DC Comics created the modern conception of the superhero in the Golden Age, and since then have introduced icons to American pop culture. DC's biggest heroes made their way to big and small screens decades ago; they've starred in video games, novels, and so much more. They are the superheroes that Marvel had to beat to become a juggernaut.
DC has not only created superheroes like Superman and Wonder Woman who have passed the test of time, but have influenced nearly every hero who came after them. Many of them are among the most popular superheroes of all time. They've left an indelible mark on not only superhero comics but also pop culture.
10 Hawkman
Hawkman has a long history at DC, starting off in the Golden Age. A founder and chairman of the Justice Society, Hawkman has gone through a lot of changes in his over eighty years of existence, many of which made him a rather complicated character. However, there was one thing that all the versions of Hawkman have in common and that's violence.
Hawkman was the precursor to heroes like Wolverine and other anti-heroes that came after him. The violence wasn't as graphic, but his hard-edge played a huge role in the development of the anti-hero. On top of that, he proved that superheroes with wings could look very cool.
9 Green Arrow
Green Arrow debuted in the Golden Age as what was essentially Batman crossed with Robin Hood. He had an Arrowcar and an Arrowcave, a young sidekick in red and yellow named Speedy, and a vast fortune. However, the character would go through a sea change in his Silver Age reintroduction, becoming a bleeding heart liberal that was never quiet about his beliefs.
This became the most iconic conception of the character. He was a man of the people unlike any of the others, fighting for the poor both by attacking crime, but putting his money where his mouth was. He was a new kind of DC character, and fans loved him.
8 Black Lightning
DC was lily-white for a long time, until Black Lightning showed up. Jefferson Pierce was DC's first major Black superhero, blazing a trail that many after him would follow. Without Black Lightning, there's no Cyborg or John Stewart. Black Lightning wouldn't become more than a B-lister at best, but that doesn't change his importance to DC history.
He's been a member of the Outsiders and the Justice League, with both of his daughters, Thunder and Lightning, following him into the superhero game, joining the Outsiders and Justice Society respectively. Black Lightning might not get the plaudits he deserves, but he's undoubtedly influential.
7 Supergirl
Superman isn't the most powerful DC hero, but it will surprise some that Supergirl is actually more powerful than him. Debuting in 1959, Supergirl wasn't the first sidekick or spin-off character in comics, but she did become immensely popular. She rivaled Robin for popularity, her name recognized by fans around the world.
Supergirl changed the game for sidekicks of all kinds, having her own wild adventures far away from her illustrious cousin. She was a solo star, headlining Adventures Comics, joining the Legion of Super-Heroes and later the Justice League. She led the charge for solo female teen superheroes for decades.
6 Hal Jordan
Hal Jordan's time as Green Lantern began in the Silver Age, but he wasn't the first Green Lantern. However, Jordan was the first member of the Green Lantern Corps, introducing an entirely new mythology to readers. Jordan's early adventures took the sci-fi motifs of the early Silver Age to their limits, dropping readers into stories unlike anything they ever experienced.
The Green Lantern Corps became an integral part of the DC Universe, popularized by Jordan. So many fan favorite heroes were introduced because of Jordan. This even extended into his 21st century resurrection, which dropped entirely new Lantern Corps' onto readers.
5 Jay Garrick
Jay Garrick is the first Flash, starting a legacy that lasted from the Golden Age until today. Unlike Alan Scott, the future Flashs weren't radically different from Garrick. In fact, Barry Allen and Wally West even gained powers similarly to Garrick, all three involving scientific accidents of some sort. The Flash hasn't changed much since Garrick made the mantle popular.
If anything, the biggest difference between Jay and those who came after him is the color blue and his helmet. Jay laid down everything that made the Flash a hero, and influenced everyone who came after him.
4 Nightwing
Nightwing is basically DC's main character, taking his place at the top of the pecking order. Dick Grayson is a very important character to DC and comic history. He's the first kid sidekick, and every sidekick after him owes him a debt of gratitude. He founded the Teen Titans, easily the most important teen superhero team, with New Teen Titans the only book to rival Claremont's Uncanny X-Men in the 80s.
For over eighty years, Dick Grayson has grabbed readers as Robin, Nightwing, and Batman. He's a character with a massive legacy, as every Robin that came after him has been in his shadow even beyond his place as the first sidekick. He's also the first sidekick to take on his own independent identity.
3 Wonder Woman
Wonder Woman is the first major female superhero. She was created by William Moulton Marston, who wanted to create a superhero that combined his loves - feminism, bondage, and bisexuality. While early Wonder Woman stories had to skimp on the overt queer elements, but it was always part of the character's DNA.
She was the first big time solo superheroine. Since then, she's formed a linchpin of the DC Universe, one of the Trinity who is the center of the heroic community. Wonder Woman has decades of amazing stories and every superheroine that came after her owes her a debt of gratitude.
2 Batman
Batman is comics' greatest vigilante, and there are no bones about it. Bill Finger and Bob Kane's creation mixed the pulp detectives of the 1930s and superheroes to create something truly special. Batman was a hit right out the gate, but once Robin was added to his adventures, the character truly soared. Since then, Batman has become possibly the biggest superhero ever, with his only rivals being Superman, Spider-Man, or Wolverine, with Iron Man as an honorable mention.
Batman is currently the best-selling character in DC Comics. He appears in more comics per month than any other superhero. Every superhero without superpowers has a little bit of Batman in them, and the fact that he basically keeps the lights on at DC makes him extremely influential.
1 Superman
Superman is the first DC superhero; in fact, he's the first superhero ever. Action Comics #1 started a revolution, creating an entirely new character. Superman took inspiration from the myths of old and science fiction, molding them together. He quickly became the most popular hero, and it is arguable that he still is; the big yellow and red S is recognized the world over.
Simply put, there are no superheroes without Superman. DC never becomes a powerhouse and jump-starts superhero comics by starting the Silver Age. Without that, there is no Marvel Universe, as Lee and Kirby have nothing to pattern their stories after. Superman's existence is the whole reason every superhero exists.