Reviving Jonah Hex: A Call for DC to Bring Back the Character Red Dead Redemption Style

As DC Comics embarks on a new journey to highlight its overlooked characters, 2025 presents an exceptional opportunity to resurrect Jonah Hex in a captivating dark western narrative. The DC Universe stands as one of the most expansive fictional realms in existence, boasting a vast catalog of characters. While iconic figures often steal the spotlight, there are many deserving characters—like Jonah Hex—who remain underappreciated.

With the Justice Society of America primarily engaged in present-day adventures, DC currently lacks characters that delve into various historical epochs. This absence of temporal diversity is regrettable since one of DC’s most compelling figures, Jonah Hex, has not been prominently featured in recent years.

Comic book art: Jonah Hex illuminating a room with a lantern

Given DC’s renewed commitment to showcasing forgotten characters, particularly during its recently inaugurated All In era, reintroducing Jonah Hex offers a fantastic chance to explore a rarely depicted segment of DC’s rich history.

The Depth of Jonah Hex as an Anti-Hero

A Complex Character in a Turbulent Time

Comic book art: Jonah Hex lights a cigar in front of Gotham sign

DC has long overlooked its characters tied to various historical periods, which is a missed opportunity, especially given the extensive array of characters in its arsenal. The spotlight has shifted away from eras such as the 31st Century, dominated by groups like the Legion of Super-Heroes, while characters rooted in the past—like Jonah Hex—remain sidelined.

Jonah Hex’s backstory is one of the darkest in the comic book realm. His life began in an abusive household where he faced regular violence at the hands of his father. Tragically, he was later sold into slavery, only to be saved by a Native American tribe, which subsequently betrayed him. After wresting himself away from betrayal, Jonah encountered rangers who left him for dead when he attempted to protect Native children.

His life continued on a tumultuous path through the American Civil War, where he fought for the Confederacy. Following a profound crisis regarding his loyalty, Jonah surrendered, only to be branded a coward by his peers. Despite reuniting with his tribe, treachery forced him into a heart-wrenching position of having to take the lives of those closest to him. When exploring tragic narratives, Jonah Hex’s history is marked by unparalleled tragedy.

The Relevance of Jonah Hex in DC’s New Strategy

If Metamorpho Can Revive, Why Not Jonah Hex?

Comic book art: Jonah Hex smoking in DC comics

Jonah Hex’s multifaceted history makes him a compelling candidate for various narratives. He has traversed diverse chapters of American history, allowing for storytelling that extends beyond conventional Westerns. His journey includes enslavement, tribal alliances, Civil War conflicts, and bounty hunting—which provides a framework for rich, layered storytelling.

Moreover, if Metamorpho—a character established twelve years before Jonah Hex—can secure an ongoing series, it is reasonable to suggest that Jonah Hex deserves the same treatment.

With DC’s renewed emphasis on its iconic yet underutilized characters, highlighted by Metamorpho’s forthcoming series, the potential for Jonah Hex’s return becomes increasingly plausible. Furthermore, director James Gunn has expressed a desire for the DC Universe to explore characters from various time periods. If this ambition materializes, Jonah Hex would undoubtedly thrive within both cinematic and comic landscapes.

The Justice League and Its Dominance over DC Narratives

The Need for Diverse Storytelling in the DC Universe

Comic book art: Justice League assembling together with Jonah Hex grimacing

The allure of the DC Universe lies in its broad spectrum of storytelling possibilities. An abundance of characters is essential for weaving diverse and engaging narratives. From Batman’s gritty, street-level thrillers to Superman’s lighter, science-fiction escapades, each character plays a significant role in creating a multifaceted universe. However, the absence of Western tales focused on characters like Jonah Hex is a notable oversight in DC’s current narrative strategy.

As DC takes steps to revive its core characters, Jonah Hex should rightfully be included in this revival. His deeply layered character possesses numerous facets and experiences that can enrich any narrative. With battles fought and numerous identities assumed across America, Jonah Hex stands as an ideal candidate for the spotlight in DC’s future storytelling endeavors.

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