Throughout the Golden Age ofDC Comics, some heroes have been established to be veterans of the game. Some of the bestDCheroes out there may be in their older years, whether that’s in the 40s or 60s, but their determination to fight for justice never slows them down, presenting comic fans with some of the best middle-aged DC heroes.
There have been some incredible feats of heroics from these heroes in their early and later years as crime fighters and those who battle evil for justice. Whether it’s a Green Lantern, a vigilante, or even someone who is already dead, the best DC heroes aren’t always those witha thing for bats.
7Robotman
The Mind of a Man in the Body of a Robot in His Late 60s
Cliff Steele was once a brilliant driver who involved himself in a number of NASCAR tournaments, but an unfortunate driving accident left him for dead, with only his brain salvageable. An incredible scientist, Niles Caulder, used Cliff’s brain and placed it within the body of a cybernetic being, thus being known as Robotman.
Robotman is one of the best characters from the Doom Patrol, and his gruff personality, inability to fit in, and odd-ball humor make for a great hero who will fight against all evils, no matter how weird or dangerous. Considering Cliff had his accident in the late 50s or 60s,by today’s time, he would be in his late 60s, as his brain might age, but his body cannot.
6Deadman
A Circus Performer Turned Heroic Ghost Who Must Be in His 50s
Boston Brand was born to be an egotistical gymnast, and his paths even crossed that of the Flying Graysons. Brand’s hot-headed and arrogant nature stemmed from his abusive childhood, and he could not leave behind his past trauma, which led to alcoholism tormenting him to the point where an assassin would take his life during a trapeze performance just a few years after leaving Haley’s Circus.
Now in a state of death, but unable to move on, Brand was punished by remaining in the land of the living as a ghost. Taking on the mantle of Deadman, Brand would atone for his past sins by fighting for the forces of good alongside the supernaturalheroes of the Justice League Dark.
5Green Arrow
A Fighter for Injustice, Well Into His 40s
A billionaire with wealth to rival that of Bruce Wayne, Oliver Queen uses his unmatched archery and his liberal ideals to free Star City from corruption and poverty with the moniker of the Green Arrow. Green Arrow is a modern-day Robin Hood, and Oliver Queen fights for social justice, the poor, the suffering, and the marginalized.
Green Arrow proves that maturity doesn’t come with age, as he isprone to mistakesin his own personal life that cost him his relationship with Black Canary, more than once a year. This Emerald Archer has used his skills for good well into his 40s and shows no signs of slowing down.
4Wildcat
A Rugged Former Boxer Turned Crime Fighter, Late into His 60s
Ted Grant is a survivor, a man who was raised in combat sports and became a professional boxer well into his 20s. When Ted Grant’s boxing career took a turn after being framed for the murder of a boxing opponent, Grant became Wildcat to clear his name. Ted then went on to have a great career as a crime fighter with the Justice Society and even became the mentor of Black Canary.
Wildcat is no spring chicken, and his veteran status as a hero is something to be admired. A man who believes that fists are nature’s problem solvers, Wildcat makes it clear that he’s always up for a scrap against crooks and criminals. In his later years, Wildcat becamea great mentorand father figure thanks to his decelerated aging.
3Hal Jordan
The Iconic Green Lantern of Sector 2814, Also in His 40s
Hal Jordan is a veteran of the Green Lantern Corps, and it all began with the death of his father when he was just 8 years old. Ever since his father died in a plane crash, Hal knew he wanted to be the best pilot out there. Yet, that all changed when a Green Lantern, Abin Sur, chose Hal to continue his intergalactic-police mission. Hal may have started as a Green Lantern in his 20s, but he’s had decades to become the best of them.
Hal is getting on a bit, still a Green Lantern but well into his 40s. Hal has fought enemies near and far across the universe, and his lack of fear and willingness to fight those who worship evil’s might proves that no evil can escape this middle-aged hero’s sight.
2Plastic Man
A Petty Crook Turned Into a Hilariously Overpowered Hero in His 60s
Patrick “Eel” O’Brian wasn’t always a hero, and he used to be a small-time crook. That was until he was shot and exposed to a strange acid that forever changed his body’s structure, allowing him to morph with ease, even if it was a tad creepy. O’Brian decided to use this new power to fight crime, and his zany heroics caught theattention of Batman, who knew Plastic Man could perhaps be the hero to outlast them all, and defeat even Superman if the need arose.
Plastic Man is one of the first Golden Age heroes, and he has since gone on to have a son as well as act as a celebrated hero across multiple teams. His unique physiology shows that age can’t stop him, and based on his history, he must be well into his 50s or even his 60s, yet the plastic design of his skin means he wouldn’t look any older than his 20s.
1Aquaman
The King of Atlantis, a Founding Member of the Justice League, in His 40s
It’s only right that Aquaman acts as the oldest of the Justice League, except for Wonder Woman, who must be well into her thousands. Aquaman is a leader, and as the years go by, his status as the King of Atlantis and the Seven Seas will grow into legend. Arthur Curry may not have been born a king as the son of a lighthouse keeper and an exiled Atlantean Queen, but he was always fated to be one, a fate that he would take well into his 20s.
Now in his 40s, Aquaman has had a life that shows his age. The responsibility of a king, a husband, and a father, Arthur Curry has the life of a middle-aged man, but with thearmies of Earth’s oceanand his powers as a half-Atlantean, that won’t be a weakness.
