The Most Powerful Space-Based Super Heroes in DC Comics

Originally published August 4, 2023. This article covers the most popular DC super heroes from space.

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When you think of space-based super heroes in DC, the Super Family and the Lanterns (of all colors!) probably come to mind. Of course, that makes sense. Superman, Supergirl, and Green Lantern are probably the most well-known and widely utilized among the intergalactic Justice League set. But there are also plenty of other noteworthy extraterrestrial heroes.

Below, let’s take a look at DC super heroes whose powers, lives, and jurisdiction are all set outside of Earth’s atmosphere.

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Blue Beetle

Jaime Reyes AKA Blue Beetle is one of the more recent DC space super heroes to be featured on the big screen. But it’s worth noting that Jaime is the third character to assume this hero’s mantle. Like Dan Garrett, the first Blue Beetle, Jaime obtained his powers through a mystical blue scarab. This artifact hails from The Reach, an ancient cosmic race intent on taking over other planets. They created the scarab to mind control its user. Since the scarab is so old and defunct, however, it instead forms a symbiotic relationship with its host.

When fused with the scarab, Blue Beetle is enveloped in blue and black shell-like armor. Inside that armor, he can access and interact with its artificial intelligence interface, which calls itself Khaji-Da. Jaime uses his imagination and unique personality to make himself into an epic super hero. While he can’t initially control his powers, Jaime has slowly gained some semblance of control over the extraterrestrial suit — which makes him a far more formidable adversary.

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Starfire

Starfire, or Koriand’r, is a member of the Titans (formerly known as the Teen Titans). She is also the princess of the planet Tamaran. However, she was exiled and captured as a slave after losing a battle with her sister. Fortunately, she escaped to Earth to plot her vengeance and return Tamaran to glory. While that story sounds dark, Starfire herself is actually quite sweet and loving. She cares deeply for her teammates and has a soft heart, a trait which we’d consider a strength, not a weakness.

But we digress. Because she is of Tamaran descent, Starfire can constantly absorb ultraviolet radiation. This then converts to pure energy, also allowing Starfire to fly. Additionally, Starfire possesses superhuman stamina and speed. She is trained in advanced hand-to-hand combat as well. So don’t let that shining smile fool you! Starfire can beat just about anybody in a battle.

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Martian Manhunter

Martian Manhunter/J’onn J’onzz is one of the original Justice League members — alongside Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, The Flash, and Aquaman. So you know J’onn is a force to be reckoned with. A native of the planet Mars, Martian Manhunter was accidentally teleported to Earth. After being stranded, he assumes the human disguise “John Jones” and decides to fight crime with his Martian powers.

Obviously, then, Martian Manhunter’s main strength is his shapeshifting. He can change his entire body, or isolate certain parts such as his arms to transform them into weapons. He can turn invisible, use Martian vision, and fly. According to other heroes, Martian Manhunter is the most powerful telepath on Earth. With such an extraordinary range of abilities, it’s no wonder he was a top choice for the World’s Greatest Heroes.

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Dawnstar

Dawnstar comes from Starhaven, a planet entirely inhabited by the descendants of Native Americans abducted from Earth in the 13th century. Once displaced, their metagenes were triggered, and their physiology changed considerably. Although Dawnstar and her brethren mostly resemble Ancestral Puebloan humans, they also have large, white-feathered wings. As a result, Dawnstar and her people can fly.

However, flight is the least interesting thing she can do. We’re more interested in Dawnstar’s ability to track life forms and objects through time and space. Because she needs to survive in deep space, she can generate a self-sustaining environmental forcefield. And when she escapes typical gravitational conditions, she can travel faster than light. Consider us impressed.

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Hawkgirl

Many heroes have used the title Hawkgirl over the years. The most notable are Shayera Hol, Shiera Sanders Hall, and Kendra Saunders. All three women are reincarnations of the Egyptian princess Chay-Ara. Additionally, all incarnations of Hawkgirl are powered by a belt forged in Nth metal. This rare substance is only found on the planet Thanagar, where the original Hawk heroes lived. It allows the Hawk heroes to fly and regenerate.

Hawkgirl is more than her belt, though. Each iteration of the hero displays extraordinary combat skills, psychic endurance, emotional and military intelligence, and weapons handling. Plus, her Thanagarian physiology allows her to communicate with birds. Armored to the beak and holding onto multiple lifetimes’ worth of trauma and abilities, Hawkgirl is definitely someone you want on your super team.

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Lobo

Is Lobo a hero? Well, that’s debatable. But there’s no doubt about whether this pale-faced alien with jet black hair is the Main Man!

With an epic mustache and a badass bike, this Czarnian is like nobody else in the galaxy. However, similar to Superman, he’s also one of the last of his kind. Perhaps that contributes to his wild, unpredictable nature — or maybe that’s just Lobo. Either way, he’s one tough bastich with his strength, stamina, and near immortality.

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Who do you think is the most powerful extraterrestrial DC super hero? Share your picks at side.show/geekgroup or in the Sideshow Social Network, and don’t forget to Let Your Geek Sideshow!