As James Gunn charts the new direction of the DC Universe (DCU), many fans are hoping he will revive Simon Dark, one of Gotham’s frequently forgotten heroes. This push comes at a critical time, with Gunn blending legendary DC icons and lesser-known characters, spotlighting overlooked stories and figures in the expanding superhero landscape.
Simon Dark, the creation of Steve Niles and Scott Hampton, starred in an 18-issue comic book series from 2007 to 2009. Rooted in Gotham, Simon’s backstory evokes Frankenstein, as he was assembled from the remains of deceased individuals and brought to life through supernatural methods. With these origins, Simon Dark defended Gotham against some of its most sinister threats, embodying a different shade of Gotham’s vigilante tradition.
Steve Niles’ Influence on Horror Comics and Genre Revival
In 2002, IDW Publishing, then a newcomer in the comic world, launched 30 Days of Night by writer Steve Niles and artist Ben Templesmith. Originally conceived as a movie concept, the project was reshaped into a comic after it was turned down by movie studios. The series quickly became an early 2000s landmark, drawing attention to Niles, Templesmith, and the entire horror comics genre.
Horror comics had experienced a slump in previous years, but the arrival of 30 Days of Night and series like The Walking Dead reenergized the genre. With the success of these titles, Niles gained recognition among comic book fans, becoming a sought-after creative voice and setting the stage for his later work on Simon Dark.
Simon Dark and DC’s Magical Traditions
The mystical and magical elements are a longstanding tradition in DC Comics, dating back before Superman’s 1938 introduction. Early supernatural figures like Doctor Occult paved the way for classic characters such as Zatara, The Spectre, and Doctor Fate, establishing a legacy of magical heroes within the DC universe.
Simon Dark’s debut in 2007 coincided with a significant update to DC’s supernatural segment, following the Infinite Crisis event that rewrote the rules of magic across the universe. This period also saw the formation of the Shadowpact, one of DC’s initial stable supernatural teams and a precursor to the Justice League Dark. Despite this broader context, Simon Dark’s storyline remained self-contained, set in Gotham but never involving Batman directly, nor integrating with teams like the Shadowpact.
The Case for Simon Dark’s Comeback in the DCU
Since 2009, Simon Dark has largely disappeared from the DC landscape. Searches reveal no new appearances over the past sixteen years, and the original comic series remains inaccessible via the DC Universe Infinite service. Print collections of the series have also become scarce, sometimes fetching high prices in secondary markets due to their rarity.
The current phase of the DCU, led by James Gunn, presents an ideal moment to reintroduce Simon Dark. Although Batman’s new cinematic persona has not yet been cast, his upcoming feature, The Brave and the Bold, could serve as a natural venue for Simon’s big-screen introduction alongside Gotham’s marquee heroes.
Alternatively, with Simon Dark’s low profile, Gunn might explore introducing him in other DCU projects. A Swamp Thing movie is already in development, and its supernatural themes could naturally intersect with Simon’s own narrative. Simon Dark’s previous absence from mainstream crossovers means the DCU has the creative freedom to reimagine his character and finally grant him the visibility he was previously denied.
Simon Dark’s unique origin and history as a supernatural defender of Gotham add an intriguing layer to DC’s evolving screen universe. With James Gunn’s openness to diverse and unconventional characters, fans are watching for signs that Simon Dark might finally return to the spotlight, bringing a fresh supernatural twist to the modern superhero genre.
