15 Best DC Heroes You’ve Never Heard Of

As a huge DC fan, I’m always amazed by how many awesome heroes fly under the radar. Even people who’ve been reading the comics for years sometimes miss out on the really cool ones. They pop up in team books, have quick solo series, or get lost in some of the more obscure storylines, but these characters often have incredible powers and surprisingly rich backstories that tie into some seriously deep corners of the DC universe. It’s a blast discovering them!

This collection highlights the stories of fascinating characters who worked alongside DC’s most famous heroes, even if only briefly. These innovators, mystics, crimefighters, and those carrying on important legacies add depth and richness to the DC Universe.

Aztek

Aztek originally emerged as a skilled warrior, trained by a hidden group to fight against a predicted global catastrophe. His unique armor harnesses energy from another dimension, granting him the ability to fly, turn invisible, gain super strength, and see in different ways. The role of Aztek began with Uno and was later taken on by Nayeli Constant, continuing the hero’s story in modern tales throughout the Americas.

Aztek has teamed up with the Justice League, but also works solo, tracking down followers of a sinister god – the very same one the Q Society prepared him to fight. This mysterious organization secretly stashed powerful technology in a quiet city, all to create the ultimate hero for a mission with consequences that have rippled through time.

Xombi

David Kim, now known as Xombi, is a scientist who should have died in an attack. However, he was saved by experimental nanomachines that completely rebuilt his body. This process not only stopped him from aging but also gives him the ability to constantly heal and recover from injuries, making him virtually immortal. The nanomachines also allow his body to adapt to and survive even the most dangerous conditions.

Xombi first appeared as part of DC’s Milestone line, but later became a regular character in the main DC Universe. His stories blend cutting-edge biotechnology with traditional folklore, pitting him against dangers rooted in urban legends and supernatural beings. When science isn’t enough, he often partners with experts in the occult to overcome these unique threats.

Ragman

Ragman is actually Rory Regan, a hero in Gotham City. He possesses a magical suit called the Suit of Souls. This suit absorbs the spirits of wicked people, giving it power and sometimes even allowing Rory to use their skills as they try to make amends. The suit also makes him stronger and faster, and can create vine-like appendages to either restrain enemies or shield allies during fights.

For years, Ragman has protected his neighborhood while also dealing with supernatural mysteries connected to his powerful suit. He’s teamed up with Batman and members of the Justice League Dark on cases that require both practical street smarts and understanding of the magical objects that fuel his abilities.

Traci Thirteen

Traci Thirteen is a ‘Homo Magi’ – someone with magical abilities – and the daughter of the famous paranormal investigator Doctor Thirteen. She specializes in urban magic, which means she gets her power from the energy and rhythms of cities. She can create shields, teleport, and subtly alter reality, and her magic is always influenced by the specific character of the neighborhood where she’s working.

Traci has worked with groups like Team Superman and the Birds of Prey on cases involving both magic and technology. She specializes in documenting supernatural events in cities, and studies how things like subway systems, buildings, and public events influence the movement of magical energy.

Black Alice

Black Alice, whose real name is Lori Zechlin, is a magic user with a unique ability: she can temporarily copy the powers of other magic users. She can replicate their spells and skills almost perfectly for a short time, but then loses access to them. This allows her to effectively fight against specialized magic by using an opponent’s own powers against them.

Because of her magical abilities, various organizations within the DC universe are trying to recruit or control Black Alice. She’s been called upon for missions needing specialized magic and has teamed up with groups like the Secret Six and the Birds of Prey, where her versatile spellcasting proved to be a valuable asset.

The Heckler

Okay, so there’s this character, The Heckler – that’s Stu Moseley – and he’s basically a hero in Delta City, but not your typical one. He doesn’t just brawl with bad guys. He’s a master of distraction! Think incredible sleight of hand, crazy acrobatics, and just relentlessly getting under people’s skin. He’s got all these cool gadgets, not for hurting anyone, but for creating chaos, turning a crowd against the criminals, and making them mess up. He’s all about speed, skill, and putting on a show, not brute strength, which makes him a really unique and fun character to watch.

During his short time working alone, he highlighted a collection of eccentric and outlandish criminals known for their dramatic, public schemes. He acted as an outsider challenging widespread corruption, using public areas and the news to reveal fraud. He avoided violence by relying on clever distractions and precise timing.

Bulleteer

Alix Harrower is Bulleteer, a hero with a unique ability: a living metal body. This came about when an experiment gone wrong fused a smart alloy to her skin. Now, she can fly, withstand incredible damage, and is incredibly strong, all while being resistant to heat and impacts. The metal actually gets harder when she’s under pressure, letting her make incredibly precise movements even at high speeds.

After the accident, she joined a new version of the Seven Soldiers team and found herself dealing with the world of famous superheroes. As Bulleteer, her detective work frequently leads her into the worlds of tech startups and the entertainment industry, where cutting-edge materials are often used in ways that are both commercially dangerous and personally damaging.

Freedom Beast

Freedom Beast is Dominic Mndawe, who took over the role of B’wana Beast. He’s a protector with a connection to a magical helmet and potion originating from Africa. He has the ability to talk to animals and can even combine creatures to create new forms, helping him overcome obstacles and navigate dangerous environments. This power is rooted in maintaining natural balance and is only used when absolutely necessary to prevent harm.

Freedom Beast is a global protector who fights against poaching and corruption that threaten both wildlife and local communities. He works with international groups, especially when environmental problems involve superhuman elements, combining traditional knowledge with modern conservation efforts.

Onyx Adams

Onyx Adams used to train with the League of Assassins, but she left because she disagreed with their ways and wanted to make amends. She’s skilled at sneaking into places, fighting up close, and using meditation to stay calm and focused in tense situations. Onyx has worked to keep neighborhoods safe in both Star City and Gotham, earning the respect of local heroes along the way.

Onyx frequently works alongside Green Arrow and the Batman family, focusing on secret investigations to disrupt criminal networks without causing major battles. She also dedicates time to training newer fighters, teaching them self-control and recording effective methods for helping former enemies become community protectors.

Blue Devil

I’m completely fascinated by Blue Devil! He’s actually Daniel Cassidy, a really talented stuntman. He built this incredible, high-tech demon suit for movies, but something strange happened during filming. It bonded with him, permanently changing his body – he grew horns, became super durable, and can now channel energy through his trident! The coolest part is, even with all that, he didn’t lose his engineering skills. He still builds and maintains all his amazing gear himself.

He works as a consultant creating practical effects, but also takes on superhero work that draws on his skills in both stage magic and the supernatural. As Blue Devil, he’s teamed up with the Justice League and Justice League Dark to investigate cases involving occult activity on movie sets or illusions hiding real magic.

The Ray

Ray Terrill is The Ray, a hero with the ability to control light. He can transform into light itself, allowing him to fly, create objects made of solid light, and travel incredibly fast along lines of sight. He can also become invisible by changing the type of light he emits and can communicate using light signals when other methods aren’t possible.

The Ray has been a valuable member of teams like the Freedom Fighters and the Justice League, especially when dealing with emergencies related to energy and the weather. His work frequently centers around important systems like satellites, power networks, and worldwide communication, and his ability to control light makes him essential in these situations.

Kid Eternity

Kid Eternity uses a special word to call upon historical and mythical figures for short-term help. These figures keep their abilities and knowledge, and return to their own time when the job is done. While the origin of his powers has been explained in different ways over time, the basic idea – summoning helpers from the past – remains consistent.

Kid Eternity stories usually involve mysteries that need knowledge no one currently alive possesses. The character always follows a strict code of conduct when contacting spirits, emphasizing that his power comes with responsibility, not as an easy fix.

Doctor Occult

Doctor Occult is one of DC Comics’ first supernatural investigators, created by the same people who created Superman. He teams up with Rose Psychic, and the two share a special connection that lets them switch places when one is in danger and combine their understanding of magic, rituals, and symbols. Doctor Occult’s primary defense against dark magic is a powerful artifact called the Symbol of the Seven.

Doctor Occult investigates cases that blend ordinary crime with mysterious, hidden plots. He keeps detailed records on magical objects, haunted places, and ancient cults, and works with current superhero teams when they need information from the past.

Equinox

Equinox is Miiyahbin Marten, a Cree teenager from northern Canada with powers that change along with the seasons. Depending on the time of year, she can be incredibly strong, remarkably durable, project energy, or have heightened senses. This seasonal shift requires her to plan ahead and work with others, mirroring the natural rhythms of the world around her.

I recently checked out Equinox, and she’s a really interesting addition to Justice League United. What struck me is how she doesn’t just jump into action – she really connects with the communities they’re trying to help. She specializes in understanding the local history and sacred places, and before any mission, she works with community elders to make sure the League’s actions respect the culture and land. It’s not just about saving the day for her; it’s about doing it *right* and ensuring things are sustainable for the future. A really thoughtful and unique approach to being a superhero, and it adds a lot to the team dynamic.

Sideways

Derek James, known as Sideways, is a student with the power to create temporary openings in space after being exposed to a strange energy source. He can use these portals to teleport short distances – whether for quick travel, strategic movement in a fight, or simply saving time getting around the city. However, he has to carefully control his ability to avoid damaging the areas around him.

His stories follow his experiences with opening rifts to other dimensions, and the organizations that track these events. He maintains thorough records of secure travel points and works with researchers studying the strain on reality, allowing response teams to quickly address threats that emerge in various places simultaneously.

Share your own underrated DC heroes in the comments so everyone can discover a new favorite.

2025-10-09 05:19