Category: Features

James Gunn has always loved hiding Easter Eggs in his superhero films. While some are a little easier to discover, the director famously led fans on a years-long hunt of coded information in the coordinates of locations in Guardians of the Galaxy and hasn’t updated the process in some time. His latest (and perhaps greatest) superhero film, Superman, contained dozens, including a large and lovely mural painted on a wall in the backdrop of a scene set in the Hall of Justice that depicts the history of metahumans in the DCU. Now, after giving fans some time to identify the characters, Gunn has posted high-res images of the mural online, making that task much easier. We’ve chosen to break the characters down in parts, left to right, beginning with those who likely were among the earliest heroes in the DCU.

Sister Symmetry: An Agent of Order in the DC Universe

Sister Symmetry is a powerful and enigmatic figure within the DC Comics pantheon, primarily known as an avatar of the Lords of Order. While not a standalone hero in the traditional sense, her presence signifies the machinations and cosmic influence of these ancient beings who strive to maintain balance and impose structure upon the multiverse.

Her most prominent manifestation in modern DC continuity has been through Madame Xanadu. The mystical Madame Xanadu, a long-lived sorceress and advisor to many of the DC Universe’s magical elite, has at times been forced to serve as a host for Sister Symmetry, typically through the mystical artifact known as the Cloak of Cyra. When adorned with this cloak, Xanadu’s powers and personality are subsumed by the will of Sister Symmetry, turning her into a direct agent of the Lords of Order.

As a representative of the Lords of Order, Sister Symmetry possesses immense magical abilities, often focused on manipulating and controlling existing magical energies rather than creating them. Her powers reflect the essence of order, including:

• Precognition and Divination: The ability to foresee events and understand complex magical forces.
• Transmutation: The power to alter matter and energy, often to impose a more “ordered” state.
• Eldritch Blasts and Elemental Control: Manifestations of raw magical energy and command over natural elements.
• Teleportation and Astral Projection: The capacity to traverse vast distances and operate on other planes of existence.
• Immortality: As a being tied to the Lords of Order, she transcends mortal limitations.

Sister Symmetry’s appearances are often tied to major magical crises in the DC Universe, particularly those that threaten to unravel the fabric of reality through chaotic forces. Her actions, while sometimes seemingly harsh or unfeeling, are driven by the ultimate goal of preserving order and preventing cosmic collapse.

The Silent Knight: Medieval Might and the Code of Chivalry in the DC Universe

Brian Kent, The Silent Knight,is a unique figure in the annals of DC Comics, standing apart from the costumed heroes and villains of the modern age. Hailing from 6th-century England, he is a chivalrous knight whose adventures are steeped in the lore of King Arthur and the age of legendary quests. His most distinctive trait, as his name suggests, is his vow of silence, a self-imposed penance for a past mistake or a dedication to his knightly duties.

Created by Robert Kanigher and Irv Novick, the Silent Knight first appeared in Brave and the Bold #1 (1955). While he operates in a historical setting, the Silent Knight’s connection to the broader DC Universe sometimes subtly emerges. He exists in a world where magic is real and powerful, and sometimes faces threats that hint at connections to larger mystical forces. Though not directly interacting with modern heroes, his existence enriches the DC tapestry by demonstrating that heroism transcends time periods and different forms of “costumed” identity.

The Silent Knight possesses no inherent superpowers, but he is a master of medieval combat and strategy. His formidable skills include:

• Exceptional Swordsmanship: He is an unparalleled swordsman, capable of defeating multiple opponents with his broadsword.
• Master Horseman and Jouster: Highly skilled in mounted combat, he is a formidable opponent in jousts and charges.
• Skilled Archer: Though primarily a melee fighter, he is also proficient with a longbow.
• Tactician and Strategist: He often outmaneuvers his foes through clever planning and understanding of battlefield dynamics.
• Unwavering Moral Compass: His strict adherence to his knightly vows and code of chivalry often serves as his greatest strength, guiding his actions with honor and integrity.

The Silent Knight serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of classic heroism and the foundational ideals of courage, justice, and self-sacrifice, proving that a true hero can emerge in any era, with or without a word. As part of a modern retcon Kent is now believed to have been. one of the many past lives of Carter Hall, aka Hawkman.

Exoristos: The Exiled Amazon of the Demon Knights

Exoristos is a compelling and formidable character introduced to the DC Universe as part of the “New 52” relaunch, primarily featuring in the medieval-set series Demon Knights. Her name itself, “Exoristos,” means “exile” in Greek, directly reflecting her background as an Amazon warrior cast out from her homeland.

First appearing in Demon Knights #1 (2011), Exoristos is a powerful Amazon who, unlike many of her Themysciran sisters, roams the world during the Dark Ages. Her reason for exile is a key mystery of her character, and it profoundly shapes her worldview and interactions with others. She’s often portrayed as a pragmatic, sometimes cynical, and fiercely independent warrior.

Exoristos becomes a central member of the titular Demon Knights, an unlikely assemblage of immortal and super-powered individuals brought together to defend a small town from a powerful magical assault. This team includes other notable DC figures such as Etrigan the Demon (and his human host Jason Blood), Madame Xanadu, Vandal Savage, the Shining Knight (Sir Ystin), and Al Jabr. Her interactions within this diverse group often highlight her unique perspective as an Amazon navigating a less civilized and more brutal world.

As an Amazon, Exoristos possesses a formidable array of enhanced physical attributes and warrior training:

• Superhuman Strength: She possesses immense strength, easily capable of overpowering multiple human foes, battling mythical creatures, and even stopping a giant rhino with a sledgehammer.
• Superhuman Durability: Exoristos is highly resistant to injury, able to withstand blows that would kill ordinary humans.
• Enhanced Stamina: She can exert herself at peak physical levels for extended periods without tiring.
• Master Combatant: Trained in the Amazonian tradition, she is an expert in various forms of armed and unarmed combat. She is proficient with swords, axes, and other medieval weaponry.
• Skilled Tactician: Beyond raw power, Exoristos demonstrates strategic thinking and battlefield awareness.

Exoristos embodies the Amazonian warrior spirit, but her exile and experiences in the brutal medieval world have also instilled in her a grounded, sometimes weary wisdom. Her story explores themes of belonging, the consequences of ideals, and the ongoing struggle for justice in a harsh world, making her a standout character from the Demon Knights series.

The Black Pirate: Swashbuckling Justice on the High Seas of History

The Black Pirate, primarily Jon Valor, is a classic DC Comics character who brings the adventurous spirit of the Golden Age of Piracy to the comic book page. Created by Sheldon Moldoff, he first appeared in Action Comics #23 in 1940, establishing himself as a unique hero operating centuries before the advent of modern superheroes.

A 16th-century English privateer, Valor,  under the guise of the Black Pirate, uses his skills and ship to fight for justice and challenge tyranny on the high seas and in the burgeoning nations of Europe. Unlike many of the more villainous pirates of popular culture, Valor operates with a strong moral code. He is essentially a freedom fighter, using his buccaneering skills to aid the oppressed and punish the corrupt.

The Black Pirate’s stories are characterized by their historical setting, emphasizing swordsmanship, sailing prowess, and a sense of derring-do. He is often accompanied by his son, Justin, who serves as his loyal, if sometimes impetuous, sidekick.

While primarily a historical character, Jon Valor has had a notable posthumous influence in modern DC Comics. His ghost played an important role in James Robinson’s acclaimed Starman series, where he helped Jack Knight in his quest. This appearance highlighted the lasting legacy of heroism across time periods within the DC Universe. His grandson, Jack Valor, has also taken up the mantle of the Black Pirate in more contemporary stories.

The Black Pirate possesses no superpowers but is an exceptionally skilled and resourceful human:

• Master Swordsman: Jon Valor is an expert with a cutlass and other blades, capable of engaging and defeating multiple opponents.
• Exceptional Sailor and Navigator: He is a brilliant ship captain, possessing an innate understanding of naval strategy, seamanship, and navigation.
• Highly Skilled Tactician: He can devise clever plans to outwit his enemies and lead his crew effectively in various situations.
• Acrobatic and Agile: His life at sea and in combat has made him remarkably agile, capable of swinging, climbing, and performing feats of physical prowess.
• Keen Intellect: He is a shrewd observer and a capable detective, often uncovering hidden motives and solving complex problems.

The Black Pirate serves as a timeless emblem of adventure and justice, demonstrating that heroism is not confined to any single era, and that a strong moral compass, combined with skill and courage, can make a significant difference in the face of oppression. His recent appearance in a mural in the Hall of Justice in the new Superman film further solidifies his place as an enduring figure in the DC pantheon.