While the MCU has proved to be the ultimate place for the heroes of the Marvel Universe to grow and thrive in a live-action setting, the DC Comics universe has been a bit more complex. Between the DCEU, CW’s Arrowverse, and the DC Universe’s latest slew of shows, the heroes of the DC Universe have been showing up all over the place.
However, some heroes are more iconic and relatable than others. Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman have gotten their fair share of the spotlight, but there are many heroes who are memorable but not “iconic." Here are the five “lower-tiered” heroes of the DC Universe who deserve live-action debuts, and five who don’t.
10 Star Boy (Doesn’t)
The first hero that may most likely not make an appearance in a live-action setting has to be Star Boy, a.k.a. Thom Kallor. A member of the Legion of Super-Heroes, the density changing hero got his start in the 31st century.
However, his early career got off to a bumpy start. First, he had a run-in in the 20th century with Superboy, and Lana Lang nearly exposed his identity. Then, he accidentally ended the life of his girlfriend’s ex-boyfriend in self-defense, violating the Legion’s rules. He and Dream Girl join the Legion of Substitute Heroes.
9 Cyclone (Does)
One unique hero that has a good chance of appearing in a live-action setting is Maxine Hunkel, a.k.a. Cyclone. The granddaughter of the original Red Tornado, Abigail “Ma” Hunkel, Maxine is a lifelong fangirl of heroes like the JSA and Stargirl. Kidnapped by T.O. Morrow, the evil creator of the second Red Tornado—an android who later became a hero—Maxine is infected with nanobytes, the source of her power later on.
As an adult, she manifests wind manipulation and control abilities and soon is chosen when the JSA expands their ranks. With Stargirl set to appear in the DC Universe live-action series, Cyclone would be a great hero to introduce as well.
8 Ice (Doesn’t)
One character unlikely to make a live-action debut anytime soon has to be Ice. Born Tora Olafsdotter, the princess of a tribe of Norsemen who utilize and wield magic, Ice is a metahuman with the ability to manipulate and control ice. Now, Ice does have a long history with various incarnations of the Justice League. However, there is one thing standing in the way of her live-action debut.
Right now, the DC Universe, especially the Arrowverse, already has a long-standing ice manipulating hero, Killer Frost. With Killer Frost already acting the hero on The Flash, another frosty hero like Ice happening soon on a live-action setting is unlikely.
7 Booster Gold (Does)
Everyone does know the name of Booster Gold—at least in the hardcore fandom—but Booster himself in the comics is not as revered or well known as Superman or Batman. That is because the hero is a man who is actively trying to gain fame for being a hero, leading to his downfall.
However, this would make for a perfect live-action debut, especially on the DC Universe. Booster Gold’s story of traveling through time from the future to become a hero, alongside his computer sidekick Skeets, makes the hero perfect for the growing DC Universe and their live-action debuts.
6 Detective Chimp (Doesn’t)
One character that is unique and memorable but not likely to have a live-action debut anywhere in the future is Detective Chimp. While Gorilla Grodd and Gorilla City have done well on the Flash in the Arrowverse, Detective Chimp is a bit more obscure and out there for a live-action setting, at least for the moment.
A chimpanzee who has a human level intellect and solves crimes, Detective Chimp has been shown to have the same detective skills as Ralph Dibny or Batman himself. But, unless a show like Doom Patrol brings this character into a live-action setting, his live-action debut is not happening for a while.
5 Jamie Reyes (Does)
While many fans have anxiously awaited the arrival of Ted Kord, the first Blue Beetle, there is another version of the hero who has the potential to make a live-action debut, Jamie Reyes. The Blue Beetle in this instance is a teenager who finds an alien artifact known as the Scarab attached to his spine, giving him alien armor and power to fight threats.
The complex relationship between Jamie and the Scarab’s A.I. systems, along with the friendship with heroes like Booster Gold, would make him a prime candidate for a live-action debut. Whether in his own series or even on shows like Supergirl where the alien Reach could become a threat, would be worth it.
4 Manhunter (Doesn’t)
One hero who has had several iterations over the years who is likely not to have a live-action debut anytime soon is Kate Spencer. At least, not in her heroic identity. Her hero codename is Manhunter, and, in the comics, she is a lawyer who becomes fed up with the criminals, namely supervillains, who escape justice, and becomes a vigilante.
Now, Kate Spencer in name has appeared on Arrow, but only in her lawyer persona. Never donning the Manhunter identity and now having been taken out by Slade Wilson on the series, her live-action debut as Manhunter is not likely to happen.
3 The Question (Does)
One hero who deserves to be in the Arrowverse or in a live-action setting overall is The Question. A fan-favorite street-level hero who has been clamoring for a live-action debut for years by the fandom, The Question has been both Vic Sage and his protege and longtime DC Comics character Renee Montoya.
Vic was a famed investigative journalist who used a special chemical to hide his famous face from the villains he investigated, becoming The Question. He later was nearly ended by Lady Shiva, but she saved him to allow him to learn martial arts and Easter Philosophy from Richard Dragon.
2 Fire (Doesn’t)
A character that is unlikely to join the ranks of live-action Justice League members anytime soon is Fire. Real name Beatriz, the hero with various origins is a longtime member of Justice League International. One of her origins Post-Crisis saw her become a supermodel and showgirl before becoming a secret agent for the Brazilian Government where she was caught in an explosion that gave her her powers.
Able to become living green fire, she and her best friend Ice joined the JLI together. However, with so many other heroes to introduce in the Justice League, it will be a while before they both get a live-action debut.
1 Steel (Does)
One character who is ripe to join the ranks of live-action heroes has to be John Henry Irons, a.k.a. Steel. Arriving in the pages of the infamous Death of Superman storyline, Dr. John Henry Irons was a weapons engineer for AmerTek Industries. When one of his designs was stolen and used to hurt innocents, he faked his demise and moved to Metropolis.
John was led to become a hero after Superman saved him. Later, when Doomsday attacked, John tried helping but was buried under rubble. When he awoke, a gang war was being raged in Metropolis, and he created a suit of armor and was dubbed Steel during the Reign of the Supermen storyline.