DC’s Official Term for Annoying Superheroes Revealed

Alert: Spoiler-filled preview for The Flash #17 ahead!

Even within the expansive DC Universe, certain types of superheroes can rub even the most seasoned heroes the wrong way. This sentiment is humorously captured by the Justice League, who have coined a term specifically for these characters. Although fans adore diverse hero archetypes, there’s one that seems universally annoying, making it necessary for the Justice League to have their own special nomenclature.

In a sneak peek of The Flash #17, penned by Simon Spurrier with illustrations by Vasco Georgiev, readers witness a conversation between the Flash’s daughter, Irey, and the members of the Justice League. She reveals a mysterious spire that has unexpectedly risen from the ocean, prompting the League to investigate. As they embark on this mission, Doctor Occult begins his assessment of the enigmatic structure.

Doctor Occult and Inspector Pilgrim Debate

The Justice League’s Humorous Take on Expository Characters

Who Enjoys Characters That Merely Pontificate?

DC Comics Crisis on Infinite Earths Pariah and The Flash

In expansive narratives and major crossovers, it’s common to encounter characters that deliver exposition, clarifying the stakes and key events. While this tactic can facilitate the flow of a story by informing readers, the presence of such characters often becomes redundant after establishing the narrative context. Frequently, these roles are filled by mystical figures like the Phantom Stranger or newer additions like Pandora from the New 52. Yet, this cliché has grown increasingly annoying for avid readers over time.

The clever designation of **W. E.S.**—which stands for “Wandering Esoteric Smart-asses”—is particularly amusing. This label, offered by Mister Terrific, underscores the collective frustration of the Justice League towards these expository figures. In fact, it’s mentioned by both Black Canary and Nightwing, indicating that the League has previously discussed their exasperation. It’s not uncommon for heroes to face crises only to encounter someone who claims to have insights but fails to provide useful resolutions. Nonetheless, identifying these characters could be valuable for the Justice League, as it enables them to determine which individuals may offer critical information, even if it falls short of direct solutions.

W. E.S.s: Not Ideal Heroes, Yet They Serve a Purpose

The Justice League Recognizes Who to Approach for Guidance

Inspector Pilgrim Meets Avery and Wallace DC

Even though W. E.S.s are seldom the heroes who save the day, their roles can be beneficial when navigating chaotic situations. Through their lengthy and often convoluted dialogues, characters like Inspector Pilgrim and Doctor Occult can equip the Justice League with valuable insights that help chart a course through unexpected challenges. While the information they provide may be cryptic, it can still serve as a necessary lifeline during turbulent events. Thus, while W. E.S.s might frustrate even the elite of DC Comics, they can nonetheless contribute meaningfully to the larger narrative.

The Flash #17 will be hitting the shelves on January 22nd, courtesy of DC Comics.

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