Who Is Jason Momoa’s SUPERGIRL Character Lobo? His DC Comics History, Explained

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As a lifelong comic book fan and moviegoer, I am beyond excited about the potential of Lobo joining James Gunn’s DC Universe! I’ve been following this character since the ’90s, when he was everywhere in my favorite comics and animated series. The idea of Jason Momoa playing him is a dream come true, as his charisma, physique, and acting chops are tailor-made for the role.

Growing up, I always envisioned Lobo as a perfect antagonist to Superman or a solo antihero adventure. The character’s brutal humor and over-the-top violence resonated with me, making him stand out among other DC characters. I can only imagine the chaos he would bring to Gunn’s cosmic stories.

I hope that this time around, Hollywood finally gives Lobo the big-screen treatment he deserves. If they get it right, we could be in for one wild ride with this bounty hunter from the far reaches of space! And let’s not forget the joke: “If I had a dollar for every time Lobo was almost made into a movie… well, I’d have enough money to buy a new helmet!

In the ’90s, Lobo, a caricature of tough characters such as Wolverine and Punisher, was a highly sought-after character among comic book store patrons from DC Comics. This alien bounty hunter with glowing red eyes gained immense popularity when he starred in his own mini-series in 1990. After years of speculation, it has now been confirmed that Jason Momoa, previously known for his role as Aquaman, will portray Lobo in “Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow.” This appearance could also pave the way for a larger role in James Gunn’s upcoming DC Universe. Below is a brief summary of DC Comics’ “Main Man” and how he embodied an entire epoch of comic book narrative.

Who Is DC Comics’ Antihero Lobo? His Comic Book Origins, Explained

As a longtime comic book enthusiast who grew up in the ’80s and ’90s, I remember being captivated by the anti-hero Lobo, the main character from the lesser-known series, The Omega Men. This spin-off title of The New Teen Titans introduced me to a group of intergalactic freedom fighters battling against evil forces in space. The character of Lobo was first introduced in 1983’s Omega Men #3, where he was depicted as a Velporian bounty hunter and the last of his kind, hunted by the malevolent Psions.

Created by writer/artist Keith Giffen, Lobo quickly became a fan favorite due to his brutal and chaotic nature, which set him apart from other DC Comics characters at that time. While The Omega Men only lasted for a couple of years, it was during this run that I discovered the origins of one of my favorite anti-heroes. This experience has left a lasting impression on me, as it underscores the importance of exploring lesser-known titles and character origins in comic book series.

In 1987, Keith Giffen played a significant role in reimagining the Justice League as “Justice League International.” This version had a lighter tone compared to the original, and it was incredibly popular. During this run, he revived Lobo, who now appeared as a Hell’s Angels-type biker rather than a ’70s glam rocker. This chalk-white, muscular alien with immense strength was primarily interested in drinking, smoking cigars, causing trouble, and cashing in on lucrative bounties.

Lobo’s affectionate side was only reserved for his cherished space dolphins, whom he adored deeply. However, anyone else who irritated him could expect trouble, since he was just as capable of violence. Yet, those “little fishes” were the source of his pride and happiness. Lobo’s appearance in a well-known series like JLI, which had a comedic slant, broadened his fanbase significantly. DC Comics found success with this character, who always referred to himself as “the Main Man.

’90s Superstardom

In 1990, Lobo, the character, gained such popularity that he got his own mini-series, co-written by Keith Giffen and Alan Grant. The gritty art style of Simon Bisley turned out to be a great fit for the character. The Lobo mini-series was a massive success for DC Comics. This series also introduced us to Lobo’s new origin, which we now know is from the planet Czarnia. Interestingly enough, Lobo’s name in Czarnian language translates as “the one who feasts on your innards and revels in it.” The series humorously explored and satirized the ’90s fascination with ultra-violent antiheroes portrayed as tough guys.

Born on a tranquil planet, Lobo exhibited a fondness for excessive aggression from an early age. As a child, he inadvertently wiped out the entire population of Czarnia by releasing a horde of lethal scorpions among them. Endowed with extraordinary strength, durability, and regenerative powers that ensured his survival, Lobo roamed the cosmos on his celestial motorcycle, earning a reputation as the most formidable bounty hunter in the galaxy.

As a lifelong comic book fan, I can attest to the captivating journey of Lobo throughout the years. In my younger days, during the ’90s, he was a staple in the comic book world, gracing the pages of his own popular series and even squaring off against iconic characters like Superman and the Justice League in crossover events that left us fans on the edge of our seats. The memory of Lobo battling Wolverine in the epic Marvel vs. DC event is still etched in my mind, a testament to the character’s towering presence back then.

However, like many things from that era, he seemed to fade into obscurity by the 2000s, barely making an appearance in the comic book landscape. But, much to our delight, he continued to pop up in DC animated series such as Superman, Justice League Unlimited, Young Justice, and more, keeping his legacy alive for a new generation of fans.

Now, it’s exciting to see Lobo making a comeback, with whispers of a potential big-screen appearance on the horizon. As someone who grew up reading about this anti-hero, I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia and anticipation for what the future holds for this unique character. It seems that all things ’90s are making a resurgence lately, and I, for one, am eager to see Lobo back in action once again!

The Many Attempts of Getting Lobo on the Big Screen

Over a long period, Hollywood has attempted numerous times to launch a Lobo movie, yet despite the involvement of directors such as Guy Ritchie, who nearly helmed a Lobo film, and efforts from Michael Bay and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, these attempts never came to fruition. The only live-action portrayal of Lobo we received was on the short-lived science fiction series Krypton, but they lacked the financial resources to fully bring the character to life. He appeared as a mediocre cosplay on that show, essentially. However, it appears that the time has come for this character to make his big screen debut.

Lobo Is Coming to James Gunn’s DCU

Since James Gunn took on his role as co-head of DC Studios, there has been a growing hint that Lobo might make an appearance. This seems fitting since Lobo’s mix of action and humor aligns with Gunn’s creative style. Moreover, Jason Momoa has expressed his love for the Lobo comics on social media. Although Lobo is absent from the Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow comic book, it’s easy to imagine how he could fit into this cosmic saga. By positioning him as an adversary to Kara Zor-El (Supergirl), his introduction would be intriguing. If the audience responds positively, a separate project focusing on Lobo may soon follow.

— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) November 9, 2022

Could Jason Momoa Play Both Aquaman and Lobo?

Fans have long envisioned Jason Momoa as the ideal choice for the character. His distinctive hair, towering physique, deep voice, and “rough-and-tumble” persona are a near-perfect fit. However, James Gunn has made it clear that he prefers actors to play only one role in his DCU (except in animation). With Momoa’s confirmation as Lobo, it seems unlikely he will reprise his role as Aquaman. His performance in the underperforming sequel “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” may have contributed to this decision. Could other former DCEU actors secure new roles in Gunn’s DCU? At present, we believe Momoa will be the exception. Yet, one thing is undeniable: Lobo is the comic book role Jason Momoa was destined for.

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2025-01-03 02:04