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10 Superheroes Revealed in James Gunn’s DCU Hall of Justice Mural

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James Gunn’s Superman laid significant groundwork for the future of the DC Universe. Yet, it wasn’t merely Maxwell Lord’s corporation-backed superheroes under Guy Gardner’s leadership that were important, but rather a vast, unexplored history of superheroes lurking in the background.

When Lois ventured to ask assistance from the Justice Gang at a revamped Hall of Justice modeled after the renowned Cincinnati Union Terminal, the authentic Winold Reiss murals were swapped with new ones that appeared to illustrate the chronicle of superheroes within the DC Universe. These depictions showcased heroes dating back to the 1940s and extending up to the 1990s.

Before the official unveiling of the murals, enthusiasts like user @dinahspolly have been left guessing who is who or resorting to questionable methods for identification of the superheroes depicted. However, it is clear that 10 distinct superheroes are recognized in the Hall of Justice within the DC Universe, despite some figures remaining somewhat unclear.

10 Superheroes From DCU’s Past

Atomic Knight (Gardner Grayle)

In the mural, you’ll find a knight clad in armor, his shield bearing an atom symbol – leaving no doubt that this iconic figure from history is none other than Gardner Grayle’s Atomic Knight. This hero was born in June 1960, crafted by John Broome and Murphy Anderson, first appearing in Strange Adventures #117. Originally a U.S. army sergeant, Grayle pilfered an experimental armor suit designed for a hypothetical post-nuclear war scenario.

Crafted for resilience against radiation, Grayle’s Atomic Knight armor boasts an additional capability of withstanding assaults from superpowered beings. The suit imbues him with enhanced physical prowess, enables force field deployment, and allows for energy projection blasts. Moreover, it possesses the unique feature of firing simulated red sun energy, posing a challenge to any surviving Kryptonians in the DCU.

In the contemporary age of the DC Universe, any legacy left behind by him might include his Atomic Knights, a team of individuals – some male, others female – who resemble him in their armor and were once led by him. It’s plausible that this group continues to exist, either under new leadership or possibly even him, though significantly older.

Freedom Beast (Dominic Mndawe)

Dominic Mndawe’s iconic character, the Freedom Beast, was born from the mind of comic great Grant Morrison and first emerged on the pages of Animal Man #13, published in July 1989. This powerful figure came to life in the fourth season of Titans, with Nyambi Nyambi bringing him to the screen.

A powerful protector known as Freedom Beast, who bridges the communication gap between all creatures, from animals to microorganisms across the universe, derives his abilities from a special mask that enables him to converse with various species, and a potent elixir that bestows upon him extraordinary physical prowess and swiftness.

In terms of Mndawe’s influence in today’s DC Universe, he didn’t have a direct successor in the comics because he is a legacy character himself, inheriting his powers and identity from B’wana Beast, who passed on the mantle and mask to him. However, it would be beneficial to consider Dominic Mndawe as part of the roster of black superheroes that could potentially join the DCU.

Wildcat (Ted Grant)

Near the South African superhero stands Wildcat, initially introduced in Sensation Comics #1, published in January 1942. This character was jointly created by Bill Finger and artist Irwin Hasen, who is associated with Batman. Throughout the years, Wildcat has been featured in numerous cartoons and live-action productions. The most recent portrayal of him can be seen in Stargirl, where Brian Stapf brings him to life; interestingly, John Wesley Shipp’s Jay Garrick also appears in this series.

Ted Grant lacks supernatural abilities, yet he’s an exceptional boxer and mixed martial artist, having personally mentored characters like Batman, Black Canary, and even Superman. Moreover, he was part of the prestigious Justice Society of America.

I’m excited to share that Grant has two potential successors who could take on the Wildcat mantle. One is his metahuman son, Tom Bronson, who has the extraordinary ability to transform into a were-panther. The other is my goddaughter, Yolanda Montez, who made history as the second Latina superhero. You might recognize her from the live-action series Stargirl, where she was brilliantly portrayed by Yvette Monreal.

Vibe (Paco Ramone)

The fellow sporting an unusual V-neck and breakdancing on the wall mural might just be Detroit’s homegrown superhero, Vibe, who was played by Carlos Valdes in The CW’s Arrowverse for a number of years. This character, originated by Gerry Conway and Chuck Patton, first appeared in Justice League of America Annual #2 back in October 1984. Vibe possesses extraordinary abilities that enable him to generate potent vibration shockwaves.

Once upon a time, Vibe opted out of leading his street gang and seized an opportunity to be part of the Justice League of America. With the help of Martian Manhunter, he managed to secure a spot in this esteemed group. However, his tenure was cut tragically short as he unfortunately became one of the rare losses among the team’s ranks.

In James Gunn’s DCU prior to the 2011 comic reboot, the character we know as Cisco Ramone was originally named Paco Ramone. If this character were to pass away or retire, it is possible that a family member could take up the mantle using the modern version of his name.

Gunfire (Andrew Van Horn)

As a die-hard film enthusiast, I can’t help but notice the fiery redhead standing next to that incredible breakdancer – she’s an uncanny doppelganger of the iconic ’90s superhero, Gunfire! This electrifying character first graced the comic book pages of “Deathstroke the Terminator Annual” #2, published in October 1993. Len Wein and Steve Erwin were the masterminds behind her creation, crafting a hero with powers strikingly reminiscent of the mutant Gambit.

In an unexpected turn of events, Venev, a Bloodlines Parasite, initiated his metagene unintentionally while embarking on a violent rampage alongside six similar entities, attempting to harm him. It’s worth mentioning that this isn’t the first extraterrestrial intrusion recorded in the DCU; Peacemaker has previously dealt with such an incident.

In the DC Universe, Gunfire might continue as an active superhero, just newly introduced to the mural, yet there’s also a possibility that his successor, a reimagined version named Blake, could take over.

Doctor Fate (Kent Nelson)

In the painting, a man dressed in a blue business suit and seemingly carrying a golden helmet might represent Doctor Fate, more specifically Kent Nelson. Although he’s been featured in numerous cartoons and live-action shows, his first live-action film appearance will be in “Black Adam,” portrayed by Pierce Brosnan.

In the comic book series “More Fun Comics” issue 55, dated May 10, 1940, Doctor Fate first made an appearance. With the power bestowed upon him by Nabu, a deity of Order, Doctor Fate is one of the original members of the Justice Society of America. Utilizing his virtually limitless magical abilities, he assists in safeguarding our world.

As a devoted cinephile, I’d venture to guess that if Nelson were to pass on his iconic helmet, it would most likely end up with Khalid Nassour – an Egyptian-American doctor who currently dons the mantle of Doctor Fate in the comic book world.

Silent Knight (Brian Kent)

In the mural, there’s another knight, distinguished by a red helmet and shield, who can only be identified as the enigmatic Sir Brian Kent, a 6th-century English noble. This character was brought to life in the comics by Robert Kanigher and Irv Novick. He made his debut in issue #1 of The Brave and the Bold, where he was portrayed as a young prince who covertly put on armor to shield his kingdom.

Silent Knight boasts an intriguing background, suggesting that he could have been a previous form of Carter Hall’s Hawkman and a forebearer of Jonathan Kent. Yet, unless he’s been moved through time, transformed into a ghostly apparition, or someone else has donned the armor, it seems improbable that we will witness Silent Knight in the DC Universe.

Black Pirate (Jon Valor)

A fellow is perched on a barrel, sporting yellow trousers and a violet cloak, a fitting image for the Black Pirate character portrayed by Jon Valor. Originating from the mind of Sheldon Moldoff, this pirate vigilante made his debut in the Action Comics, specifically issue #23, which hit the stands in April 1940.

In the 16th century, he served as a privateer under the King of England. However, he was falsely accused of murdering his own son and sentenced to death by hanging. His spirit is said to have cursed the land where he was executed, which later developed into Opal City. But when his innocence was finally proven, the curse was lifted.

If we haven’t altered Valor’s backstory for the DCU, it seems he should have perished by now and his presence in the mural is symbolic of ancient superheroes. However, if that’s not the case, there might still be a ghostly echo of him lingering if justice has yet to be served properly.

 Max Mercury / The Flash (Jay Garrick)

Crouching, donning his traditional cap and seemingly poised for a dash, stands Jay Garrick’s Flash. He is the original speedster in Gunn’s DCU, debuting in Flash Comics #1 on January 10, 1940. This iconic character was created by Gardner Fox and Harry Lampert as one of the initial members of the Justice Society of America.

On the contrary, user @Sussussamongus suggests that the kneeling figure may not be Garrick, but rather Max Mercury, another speedster. This belief stems from the fact that Whip Whirlwind’s costume, worn by Max, has a color scheme more similar to the one in the mural compared to Garrick’s attire, particularly since the figure in the mural wears white boots which Garrick never did.

In my own words, I’ve taken note of James Gunn’s comments regarding the mural. It appears he clarified that Jay Garrick isn’t present in the artwork. Given this information, it seems highly likely that the figure depicted on the mural is indeed Max Mercury.

Super-Chief

Finally, a towering, bare-chested individual standing beside the speedster, entirely masked, is none other than Super-Chief – the legendary Native American superhero, first introduced in Gardner Fox and Carmine Infantino’s All-Star Western issue 117, published in March of 1961.

At least four individuals have been titled Super-Chiefs, but the first one is believed to be Flying Stag. According to legend, after he was confined in a pit, the powerful spirit Manitou gifted him a meteorite to wear as a talisman. This talisman bestowed upon him extraordinary physical abilities including strength, durability, flight, and extended lifespan.

Although Super-Chief had some form of limited immortality similar to Silent Knight and Black Pirate, it is highly probable that he has passed away, with the exception of an unlikely event where he was transported into the DCU’s future. It seems more plausible that his role has been taken over by his great-grandson, Jon Standing Bear, a young man who served in the military and previously served time in prison.

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2025-07-18 22:07

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