10 most problematic DC characters (that people refuse to see as problematic)

Who doesn't love DC? If you don't, this is probably the article for you. Here, we point out the most problematic characters in all of DC Comics. For those of us who love DC, we can all look deep inside ourselves to find that part of us that must face a real issue—some of our most beloved characters are pretty problematic.

This list won’t just contain villains but some of our most beloved and iconic characters made the list. Heroes who we admire and villains we fear all have their own set of flaws that make them problematic. Their actions and characteristics, whether through their moral dilemmas or their destructive behaviors, often raise significant concerns.

So, whether you're a fan or a critic, it’s important to acknowledge that these iconic figures have their problematic sides. The sooner we can come to grips with this the better.

10. Superboy-Prime

Low-hanging fruit to have Superboy-Prime on this list, I know, but you know it makes sense. Superboy-Prime is one of the most controversial and problematic characters in DC Comics. If you don’t know, he comes from an alternate reality where DC characters are fiction. However, his immense power and lack of personality quickly turned him into a major problem for the DC Universe.

Let's talk feats. Remember the Infinite Crisis event? Yeah, he was responsible for changing the multiverse. If that’s not enough, the dude also killed the entire Green Lantern Corps.

What’s wild is that Superboy-Prime is so OP that he doesn’t have much of a personality. Fans love to bring him up because of his insane feats, but those same feats make him a bit of a problem. He’s like that overpowered character in a video game that nobody wants to play against because it’s just not fun. I’m talking to all those who play with the Chiefs on Madden.

Superboy-Prime gives those who hate DC some serious ammunition. He can beat the Justice League, teamed with some villains to do so. Oh, and he planned to take on the Anti-Monitor by himself. Of course, he thought he could since he punched his way out of the Speed Force. Yeah, dude is a real problem… Admit it.

9. Joker

The Joker has become one of the most beloved villains in all of DC. This is partly due to excellent performances, none better than the late great Heath Ledger’s, but Joaquin Phoenix is right there too. In all honesty, these portrayals contribute to why fans can’t admit Joker is a massive problem.

Remember the “romantic” love story of Joker and Harley Quinn? If you do, you’re remembering it wrong. There was no love story, only a toxic relationship with a guy who used a woman and discarded her when he felt like she wasn’t good enough. The Joker’s manipulation and abuse of Harley are disturbing, yet some fans still romanticize their dynamic, ignoring the dark reality.

The Joker’s list of atrocities in the comics is extensive. He beat Jason Todd, the second Robin, to death with a crowbar in “A Death in the Family.” He shot Barbara Gordon, paralyzing her, in “The Killing Joke,” and subjected Commissioner Gordon to psychological torture. These are just a few of his heinous acts over the decades.

Despite his chaotic charisma and the dark allure that makes him a compelling character, the Joker is a nightmare incarnate. His actions leave a trail of suffering and destruction, yet his popularity persists. This dichotomy highlights the problematic nature of his character—a villain whose evil deeds are often overshadowed by his iconic status and the unforgettable performances that have brought him to life.

The Joker’s enduring appeal poses a significant issue: fans often overlook his vile behavior, enamored by his anarchic charm. It’s time to face the truth—Joker is not just a problematic figure in Gotham; he’s a massive problem for the DC Universe, and it’s high time we stopped glorifying his madness.

8. Lobo

Everyone loves them some Lobo. He’s an intergalactic bounty hunter and everything Superman is not. He is violent, foul-mouthed, and often morally bankrupt. Sure, I get it, he has a pretty solid backstory. Lobo is the lone survivor of a species called the Velorpians, who were wiped out due to overpopulation. Yeah, that would make anyone angry. Still, fans have to admit that his over-the-top aggression and lack of respect for life make him a controversial and problematic figure in the DC Universe.

Lobo’s appeal lies in his stark contrast to the traditional superhero archetype. While Superman embodies hope and justice, Lobo revels in chaos and destruction. His brutal methods and irreverent attitude set him apart, but they also raise significant ethical concerns. Lobo’s casual violence and gleeful destruction often blur the line between anti-hero and outright villain, making him a morally ambiguous character at best.

Moreover, Lobo’s interactions with other DC characters highlight his problematic nature. He’s clashed with Superman, Batman, and even the entire Justice League, often leaving a trail of devastation in his wake. Despite his crude charm and dark humor, Lobo’s actions frequently cross the line, making him a divisive figure among fans.

In a universe where heroes strive to protect and inspire, Lobo’s relentless brutality and disregard for life make him a troubling presence. While his rebellious persona and chaotic antics can be entertaining, there’s no denying that Lobo’s extreme behavior makes him one of the most problematic characters in the DC roster.

7. Damian Wayne

Damian Wayne, while a fantastic foil to his father Bruce, is easily one of the most problematic characters in DC. Introduced as an infant in 1987, he wasn’t formally brought into the storyline until 2006, and everything changed. The problem with Damian is, he’s a total douche—a temperamental, killing machine who comes off as a smart-mouthed, entitled brat. He’s arguably the worst Robin in history.

Damian’s upbringing by the League of Assassins instilled in him a ruthless demeanor that clashes with Batman’s no-kill policy. Trained by his mother, Talia al Ghul, and his grandfather, Ra’s al Ghul, Damian was bred to be a warrior, not a hero. His first appearance in “Batman and Son” showcased his violent tendencies, and he’s been a controversial figure ever since.

In the “Batman: Battle for the Cowl” storyline, Damian’s arrogance and disdain for authority were on full display, making him difficult to root for, despite his impressive skills. His confrontational nature often puts him at odds with other members of the Bat-Family, further highlighting his problematic traits.

Even in his tenure with the Teen Titans, Damian’s leadership style is more dictatorship than democracy, leading to friction within the team. And that’s putting it lightly, the boy kidnapped the heroes to form his version of the Teen Titans. Yeah, tell me that’s not problematic. 

 6. Dr. Manhattan

Dr. Manhattan, originally from the Watchmen series, has become one of the most overpowered characters in the DC Universe. His near-godlike abilities make him a fascinating but problematic figure. Created by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons, Dr. Manhattan’s powers include manipulating matter, seeing the future, and even creating life. His omnipotence and detachment from humanity make him a challenging character to integrate into the broader DC continuity.

One of the main issues with Dr. Manhattan is his ability to alter reality. In the "Doomsday Clock" series, he tampered with the timeline, creating significant disruptions in the DC Universe. His interference led to events like the New 52 reboot, fundamentally altering the history of beloved characters. This level of power makes it difficult to write compelling stories where the stakes feel genuine, as Dr. Manhattan can essentially solve or create any problem with a thought.

Fans often discuss how Dr. Manhattan’s presence overshadows other characters. His abilities make traditional heroes like Superman and Batman seem almost insignificant in comparison. This imbalance can dilute the impact of classic narratives, where heroes struggle against formidable but beatable foes.

Dr. Manhattan’s godlike status also raises philosophical questions about free will and destiny, adding layers of complexity that can be both intriguing and cumbersome. While his character explores deep existential themes, his overpowering nature makes him a problematic fit in the DC Universe, where balance and relatability are crucial for maintaining engaging storytelling.

5. Batman

Sure, he’s a hero, but let’s not forget that Bruce Wayne is a billionaire who beats up criminals instead of, you know, funding social programs. Gotham’s crime rate hasn’t exactly dropped since he put on the cowl. Maybe it’s time for some introspection, Bruce.

Yes, I know you’ve heard it—Batman has a screw loose. Why, you ask? Because he continues to lock up the Joker in places like Arkham Asylum despite the fact that this guy breaks out more times than... well, a lot. He breaks out a lot. And let's be honest, the Joker isn't the only one. Batman's presence in Gotham drew out the crazies while also striking fear into their hearts. His existence caught Ra's al Ghul's attention, leading to an encounter with Talia al Ghul, the Demon’s Head’s daughter, with whom Batman had a child.

What’s wild is that Batman had the nerve to turn down taking over the League of Assassins, where he could have enacted change on a global scale. Instead, he chose to stay in Gotham, punching low-level thugs and keeping his personal rogues' gallery in a revolving door of incarceration and escape.

Tell me you’re a problem without telling me you’re a problem. Batman’s well-intentioned yet deeply flawed approach to justice shows that even the Dark Knight has some glaring blind spots.

4. Harley Quinn

Harley Quinn is a bit of a problem. Okay, she was a pretty major problem, especially during her DC inception. Oh, don’t twist your face like puddin’, you know as well as I do that the Joker and Harley love story isn’t a love story at all. She put up with some horrendous stuff, took the fall for the man she thought she loved, and what did she get in return? A life sentence in the Suicide Squad. Okay, not a life sentence, but she literally had a chip implanted in her brain that would undead her if she stepped out of line.

Sure, the Joker plays a significant role in her downfall, but Harley was supposed to be the sane one, remember? She was a highly educated, hard-working psychiatrist. Despite her brilliance, she fell for the Joker’s manipulations, becoming his loyal sidekick and enabler of his madness.

In the comics, Harley's origin in Batman: The Animated Series showed her transformation from Dr. Harleen Quinzel into the Joker’s partner in crime. Her quirky personality masked a history of very unhealthy relationships and questionable decisions. Fortunately, DC has since revamped Harley's character, giving her depth and independence. Now, millions of fans love her for all the right reasons, celebrating her journey from a problematic sidekick to a complex, empowered anti-hero.

While Harley’s past is undeniably problematic, her evolution highlights the potential for growth and redemption, making her one of DC’s most iconic characters.

3. Aquaman

Aquaman, aka Arthur Curry, might be the king of Atlantis, but he's also a problematic figure in the DC universe. For starters, he has a serious superiority complex when it comes to land-dwellers. His disdain for humans is thinly veiled, often prioritizing his underwater kingdom over global issues. Plus, let’s be real—talking to fish?

In the comics, Arthur’s arrogance often leads to tensions between Atlantis and the surface world. His conflicts with Black Manta and Ocean Master frequently spill over, causing massive destruction on land. Not to mention, his royal duties often keep him detached from the troubles of ordinary people, making him seem… disconnected.

While Jason Momoa, along with directors James Wan and Zack Snyder, have revitalized Aquaman's image, giving him a rugged, more relatable edge, the core issues remain. The movies may have turned him into a badass warrior with a trident, but deep down, Arthur Curry is still a fish whisperer. His ability to communicate with sea creatures, though visually impressive, doesn’t erase his historical problems.

Momoa’s portrayal brought much-needed charisma and a sense of fun to the character, but the comics’ Arthur still struggles with balancing his dual heritage and responsibilities. Whether he’s ruling Atlantis or saving the world, Aquaman’s complicated relationship with both realms makes him a hero with plenty of rough edges.

In all fairness, the cinematic makeover has helped. Unfortunately, the essence of Aquaman as a problematic figure still remains. His underwater priorities and somewhat condescending attitude towards land-dwellers continue to make him… get ready for this pun—fish out of water in the superhero world.

2. Superman

When you think Superman you think goodness, truth, and justice—or is he? His unwavering moral compass and perfection make him a problematic figure in an imperfect world. The guy is just too good. Unless, of course, Zack Snyder gets his hands on him. Then he’s brooding, conflicted, and…well, let’s just say Martha’s name carries a lot of weight.

Since he crash-landed in Kansas, Superman has been a magnet for trouble. Think about it: Brainiac, General Zod, Doomsday, and countless other big bads have shown up on Earth, drawn by the presence of the last son of Krypton. His very existence invites destruction. Metropolis has been leveled more times than we can count, and it’s almost always because someone is trying to take down Superman.

And let's not forget, despite his near-godlike powers, Superman is often criticized for being, well, boring. His moral perfection and Boy Scout persona can be a bit much. That is unless Zack Snyder is the brains behind the Man of Steel. Snyder's version of Superman isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty—like snapping General Zod's neck in "Man of Steel." It's a jarring shift from the traditional Superman, but at least it makes him interesting.

In a world filled with shades of grey, Superman’s black-and-white worldview is a bit problematic, even if he’s just trying to do the right thing.

1. Barry Allen

Barry Allen, the Scarlet Speedster, might be a beloved hero, but his character has some serious issues. The biggest problem? He straight-up stole everything we loved about Wally West. Wally, with his cocky, comedic, boyish charm, was the real Fastest Man Alive. From the CW series to the DCEU and even in the comics, it feels like Barry has hijacked Wally's identity.

In the comics, after the Crisis on Infinite Earths, Wally West took up the mantle of the Flash, bringing a fresh, vibrant energy to the character. His personality resonated with fans: he was fun, relatable, and a bit of a goofball. Barry, on the other hand, was always more of a straight-laced, serious hero.

However, the CW's The Flash series flipped the script, turning Barry into a quirky, charming character—a role that was quintessentially Wally's. Even in the DCEU, Ezra Miller’s portrayal of Barry Allen carries the comedic, light-hearted essence that was Wally’s hallmark in the Justice League animated series.

This character shift isn’t limited to TV and movies. In recent comic storylines, Barry has been infused with Wally’s traits, leaving the original Wally West in the shadows or, worse, sidelined. It’s a disservice to Wally’s legacy and a problematic rebranding of Barry Allen. By erasing Wally’s unique personality and giving it to Barry, DC has muddied the waters of what made each character distinct and beloved in their own right.