One of the series of DC books that exists is the Earth One franchise, modernizing the origin stories of some of the most iconic superheroes. With the multiple iterations that exist of characters like Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and more, Earth One helps new readers to get a fresh start. While the franchise has slowly been fleshing out that universe, there are plenty of characters that have yet to get the Earth One treatment. The next graphic novel that is set to come out is the sequel to Green Lantern: Earth One as it continues the adventures of this version of Hal Jordan.
But the graphic novels have so far only introduced a handful of DC’s most iconic characters or groups. While it remains to be seen what the future has in store for Earth One, it certainly seems like the company is intending to continue fleshing that universe out. These are 10 characters from the DC Universe that should get their own Earth One graphic novel.
John Constantine
When it comes to the magical side of the DC Universe in Earth One, the books have barely explored the supernatural aspect. With the focus primarily on the science fiction realm of DC, there has been little room made for magic-based characters thus far. One of the best characters that represent DC’s supernatural corner is John Constantine.
With the infamous Hellblazer having been around for as long as he has, Constantine is someone that could benefit from the Earth One treatment. What would John’s origin story look like if it happened in 2020? With the right writer, Constantine: Earth One graphic novel would allow new readers to get a taste of the fan-favorite wise-cracking demon hunter.
Green Arrow
While Earth One has introduced Batman through his own Earth One series, there are still plenty of vigilantes who are due for their debut. One of DC’s most famous ones is Oliver Queen a.k.a. Green Arrow. Even though he has one of the simpler origin stories, an Earth One twist could still mix things up to some degree. Oliver being stranded on an island should always be part of his back story. But that doesn’t mean that new layers can’t be added to it.
Black Canary
If Oliver gets introduced to Earth One then so should Dinah Laurel Lance a.k.a. the Black Canary. While the iconic heroine is known a lot for her tricky romance with the Emerald Archer, Dinah is also recognized as one of the founding members of the Birds of Prey. When it comes to Black Canary in general, whether it’s her or Dinah Drake, the comic canon has been a bit convoluted for many years.
With a Black Canary: Earth One story, this is an opportunity for a fresh start. Rather than focusing on one just one of them, the graphic novel could tell the story of the past and present version of Black Canary. As readers would follow Lance’s birth as a hero, the story could also feature flashbacks of when her mom was the Black Canary.
Booster Gold
Something that Earth One has yet to do is explore heroes from the future. With this universe still being so fresh, it makes sense why there is a primary focus on the present. But what does Earth One look like in the future for these characters? If DC were to choose a hero to represent the future, it’s Booster Gold. While a lot of that hero’s DNA has to do with him traveling back into the present (his past), Booster Gold: Earth One could still offer some insight to long-time Earth One readers of what this universe looks like from his timeline.
Aquaman
With almost half of the iconic Justice League line-up introduced, one of the missing ones is Arthur Curry a.k.a. Aquaman. Even though there were previously announced plans for an Aquaman: Earth One graphic novel by Francis Manapul, no developments have been made since the initial announcement.
It remains to be seen if that book has been scrapped or not. But regardless, Aquaman should be getting his Earth One treatment. With the massive history behind the character, a reimagined take on his origin story would be compelling to see; especially with the tone that Earth One has set thus far.
Justice Society of America
What did Earth One look like in the past before Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman arrived? If a Booster Gold book would represent Earth One’s future, there is no reason why a story about a character in the past wouldn’t work. When it comes to heroes of the past, the Justice Society of America is something that comes to a lot of long-time readers’ minds. As the group is getting used more and more these days, seeing the JSA in an Earth One light would be a fascinating addition to that universe.
Supergirl
Superman’s trilogy ended in 2015 as J. Michael Straczynski completed his complete story for this iteration of the Man of Steel. While it’s unclear when readers will see that version of Superman again, there is another Kryptonian that they could introduce in the meantime. Even though Kal-El is Krypton’s last son, he still has his cousin Kara Zor-El who is that planet’s last daughter.
Supergirl is another character whose DC history has been extremely convoluted. An Earth One treatment could make things easier for new readers of the character. It also would be a shame if that universe’s Superman never gets to meet his beloved cousin.
Hawkgirl/Hawkman
DC has an endless list of characters that have had their history rewritten several times. When it comes to Hawkgirl and Hawkman, they’re part of that group. Rather than giving the two of them separate books, a Hawkgirl/Hawkman: Earth One story would be something new for the franchise. Not only could it make their comic history a bit simpler, but it would be the first time a couple is taking center stage of a title.
Martian Manhunter
J’onn J’onzz a.k.a. the Martian Manhunter is one of DC’s more complex heroes and has been for a long time. If this hero were to ever get his own Earth One book, it would be an opportunity to do another prequel setting. Given that he has lived for as long as he has, seeing J’onn’s tragic life on Mars to when he gets to Earth would be a chance for a darker storyline for the series.
The Flash
Just like Aquaman, The Flash was also supposed to get his own Earth One book. While Straczynski was set to write it, the book's status is unknown. Whether it has been canceled or not, the Scarlet Speedster is due for his Earth One treatment even if it’s with a new writer. Since Wally West was introduced in Teen Titans: Earth One Vol. 2, that makes an even bigger cause for why Barry Allen needs to get introduced to the Earth One universe.