10 Best DC Characters Introduced in the 2000s, Ranked

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has a long history, stretching back decades, and the publisher is known for creating some of the most iconic heroes and villains in comic books. Characters like Batman, Superman, the Flash, and Wonder Woman, as well as villains such as Lex Luthor, the Joker, Darkseid, and Sinestro, are all considered highlights of the company’s legacy.

Throughout the long history of DC Comics, many decades have introduced readers to fresh, new characters. From heroes and villains to supporting players of all kinds, these more recent DC characters have become some of the most popular additions to the DC Universe. The 2000s, in particular, stand out as a particularly strong period for debuting new characters and seeing them connect with fans.

Atrocitus Was a New Kind of Villain

In the 1990s, Green Lantern Hal Jordan famously fell from grace, becoming a villain and eventually sacrificing himself. However, writer Geoff Johns resurrected him in the 2000s, breathing new life into the Green Lantern mythos within the DC Universe. This revitalization involved expanding the established history with fresh lore, introducing compelling new supporting characters, and developing new,

Geoff Johns’ work on Green Lantern is highly regarded, and one of the most memorable villains he created was Atrocitus. As the leader of the Red Lantern Corps, Atrocitus quickly became known as one of the galaxy’s most dangerous enemies. First appearing in Green Lantern #25 in 2007, Atrocitus has been a key figure in many Green Lantern stories since then, and has even been featured in adaptations like the Green Lantern animated series.

Miss Martian Is a Youthful Addition to DC’s Heroic Lineup

Many people first got to know Miss Martian through Young Justice, where she plays a key role. However, her version in the comics is equally interesting. She debuted in 2006’s Teen Titans #37 as M’gann M’orzz, and she’s the niece of J’onn J’onzz, also known as the Martian Manhunter.

Since she first appeared, Miss Martian has been featured in many important storylines, played a key role on teams such as the Teen Titans and the Titans, and gained a dedicated following of fans. Because Martian Manhunter’s corner of the DC Universe isn’t explored very often, it’s great to see a character like Miss Martian introduced and become so popular. It truly is a wonderful development for the DCU and its readers. Her consistent presence is a testament to her appeal.

Ryan Choi Became the Second Atom

The Atom is a long-standing and recognizable superhero within the DC Universe. Though he may not be as popular today as Marvel’s Ant-Man, he continues to be a fascinating character in his own adventures. While Doctor Ray Palmer was the original and most famous Atom, a new version, Ryan Choi, was introduced in 2006’s DCU: Brave New World #1.

Following in the footsteps of Ray Palmer, Ryan Choi became the second hero to be known as the Atom, and he significantly expanded on the character’s abilities, taking him in directions not explored for many years. Ryan Choi even had a short role in Zack Snyder’s Justice League, a detail that many viewers may not remember. Nevertheless, he’s remained a strong and interesting figure in the DC Universe ever since he was first introduced.

Hush Is One of Batman’s Most Personal Foes

Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee’s groundbreaking Batman: Hush may not be the most representative story of its time, but it remains one of the best Batman stories of the past several decades. Featuring beautiful art, a great flow, and a compelling main villain, Hush is truly iconic.

Tommy Elliott, also known as Hush, is a major reason why Batman: Hush is such a successful story. He immediately becomes a memorable character, and his personality, appearance, and reasons for acting are completely captivating. Since his initial appearance, Hush has appeared in several sequels – some, like Batman: Heart of Hush, are even considered better – though he’s currently part of what many consider to be one of the weakest Batman storylines in years.

Hunter Zolomon Is Wally West’s Greatest Threat

Though Barry Allen remains the most well-known Flash, and Eobard Thawne the most famous Reverse-Flash, in the early 2000s, Wally West-previously known as Kid-Flash-continued to wear the red suit as the Fastest Man Alive after his mentor’s death during Crisis on Infinite Earths. And with a new Flash, a new Reverse-Flash was necessary.

Generally known as just Zoom, Hunter Zolomon is one of the angriest and most resentful villains in the DC Universe, and the sad story of his past, especially as it relates to Wally West, is truly devastating. The Flash comics from the early 2000s are considered some of the best, and Zolomon is a villain who hasn’t gotten the attention he deserves for many years.

Manchester Black Made a Mark on the Man of Steel

First introduced in , Manchester Black is a frightening figure who represents a breakdown of both mental and ethical principles. In the story What’s So Funny About Truth, Justice, & the American Way, Manchester Black heads a group called the Elite, attempting to replace Superman as the world’s primary protector.

Manchester Black approaches protecting the world from Superman with a very different mindset, and that’s what makes him such a fascinating and complicated villain in the DC Universe. The fact that he’s remained popular and frequently used in stories ever since he first appeared shows just how much of an impact his debut made.

Red Hood Is An Integral Part of Gotham City

Jason Todd, who is also known as Red Hood, initially became Robin after Dick Grayson transitioned into Nightwing. However, his identity as the vigilante anti-hero Red Hood wasn’t revealed until the 2000s, specifically in Batman #635. Red Hood quickly became a compelling adversary for Batman, and while he’s evolved into more of an ally and anti-hero, he remains one of Batman’s most formidable foes.

Under the Red Hood is a standout story, and it firmly established Jason Todd as a crucial character within the entire Batman universe. Returning from death after being violently killed by the Joker, Jason Todd is a deeply complex and emotionally scarred individual, making him one of the most compelling figures in the Bat-family today.

Batwoman Was More Than Just Another Bat-Family Addition

Kate Kane, also known as Batwoman, is related to Bruce Wayne as his cousin and fights crime as a hero. She’s become a very popular independent hero within the larger Bat-family, and although she isn’t closely involved with the core group, she’s become one of the most recognizable heroes to wear the bat symbol.

Originally introduced in 52 #9, Batwoman has achieved significant popularity in titles such as Detective Comics, where she led the series for several years, her own dedicated comic book, and a well-received live-action TV show on The CW. She’s now a regular participant in large-scale DC Comics storylines, and her influence on the comic book landscape has been considerable.

Blue Beetle Is a Beloved Fan-Favorite

Over the years, several characters have become the Blue Beetle. While Ted Kord is often considered the most well-known, Jaime Reyes is gaining popularity. This young hero bonded with an alien scarab, granting him amazing powers. He first appeared in Infinite Crisis #5 and quickly became a favorite among fans.

Blue Beetle has frequently appeared as a helpful character in many stories and team adventures, has led his own comic book series several times, and was even the star of a recent movie. Thanks to his memorable look, well-developed personality, and truly interesting storylines, Blue Beetle is poised to become even more popular with fans in the future. He’s a character with a lot of potential, and it’s exciting to see where his adventures will go. You can find more information about the character on the official DC Comics website.

Damian Wayne Is the Son of the Bat

The Robin identity is historically significant in DC Comics, but previously, every character who became Robin was either an adopted child or a ward of Bruce Wayne, also known as Batman. This changed with the introduction of Damian Wayne in Batman #655. Damian, the son of Batman and his long-time romantic partner and adversary, Talia al Ghul, has since become one of

Beginning as a spoiled, aggressive, and incredibly talented child, Damian’s character developed over time, showing him grow into a more thoughtful and less impulsive hero. The dynamic between him and his father is consistently captivating for fans, and the intricate ways he interacts with characters such as Tim Drake, Jason Todd, and his mother are particularly interesting. Damian Wayne is considered one of the most successful additions to DC Comics in recent years, and is widely regarded as the best character the company has introduced in the 2000s.

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2025-10-03 05:49