A while back, we posted an article titled 7 Marvel Characters Who Come From South Africa. It’s only fair that we do a follow-up featuring DC characters who come from South Africa. And believe it or not, there are a few – including Batman’s cousin.
1. Wilhemina Wayne
Who knew Bruce Wayne had a cousin born and raised in South Africa? It seems the Wayne family name spreads across many nations and continents around the world. Wilhemina Wayne is a half-Dutch orphan who only appeared in a single comic book, Detective Comics #412 (June 1971). Batman saved her from the attacks of the Ghost of Lord Harold.
2. Freedom Beast (Dominic Mndawe)
First appearing in Animal Man #13, Freedom Beast was born Dominic Mndawe in South Africa. During Apartheid, he was captured and thrown in prison for taking photographs of the violent crimes committed by policemen of the time. Animal Man and B’wana Beast later rescued him, and thanks to the elixir and helmet, he became Freedom Beast, a superhero with the ability to control animals, heal quickly and gain super strength. Together, they fought against inequality and protected animal life in South Africa.
3. Doctor Mist (Nommo Balewa)
Created by E. Nelson Bridwell and Ramona Fradon, Doctor Mist made his first appearance in Super Friends #12 as a member of the Global Guardians. Since then, he has appeared in over sixty DC comics under various aliases. He is immortal and has lived for thousands of years with the ability to absorb energy, create illusions and teleport, among other magical powers.
4. Impala (M’Bulaze)
Also created by Bridwell and Fradon, Impala is a Zulu warrior/superhero who joined the Global Guardians. He is fast and able to jump really high. M’Bulaze is succeeded by Kid Impala, a member of the Ultramarine Corps.
5. Hellstrike (Nigel Smut)
Created by Jim Lee and Brandon Choi, Nigel Smut is a racist former South African police officer who gains powers at the age of 25. He first appeared in Stormwatch #19. He is not to be mistaken for Nigel Keane’s Hellstrike, who was born in Belfast.
6. Alias (Frederick Ngebe Braumholstein)
As the name suggests, Alias can impersonate or replicate anyone. He is a shapeshifter who can alter his body, skin colour, and voice.
7. Nelson Mandutu
While he isn’t really a superhero, Nelson Mandutu, also known as Father Mandutu, a South African priest, fought against Apartheid in the comic books. It’s pretty obvious that the character is meant to be based on Nelson Mandela. Subsequently, the issue (Teen Titans Spotlight #1) was banned in South Africa when it was released in August 1986.
Hopefully, we’ll see these characters on the big screen someday, and maybe their South African accents won’t be as bad as those in Escape from Pretoria.
Can you think of any other DC characters from South Africa? If you’re looking for a list of South African comic books, we’ve got you covered, too.
