Legends Beyond DC: Unusual Origins and Depictions

In the vast universe of superhero media, particularly in the Arrowverse, we often encounter characters and storylines that diverge from the traditional origins of other famous superhero universes such as DC Comics. These deviations can be quite interesting and often create unique dynamics within the shows. For instance, characters like Sara Lance and Ava Sharpe do not originate from DC Comics but have roots in the comics before being adapted. This article delves into some of these characters and their intriguing backstories.

Common Misconceptions: Legends and DC Comics

Many fans believe that all characters associated with the term 'legends' are direct creations of DC Comics. However, this is often not the case. Some characters have unique origins that blend elements of the comics with original concepts, creating a rich tapestry of narrative possibilities. Let's explore some of these fascinating examples.

Character Spotlight: Sara Lance and the White Canary Myth

Sara Lance: Originally, Sara Lance, best known as white canary, was not a creation of DC Comics but a character with deep connections to the Arrowverse and its popular spin-off, Legends of Tomorrow. Sara Lance was originally intended to be another character, named 'Ravager' aka Rose Wilson, before the role was given to actress Summer Glau. In the show, Sara Lance is depicted quite differently from the White Canary from DC Comics, who is often portrayed as Black Canary's sister or former partner. Her alter ego, Mia??, is far removed from the originally planned character from the comics.

Renamed and Adapted Characters

Green and Red Canary: Renaming is a common practice to ensure character recognition without legal issues. Jefferson Jackson was originally named 'Black Canary' before being retconned to have the name 'Firestorm.' Similarly, Carter Hall, originally known as 'Hawkman' in the comics, became 'Sha'zaar' or 'Scythian Torvil' in the series to avoid legal disputes. The original storyline had Carter Hall and Scythian Torvil as more like Martial Heroes than superheroes as they gained their powers through training, similar to Marvel's Deathlok. This adaptation makes the characters more fitting to the show's unique continuity.

Heat Wave and Captain Cold: The Divergent Paths

Mick Rory / Heat Wave and Leonard Snart / Captain Cold: These characters have been adapted to fit the Legends of Tomorrow series. While in the comics, Mick and Leonard are simply Heat Wave and Captain Cold respectively, in the show, they were given new names like 'Terminator' for Mick and 'Hawke' for Leonard. These changes and additions were made to enhance the show's narrative and make the characters more interesting and distinct from their original comic book counterparts.

Reverse-Flash and Other Newcomers

Eobard Thawne / Reverse-Flash: The Reverse-Flash from the comics, Eobard Thawne, has a different origin story in the Arrowverse. He is adapted to fit the series and is portrayed as a more intimidating and sinister villain. The character's chilling name change from "Thawne" to "Thawne" is more dramatic and matches the show's overall tone.

Unique Origins: Creating for the Show

Ava Sharpe, Gary Green, Amaya Jiwe, Mona Wu, Zari Tomaz, Gideon, Nora Darhk, and Behrad Tarazi: Many of the Legends of Tomorrow characters, like Ava Sharpe and Gary Green, have no direct counterparts in the comics. Their creation was purely for the show, adding depth and diversity to the ensemble. Similarly, Amaya Jiwe and Zari Tomaz were conceived as original characters, inspired by comic book archetypes. Gideon, as a character, seems to have been created in the show's universe, specifically for the time vault storyline. The same applies to Nora Darhk, the daughter of Damien Darhk, introducing a new layer of conflict and drama. Lastly, Mono Wu, Behrad Tarazi, and Osiris were all created as unique original characters, avoiding any potential legal issues and contributing to the show's distinctive storylines.

These adaptations and reworkings of characters from DC Comics, or in some cases, completely new characters, contribute to the rich and unique world of the Arrowverse. By blending and adapting, writers can create compelling narratives that resonate with audiences while also introducing fresh elements to the established superhero universe.