Extrano
In 1988, DC introduced the character Extrano to audiences, marking him as one of the first openly gay characters in superhero comic book history. However, the portrayal of this character was not only defined by his sexual orientation but also by his very flamboyant and eccentric personality, which often led to fans having mixed feelings about him.
Extrano possesses the ability to manipulate reality and appear as he desires, often leading to surreal scenarios. However, instead of using his powers for heroic deeds, Extrano frequently found himself in trivial situations, causing audiences to feel detached and ultimately leading the writer to significantly alter this character after a few comic issues.
Danny the Street
Danny the Street, a name that needs no introduction, is essentially a sentient street. Created in 1990, DC introduced us to this incredibly bizarre superhero, and calling him a sentient street is quite fitting.
Many experts would argue that if Danny is indeed a street, then how does he move? The answer is that he does not move but can instead shift the entire street (or rather, the entire area). This allows him to reach a destination without the surrounding inhabitants even realizing it.
Infectious Lass
Another character often deemed a “fail-hero,” Infectious Lass debuted in 1974 and possesses a uniquely bizarre power: the ability to spread diseases to others. Originating from the planet Somahtur, she carries numerous germs that can be transmitted through the simplest of contact.
You might think of her as a counterpart to Rogue, who also has a similar but distinctly different ability that requires physical contact with others. Infectious Lass, however, can cause pain and discomfort from a distance without ever touching her target, which is quite unsettling.
Codpiece
Just looking at the image of Codpiece is likely enough to leave you speechless. The character’s name alone raises eyebrows, and it’s no wonder why Codpiece is often ridiculed. This character comes equipped with a unique device that can transform into a powerful weapon, allowing him to attack from a distance. However, most of his stories are centered around this gimmick, which raises more questions than answers about his character.
However, Codpiece’s role as a sentient weapon often leaves fans scratching their heads. It’s hard to feel any thrill when faced with a character whose name is a punchline, making it difficult to take him seriously.
Tyroc
Tyroc was introduced in 1976 when DC was lacking in superheroes of color. If this character were to be created today, it would undoubtedly result in a significant backlash as it appears to be a stereotype rather than a genuine representation.
This character was created with powers that cause others to cover their ears due to his loud voice, and alongside being the first superhero of color, he also embodies a complex narrative that would not be well-received in today’s context, especially given the lack of authentic representation.
