Before Jason Momoa, DC’s Lobo Nearly Starred in Two Different Cartoon Series
The character of Lobo, DC Comics’ most notorious bounty hunter, has a long and complex history in the world of animation. Created by writer Keith Giffen and artist Roger Slifer, Lobo first appeared in "Cavalry" # 1 in 1983. Over the years, the character has been featured in various comic book series, as well as in animated television shows and films. However, few fans may know that Lobo was once poised to star in not one, but two different cartoon series, before ultimately landing in the DC Animated Universe (DCAU).
The First Attempt: "Lobo" (1990)
In the late 1980s, production company Warner Bros. Animation was developing an animated series based on Lobo. The show was intended to be a straightforward adaptation of the character’s comic book persona, with Lobo taking on various jobs as a bounty hunter and mercenaries. The series was planned to feature a mix of action, humor, and science fiction elements, with a focus on Lobo’s morally ambiguous character. Unfortunately, the project was ultimately cancelled before production began, reportedly due to creative differences between the producers and the comic book creators.
The Second Attempt: "Lobo: The Animated Series" (1995)
Fast-forward to the mid-1990s, when Warner Bros. Animation was again interested in developing an animated series based on Lobo. This time, the project was part of a larger initiative to adapt popular DC Comics characters into animated shows. "Lobo: The Animated Series" was envisioned as a darker, more adult-oriented take on the character, with a focus on Lobo’s violent and brutal methods as a bounty hunter. The series was planned to feature a similar tone to the popular "Batman: The Animated Series," with a focus on complex characters and mature themes. However, this project too was ultimately cancelled before production began, reportedly due to concerns about the character’s graphic content and potential appeal to younger audiences.
The DCAU and Jason Momoa
Despite these failed attempts to bring Lobo to the small screen, the character continued to appear in various DC Comics series and animated films. In 2002, Lobo finally made his animated debut in the DCAU, starring in the animated film "Justice League: The New Frontier." Since then, the character has appeared in several animated series and films, including "Batman: The Brave and the Bold" and "Justice League Action." In 2018, actor Jason Momoa was cast as Lobo in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), making his debut in the film "Justice League." Momoa’s portrayal of the character has been well-received by fans and critics alike, cementing Lobo’s place as a beloved character in the DC Universe.
In conclusion, Lobo’s history in animation is marked by a series of cancelled projects and unrealized potential. Despite these setbacks, the character has continued to thrive in comic books and other forms of media, and has finally found a home in the DCAU and DCEU. Whether as a brutal bounty hunter or a complex, morally ambiguous anti-hero, Lobo remains one of the most fascinating and unpredictable characters in the DC Universe.
