Certain iconic heroes were not initially part of renowned superhero teams; they joined later and eventually became essential members of the squad. Figures such as Star-Lord, Wolverine, and Kilowog left their imprint on superhero teams only after these groups had been formed. The transformation of superhero teams underscores the versatile aspect of comic book narratives and underscores the profound influence that newcomers can have.
In the expansive comic book universes of Marvel and DC Comics, numerous superhero teams, composed of iconic characters, battle for justice. Notably, many of these teams, including the Justice League, Avengers, Suicide Squad, and X-Men, are renowned for their roster of champions, some of whom have become household names.
Although most prominent heroes in both Marvel and DC are founding members of their respective teams, such as Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman in the Justice League, and Iron Man, Thor, and Ant-Man in the Avengers, there are characters who didn't join immediately. Remarkably, some heroes who have become synonymous with their teams actually joined long after the team's formation, with certain additions being a pleasant surprise for fans.
Now, shifting focus to DC Comics, we present the 10 smartest characters in the DC Universe right now. With a vast array of brilliant heroes and villains, who stands out as the most intelligent? We reveal the answer.
Among these intelligent characters, Rick Flag and Amanda Waller are noteworthy. They were not part of the Suicide Squad's initial iteration, which was originally a World War II-era team composed of convicted soldiers sent on high-risk missions. This Suicide Squadron, led by Rick Flag Sr. in 1964's Star-Spangled War Stories #116, only had Rick Flag Jr. and Amanda Waller join later in 1987's Legends #3. Since then, they have become integral members of Task Force X, the modern Suicide Squad.
9 Darla Dudley, Eugene Choi, and Pedro Peña Joined The Shazam Family Later On
The characters Darla, Eugene, and Pedro, alongside Flashpoint's iteration of Billy, Mary Marvel, and Freddy Freeman, emerged in the 2011 comic Flashpoint, penned by Geoff Johns and illustrated by Andy Kubert. This alternate timeline excluded the existence of Billy Batson's Captain Marvel. In this timeline, the Wizard Shazam endowed these newcomers, along with the Flashpoint versions of Billy, Mary, and Freddy, with distinctive abilities, enabling them to form the renowned team S.H.A.Z.A.M. Upon uttering the word of power in unison, they transformed into Captain Thunder. Following the events of Flashpoint, Darla, Eugene, and Pedro were reintroduced as foster siblings to Billy, Mary, and Freddy. Billy subsequently shared his powers with them, effectively transforming them into bona fide superheroes.
8 Silver Surfer Wasn't Among The Defenders' Initial Trio
The Defenders, a "non-team" that debuted in 1971's Marvel Feature #1 by Roy Thomas and Ross Andru, originally consisted of Doctor Strange, Hulk, and Namor, aka the Sub-Mariner. They united to oppose Yandroth, a nefarious foe, and his creation, the Omegatron, a doppelgänger born of magic and science. After gaining popularity and securing their own series, Silver Surfer joined the ranks in 1972's The Defenders #2, crafted by Steve Englehart and Sal Buscema. Despite his late arrival, Silver Surfer has always been a pillar of The Defenders.
7 Ghost-Maker Took Charge of Batman Inc. Instead of The Caped Crusader
In the 2022 comic Batman Inc. #1, penned by Ed Brisson and illustrated by John Timms, Ghost-Maker assumed leadership of Batman Inc. rather than the Dark Knight himself.
An international crime-fighting network, established by Batman in the 2011 Batman Incorporated series, had already gained solid footing when Ghost-Maker made his debut in 2020. Originally a rival to Batman, Ghost-Maker eventually transformed into a reluctant hero. Later appointed by The Dark Knight to head Batman Inc., he was instructed to adhere to Bruce Wayne’s strict “no-kill” policy. His first assignment was to track down the villains responsible for murdering their former mentors. However, despite being tasked with reforming Batman Inc., he dissolved the organization shortly after. Nevertheless, the team's remnants persist in their mission, undeterred by Ghost-Maker’s choice.
6 Kate Bishop, aka Hawkeye, wasn't among the original members of the Young Avengers. This Avengers-level team was initially formed by Iron Lad, Patriot, Hulkling, and Wiccan. Kate Bishop, introduced in her civilian identity in the 2005 Young Avengers #1, later assumed the role of Hawkeye in the same series. After assisting the Young Avengers in defeating Kang, she invited herself to join the team, a status that was swiftly confirmed.
5 Kilowog became a part of The Green Lantern Corps long after the team's debut, joining them in 1986 as featured in Green Lantern Corps #201.Although it is commonly believed that Kilowog was a founding member of the Green Lantern Corps and played a crucial role in shaping this intergalactic superhero team along with Green Lantern Hal Jordan since its inception in Showcase #22 in 1959, the truth is that Kilowog only made his debut in Green Lantern Corps #201 in 1986, 27 years after the Corps was first introduced. As the stern trainer for all new Lantern recruits on Oa, Kilowog, despite his tough exterior, is a gentle giant who quickly became a valuable member of the Corps. His recent demise while fighting the Sinestro Corps has left a profound impact on every member.
4 Star-Lord Was Absent From The Guardians of the Galaxy's Initial Future Team
The Guardians of the Galaxy, as originally conceived in Marvel’s distant future, first appeared in Marvel Super-Heroes #18 in 1969 with a completely different lineup. The iteration that gained popularity, featuring Peter Quill, aka Star-Lord, emerged in 2008’s Guardians of the Galaxy #1 by Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning. Although Star-Lord had been part of the Marvel Universe since 1976, his profile rose significantly during the Annihilation comic event, leading him to become the leader and a crucial member of the new Guardians team, further cemented by his appearance in the MCU.
3 Beast Boy, Raven, and Cyborg Were Not Among The Original Teen Titans
The New Teen Titans #1, released in 1980 by Marv Wolfman and George Perez, marked a new era for the Teen Titans.The characters that define the Teen Titans, including their leader Robin/Nightwing, Beast Boy, Raven, Starfire, and Cyborg, were absent when the team first formed in The Brave and the Bold #54 in 1964. However, they eventually came together almost two decades later in The New Teen Titans #1 in 1980, thanks to Marv Wolfman and George Perez. Although Beast Boy (known as Changeling at that time), Raven, Starfire, and Cyborg are often regarded as founding members, they are actually the most beloved members of the team.
Wolverine, a legendary mutant hero who has risen to become one of the most renowned characters in the comic world, was not a part of the original X-Men team. The original squad, consisting of Cyclops, Marvel Girl, Angel, Beast, and Iceman, emerged in 1963, almost a full decade before Wolverine's existence as a character. After making his debut in a clash against the Hulk in 1974, Wolverine finally joined Marvel's mutant team in Giant-Size X-Men #1 a year later, and he has been a steadfast member of the team and its various incarnations since then.
Captain America, arguably Marvel’s most prominent hero, was not present during the Avengers' initial battle when they first appeared in The Avengers #1 in 1963. Created in 1941 for Timely Comics, Captain America was frozen in ice for decades until he was discovered and thawed out by the Avengers in their fourth exciting issue. Fortunately for the team, Cap retained all his battlefield wisdom, combat fervor, and exceptional leadership abilities during his icy slumber, enabling him to effortlessly assume the role of an inspirational leader, thereby shaping a super-team that has rescued the Marvel Universe countless times.