On May 25, 2016, DC Comics shook the comic book world to its very core when they released the DC Universe: Rebirth Special. This massive, 80-page one-shot started a movement that, nearly one year later, has barely begun to wind down.
According to the Rebirth mastermind, Geoff Johns, the goal of this initiative was “re-laying the groundwork for DC's future while celebrating the past and present.” Up to this point, DC has managed to do this with flying colors.
However, despite the return of countless much-loved elements of DC’s lore, there are some things that are still missing. In particular, several faces from DC’s recent, and not-so-recent, past have yet to make an appearance since the status quo was turned upside-down. That being said, here are 10 characters that need to be in the post-Rebirth DC Universe:
Freedom Fighters
At a time when our country is practically tearing itself apart, who better to reintroduce to the DC Universe than Uncle Sam and the Freedom Fighters? After all, with The Ray making his return, it’s sure to have crossed the minds of more than a few longtime DC readers.
The Freedom Fighters don’t necessarily need their own series to make an impact. In fact, given The Ray’s status on the new Justice League of America, the JLA title would be the perfect place to test the waters. A team-up between the Freedom Fighters and the JLA would also be a fun callback to the team’s DC Comics debut in October 1973.
Power Girl
If and when the Justice Society of America returns, it’s more likely than not we’ll see the return of Power Girl (Kara Zor-L, AKA Karen Starr). Still, us comic book readers have been hurt many times before, so it feels necessary to explicitly state that we want to see Power Girl in the post-Rebirth DCU.
With a Supergirl solo series already on DC’s current slate, and with her potential to appear in a JSA series, Power Girl needn’t get a solo title to appease fans. However, in addition to appearing in JSA, it’d be great to see DC relaunch 2012’s World’s Finest, with Power Girl partnering up with Huntress in a fun alternative to Batgirl and the Birds of Prey.
The Question
Introducing The Question (Vic Sage) into the post-Rebirth DCU would be interesting for several reasons. First and foremost, the character has a rich history that deserves to be expanded upon. However, what makes the prospect of The Question appearing in the post-Rebirth DCU most intriguing is the ties between Rebirth and The Watchmen.
How amazing would it be to see The Question come mask-to-mask with The Watchmen’s Rorschach, the very character that he inspired? The idea of Rorschach facing off against Batman is something many readers are pushing for, but Rorschach vs. The Question is truly a match made in heaven.
Firestorm
Firestorm is something of an anomaly in that he’s one of the few Arrowverse heroes not currently appearing in any DC titles. In fact, the character hasn’t been seen since DC’s Legends of Tomorrow anthology series, which was released early last year.
It’s hard to say where Firestorm would fit in best in the post-Rebirth DCU. A solo series isn’t likely, so the best bet would probably be a team book like Justice League or JLA.
Booster Gold
After the New 52’s Justice League International series, Booster Gold’s most notable pre-Rebirth happenings were in the pages of DC’s divisive Convergence event. This is particularly interesting considering Rebirth revealed that someone (presumably Doctor Manhattan) altered the DC Universe’s timeline, and Booster Gold is a Time Master.
Did Booster Gold make a strategic retreat? Could we see him reappear once the major secrets behind Rebirth finally begin to take shape? It’s definitely a possibility. Still, readers would likely be just as happy to see Booster Gold show up in the pages of Blue Beetle, where he could catch up with longtime pal Ted Kord.
The Justice Society of America
Much like the Legion of Super-Heroes, the return of the Justice Society of America was also teased in the DC Universe: Rebirth Special. However, subsequent hints of their reappearance have been far more elusive.
We’ve already seen Jay Garrick’s classic helmet in the pages of The Flash – perhaps DC could start off by slowly reintroducing JSA mainstays in other ongoing titles. This could then culminate in a full-fledged JSA series, which would surely be met with open arms by longtime DC fans.
The Legion of Super-Heroes
The reemergence of the Legion of Super-Heroes has already been teased several times. The most notable of these teases was the appearance of Saturn Girl in the DC Universe: Rebirth Special.
Since then, the seeds have continued to be planted in the pages of Batman, as well as the conclusion of Justice League vs. Suicide Squad. As far as the Legion returning, it’s not a matter of if; it’s a matter of when.
Zatanna
Is a Zatanna solo title at the top of most DC readers’ wish lists? Not likely. Still, it’d be great to see the stage magician-turned-hero pop up in the pages of one of DC’s current ongoing titles.
The most obvious series that comes to mind is The Hellblazer. Given the romantic and heroic history between Constantine and Zatanna, it would certainly make sense to see her pay John a visit. In addition to this, Zatanna’s past team-ups with characters like Batgirl and Black Canary make Batgirl and the Birds of Prey another suitable option for her to make her post-Rebirth debut.
Shazam
After playing such a major role in the Darkseid War story arc of Justice League, which wrapped up JUST before Rebirth, it’s rather surprising that the former Captain Marvel, Shazam, has yet to make an appearance in the post-Rebirth DCU. In fact, it feels like DC is leaving money on the table considering the character will be making his big-screen debut in 2019 alongside Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s Black Adam.
Keeping this in mind, it’s inevitable that Shazam will show up soon. Whether or not it’s in a solo series, in the pages of Justice League, or even in the long-awaited Shazam Family title, is anyone’s guess.
Martian Manhunter
Originally a founding member of the Justice League, it’s downright appalling that Martian Manhunter has yet to appear in the post-Rebirth DC Universe. His last notable appearance was in the final issue of his solo series from the New 52 (Martian Manhunter #12), which was released on May 18, 2016 – just one week before the release of the DC Universe: Rebirth Special.
Per the solicitation, this issue would see “the epic story of J’onn J’onzz take a shocking turn that will change the course of the Manhunter’s life forever.” Unfortunately, there’s been no mention of the character since.
Sales on Martian Manhunter declined quite rapidly after it initially debuted, so it’s understandable that DC is apprehensive to give J’onn J’onzz another solo series. Still, there’s plenty of room for the character in books like Justice League of America, or even Justice League proper.