It was recently announced that acclaimed rapper and actor Common (Lonnie Lynn) was cast in DC Comics upcoming Suicide Squad film in an unknown role. Of course this has sent fans a spin, speculating on who Common might be playing. Common was reportedly once attached to play Green Lantern John Stewart in a failed attempt at making a Justice League film. It was also recently revealed that Stewart is expected to appear in the upcoming 2017 Justice League movie. However, Stewart’s involvement in the Suicide Squad is a bit of stretch. It is also rumored that Common could be playing Aquaman villain Black Manta, who is actually a member of the Squad in the comics. Lets look closer at both of the characters to see what might be ahead for DC Comics fans.
Created in September, 1967 by Bob Haney and Nick Cardy, Black Manta is arguably Aquaman’s greatest enemy.
Black Manta has appeared in various forms of media over the years from The Superman/Aquaman Hour of Adventure , Super Friends, to Batman: Brave and The Bold, Smallville and was a featured as a main villain on Young Justice. Black Manta did not appear in the Justice League animated series, because of an Aquaman embargo, but was the basis for Devil Ray.
Black Manta has superhuman strength and wears a super powered suit capable of deep sea submersion, and is equipped with various weapons.
Manta is extremely violent and has a deep hatred for Aquaman, going as far as to kill his son Arthur Curry Jr.
In some incarnations, Black Manta has/had some form of autism.
It was recently revealed that Black Manta is the father of Aquaman’s sidekick, Aqualad Jackson Hyde (Kaldur'ahm in Young Justice).
John Stewart was created by writer Dennis O’Neil and artist Neal Adams in December, 1971. Stewart, a former Marine, was chosen by the Guardians to become a substitute for Green Lantern Hal Jordan.
John Stewart rose to popularity in 2001 as a member of the animated Justice League TV show and the sequel series, Justice League Unlimited.
Wielding one of the most powerful weapons in the DCU, a Green Power Ring, Stewart can go toe-to-toe with some of DC’s most powerful characters.
John Stewart is DC Comics first African American superhero.
What are your thoughts? Who would you like to see Common play? Let us know your casting choice in the comments section at the bottom of the page.
