Best Characters Who Debuted in the 1950s

Some of the best DC Comics characters might be a tad older than they look, and it may surprise some fans to know that some of their favorite characters have been around on this Earth longer than they have. There are many iconic DC Comics characters that have been around for 70+ years, and while Batman, Wonder Woman, and Superman hold the title of some of the oldest heroes out there, these characters are quickly catching up.

Whether they are heroes or villains, DC remains strong with some of the best characters out there in pop culture, and throughout their time in comics, games, movies, and TV, these characters have truly excelled at bringing in new fans as well as evolving over time to the most refined versions of themselves.

6 Deadshot

Created on: June, 1950

• Debut Issue: Batman #59
• Created by: David Vern Reed, Bob Kane, Lew Sayre Schwartz

Deadshot may be a classic villain by today’s standards, but his original appearance in the 1950s would see him long forgotten. While Deadshot may have originated as just a tuxedo-wearing assassin, his redesign and revamp from Steve Englehart, Marshall Rogers, and Terry Austin in 1979’s Detective Comics would make him the wrist-mounted gun-wielded assassin that audiences know and love today.

Deadshot celebrates 74 years in 2024, and it’s amazing to see his original concept compared to today. Deadshot has been a primary antagonist in comics for Batman but also holds strong as one of the central characters in DC’s Suicide Squad.

5 Martian Manhunter

Created on: November, 1955

• Debut Issue: Detective Comics #225
• Created by: Joseph Samachson, Joe Certa

Martian Manhunter has a lengthy history and pairs well with the 50s paranoia surrounding gray men from Mars. Originating as J’onn J’onzz, this Martian would go on to be one of the founding members of the Justice League, and his ability to shapeshift would make him one of the most powerful beings in the DC Universe, that is, unless fire is involved – and then this green Martian is toast.

J’onn J’onzz history as the Martian Manhunter is well respected, and his origins as an alien showcase a deeper understanding of life outside of Earth. J’onn’s fame has extended past comics and into hit animated DC shows, and a few solo mini-series have blessed the Martian Manhunter, showcasing a relaxed and calming demeanor – unless Chocos are in sight.

4 Krypto

Created on: March, 1955

• Debut Issue: Adventure Comics #210
• Created by: Otto Binder, Curt Swan

It seems that man’s best friend also extends to Kryptonians and Krypto was the family pet of Jor-El and Kal-El. Krypto has a fun origin in which as Kal-El’s pet dog, he was sent off of Krypton in a rocket by Jor-El, and later reemerged on Earth, still loyal to his master. With Earth’s yellow sun, Krypto miraculously developed the same powers as Superman and even became a competent and loyal superhero (or super canine).

Krypto has been a loyal dog and a good boy by Superman’s side for decades, and it’s going to be great to see him debut in James Gunn’s Superman movie. Krypto’s cute Superman-themed dog collar and cape and super-canine intelligence make him a character who excels in the wildness of the 50s, but also a character who knows how to have fun in the modern era of comics.

3 The Phantom Stranger

Created on: August, 1952

• Debut Issue: Phantom Stranger #1
• Created by: John Broome, Carmine Infantino

The Phantom Stranger is another fabled DC Comics character that was first created in the Vertigo library. With paranormal origins, the Phantom Stranger is a rare find in today’s comic world, but one of vital importance when it comes to battling the mysterious occults that may threaten reality as we know it.

The Phantom Stranger has led his own stories throughout the decades, and the mystique of his powers and the bind to walk the Earth for centuries makes him compelling to read. The Phantom Stranger’s past alludes to an origin yet to be written, but in the more recent era, his ties to Christianity and Jesus as the apostle Judas makes for an even more interesting read, even if his character rarely features.

2 Green Lantern (Hal Jordan)

Created on: October, 1959

• Debut Issue: Showcase #22
• Created by: John Broome, Gil Kane

One of the best characters to debut in the 1950s, but one who won’t turn 70 until another 5 years, is that of Hal Jordan. Hal Jordan is vital to the Silver Age and is responsible for bringing the Green Lantern name back into the light, along with new lore and attributes to what makes a Green Lantern. Doing away with that of Alan Scott in the 40s, Hal Jordan represented a new sci-fi-inspired tale for DC Comics.

A former pilot who would join the intergalactic police force of the Green Lantern Corps, with Hal Jordan, audiences had a lens to explore the stars, along with a new member of the growing cast of the Justice League. While the modern era features an abundance of Green Lanterns, for many, Hal Jordan will always be the original.

1 The Flash (Barry Allen)

Created on: October, 1956

• Debut Issue: Showcase #4
• Created by: Robert Kanigher, Carmine Infantino

While Barry Allen is just shy of two years away from hitting the big 70, it’s impossible not to mention this Scarlet Speedster. Barry Allen is the second Flash to hold the title after Jay Garrick, and he’s definitely the most well-known. With Barry Allen, concepts surrounding the Multiverse, time travel, and the Speed Force became more mainstream, and Barry proved rather quickly (pun intended) that he was the Fastest Man Alive.

Barry Allen excels in every decade he features, as both a prominent and distinct member of the Justice League, and as a costumed icon. Barry’s Flash costume is iconic, and his speedster abilities make him a fun man to follow. Barry’s essential to the Silver Age of DC Comics, and it’s always fun to see his modern-era version scramble timelines and the multiverse.