DC Comics has such a long and rich history. Countless artists and writers have worked for the company over the years and created all the characters that populate both the small-screen and big-screen projects. Of course, the movies and shows draw inspiration from the source material, but they don’t want to appear to be copying someone else’s work. Creative liberties have to be taken, and no DC franchise embraces that more than the Arrowverse. Sometimes, it feels like The CW’s franchise uses a name as a vessel to create something entirely new that will fit in its massive tapestry without worrying about how that may be received.
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The swings that the Arrowverse takes don’t always work out well. Mister Terrific, for example, is nothing like his comic book counterpart, with it taking until the character’s appearance in Superman to prove how formidable he can be in live-action. However, The CW has just as many wins as it does losses. Here are 10 DC heroes improved by the Arrowverse.
10) Vibe
The comic book version of Vibe is underutilized, to say the least. He’s a background player in a few major Justice League stories, but he never gets a chance to shine. The Arrowverse makes up for that in spades by making Cisco Ramon the most important member of Team Flash. In addition to opening dimensional rifts, he uses his big brain to solve all of Central City’s problems. What really makes the character stand out, though, is his nerdy personality, which fits right in at S.T.A.R. Labs.
9) The Atom
Ray Palmer gets plenty to do in the comics, being one of the premier minds in the DC Universe. The only problem is that he’s a bit of a bore. Once the Atom joins the Legends on the Waverider, that becomes a problem of the past because he gets to show off how fun he can be. Sure, Palmer is a bit naive, an aspect of his character that frequently lands him in trouble, but he’s also fiercely loyal.
8) Wild Dog
The Arrowverse has to utilize its fair share of deep-cut characters, including Wild Dog, who only has a handful of comic book appearances. Arrow turns the vigilante into a fully fleshed-out figure, opting to put an original character, Rene Ramirez, under the mask. The choice proves to be the right one because Rene delivers some of the most impactful emotional beats in the show’s later seasons, along with plenty of butt-whoopings.
7) Steel
Legends of Tomorrow doesn’t change too much about Nathaniel Heywood’s backstory, making him a relative of Commander Steel. However, he does have a lot more depth in live-action, finding his place on the Waverider after discovering that the Legends are in danger. Nate makes a new best friend, finds love, and saves the world on numerous occasions. The comic book version of the character can’t claim to have done half of that.
6) Arsenal
Green Arrow doesn’t fight all of his fights in the comics alone, usually having his trusty sidekick Speedy by his side. Since the Arrowverse gives that nickname to Oliver Queen’s sister, Thea Queen, Roy Harper adopts his other moniker, Arsenal. Arrow puts Roy through the wringer, even killing and resurrecting him at one point, but he never gives up trying to do the right thing. All the bravery pays off when he gets to be with Thea at the end of the show.
5) Ragman
It’s always tough to make horror work in comic books. Sound plays such an important role in delivering scares, which is why the Arrowverse has no trouble bringing Ragman to life. Despite not having much time to run around with the rest of Team Arrow, Rory Regan still makes an impact, especially after having it out with Felicity Smoak about her destroying his home. Ragman is also easily the strongest member of Oliver’s group, which has to count for something.
4) Impulse
Most versions of Bart Allen are annoying, never knowing when to shut up. The Arrowverse’s take on the character follows in his predecessors’ footsteps, but he doesn’t let that aspect of himself define him. His true goal is to take down Godspeed, who killed his mentor Jay Garrick in the future. Going after revenge makes Impulse different from The Flash‘s other speedsters, who always want to see the good in people.
3) Black Lightning
Jefferson Pierce is a great comic book character; there’s no doubt about it. His powers are unique, and he’s almost always fighting for the right side. What the Arrowverse does to improve him is make his journey a family affair, having him always fighting to protect his daughters and teaching them what it means to be a hero. Black Lightning is easily the Arrowverse’s most underrated show, and a lot of the credit goes to its depiction of the titular hero.
2) Green Arrow
One of the biggest complaints surrounding the Arrowverse is that it makes Green Arrow more like Batman than his comic book counterpart. That argument isn’t totally off-base, but that doesn’t mean Oliver isn’t a great character. His arc throughout nine seasons of television proves that no one is defined by their mistakes. Green Arrow also inspires an entire generation of heroes to fight the good fight, and there’s no way to put a price tag on that.
1) The Flash
Barry Allen is one of DC’s most iconic heroes. His stories are legendary, so it should mean a lot that the Arrowverse finds a way to push him into new territory. The version of The Flash on The CW has such a kind heart that, even when he’s wrong, it feels like he’s right. He’s the heart and soul of the entire Arrowverse, and without him, the franchise would’ve been far less successful.
The Arrowverse shows are streaming on Netflix.
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