Even Superman Would Have A Hard Time Naming 100% Of These DC Heroes. Can You?
- by Joseph Pulford
- – on
- in Movies and TV
DC Comics is home to some of the most iconic heroes in the world. Even before this recent comics culture explosion, everyone's grandma could name the trinity of DC heroes. These characters have expanded past pop culture, and are woven into the culture of our world. In the comics, DC has been publishing winners since the first superhero. Even in other media, the first blockbuster superhero movie was DC's Superman movie in 1978, where everyone believed a man could fly. In 1989 Batman become a cultural phenomenon, and outsold every other movie that year. Before Marvel even had a theatrical release, DC had 8 movies, 6 of which were hits. DC has expanded in the last 20 years to be a major player in cartoons, tv, and movies (Even with the DCEU's stumbles).
The real question is how deep can you go after the Big Three? Do you know the rest of the Justice League? How about the Teen Titans, or the Doom Patrol? Did you know that The Justice Society of America is different than the Justice League? So strap in, and set atomic batteries to power, and turbines to speed because you are about to see some of the greatest heroes in the DC universe. Let's see how well you know them.
Let's start off easy, can you name this Dark Knight?
This character first appeared in Detective Comics #27 in 1939. He was created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger. Orphaned when his parents were killed in a mugging, this billionaire dedicated his life to stop crime. His symbol was adopted to strike fear into the hearts of criminals. Over his long comics career, he has become one of the most recognizable characters in the whole genre. He has started in 10 theatrical movies, and many tv shows and cartoons. Can you name this Caped Crusader?
Can you name the first Superhero?
Though there were other heroes in comics before this one, almost everyone agrees, that this character is the first superhero. He first appeared in Action Comics #1 in 1938. He was created by Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster, who were still in high school. The character started out less powerful than he eventually became. In his first appearance, he couldn't even fly. Over the years his powers have grown and shrunk depending on the story being told. Can you name this super-powered alien?
Can you name this Amazon warrior?
This superhero first appeared in All-Star Comics #8 from 1940. Though she was not the first female superhero, she is the most iconic. She was an ambassador from Themyscira an island of warrior women where no man lives. She is super strong, fast, and nearly invulnerable. She uses her lasso of truth, and her bulletproof gauntlets to help save the world from evil doers. She is a founding member of the Justice League. Can you name the most famous female superhero?
Can you name this sidekick who is a hero in his own right?
This character was first introduced in Detective Comics #38 from 1941. He first appeared because it was thought that young fans needed a character they could identify with in the Batman books. The title of this character has been passed to 5 different people, Dick Grayson, Jason Todd, Tim Drake, Stephine Brown, and Damian Wayne. In 1988 this character was killed off based on the results of a call in campaign. The character came back in 1989 as Tim Drake. Can you name the most famous superhero sidekick?
Can you name this Crimson Speedster?
The title of this character has been held by four different people. The first one, Jay Garrick, appeared in 1940. The Silver Age reboot, Barry Allen, first appeared in 1956 with a new look and a different origin story. He would be replaced by Wally West in 1987, and then Bart Allen would hold the title for a time in 2006. The character is often credited with being the fastest man alive. Can you name this speedster from Central City?
Can you name this archer?
This character first appeared in More Fun Comics #73 from 1941. Early in his career, he was little more than a bargain Batman. He had the Arrowmobile, the arrowcopter, and even the arrow cave. Over time though it became apparent that he was his own superhero. He would really hit his stride with the start of Hard Traveling Heroes, which is considered one of the greatest comic story arcs of all time. Can you name this billionaire who became a superhero?
Can you name this galactic policeman?
This superhero title has been used by many different characters in DC Comics. The title is given to any character that possesses a power ring. The first character to use this name appeared in 1940, but his ring was magical in nature. In 1959, a new ring would find Hal Jordon. Other famous characters who have used this name are John Stewart, Guy Gardner, Kyle Rayner and Simon Baz. The wearer of the ring has to recharge it in its battery. In brightest day and darkest night, can you name this hero?
Can you name this King?
This character first appeared in More Fun Comics #73 from 1941. He is the king of the underwater country of Atlantis. This character is very tough, he has super strength and speed, and he can communicate with fish. Though an impressive hero in his own right, he is also a founding member of the Justice League. In the past, this character has been the butt of jokes, largely because of his appearance in the Super Friends cartoon. Can you name this hero who doesn't always get his due respect?
Can you name this Teen Titan and Justice League member?
This character first appeared in DC Comics Presents #26 from 1980. The character was initially a Teen Titans member, but he would join the Super Friends in 1985. The character was a football player who got injured. His father saved his life by adding robotic parts to his body. His new body would allow him to become a hero with the Titans. It would take until DC's reboot in 2011 for him to become a member of The Justice League. Can you name this teenage hero?
Batman's first apprentice became which hero?
Dick Grayson originally started out as Batman's first Robin. As he got older, he would decide that he needed to leave his role as Robin behind and become a hero in his own right. In Tales of the Teen Titans #44 from 1984, he would take on his new mantel. This new hero was based on a superhero from the bottled city of Kandor. This character would become the leader of the Teen Titans. Can you name Dick Grayson's new alter ego?
Can you name this school teacher turned superhero?
This superhero was DC's first African-American hero to get his own comic book series. The character was a school teacher from Suicide Slum in Metropolis. He gains the power to control electricity, and he starts to fight crime. He became a member of the Outsiders team and has worked frequently with Batman. He also became the mentor to Young Justice character Static, whose powers are similar to his. As a teacher, he would be appointed as Secretary of Education under President Lex Luthor's administration. Can you name this electric superhero?
Can you name this blonde vigilante?
This character first appeared in Flash Comics #86 from 1947. The Superhero has been the alter ego of two different women. The first was Dinah Drake and Dinah Laurel Lance. This character is known for her sonic scream, which is powerful enough to knock out her targets. Even without the scream, this character is a great hand to hand combatant. She has been a member of the Justice Society of America, The Justice League, and Birds of Prey. Can you name this character who is often paired with Green Arrow?
Can you name Superman's cousin?
This character first appeared in Action Comics #252 from 1959. Originally this character's whole city had survived Krypton's explosion, but in later retcons, she was sent away from Krypton at the same time as Superman, but just arrived to earth later than he did. However it happened, she is always younger than her cousin when she first appears in comics. This character would become popular in her own right, and she would play a very important part in DC's Crisis on Infinite Earths series from the 1980s. Can you name this Girl of Steel?
Can you name this female Teen Titan?
This character first appeared in DC Comics Presents #26 from 1980. She is an empath who can heal teammates, and she can use her soul-self to fly and protect herself. Her father is a powerful demon named Trigon who is often trying to turn her into a villain as well. She has been a member of the New Teen Titans since she first appeared in comics. The character has gained a lot of popularity since she started to appear in the Teen Titans cartoon. Can you name this empathic hero?
Can you name this Princess?
This Princess of Tamaran first appeared in DC Comics Presents #26 from 1980. She landed on earth and learned how to speak English by kissing Robin. She joined the Teen Titans. She has super strength, speed, and durability. She can also fly and shot energy bolts. She is one of the strongest members of the Teen Titans and has even been able to fight Wonder Woman for a short period of time. Can you name this alien who absorbs ultraviolet light?
Can you name this shapeshifting hero?
This shapeshifter first appeared in The Doom Patrol #99 from 1965. The character has been part of the Doom Patrol and the Teen Titans. He gained his powers when his parents used an untested drug on him to help cure a rare disease he had contracted. Though this character often provides comic relief, it helps him mask his inner pain. This character falls in love with Tara, who is actually a spy for Deathstroke. Can you name this green shapeshifter?
Can you name this alien mind reader?
This character first appeared in Detective Comics #225 from 1955. This character is one of the most powerful psychics in the DC Universe, plus he can fly, shapeshift, and control his density. If that wasn't enough he is also super strong and nearly invulnerable. In fact one of the only things that can hurt him is fire. He is the last member of his race who were all killed years ago. Can you name this green alien who loves Oreo cookies?
Can you name this teen sidekick?
This character has been an alter ego for many different heroes. The most famous of which is Barbra Gordon, the daughter of Gotham's police commissioner Jim Gordon. Barbra first appeared as this character in Detective Comics #359 in 1967. After Barbra is injured by the Joker, she takes on the code name Oracle and becomes a master hacker and information expert. In the New 52 reboot though, she is back as this hero. Can you name this protector of Gotham City?
Can you name this mystical DC hero?
This character first appeared in More Fun Comics #55 from 1940. The power of this character is passed to anyone who wears his helmet. As such 8 different characters have held the title of this hero. The helmet is possessed by Nabu the Wise who was a Lord of Order. The person that wears the helmet is often controlled by Nabu. This character is a member of the Justice Society of America and the Justice League. Can you name this very powerful mystic in the DC universe?
Can you name this hero who is a fusion of two people?
This DC superhero is formed when two different characters fuse into one nuclear-powered hero. The character has the ability to control, build, and destroy the molecular and particle structure of almost anything they come in contact with. The character can fly, and shot fire at his enemies as well. There have been a few different versions of the character, combining Ronald Raymond, Martin Stein, Mikhail Arkadin, Jason Rusch, and Jefferson Jackson. Can you name this character who has been a member of the Justice League?
Can you name this sidekick who got hooked on illegal substances?
This sidekick of Green Arrow first appeared in More Fun Comics #73 form 1941. He wore a red costume that looked just like Green Arrows. He was a founding member of the Teen Titans. During the Hard Traveling Heroes arc, he became a drug addict, and Green Arrow had to help him kick that habit. He would go on to use the names Red Arrow and Arsenal. Can you name this hero who sounds like he should be the Flash's sidekick?
Can you name this size-changing hero?
This character first appeared in All-American Comics #19 in 1940. This super alter ego has been used by 5 different people. The very first version of this hero had no superpowers at all and was just a small physics student who knew how to fight. The most famous version of this character is Ray Palmer. He developed a suit that would allow him to shrink. The character could get small enough to travel along telephone lines. Can you name this hero who can shrink?
Can you name this high flying hero?
This character first appeared in All-Star Comics #5 from 1941. The hero has been the alter ego of 3 different women. Though her backstory has changed, her powers remain the same. She can fly due to her wings which are often artificial and made of Nth Metal. Though the character has been around for 70 years, her big break came in 2000, when she became a main character on the cartoon show Justice League. Can you name this mace wielding hero?
Can you name this horror hero?
This character was first introduced in House of Secrets #92 from 1972. He got his own series, but he would not become very popular until his title was taken over by Alan Moore. Moore added complexity to the character and made him an avatar of the Green, which existed to protect the plant species of the world. This muck monster is able to control all plants around him. He can transport to any place with plant life. Can you name this hero who had two movies, a live action tv series, and a cartoon?
Can you name this Master of the Dark Arts?
This character first appeared in The Saga of Swamp Thing #25 from 1984. The character was designed to look like the musician Sting. He was created by Alan Moore, and he would go on to headline his own comic Hellblazer in 1988. Though he is arrogant and cocky, he is one of the major players in the DC mystical community. He takes on occult cases and does his best to help people who are in over their heads. Can you name this snarky and cynical English occult detective?
Can you name this Superman rip-off?
This character first appeared in Whiz Comics #2 from 1940 which was published by Fawcett Comics. His original company had to stop publishing this character because of a lawsuit filed by DC comics over his similarity to Superman. DC comics would acquire the character in 1972. The character is a young boy named Billy Batson who becomes a superpowered hero when he utters the magic word given to him by a wizard. Can you name this hero that was originally known as Captain Marvel?
Can you name this magician?
This magic based hero first appeared in Hawkman #4 in 1964. She was trained by her father, who first appeared in Action Comics #1 from 1938, the same book that Superman first appeared. Her father taught her both stage magic and real magic. She can cast any spell by simply saying the words backward. This character's costume is based on the classic outfit a stage magician wears, including the tuxedo and top hat. Can you name this magic DC superhero?
Can you name this cowboy superhero?
This character first appeared in All-Star Western #10 from 1971. He was raised by Native Americans after his father sold him to a western tribe. As an adult, he would be disfigured and become a bounty hunter. He was a confederate civil war veteran who turned himself into the Union Army after the Emancipation Proclamation. He lived in DC's weird west setting. He would fight all sorts of occult threats that were causing trouble in the west, including zombies, vampires, and werewolves.
Can you name this teenage speedster?
This teenage sidekick to the Flash first appeared in The Flash #110 in 1959. He was the nephew of the Flash's girlfriend Iris West. He recreates the lab accident that gave Barry Allen his powers, and he gains superspeed as well. He helps fight crime, and eventually, he even takes on the mantle of the Flash. He was a founding member of the Teen Titans and Young Justice. Can you name this teenage speedster who would take on his mentor's role?
Can you name this member of the Endless?
This character has gone by many different names in the comics. He is one of the Endless, which are immortal entities and include, Destiny, Death, Desire, Despair, Delirium (formerly Delight) and Destruction. The character was created by Neil Gaiman for his 1988 Vertigo series. The series starts with this character being captured for 70 years and held prisoner. After he finally gets released, we follow him as he reclaims his mantle and his power. Can you name this master of the Sleep Realm?
Can you name "The Main Man"?
This character first appeared in Omega Men #3 from 1983. He was the last survivor of his alien race, but he was not used very often until the 1990s. The character was reworked as a parody of the extreme 90s, making fun of Marvel characters like Wolverine, but fans loved the character, and soon he was involved in almost every crossover event you could imagine. The character is a space bike riding, cigar-chomping, foul-mouthed galactic bounty hunter. Can you name this hyper-violent anti-hero?
Can you name this crimefighter?
This character first appeared in Fox Comics' Mystery Men Comics #1 from 1939. He would then be bought by Charlton Comics before being bought by DC comics in the 1980s. This superhero mantel has been held by 3 different characters. The most famous version of this character had no superpowers and was a Batman type detective. The most recent version of this hero found an alien device that gave him a super suit. He could create weapons from this armor and fly. Can you name this colorful hero?
Can you name this hero from the future?
This hero was from the 25th century. He was a disgraced football star, who ends up working as a security guard at a museum. He steals his power suit from the museum and travels back to the 20th century to become a celebrity and live the easy life. Though he does become a superhero and a member of the Justice League this character is known for always looking out for himself first. Can you name this hero who is more concerned with his media coverage, then stopping the bad guys?
Can you name this hard boiled detective hero?
This character was created by Steve Ditko, who had most famously co-created Spider-Man. He first appeared in Blue Beetle #1. He was originally a Charlton Comic's character but was acquired by DC in the 80's. This character had no superpowers and was an investigative journalist who fought crime as a vigilante. He was known for being more ruthless than his other silver age superhero counterparts. This character was the inspiration for Alan Moore's Watchman character Rorschach. Can you name this tough as nails street level hero?
Can you name this high flying hero?
This hero first appeared in Flash Comics #1. The mantle of this hero has been held by two different characters in the comics. He is considered to have one of the most confusing backstories in all of comics due to the number of reboots and retcons in his tale. Most versions of his origin agree that he can fly due to his artificial wings that are made of Nth metal. Can you name this hero known for using a mace?