James Gunn‘s DC Universe (DCU) is set to bring the notorious character Lobo to the big screen for the first time in the film Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow. First introduced in 1983, Lobo has long been a fan favorite, captivating audiences through numerous appearances in video games, animated series, and even a significant role in Syfy’s short-lived series Krypton. This mercenary space biker has been a relentless thorn in the side of Kryptonians and will likely continue that tradition in the upcoming film. While James Gunn and former DCEU AQUAMAN actor Jason Momoa have teased Lobo’s debut, another version of the character known as Slobo also deserves the spotlight.
Slobo, a younger clone of the Main Man, fought alongside the Young Justice team before tragically meeting his end at the hands of Darkseid. Despite his short story arc, he managed to make a deep impact on fans. To understand Slobo’s significance, one must first explore Lobo himself, who was introduced in Omega Men #3. This violent mercenary hails from the planet Czarnia and is known for never breaking a contract once he takes it. His accelerated healing factor stands out as one of his most phenomenal abilities, allowing him to regenerate at an astonishing rate with little to no pain.
His healing power is so extraordinary that he can fully regenerate from just a single drop of blood. The reboot of Lobo was one of the most controversial changes in DC’s New 52 universe, and it ultimately failed so spectacularly that it led to significant changes. Following an encounter with Klarion the Witch Boy, Lobo was de-aged into a teenager, initially adopting the name Lil Lobo before eventually embracing the title Slobo. Don’t let the name fool you; Slobo proved to be quite a formidable character.
While fighting alongside Young Justice, Slobo met his fate on the battleground of Apokolips. Interestingly, his healing factor kicked in after his death, resulting in the birth of numerous Lil Lobos from his spilled blood, who engaged in epic battles. Ultimately, the last clone standing reverted to the original Lobo. However, one clone cleverly hid aboard Young Justice’s ship, ultimately taking on the name Slobo. This version of Slobo was far weaker than the original Lobo, and as his story progressed, he gradually lost both his eyesight and powers. Despite these challenges, he valued his friends over senseless violence, making a significant character shift throughout his brief existence.
In a moment of self-sacrifice, Slobo jumped in front of Darkseid’s Omega Beams to save his friend, Secret, ultimately leading to his demise. As of now, readers have seen little of Slobo since his impactful but short story arc in the early 2000s. It’s possible that Slobo could one day return to the DCU, although it appears more likely that Lobo’s daughter, Crush, will fill a younger Lobo-like character’s role in future narratives.
Slobo’s journey is compelling, taking him from a child born into a world of rage—feeling unworthy of his predecessor’s legacy and fearing conflict—to someone who deeply values his friendships and prioritizes their well-being. If Jason Momoa, known for his ability to evoke empathy for characters like Aquaman, can make audiences care about a character often viewed as a joke, then igniting excitement around a character like Lobo should be even more achievable. This potential to showcase a character steeped in violence and brutality, in contrast to his near-opposite Slobo, offers a rich storytelling opportunity that aligns perfectly with Gunn’s style.
Adding to the excitement, former MCU star Dave Bautista has expressed interest in following his writer/director, James Gunn, over to DC Studios. It would create an entertaining dynamic to see Jason Momoa tackle the dual roles of adult Lobo on-screen while also lending his voice to the younger Slobo. Such a portrayal could present a mixture of humor and heartfelt emotional moments, allowing Momoa to truly showcase his acting abilities.
Gunn is skilled at taking unconventional characters and crafting relatable backstories that resonate with audiences. His track record, as demonstrated with Rocket and his crew in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 and more recently in Creature Commandos, proves he can find the emotional core in characters that might otherwise remain underappreciated. There’s little doubt he could achieve similar success with Slobo, offering a complex character journey that elevates the narrative and engages viewers.
In conclusion, Jason Momoa’s potential dual role as Lobo and Slobo represents not only a thrilling opportunity for storytelling in the DC Universe but also a chance to explore deeper themes of identity, friendship, and sacrifice—elements that resonate with audiences of all ages. As anticipation builds for Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, fans eagerly await what promises to be a game-changing moment in the DCU, one that redefines how narratives around anti-heroes are perceived and embraced.
