After almost 100 years of publication, DC Comics have been pioneers in the comic industry. Their characters have inspired millions of fans and other creators to take an interest in superhero stories. DC Comics is filled with memorable heroes, all with their own unique backstories.
Trauma, freak accidents, and alien intervention are just a few examples of how these heroes get their extraordinary abilities. A character's origin is arguably one of the most important aspects of their evolution. Here's a look at how some of these characters started off, and how their origins have shaped DC Comics history.
6 Green Lantern
There have been many different versions of the Green Lantern throughout DC's publication. The character's revival in the 1970s is what really shaped him into what he and the other lanterns represent today. This version of Green Lantern had pilot Hal Jordan take on the mantle after being gifted the universe's most powerful ring by a dying alien. The alien told Jordan he was chosen by the ring to be Earth's newest protector. Hal Jordan's ring allows him to create energy constructs from his mind that are linked to his personal willpower.
This version also introduced the Green Lanterns Corps as a group of intergalactic police, all with exceptional willpower. Jordan's own emotions are linked to his ability to be a successful hero, which is what makes him an interesting character study. This revival also marked an important chapter for DC Comics by introducing more cosmic-themed stories.
5 Harley Quinn
Harley Quinn has had one of the most interesting character arcs in DC Comics. Starting off as a villain in the Batman Animated Series, her origin as Joker's girlfriend sparked an interest from fans almost instantly.
Once known as Dr. Harleen Quinzel, Harley was assigned as Joker's psychologist in Arkham Asylum. After multiple interviews, she fell in love with Joker and started a life of crime at his side. Since then, Harley's role in the DC universe has changed. Modern interpretations of the character show her abandoning her abusive relationship with the Joker to become a more independent anti-hero. Harley has shown how a character can change for the better, and how there's more to some villains than what meets the eye.
4 Swamp Thing
One of DC's lesser known heroes, Swamp Thing is a humanoid plant with control over all plant life on Earth and a dedication to protect the environment. His origin began as Alec Holland, a scientist developing a medical formula in botany who has his laboratory sabotaged. After an explosion, Holland dives into a nearby swamp to protect himself, unknowingly turning himself into the Swamp Thing. What was seemingly a standard origin story turns into an existential nightmare for the character.
After traveling into the afterlife, Swamp Thing learns that Alec Holland died that day in the laboratory, and Swamp Thing is in fact simply a plant who received fragments of Holland's consciousness and memory. This leads to an endless internal struggle of wondering what it means to human, and what the purpose of existence is. Swamp Thing's origin defines what he is, and this internal struggle gives him motivation to protect life on Earth.
3 Shazam (Captain Marvel)
Originally known as Captain Marvel, Shazam has one of the most unique origins in DC Comics. A 14-year-old orphan named Billy Batson was approached by an ancient wizard due to his selfless virtues. The wizard granted Billy with incredible powers that are activated by a bolt of lightning when Billy shouts "Shazam!" The bolt turns Billy into a full-grown man with super strength, speed, and lightning powers.
Billy's story is one about growing up, learning responsibility, and what it means to be a hero. A teenager given the gifts of hero on par with Superman makes for a very interesting look into a hero approaching adulthood. It also gives young fans a role model that is strong, but is also their peer.
2 Superman
Superman was the hero that started it all. He was first known as Kal-El, a baby sent to Earth from the destroyed planet of Krypton. Earth's yellow sun gives Kryptonians incredible strength, speed, and other abilities. Not only has Superman's origin inspired countless other hero stories, but it also serves as building block for the character.
Even though Superman is almost indestructible, his alien nature makes him a character filled with conflict. His incredible gifts give him a sense of obligation to protect Earth, but also marked him as an outcast for most of his childhood. His need to balance his humanity with his Kryptonian culture makes him a link between worlds that will never be matched in terms of influence and heroism.
1 Batman
Batman is arguably DC's most famous hero. It would be hard to find someone who isn't familiar with his tragic origin. Billionaire Bruce Wayne had his parents shot and killed in front of him when he was a young boy. This gave him the motivation to train and become the crime fighting vigilante that everyone loves. The traumatic experience shaped Batman into what he is and took away every bit of Bruce's innocence. The murders also gave Batman a hatred for guns and killing in general.
Batman's origin is something that affects nearly everything he does. If Superman's origin allowed himself to become a symbol of hope for all living beings, then Batman's turned himself into a symbol of fear for anyone who tries to harm the innocent.