Kate Kane, on the other hand, is only just getting started as she's about to reach a new level of stardom. The CW TV show is certainly going to help with her mainstream appeal and she is especially representative of the LGBTQ+ community.
The fact is, Kate Kane is incredibly well rounded as a character and extremely popular. We will absolutely see this version of Batwoman for quite some time as she continues to gain a following with every passing appearance.
8 FORGOTTEN: JARRO
You may have already missed it, but the giant alien and psychic starfish, Starro, has actually been much younger and was living in a jar; hence the name Jarro. This is a fun spin on the dangerous character but really nothing more than that.
Starro himself will probably appear again over the next decade and beyond as he's such a bizarre character and a huge Justice League threat. But aside from the quirky factor, there's nothing that really sets Jarro apart; although his relationship with Batman is interesting.
7 STICK AROUND: WALLACE WEST
Wallace West is partially fuelled by the CW TV show and also by the fact that he's just a great character. This iteration of Kid Flash is completely different from the original Wally West and yet also shares so many vital and heroic characteristics.
Wallace might be even more beloved than Wally, especially amongst a younger generation and he's completed cemented in the Flash lore. We'll see him grow and perhaps even change his identity but Wallace West is here to stay.
6 FORGOTTEN: SIDEWAYS
Unfortunately, the same cannot be said about Sideways, who came in as a sort of Spider-Man knockoff representing a younger generation, although with dimensional powers that allow him to fight alongside some of DC's toughest heroes.
Right now the character remains popular, but there doesn't seem to be enough here to reintroduce a title or to carry on featuring the character. It was a good experiment but perhaps there just isn't enough originality here for long term appeal.
5 STICK AROUND: JOHN DIGGLE
John Diggle has entered through the Arrowverse as Spartan and is now one of the most popular DC characters not primarily from the comics. We can absolutely see him becoming further woven into Oliver Queen's comic world though, which would be very welcome.
There's something honest and loyal about the character that has become so compelling and although the helmet can be stupid at times, another powerless vigilante is certainly welcome in this universe of aliens and metahumans.
4 FORGOTTEN: MARIONETTE AND MIME
Although the Arrowverse may have had one of the biggest DC crossovers in terms of television, the comics saw the DC universe clash with the characters from the Watchmen world for the first time. The characters of Marionette and Mime were a large part of this.
There were some that claimed that the duo actually stole the show, however, they were very useful to this story but might not have a long term influence. Sure they could be brought back now and then, but they have served their purpose in the grand scheme of things.
3 STICK AROUND: THE BATMAN WHO LAUGHS
We've already mentioned how the Grim Knight has been overshadowed by a different, much more sinister character. The Batman Who Laughs has become insanely popular so quickly, partially due to what a breath of fresh air he actually is.
We haven't seen anything quite like this before and the influence of the character is very apparent across a range of titles. He will continue to be used throughout the next 10 years as one of the ultimate forces of evil that these heroes will have to face.
2 FORGOTTEN: GUARDIAN
Speaking of the CW shows, which so far have a penchant for creating their own characters, the version of the Guardian we've seen from the show definitely won't be featured in the comics. This is unlike anything we've seen from Jimmy Olsen.
However, it's so randomly off character that even the show sometimes struggled to bring the hero into play, finding excuses to leave the Guardian on the sideline. It's an uninspired design and one that does not benefit the talented photographer and reporter.
1 STICK AROUND: GODSPEED
Godspeed is a relatively new DC villain and speedster but has become a very compelling one. He hasn't had justice on TV but the comics have set him up to be a long term player, with enough stakes in the story that he can remain interesting.
The Flash has been fighting the same foes for quite some time so it is interesting to see a completely different kind of threat. Sure he's still a speedster, but the characterizations alongside the striking white and gold design make him rather memorable.