In all his travels through time and space, The Doctor has come across a plethora of alien races and planets. Surely, considering the character’s almost 60-year history, there could be an instance in which Doctor Who visits the DC Universe?
There can be little doubt that a crossover with the Justice League to combat a multiversal threat would be an epic read, but whom would The Doctor work well enough with to consider one of his companions? Hold on to your T.A.R.D.I.S. console as we present 10 DC Superheroes Who Would Make Great Doctor Who Companions.
10 KYLE RAYNER/FIRST DOCTOR
The First Doctor was a bit of an aloof curmudgeon and a tad irascible at times. However, due to the influence of his companions, he eventually revealed a softer nature. He began to mellow, showing more patience, concern, love, and appreciation for those mortals who chose to travel with him.
In this way, the Green Lantern Kyle Rayner would be a suitable companion for the First Doctor. An imaginative and somewhat easy-going optimist, Rayner would be the perfect person to draw the more approachable aspects of the First Doctor’s personality out. He also wouldn’t take The Doctor’s jabs to heart, as he’s used to that type of temperament from the Guardians.
9 BARBARA GORDON/SECOND DOCTOR
The Doctor’s second incarnation was a drastic departure from the first’s personality, in that he was more good-humored, approachable and a tad scatterbrained (or so he let on). He also had a bit of a darker side, using plans and machinations to maneuver his enemies where he wanted them.
Barbara Gordon/Batgirl would a perfect companion for the Second Doctor. Organized and resourceful, she would be able to keep the Doctor on track if he strays too far off-topic or the mission at hand, and would be able to temper him if his plans got too Machiavellian for morality’s demands.
8 CYBORG/THIRD DOCTOR
As his banishment on Earth necessitated him working for UNIT, the Earth’s intelligence agency, the Third Doctor was predominately a scientific advisor. However, when circumstances dictated, The Doctor could also throw down in a fight, owing to his knowledge of Venusian aikido. The Third Doctor shares similar characteristics with Cyborg. As the Justice League’s ‘guy in the chair,’ Cyborg often serves as a scientific advisor and team coordinator but carries enough firepower to be just as effective in the field. Moreover, as his body is constructed of advanced Apokoliptean technology, he can aid The Doctor in ways he hasn’t even thought of.
7 STARFIRE / FOURTH DOCTOR
The Fourth Doctor is arguably the best known, as the actor, Tom Baker, holds the record for the longest tenure any actor has had playing the role. A wandering wide-eyed eccentric with an insatiable curiosity, one of the Fourth Doctor’s companions was a woman named Leela, a beautiful but violence-prone warrior who The Doctor managed to temper.
Starfire shares many similarities with both the Fourth Doctor and Leela. Kori possesses The Doctor’s insatiable curiosity and Leela’s war-like streak, so some time with the Doctor could serve to teach her to harness that anger while providing The Doctor some welcome company.
6 SUPERMAN/EIGHTH DOCTOR
Paul McGann’s Eighth Doctor had a short screen life, lasting one TV movie and a short special, but was nonetheless memorable. The Eighth Doctor was passionate, principled, and completely open with his thoughts and feelings, which was a far cry from some of his previous incarnations. He had a love for the universe and all forms of life, which he was ready to defend at a moment’s notice.
It’s easy to see how the Eighth Doctor would get along well with Superman, as their morals and goals align perfectly. Although it might be difficult to convince Supes to leave Ma, Pa, and Lois, he and the Doctor would have a mutually beneficial relationship that would be a boon to the universe at large!
5 WONDER WOMAN/THE WAR DOCTOR
The War Doctor was an incarnation of The Doctor that was designed to have him function as a warrior during the Time War, a deadly conflict between the Time Lords and the Daleks. Although he achieved a battle-hardened demeanor, he also managed to keep his sense of optimism and curiosity alive, albeit buried deep within him.
The War Doctor’s mission is the inverse of that of Wonder Woman, in that she is to promote peace and love amongst humans and resort to battle as the last choice. Being the War Doctor’s companion would assure him not only a powerful ally, but a constant reminder of why they fight, which may temper some of his actions.
4 MARTIAN MANHUNTER /NINTH DOCTOR
Like the Ninth Doctor, the Martian Manhunter is the sole survivor of his race, left to mourn the passing of every last one of his kind. However, unlike the Ninth Doctor, J’onn J’onzz has managed to find a modicum of peace and tranquility on Earth by adapting to his new world, finding friends, and meditating. If the Martian Manhunter were to become The Doctor’s companion, he’d be able to help and instruct The Doctor in overcoming his survivor’s guilt. At the same time, he’ll have gained an ally who possesses the powers of meta-strength, intangibility, telepathy, and flight- definite advantages when facing The Doctor’s enemies.
3 NIGHTWING /TENTH DOCTOR
Much like Nightwing, the Tenth Doctor’s boyish charm and affable demeanor mask a lifetime of pain and trauma. Feeling responsible for the destruction of his race was still something The Doctor was struggling with in his tenth incarnation, as the death of The Flying Graysons was something Dick struggled with his whole life. However, both managed to find a modicum of peace by diving into their work, The Doctor through saving the universe and Nightwing through fighting crime, and despite their jovial attitudes regarding their vocations, they always took it deadly seriously. These commonalities are why these two characters would make such a great team!
2 TWELFTH DOCTOR/BATMAN
The Twelfth Doctor was a brilliant but grouchy man who preferred to study topics of his own interest in the quiet of his TARDIS while only occasionally entertaining guests. He was very selective about letting into his inner circle...sound familiar? Yes, Batman and the Twelfth Doctor share a great many character traits, and an initial meeting between the two would probably be mutually antagonistic. However, as the partnership would draw on, it’s guaranteed the two would develop mutual respect. It’s doubtful Bats would leave Gotham City to tour the universe as the Doctor’s companion, but if he did, they’d get along famously...after awhile.
1 THIRTEENTH DOCTOR
The Thirteenth Doctor has a manic energy about her that seems vaguely reminiscent of the Eleventh’s, but she is also extremely resourceful, determined, and fiercely loyal to her friends. She doesn’t sweat danger easily, and her sometimes cavalier attitude masks a deep passion for protecting life. There’s no doubt she and Oliver Queen would get along famously, as they share many similar traits. As her companion, Oliver could keep her focused on the task at hand while The Doctor could temper Green Arrow’s impulsive instincts. In a jam, these two are inventive and resourceful enough to escape and turn the tables on any who cross their paths!