The reshaped DC Universe under the guidance of co-CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran has launched with a dynamic start, showcasing a mix of familiar and offbeat heroes since December 2024. With projects such as the animated series Creature Commandos and Gunn’s theatrical Superman film receiving acclaim, the new DCU is building momentum by blending high-profile icons like Superman with lesser-known characters. As the franchise expands, James Gunn DCU heroes are pivotal to diversifying and enriching this evolving universe.
Upcoming DCU Projects Embrace Variety and Creativity
The fresh slate of DCU projects continues to offer a mix of blockbuster potential and innovative storytelling. Alongside headline projects focused on characters such as Supergirl and the Batman-Robin duo in The Brave and the Bold, the DCU is exploring unique genres with films like the upcoming body-horror feature centered on Clayface, slated for a September 2026 release. Additionally, a gothic horror version of Swamp Thing is in the works, supporting the DCU’s expanding supernatural elements. On the animation front, the adult-oriented Mister Miracle series promises to delve into the cosmic realm of DC’s New Gods, spotlighting Tom King’s acclaimed comic run. This approach signals the DC Studios’ ambition to elevate characters beyond the usual spotlight, making room for underrated heroes who have long awaited their defining moment.
Mari McCabe: Bringing Global Depth with Vixen
Mari McCabe, known as Vixen, combines her roles as a successful supermodel and activist with crime fighting through the mystical Tantu Totem. This ancient artifact connects her to the morphogenetic field, allowing her to adopt abilities of any animal—be it the strength of an elephant, the speed of a cheetah, or the flight of a hawk. Vixen’s versatile powers and ties to African spirituality would expand the DCU’s scope beyond its traditional American urban centers like Metropolis and Gotham.
Mari’s dual life offers rich storytelling potential, balancing her public persona with her secret vigilante duties. Integrating Vixen into the DCU could explore fresh cultural narratives and provide a unique voice within future Justice League line-ups. Her grounded perspective amid gods and billionaires makes her a versatile and compelling addition.
Boston Brand and the Supernatural Mystery of Deadman
Boston Brand’s tragic arc as Deadman begins with his assassination during a circus trapeze act, after which the Hindu goddess Rama Kushna bestows him the power to possess the living. As a ghostly figure, Deadman navigates the living world by inhabiting bodies to seek justice and solve his own murder. His spectral abilities open up avenues for rich supernatural storytelling within the DCU.
Deadman aligns perfectly with the DCU’s growing interest in supernatural themes, alongside projects like Swamp Thing and Clayface. His narrative blends murder mystery with poignant ghost story elements, exploring grief and unresolved business after death. A Deadman series could function as a paranormal detective story exclusive to Max, where Boston Brand handles threats invisible to other heroes and potentially introduces teams like Justice League Dark, bridging horror and magic into the larger universe.
Vic Sage, The Question: A Gritty Detective in a Corrupt World
Conceived by Steve Ditko, the Question is Vic Sage, an investigative journalist operating in the corrupt Hub City. Unlike traditional superheroes, Sage has no superpowers but depends on his intelligence, martial arts prowess, and a strict philosophical belief in objective truth. His distinctive Pseudoderm mask conceals his entire face, enhancing his mysterious and uncompromising persona dedicated to exposing conspiracies and hidden corruption.
The Question’s street-level detective skills would add a darker, cerebral tone to the DCU, offering a grounded contrast to the more fantastical heroes. Given the DCU’s current trajectory with shows like Waller, a series centered on Vic Sage could deliver noir-style suspense and crime drama, appealing to fans of grit and mystery. Following his popularity in Justice League Unlimited, The Question’s adaptation promises a distinct narrative niche within the expanding DCU.
Buddy Baker Expands the DCU’s Meta and Emotional Range as Animal Man
Animal Man, or Buddy Baker, is a family man who gains the power to borrow abilities from nearby animals after an alien spaceship crash, connected to the ecological force known as The Red. His powers range from flying like a bird to possessing the strength of small creatures such as ants. While his original appearances were traditional superhero fare, writer Grant Morrison redefined Buddy through meta-narratives exploring fiction itself, animal rights, and the character’s relationship with his creator.
Introducing Animal Man would align with James Gunn’s creative vision, as Buddy’s relatable everyman character brings emotional depth to superhero stories. Morrison’s celebrated run offers opportunities for smart, self-aware storytelling that questions and deconstructs superhero conventions. This meta-awareness could position the DCU as a pioneering cinematic universe that embraces experimentation and breaks new narrative ground.
Ambush Bug: The Meta-Comedic Wild Card of the DCU
Irwin Schwab, known as Ambush Bug, is a mentally unstable individual who acquires teleportation powers from a green suit found on a crashed spaceship. After a brief villainous phase, he embraces being a hero, much to the irritation of mainstream figures like Superman. Ambush Bug’s defining trait is his self-awareness; he breaks the fourth wall, directly engaging with the audience and using narrative knowledge for surreal humor.
Ambush Bug perfectly fits the DCU’s emerging embrace of quirky, offbeat characters, building on its established Adult animation like Creature Commandos. His absurdist and meta-commentary style suits James Gunn’s humor-driven storytelling approach, offering a fresh, comedic angle that challenges traditional superhero narratives. Adding Ambush Bug would illustrate the DCU’s willingness to celebrate its strangest and most unconventional heroes, enhancing its tonal diversity.
Building a Richer Universe with Underappreciated Heroes
As the DC Universe expands following the success of initial projects like Superman and Peacemaker, integrating these underrated heroes provides an opportunity to deepen the narrative landscape. Each of these characters—Vixen, Deadman, The Question, Animal Man, and Ambush Bug—introduces unique tones ranging from supernatural horror to grounded detective drama, meta explorations, and absurdist comedy. Their inclusion would enrich the DCU’s mosaic, balancing iconic figures with fresh, diverse voices.
With major productions like Supergirl and The Brave and the Bold underway, and upcoming projects exploring horror and cosmic themes, these heroes could play pivotal roles in broadening the DCU’s emotional and thematic breadth. Their stories can attract various audience segments, ensuring the DCU remains vibrant, inventive, and culturally inclusive as it moves forward.
