If there is a thread on this group of heroes, please merge this with it. I couldn't find one.
With that out of the way, I was always curious about the Charlton staple of heroes and why some caught on, while others didn't, especially after the success of the Watchmen series. Nearly all of the men had series back in the day, some lasting longer than others, but I think the real reason Blue Beetle and Captain Atom stayed visible throughout the years is because they both had successful careers as members of the Justice League. Captain Atom was even made the leader of the Earth heroes during Invasion.
But what about the others? Was it there looks? Was it their powers or overall aesthetic?
I know the Question has sort of a cult status, only intensifying around the time the JLU cartoon was on. Yet Sage was killed and replaced by Renee Montaya.
What was the reason Nightshade didn't even get a mini series? Was it because she was (gasp!) a woman? She was without question the 2nd most powerful Charlton character when DC reintroduced her after Crisis, yet she was sideline into the Suicide Squad. I didn't read that book back in the day, so I don't know how crucial her role was there. I did like her in the Shadowpact but I feel she could have been so much more.
I know absolutely nothing of Thunderbolt (Peter Cannan) but with a quick read, he really could have given Batman a run for his money. I know he was the inspiration for Ozymandias, but why couldn't Ozymandias inspire a re-imaging of Peter, minus the mass murder and stuff.
And how did DC lose the rights to Thunderbolt to Dynamite Comics? His costume is great over there though.
The only thing I remember from Judomaster after crisis was seeing him in Who's Who with the All-Star Squadron. I know there's more to him than that but he has been almost a non-factor for a long time. I did like his legacy character in the Justice Society but she really didn't have much characterization because of the language barrier.
Peacemaker just had a bad look with an ugly-ass helmet and a horrible personality, from what I remember.
So, would you like them to form some sort of team or to have them join other more popular properties?
Ted seem to be fine in the Terrifics. But where should Nathaniel go? For one thing, Captain Atom should go back to his classic power and not be Dr. Manhattan lite. I would like to see him on the Justice League, but I know he's not popular enough with what DC is trying to do with the title.
What about Eve; where should she go? How about Justice League Dark? I would love to see her there but I doubt that would raise her popularity. JLD is an excellent book -- much better than the main JL title -- but it is hardly talked about. What about over in the Outsiders?
What about Peacemaker and Judomaster -- should they stay in limbo?
What about the Question -- should he have a backup story in Detective Comics? Should he be sucked into the Bat-verse? Would constant limited series with a great writer and moody artist enhance his profile?
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