The DC universe is home to some of comic’s most powerful characters. However, though they may not be as popular as others, many lesser-known heroes are some of the most powerful ones in the entire DC universe.
Likewise, DC has an incredible number of African American characters whose full potential often goes unrealized. While not every one of them can measure up to the likes of Superman in terms of abilities, many characters definitely come close. Looking at some of the strongest that DC has to offer, here is our list of the publisher’s 10 most powerful African American characters.
7 Black Lightning
As DC’s first African American superhero, Black Lightning has played a major role in representation in comics ever since making his debut. Furthermore, while his original appearance definitely needed some work, Jefferson Pierce is still a very powerful force to be reckoned with.
With the ability to produce electricity, Black Lightning is very relevant in modern times, especially with the amount of technology currently available. Though his powers were initially technology-based, Jefferson later found that he could produce lightning organically, thanks to a combination from his suit and his own metagene. Especially with organic powers on top of his incredibly sharp mind, it is easy to see why Black Lightning has been so popular.
6 Kid Flash
As part of the New 52, Wally West was reintroduced as a young African American kid, struggling to deal with the fact that his father was a supervillain. Though the original Wally West was eventually reintroduced, this version of the character (now known as Wallace West), still has a lot to offer the larger DC universe.
For a time, Wallace was even the 10th fastest character in the entire DC universe, according to a list officially released by DC themselves. While it may be a bit outdated, Wallace has also grown faster and gotten a better handle on his powers. Though he may not be up to Barry’s level yet, Kid Flash certainly has the potential to grow far more powerful over time.
5 Aqualad
Ever since his debut, Jackson Hyde was an incredibly powerful character. Though he has no direct relation to Aquaman, Jackson can still control and manipulate water, making him similar to Mera. However, Jackson also has the ability to construct water into any shape he wants, meaning he can fashion it into any weapon he so desires.
Despite being in and out of the comics since making his first appearance, Jackson is still an incredibly powerful character. As he gets a stronger handle on his powers, he could easily rank much higher on this list.
4 Power Girl
After the original Power Girl successfully made her way back to Earth 2, Tanya Spears eventually took up her namesake. Serving as a member of the Teen Titans, Tanya actually managed to accomplish a lot as the new Power Girl.
Unlike the original, Tanya lacks enhanced senses. Instead, she can alter her size, allowing her to grow to incredible heights if she so wishes. With incredible strength as an ability already, it is hard to imagine just how strong she could really become. Likewise, for someone as smart as Tanya, it makes sense that she would land a bit higher on this list than others.
3 Firestorm
The Nuclear Man has always been an incredibly powerful hero. Whether it be Ronnie Raymond or Jason Rusch, Firestorm has always been a heavy hitter within the DC universe. Due to his ability to molecularly reconstruct virtually anything, it is easy to see why he would be so powerful.
Though he needs 2 people in order to become Firestorm, the hero’s power is only limited by his knowledge. On top of the ability to change things, Firestorm can also fly, phase, lift incredible amounts, and manipulate other forms of energy. No matter what, whenever Jason is part of the Firestorm matrix, he is definitely one of the strongest African American characters in the entire DC universe.
2 Cyborg
Even before the New 52, Cyborg was an incredibly powerful hero. Since he has been bonded with a motherbox, however, Cyborg has become even stronger. In fact, Batman himself has stated that Cyborg could one day be the greatest hero the world has ever known.
As an incredibly powerful being, Vic can do any number of things such as teleport, produce any weapon he may need, hack into virtually anything, and even heal himself. All of that on top of enhanced strength and more easily make Cyborg one of the most powerful characters around. With all of this in mind, it is no wonder he is such a valuable asset to the Justice League.
1 Green Lantern
Between all other Earth Green Lanterns, John Stewart is really only second to Hal Jordan. For several years though, while Hal was the Spectre, John Stewart was arguably the most powerful Green Lantern wielder.
Granted, anyone with a Green Lantern ring is incredibly powerful to begin with. John, however, is special in that his willpower is easily one of the strongest around. Because of this, he has accomplished all sorts of things both alongside and independent of other Lanterns. With the powers of the ring and his own will at his disposal, John Stewart is easily one of the most powerful African American heroes in general.