DC Comics has been a prominent name in fiction for nearly one hundred years, and has produced some of the most phenomenal superheroes in comic books. These characters will undoubtedly stand the test of time and live on for generations to come.
DC Comics is home to iconic characters such as Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, and The Flash. However, it is also home to many other characters that may not shine as brightly, but are just as important as their examples. Among the vast sea of heroes are supportive sidekicks that dot the I’s and cross the T’s. Sidekicks are often overlooked in most media, but those in DC Comics stand on their own merit and are pivotal in the DC universe. Here are the best sidekicks in DC Comics, ranked.
8 Speedy (Roy Harper)
The Talented Black Sheep
- First Appearance: More Fun Comics #73
Roy Harper has a long and muddled history in the DC universe, and is often disparaged among his fellow heroes. Originating as the sidekick to Green Arrow, Roy was a faithful partner and an expert marksman. He was frequently two steps ahead of his own mentor, proving that he had a bright future as a hero.
As Speedy, Roy Harper saved hundreds of lives and worked alongside some of the greatest heroes in DC Comics, like Superman and Wonder Woman. Unfortunately, Speedy fell from grace when it came to light that he was an addict, and Green Arrow abandoned him.
7 Tempest (Garth)
The Forgotten Prodigy
- First Appearance: Adventure Comics #269
Tempest, also known as Garth, was the original Aqualad and the first sidekick to Aquaman, but he is one of the least remembered. Garth was a mighty fighter and dependable hero, standing by Aquaman’s side as his most trusted ally. Garth was talented in both sorcery and physical combat, being one of the strongest Atlantians alive. Tempest is also one of the founding members of the Teen Titans, cementing his legacy as a pillar of DC Comics. However, he was slain at the height of his career by Slade Wilson. His death rocked the foundations of many heroes in the DC Universe, especially his allies in the Titans.
6 Kid Flash (Wally West)
The Fastest Of The Fast
- First Appearance: Kid Flash: The Flash #110
Kid Flash has been a title for a number of speedsters. However, Wally West was one of the first and most famous names to take up the mantle and work alongside The Flash. Wally West was struck by the same lightning bolt that granted his uncle his super speed. As an agent of the Speed Force, Wally is capable of the same immeasurable speed as his uncle and became his faithful sidekick upon starting his superhero career. Wally’s history in DC Comics is extensive, as he not only saved the world on multiple occasions and succeeded his uncle in becoming the Flash, but also became one of the most powerful speedsters in DC Comics to date.
5 The Marvels Shazam Family
A Collection Of Power And Justice
- First Appearance: Whiz Comics #1
The Marvels are Billy Batson’s close-knit family members who become superheroes after he grants them portions of his power as Shazam. The team consists of Mary, Pedro, Eugene, and Darla, who have had multiple iterations over the years. Together, Shazam and his family protect the world using their special powers and take care of each other in the process. In the recent DC Rebirth event, the Marvels have taken over as the Council of Eternity and oversee the various worlds that the Rock of Eternity connects.
4 Aqualad (Kaldur'ahm)
The Sub-nautic Hero
First Appearance: Brightest Day #4
Kaldur’ahm has not had as extensive a history in DC Comics as other heroes on this list. Also known as Jackson Hyde, Aqualad is the second sidekick to Aquman and a pivotal member of the Teen Titans. Jackson was born to an Atlantian woman and the villain Black Manta. Being half Atlantian, it was Aquaman who introduced him to his other half and granted him the opportunity to take up the emerald of Aqualad.
Kaldur’ahm surpassed all expectations, becoming a prominent hero and earning the respect of his comrades for his outstanding integrity. Aqualad has more than proven himself to be one of the best sidekicks who would someday lead a protégé of his own, if not the entire Justice League.
3 Rocket (Raquel Ervin)
The Brilliant, Formidable Number Two Of Milestone Comics
- First Appearance: Icon #1
Rocket is a character that originated from the brilliant minds and skill of Dwayne McDuffie, Denys Cowan, and Mark Bright as a part of Milestone Media. Milestone Media has since become a part of the DC universe, and Rocket has appeared multiple times throughout publications.
Rocket is the partner to Icon, the flagship character of Milestone Media, and provides more than just a powerful punch to her mentor. Rocket is an incredibly intelligent hero who stands up for what she believes in and never backs down in the face of adversity.
2 Jon Kent
The Son Of Superman
- First Appearance: Action Comics #583
Jon Kent is one of the newest characters introduced by DC Comics, and is the son of the Man of Steel. Now nearly a full-grown man, Jon Kent serves as a hero alongside his father.
Having gone through his own trials, Jon started out as a young pup of a hero, but now stands shoulder to shoulder with his father as a soon-to-be greatest hero of all time. As a Kryptonian, Jon Kent has all his father’s abilities and a few new ones to go along with his own story. But most importantly, he also has all his father’s traits, from compassion to control.
1 Robin (Tim Drake)
The Boy Wonder
- First Appearance: Batman #436
Robin is one of the most legendary sidekicks in DC Comics history. He was the original partner to the Caped Crusader making them the dynamic duo. The role of Robin has been passed down multiple times, with some leaving the nest and others meeting more tragic ends. However, one of the best and brightest Robins is undoubtedly Tim Drake.
Unlike most other Robins, Tim Drake volunteered for the role after determining that Bruce Wayne was Batman. With a brilliant mind, Tim was forged into an elite strategist and combatant after being taken under Bruce’s wing and has since shown to be just as formidable as the world’s greatest detective in both brain and brawn.
