DC Comics has not been immune to the effects of 2020. This tumultuous year has seen long-time comic book fans suffer the loss of such beloved characters as Deadshot and Swamp Thing. Yet, for every untimely passing, DC has introduced a new and exciting fictional personality to capture the imaginations of loyal readers. While an exhaustive list of recent additions would stretch farther than Plastic Man’s arm, it only makes sense to wrap up 2020 by reexamining the best new characters in the DC Universe. Were these fresh faces just a flash in the pan or will they have a role to play in the events of the New Year?
Punchline
When Harleen Quinzel and the Clown Prince of Crime permanently parted ways in Harley Quinn #25, it left a gaping vacancy in the Joker’s “murderous love-stricken sidekick” department. Enter Alexis Kaye, aka Punchline. The college-student-turned-homicidal-clown was created by James Tynion IV and Jorge Jiménez for Batman #89 back in February. She factored heavily into the recent Joker War storyline when she helped steal Bruce Wayne’s fortune and wage a bloody assault against the people of Gotham. The character became so popular, in fact, as to merit her own self-titled series. Exactly how she will play into Future State and Infinite Frontier remains to be seen.
Andy Curry
Andrina Curry is the daughter of Mera, Queen of Atlantis, and Arthur Curry, the hero known as Aquaman. Nicknamed Andy by her doting father, the character was created by Kelly Sue DeConnick for Aquaman #57 earlier this year. Andy may only be a few months old, but her life has been nothing if not eventful. She was born while her mother lay in a comatose state induced by the villainous Black Manta. During Mera’s recovery, Aquaman raised Andy in the small coastal town of Amnesty Bay. She was subsequently kidnapped by the Ocean Master but promptly saved by Arthur, Tula and Aqualad. A teenage Andy Curry will co-star in the upcoming Future State: Aquaman title alongside Jackson Hyde.
Liar Liar
Speaking of daughters, Emma Derapolis is following in her villainous father’s footsteps. Conceived by Mariko Tamaki and Mikel Janín, the offspring of Maxwell Lord made her debut in Wonder Woman #759. Several issues later, she used her inherited mind-control abilities to murder her own mother. After Max denied Emma and attempted to control her powers via drugs, she adopted the Liar Liar moniker and has since made several attempts on his life. Thankfully, Diana was able to talk her out of killing the comatose Max in Wonder Woman #769. The Amazons have agreed to look after Emma and try to rehabilitate her. Perhaps Future State will address whether she ultimately chooses good or evil.
Clownhunter
Bao Pham, aka Clownhunter, is another creation of James Tynion IV and Jorge Jiménez born from of the chaos of Joker War. Clownhunter debuted several issues after Punchline in Batman #96 but has quickly garnered just as enthusiastic a fan following. The seventeen-year-old Batman devotee became disenchanted with his hero when Bruce’s brand of non-lethal justice allowed the Joker to go free. After the Clown Prince of Crime came to Gotham Narrows and murdered his parents, Bao turned to vigilantism to protect his neighborhood. His weapon of choice is a baseball bat with a sharp Batarang protruding through the middle. Will a full-grown Clownhunter make an appearance in pages of Future State?
Synmar
Eisno Alkor is the Superman-like warrior of the Synmar, an ancient alien race that witnessed Krypton’s destruction. The word “Synmar” can get a little confusing as it seems to represents their world, race, and even Eisno himself at times. Brian Michael Bendis and Ivan Reis concocted the character for Superman #25 as Synmar’s contingency plan lest Kal-El grow into a planet-dominating despot. Who could've guessed that Alkor would overthrow his government and become the domineering dictator he was created to thwart? Thankfully, Supes stopped Eisno Alkor with the help of the United Planet Brigade. The Synmar and Eisno Alkor may factor into future intergalactic events in the new year.
Ghost-Maker
Ghost-Maker first appeared in Batman #100 and is another brilliant byproduct of James Tynion IV and Jorge Jiménez. While his real name is unknown, Ghost-Maker is a vigilante with a skillset equal to the Dark Knight’s. In fact, Bruce and Ghost-Maker trained together in their youth and were acquaintances if not friends. The two had a falling out, however, when the latter espoused lethal means of stopping villains. Ghost-Maker returned to Gotham in the aftermath of Joker War as he believed that he could protect the city better than the failing Batman. While their reconciliation in Batman #105 was a little Kumbaya for some fans, the character will certainly resurface in 2021.
Tommy Maxx
Thomas Misell, aka Tommy Maxx, isn’t the stereotypical villain, and that’s what’s so interesting about him. Shawn Martinbrough and Tony Akins created the character for Red Hood #51 and located him in the Gotham neighborhood known as the Hill. Tommy is a clothing designer who found success selling apparel inspired by Batman’s rogue gallery. His merchandise is distributed by criminal elements in the secluded neighborhood. After his latest shoe design was rejected and his partner slapped him around a bit, Tommy Maxx decided to make a power play for the Hill by breaking Killer Croc, his current inspiration, out of Arkham. Of course, Croc double-crossed Tommy and got the fledgling foe arrested. Here’s hoping this unconventional villain returns in Infinite Frontier.
Frost King
The Frost King first appeared in Justice League: Endless Winter #1 and is the main antagonist in this ongoing end-of-year crossover event. Born Edwald Olafsson, the Frost King began as a simple 10th Century Norse husband and father who discovered he had cryokinetic powers. Without proper training, these powers got the better of Olafsson and he inadvertently brought about devastating snowstorms in his native Greenland. The tribespeople mistook Edwald for a fabled frost giant of Norse mythology and attempted to burn his house down. When this failed attempt on his life killed one of his sons, Olafsson was overcome by his powers and transformed into an elemental monstrosity. DC’s Endless Winter wraps up soon, but the Frost King may return to wreak havoc in subsequent stories.