Exploring Unheralded DC Villains: Air Wave and Catman

Superhero universes like the DC Comics universe are renowned for their array of characters, both heroes and villains. While many renowned figures like supervillains such as Lex Luthor and Joker get the most attention, there are a plethora of equally fascinating and obscure figures who often go overlooked. Two such notable characters are Air Wave and Catman. This piece delves into the stories, backgrounds, and unique characteristics of these DC villains, exploring why they might be worth a closer look!

Air Wave: The Under-the-Radar Super Villain

Getting a bit of exposure from the much loved Harness miniseries, Air Wave is one of those lesser-known DC villains who adds a unique flavor to the villainous roster. The original Air Wave, created in 1966, established a few interesting differences in the DC universe. He was portrayed as a cousin of one of the Flash's most beloved characters, Hal Jordan, and managed to hold a semi-supporting role for a period before mysteriously disappearing.

Upon his return as an entity known as a Black Lantern, Air Wave met with a second death. However, DC creators are not exactly known for their consistency in storytelling. So, it wouldn't be a big surprise if all of this never did happen, as the reboot of the DC universe across various comics erased many of these past events. In recent years, the beloved Mary Marvel has had her character redefined, and it's anyone's guess what new adventures Air Wave might find himself in if he actually exists within this altered DC Universe.

Despite his history of disappearing and reappearing, its clear that Air Wave's unique airborne powers and interesting mythos make him a character worth exploring. His past and future could hold intriguing twists and turns worthy of any DC fan. Hopefully, his spotlight shines even brighter in the future!

Thomas Reese Blake: The Catman

Aside from the glorious air-based antics of Air Wave, another character that deserves attention on DC Comics' villainous roster is the Catman. Thomas Reese Blake, a character from the Silver Age of Comics, is an interesting blend of classic campiness and modern depth. As a villain, he appeared to embody a stereotype, but his true story is far more intriguing.

During his early tenure in comic books, the evil counterpart to Catwoman, or perhaps the same character with a different name, was nothing more than a campy and one-dimensional camp basis villain. However, during the Villains United series, a part of the larger Infinite Crisis storyline, Catman’s story took a much darker and more complex turn. The character was shown to have lived among lions in an African pride and only turned to antagonism when those lions were killed, indicating a deep sense of justice and morality.

Not only is Catman known for being a master of stealth and tracking (so much so that he is reportedly the best tracker on Earth), but his backstory also implies a dark history of trauma and recovery. His strength and prowess in combat, often holding his own against some of the best fighters in the DC universe, including none other than Batman, make him a powerful and complex character. Additionally, his monetary contributions to environmental and animal rights causes stand as a stark contrast to his criminal tendencies.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Catman is his Bisexual orientation, his deep friendship with the notorious Deadshot, and his profound ability to help people work through their traumatic experiences. His romantic interest in birds, despite his vocal disdain for dogs, adds another layer to his character. Catman's detailed and complex background is what makes him a compelling figure for any story he appears in, making him an issue booster whenever he is featured in comics.

A Call to Attention: Restoring the Spotlight to Forgotten Heroes and Villains

Every superhero universe, regardless of the author or the time period, seems to have its fair share of overlooked characters. These characters, the so-called villains, offer a lense into various stories and themes that might get overshadowed by the main characters. For example, while Air Wave holds an interesting place in DC Comics history, a character such as Catman adds a depth and complexity that elevates any comic he appears in.

The importance of keeping these characters in the spotlight cannot be overstated. Their unique stories and backstories add layers and dimensions to the narrative, making the overall experience richer and more fulfilling. DC can consider regularly rotating characters like Air Wave and Catman into the spotlight, giving them the recognition they deserve. This not only enriches the overall comics, it also keeps the fanbase engaged and expanding the universe in exciting new directions.