James Gunn's DCU faces a crucial mission: resurrecting one of Gotham's most underrated heroes. For five years, I've been immersed in the world of comics, with a particular fondness for Star Trek titles. Now, let's dive into the heart of the matter: James Gunn's DCU has a golden opportunity to revitalize a forgotten gem from Gotham's shadows. The new DCU is off to a promising start, and its success hinges on blending iconic DC characters with lesser-known figures, giving them their well-deserved moment in the spotlight. Gotham, a city teeming with heroes, presents the perfect stage for one such character to truly shine.
Enter Simon Dark, a character created by Steve Niles and Scott Hampton. This unique hero starred in his own series, which ran for 18 issues between 2007 and 2009. Set in the heart of Gotham, Simon Dark is a modern twist on the classic Frankenstein tale.
Imagine a being pieced together from the remnants of the deceased, brought to life through supernatural means, and tasked with protecting Gotham from its most sinister threats.
Steve Niles: A Pioneer in Comic Book Horror
In 2002, IDW Publishing, a relatively new player in the comic book industry, released 30 Days of Night. This comic, born from writer Steve Niles's initial movie pitch, which was later adapted into a comic book, was a game-changer. Illustrated by Ben Templesmith, 30 Days of Night was a watershed moment in the early 2000s.
30 Days of Night catapulted IDW, Niles, Templesmith, and the horror genre in comics into the spotlight. The horror genre had waned in popularity, but 30 Days of Night, along with The Walking Dead, helped reignite interest. Niles quickly became a sought-after creator.
Simon Dark and the Legacy of DC Comics
DC Comics has a rich history of supernatural and magical elements, dating back to the publisher's earliest days. Before Superman's debut in 1938, DC published the adventures of supernatural detective Doctor Occult. This trend continued into the Golden Age with characters like Zatara, the Spectre, and Doctor Fate.
When Simon Dark emerged in 2007, DC's supernatural side had just undergone a significant transformation thanks to Infinite Crisis a few years earlier. The rules of magic were rewritten, and the DC Universe introduced its first stable team of supernatural heroes, the Shadowpact.
But here's where it gets controversial... Despite the exciting developments within the DC Universe, Simon Dark never crossed paths with any of its iconic characters. The series remained self-contained. Even though the story unfolded in Gotham, Batman was only mentioned, and the Shadowpact never sought Simon's help.
Simon Dark: A Prime Candidate for a Comeback
Since his series concluded in 2009, Simon Dark has faded into obscurity. A quick search reveals that he hasn't made any appearances in the 16 years since, and the series is unavailable on the DC Universe Infinite app. Furthermore, while the series was compiled into trade paperbacks, they are now out of print, fetching high prices in the secondary market.
And this is the part most people miss... James Gunn has a unique opportunity to bring Simon Dark back into the DCU. While the DCU has yet to cast its Batman, The Brave and the Bold is set to feature The Dark Knight, potentially serving as the perfect platform to introduce Simon Dark.
However, given Simon Dark's current low profile, James Gunn might consider other DCU projects for his revival. A Swamp Thing film is in development, which could also be an excellent vehicle for Simon Dark's introduction. The character never got a chance to truly shine, but the DCU has the power to change that.
What do you think? Should James Gunn bring Simon Dark into the DCU? Would you like to see him in The Brave and the Bold or the Swamp Thing film? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
