TheArrowversehas formally come to an end, bringing manyDCcharacters' stories to a close after more than a decade. The shared universe thrived for years, withtheArrowverse’s crossover eventsuniting many characters from all over the franchise. Supernatural, street-level, cosmic, and other corners of the Arrowverse led to exciting characters.
Crisis On Infinite Earths was the last major crossover event to span different Arrowverse TV shows.
Throughout theArrowverse’s multiple series, the shared universe kept trying to innovate and diversify its roster of heroes and villains. That would include both classic DC Comics characters and original players created for the franchise. WithThe Flashformally ending the Arrowversein 2023 andSuperman & Loistangentially keeping it alive until the end of the year, theArrowverse built a beautiful legacywith beloved characters, though some rank above others.
30Batwoman
From Batwoman
Batwoman ended up being a dual role in the Arrowverse. First, Ruby Rose gave life to Kate Kane, doing a serviceable job in the role but not making the iconic Batwoman soar like she does in the comics.Javicia Leslie’s Ryan Wilder was Kate’s opposite, becoming more fun and likable than the stiff original heroine and breathing new life into the series.
29Black Lightning
From Black Lightning
Cress Williams’Black Lightningwas a show relegated to minimally tying into the Arrowverse. The actor deserved more, ashe delivered a strong and nuanced performance as Jefferson Pierce. The character was a compassionate hero who had to look out for others and raise his family, going through emotional struggles over four seasons.
28Lex Luthor
From Supergirl And Superman & Lois
Lex Luthor is another dual role in the Arrowverse. Jon Cryer played a more classic narcissistic genius version of Lex, with his sociopathic tendencies in plain sight.Superman & Loiswent for a different take on the villain, withMichael Cudlitz’s Luthor being a frightening personon a warpath. Both worked perfectly for their worlds.
27Jordan Kent
From Superman & Lois
One ofSuperman & Lois' best aspects is its expansion of the Kent family in live-action. Jordan isthe son of the Clark Kent and Lois Lane couple who got his father’s powers. Throughout the series, the teen has to learn that he cannot be reckless with the impressive powers he has, slowly growing into a hero.
26Jonathan Kent
Jonathan Kent is Jordan’s brother and has to go on a tougher journey in a way. At the start of the show, he is forced to move away from his popular status and friends in Metropolis, restarting his life.
Jonathan Kent was first played by Jordan Elsass, who exited the show. Michael Bishop then took over the role.
All that while he watches his brother develop powers. Still,Jonathan is the hero of the duo in many situations without any powers, merely through his bravery and kind heart.
25Black Siren
From Arrow
The death of Katie Cassidy’s Black Canary was one of the Arrowverse’s worst and most controversial decisions. Thankfully, the franchise managed to turn it around by introducing Black Siren,a multiverse version of Laurel Lance. Cassidy thrived in the character’s initial villain role, selling her redemption arc well over multiple seasons ofArrow. The character became one of the show’s best by the end.
24Martian Manhunter
From Supergirl
The Arrowverse isthe only live-action franchise to do right by Martian Manhunterso far. David Harewood did a phenomenal job of playing the veteran hero and a mentor to Melissa Benoist’s Supergirl in the DC series. Be it as Martian Manhunter or DEO chief Hank Henshaw, the character was every ounce as wise as he is known to be, with some nicely added emotional moments.
23Wally West/Kid Flash
From The Flash And DC’s Legends Of Tomorrow
Wally West would have been higher on the list had he appeared more in the Arrowverse. Keiynan Lonsdale’sKid Flash served as a nice counterpoint to Grant Gustin’s Flash, more erratic, impulsive, and stubborn. Wally matured over the years, becoming a more balanced and calm hero by the end of his run in the franchise. Kid Flash was also a fun member of the Legends of Tomorrow for a short time.
22Leonard Snart/Captain Cold
Leonard Snart should have stayed longer in the Arrowverse. Wentworth Miller’s charismatic performance as the sarcastic character who started as a villain and later became a morally gray character was always entertaining. His interactions with the Flash made their relationship complex.Snart became one of the leaders of the Legends of Tomorrow, sacrificing himself to save his team.
21Quentin Lance
Few characters managed to leave such an emotional mark on the Arrowverse the way Quentin Lance did. Paul Blackthorne’s character had a complicatedrelationship with Stephen Amell’s Oliver Queen that evolved into a friendshipoverArrow’s run. The character had to deal with multiple heartbreaking events, still keeping himself a man with a strong moral code and compassion. Quentin’s death was utterly tragic, but heroic, as he always was.
