5. Swamp Thing
Swamp Thing was introduced in 1971, first appearing in the standalone horror story, House of Secrets #92. He was created by writer Len Wein and artist Berni Wrightson, and over the years has become one of DC's most unique and beloved characters. He's had several significant revamps, most notably from Alan Moore, and has been given two theatrical films, a live-action TV series, and a five-part animated series, all of which were met with mixed to negative reactions. He first appeared in 1971 as a man named Alex Olsen, who was caught in a lab explosion, then physically altered by chemicals and forces within a swamp that changed him into a monstrous creature. The House of Secrets short story was successful, which gave the creators an opportunity to write an ongoing series. Swamp Thing #1 began in October 1972, and featured a new protagonist, Alec Holland who is also victim of a lab experiment; then falls into a swamp where a creature later appears. Wein originally wrote the character as a mutation of Holland, but Moore later revamped the creature as an elemental entity created upon Holland's death that absorbed his personality and memories. Swamp Thing reached the height of his popularity in the mid to late 80's, under Alan Moore, Steve Bissette, and John Totleben, and was met with high critical praise and numerous awards during that time. Over the years there has been a drop in sales and the comics have suffered from numerous cancellations and revivals. It was, however, one of the most successful books in DC's New 52 relaunch, and after having such an enormous impact on the world of comics, an animated feature would be a perfect fit for the Swamp Thing. Two failed live action films and a campy TV show have proven that he may not be fit for the big screen, but an animated movie would give filmmakers the opportunity to really show off the greatness, and uniqueness, of the character and tell a truly dark, gritty story.