DC Comics

DC Comics, owned by Warner Bros., is one of the major publishing companies producing comic book properties today. Founded in 1934, the company owns a number of popular characters whose stories have been translated to many media outlets including magazines, television and motion pictures.

Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman are the company's flagship characters; their other franchises include Supergirl, Green Lantern, Shazam, Teen Titans, Swamp Thing, Watchmen, and Mad Magazine.

WildStorm, an imprint of DC Comics, published the Farscape: War Torn comic miniseries in 2002.

Influence

“I've always been interested in comic books as an art form, and when I was younger I was addicted to them. I read Superman and Superboy, but Captain Marvel was probably my favorite of the super-heroes. The comic I loved best, though, was Pogo. After all, Kermit's beginnings were in a swamp, too.”
—Jim Henson, Creator of The Muppets

Muppet Mentions

Print Media

1969 advertisement for Sesame Street found in the November issues of nearly every major title published by DC, including Superman, Wonder Woman, and The Adventures of Jerry Lewis.

Fifty Who Made DC Great (1985), in which Jim Henson cites DC Comics characters as some of his favorites.

In Mister Miracle #7 (1989) art by Joe Philips, a Kermit the Frog poster appears behind Big Barda.

Justice League America #45 (1990) by Keith Giffen, JM DeMatteis and Russell Braun

Impulse #9 (1995) art by Humberto Ramos features the children's section of a book store decorated with Sesame Street bookends.

Adventures in the DC Universe #13 (1998) by Steve Vance shows Impulse singing a familiar song.

The Martian Manhunter quotes "Bein' Green" in JLA 80-Page Giant #1 (1998).

Preacher #41 (1998) by Garth Ennis includes one of the more popular references to the way in which Muppet characters are performed.

In Young Justice #9 (1999) by Peter David, Cass baby-sits the Madison Twins in their room filled with toys including a Cookie Monster and Ernie doll.

JSA #13 (2000) by David Goyer and Geoff Johns

Celebrate the Century: Super Heroes Stamp Album #8, written by Bob Rozakis, art by Joe Staton and Mike DeCarlo

In Automatic Kafka #2 (2002) by Joe Casey, The Warning blackmails Agent Stahl by threatening to reveal his unique activities while watching Sesame Street, insulting Maria in the process.

Bizarro World (2005): "It's Not Easy Being Green" and Big Bird on a tractor.

Birds of Prey #95 (2006) by Gail Simone depicts one character hacking into a villain's computer software, making it play the "Sesame Street Theme."

In Ex Machina #17 (2006) by Brian K. Vaughan, Commissioner Angotti laments the use of puppets in a political protest, calling those using them "Sesame Street rejects."

The All-New Atom #13 (2007) by Gail Simone shows the title character riding a toad and calling it Kermit the Frog.

In Nightwing #135 (2007) by Marv Wolfman, Vigilante refers to Nightwing as "Kermit" and references "Rainbow Connection."

DC's Vertigo label published an autobiography of Percy Carey featuring references to his childhood on the set of Sesame Street, in particular Episode 1055.

In Booster Gold #8 (2008) by Geoff Johns, Blue Beetle compares Hawkman to another giant bird.

In DCU Holiday Special #1 (2008) by Alan Burnett, Red Arrow refers to Shaggyman as Cookie Monster.

The Brave and the Bold #25 (2009) by Adam Beechen

In Gotham City Sirens #9 (2010) by Paul Dini, Harley Quinn is seen to have a Kermit the Frog doll on her bed.

Tiny Titans #26 (2010) by Art Baltazar and Franco. A "green holiday" (St. Patrick's Day) themed issue features a green suited character (Gizmo) hiding in a trashcan and laughing Oscar the Grouch's trademark grumpy laugh, "Heh, heh."

Zatanna #8 (2011) cover art by Stephane Roux

In Zatanna #8 (2011) by Paul Dini, Zatanna recalls her disastrous appearance on Sesame Street.

Justice League of America 80-Page Giant 2011, segment written by Adam Glass

Suicide Squad: Rebirth #1 (2016) by Rob Williams

Fire & Ice: Welcome to Smallville #3 (2023) written by Joanne Starer

DC's I Know What You Did Last Crisis #1 (2024) "Violent Tendencies" written by Rex Ogle, art by Adam Graphite

Motion Media

Steel

• In the 1997 film, the title character is involved in a car chase. To assist in his speedy getaway, his partner Susan Sparks hacks into the city's public transportation to change all the traffic lights green. When she has trouble doing so, she tells him over the radio, "It ain't easy being green."

DC's Legends of Tomorrow

• In the first season episode "White Knights," Sara Lance (White Canary) says "Everything would have been fine, if Big Bird over here haven't freaked out" referring to Kendra (Hawkgirl) panicking during a mission to break into the Pentagon.

• In the third season episode "Phone Home," the team are preparing to go out in 1988 when Zari asks how she looks. Jefferson Jackson (Firestorm) replies, "Honestly? Like you are being strangled by a Muppet."

• In the third season behind the scenes YouTube video, "Inside: Beebo the God Of War," Phil Klemmer (executive producer) refers to "Beebo who is this talking little sort of puppet, like a Tickle Me Elmo." The actual episode "Beebo the God of War" directly refers to the toy as "Cuddle Me Beebo."

Lucifer

• In the fourth season episode "Expire Erect," Ella, who is stoned while dancing, hugs Chloe and says, "It's like hugging a Muppet!"

Peacemaker

• An outtake from the first season episode "Monkey Dory" features an extended version of a scene in which the title character lists a number of individuals his co-worker could have framed for his crimes instead of his dad. Among those he lists are Bert, Ernie, Grover, Snuffleupagus, and "the two old guys from the balcony in The Muppets."

References

Rufus reads Justice League of America #76 in Sesame Street Episode 0044

Rufus reads an issue of Date with Debbi in Sesame Street footage from I Am Big Bird: The Caroll Spinney Story

Mr. Hooper uses a copy of Date with Debbi #6 (Dec. 1969) to play a game of "Three of These Things" in Sesame Street Episode 0092

On center display at Hooper's Store, The Three Mouseketeers #4 (1970), reprinting stories from the 1956-1960 DC funny animal comic book

Batman, Superman, Hawkman, and Sandman mentioned in Gordon of Sesame Street Storybook

World's Finest #216 and Challengers of the Unknown #78 in Episode 0756

In a Sesame Street News Flash segment, Kermit the Frog interviews Telly at his home, standing in front of pictures of DC heroes including Superman, Wonder Woman, and Hawkman.

Baby Scooter and Skeeter as the Wonder Twins from the Super Friends cartoon in "Sing a Song of Superheroes"

Tingo reads Starman v.2 #59 in the Sesame English episode "Make Me a Sandwich."

John Crichton refers to T'raltixx as "Brainiac," a DC Comics supervillain, in the Farscape episode "Crackers Don't Matter."

In a variant cover to The Muppet Show Comic Book: Family Reunion #7, the Muppets are seen wearing costumes similar to Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman, and Robin, as well as several Marvel Comics characters.

In The Muppets Kitchen with Cat Cora episode "World's Biggest Sandwich," Beauregard calls Cat Cora "Catwoman," a DC Comics villain.

Notes

Geoff Johns, who has referenced the Muppets in several of his scripts for DC Comics, including a recurring reference in several issues of Green Lantern, features in a video promoting "The 2014 Celebrity Pet Adoption Calendar from Anne and Wil Wheaton." In his home, Johns has an Animal collectible plate on display behind him. (YouTube)

Connections

See Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, Swamp Thing, Captain Marvel, and Watchmen for additional connections

Justice League of America: The Lunar Invaders 1982 book-and-tape set

• Produced and Directed by Christopher Cerf
• Engineering by Doug Epstein
• Guest Piano Soloist: Genevieve Cerf (Christopher Cerf's wife)
• Narrated by Kathy Mullen
• Jerry Nelson as Green Lantern and Yuri Pudovkin
• Richard Hunt as The Flash and Han Chin
• Nile Rodgers as Kenan Masud
• Michael Kingsbury Frith as The Batman
• Frederick R. Newman as Red Tornado and an Alien
• Christopher Cerf as The Atom
• Special Thanks to Thaddeus Mumford, Jonathan Frith, Sharon Lerner

Super Friends animated series (1973-1985)

• Cynthia Friedlob and John Semper wrote "No Honor Among Thieves" (1984)
• Gordon Hunt was voice director (1980-1985)
• Casey Kasem played Robin (1973-1985)
• Ted Knight played the narrator (1973-1977)
• Richard Paul played the Gentleman Ghost in "The Ghost" (1977)
• Jeffrey Scott wrote many episodes (1977-1983)
• Olan Soule played Batman (1979-1984) and Professor Martin Stein (1984-1985)
• John Stephenson played Col. Wilcox (1973)
• Frank Welker played Marvin and Wonder Dog (1973-1977), Mr. Mxyzptlk (1979-1985), and Darkseid and Kalibak (1984-1985)
• William Woodson played the narrator (1977-1985)

Justice League/Justice League Unlimited animated series (2001-2006)

• Edward Asner played Hephaestus in "Hawk and Dove" and Granny Goodness in "The Ties That Bind"
• Jason Bateman played Hermes in "The Balance"
• Ben Browder played Bat Lash in "The Once and Future Thing: Weird Western Tales"
• Dan Castellaneta played a minister in "Maid of Honor"
• Michael Dorn played Kalibak
• Brad Garrett played Lobo in "Hereafter"
• Mark Hamill played the Joker and Solomon Grundy, as well as the Trickster in "Flash and Substance"
• William Hootkins played the commander in "The Terror Beyond"
• Arte Johnson played Vermin Vunderbarr in "The Ties That Bind"
• Michael McKean played the Sportsman in the episode "Legends"
• Sam McMurray played Gilbert Hale and a reporter in "Fearful Symmetry"
• Rob Paulsen played Lightray and Helmsman in "Twilight"
• Robert Picardo played Blackhawk in "The Savage Time" and Amazo
• Glenn Shadix played Mandragora in "Double Date"
• Cree Summer played a female singer in "Fearful Symmetry"
• Dave Thomas played Harv Hickman in "A Night of Shadows" and Ernst in "The Savage Time"

The New Frontier 2008 animated movie

• Townsend Coleman played Dr. Magnus
• Neil Patrick Harris played The Flash
• Kyle MacLachlan played Superman
• Brooke Shields played Carol Ferris

Other cast/crew connections

• Amy Adams played Lois Lane in Justice League (2017 film)
• Julie Andrews voiced Karathen in Aquaman (2018 film)
• Will Arnett played Lieutenant Grass in Jonah Hex (2010 film)
• Dee Bradley Baker voiced Sebastian in The Suicide Squad (2021) and Eagly on Peacemaker (2022 series)
• John Barrowman played Malcolm Merlyn on Arrow (2012-2019), The Flash (2015-2017), and Legends of Tomorrow (2016-2017)
• Richard Belzer played Joe Kline on The Flash (1990-1991)
• Ruth Buzzi played Aunt Minerva in Legends of the Superheroes: The Roast (1979)
• Wayne Brady played Gravedigger on Black Lightning (4 episodes, 2020)
• Pierce Brosnan played Dr. Fate/Kent Nelson in Black Adam' (2022 film)
• Eugene Byrd played Andy Diggle on Arrow (8 episodes, 2015-2016)
• Jemaine Clement voiced Aquaman in DC League of Super-Pets (2022 film)
• Viola Davis played Amanda Waller in Suicide Squad (2016 film), The Suicide Squad (2021), and Peacemaker (2022 series)
• Henry Cavill played Clark Kent/Superman in Justice League (2017 film)
• Daveed Diggs voiced Cyborg in DC League of Super-Pets (2022 film)
• Ben Diskin voiced Beebo on Legends of Tomorrow (2017-2020) and The Flash (2018) and Arms Fall Off Boy and Brainiac 2 in Legion of Super-Heroes (2023 direct-to-video)
• Michael Fassbender played Burke in Jonah Hex (2010 film)
• Nathan Fillion played The Detachable Kid in The Suicide Squad (2021)
• Brendan Fraser played Cliff Steele/Robotman on Doom Patrol (2019-2023)
• Victor Garber played Dr. Martin Stein on The Flash (2015-2017), Legends of Tomorrow (2016-2017), and Arrow (2017)
• Peter Guinness played DeSaad in Zack Snyder's Justice League (2021 film)
• Irma P. Hall played Grandma Odessa in Steel (1997 film)
• Mark Hamill played James Jesse/The Trickster on The Flash (1990) and The Flash (2015-2016)
• John Hawkes played a mugger in Steel (1997 film)
• Gary Hecker supplied creature vocals in Justice League (2017 film)
• Aldis Hodge played Hawkman/Carter Hall in Black Adam (2022 film)
• Jeremy Irons played Alfred Pennyworth in Justice League (2017 film) and The Flash (2023)
• Jameela Jamil played Eris in the Harley Quinn episode "Bachelorette" (2020)
• Chaim Jeraffi played Djau in Black Adam' (2022 film)
• Michael Keaton played Bruce Wayne/Batman in The Flash (2023)
• Diego Luna voiced Chip in DC League of Super-Pets (2022 film)
• Paula Marshall played Iris West in the pilot episode of The Flash (1990)
• Jesse L. Martin played Joe West on The Flash (2014-2023)
• China Anne McClain played Jennifer Pierce on Black Lightning (2018-2021)
• Howard Morris played Dr. Sivana in two Legends of the Superheroes specials (1979)
• Sharon Osbourne played herself in the Lucifer episode "Lucifer! Lucifer! Lucifer!" (2020)
• Dan Payne, in single episodes each, played Obsidian on Legends of Tomorrow (2016), Carlton Clerg on iZombie (2018), and King Shark on The Flash (2019)
• Paul Reubens played Dybbuk on Legends of Tomorrow (2018-2019)
• Richard Roundtree played Uncle Joe in Steel (1997 film)
• Susan Sarandon played Victoria Kord in Blue Beetle (2023 film)
• William Schallert played Retired Man/Scarlet Cyclone in two Legends of the Superheroes specials (1979)
• David Shaughnessy played ADR loop group voices in Justice League (2017 film)
• Marcos Siega (director of Keep Fishin') directed the first two episodes of Batwoman (2019) and executive produced the pilot
• J. K. Simmons played Commissioner Gordon in Justice League (2017 film)
• Sylvester Stallone voiced Nanaue/King Shark in The Suicide Squad (2021)
• Danny Trejo played Breacher on The Flash (2017-2019)
• Jon Voight played Quentin Turnbull in Jonah Hex (2010 film)
• Henry Winkler played Uncle Al in Black Adam' (2022 film)

From print division or across multiple media

• David Allikas wrote issues of The Unexpected (1979), Ghosts (1980-1981), G. I. Comics (1980-1986), House of Mystery (1981), Weird War Tales (1981-1982), and Sgt. Rock (1986-1987)
• Del Close wrote for every issue of the anthology Wasteland (1987-1989)
• John Costanza wrote and drew humorous one-pagers for Aquaman, House of Secrets, House of Mystery, Our Fighting Forces, Star Spangled War Stories (all 1970), and Weird War Tales (1972); pencils and inks for a story in Captain Carrot and His Amazing Zoo Crew! (1982); and lettering on many DC titles, including Green Lantern (1970-1986), Jonah Hex (1982-1983), Swamp Thing (1985-1994), and Green Arrow (1988-1998)
• Sholly Fisch has written many DC Comics, including Super Friends, Batman Beyond, and Justice League Unlimited
• Rich Fogel wrote and/or story edited Superman (1998-2000), Batman Beyond (1999-2001), Justice League (2001-2004), and Krypto the Superdog (2006) as well as writing the comics Batman Beyond #9 (2000) and Justice League of America one-shot (2009)
• Milton Glaser designed the DC Comics "bullet" logo, used from 1977 to 2005
• Judith Hunt drew the two issue Robotech Defenders (1985)
• Ramón Pérez drew the three issue story "Forward Through the Past" in JSA: Classified #35-37 (2005)
• Alex Ross has worked as an artist on multiple titles since 1994
• Frank Springer drew one-shot stories for Batman (1967) and Detective Comics (1968), inked two issues of Superboy (1967-1968), drew "Dial H for Hero" stories and other material for House of Mystery (1968-1969), penciled and inked back-up "Secret Six" stories from The Brave and the Bold (two issues, 1975) and regularly in Action Comics (1988-1989), inked two issues of Tarzan (1976) and five issues of Superman (1977), penciled four issues of Green Arrow (1992), inked covers, and other assignments
• Marv Wolfman wrote Detective Comics (1971, 1990), Action Comics (1980-1984, 1988, 2001), Batman (1980-1981, 1989-1990), Crisis on Infinite Earths (1985-1986), and many others, and wrote for the online game DC Universe Online (2011) and appeared in the DC's Legends of Tomorrow episode "Crisis on infinite Earths: Part 5."

External Links

• DC Comics official website