DC Debuts Fiery New Design for Justice League's Strongest Hero

Published Sep 18, 2026, 4:30 PM EDT Shaun Corley has been with ScreenRant for over 5 years, and is currently the Coordinator for PR and Outreach for the Comics Team. Warning: contains spoilers for Fury of Firestorm #5! DC debuts a new, fiery design for the Justice League’s strongest hero. DC’s premiere superhero team, the Justice League’s ranks are filled with powerful heroes, such as Superman, Wonder Woman and the Martian Manhunter. Yet the League has also attracted those whose power is virtually limitless, capable of god-like feats, such as Firestorm. Firestorm was created by Gerry Conway and Al Milgrom. Introduced in the late 1970s, Firestorm quickly became a cult favorite for DC Comics. Firestorm was unique in that he was two people in one: college student Ronnie Raymond and his professor, Doctor Martin Stein. An accident created what is called “the Firestorm Matrix,” giving Raymond and Stein the ability to fuse together, creating a powerful new hero. Firestorm’s powers are many, including the ability to rearrange matter at the subatomic level. The upper limits of Firestorm’s powers have never been scaled, and it is possible he could destroy all creation. Recently, in the new Fury of Firestorm series, the hero’s life has been thrown into chaos. Martin and Ronnie had a falling out after the latter learned the “accident” that created Firestorm was in fact engineered by Stein, in a bid to create a super weapon as part of “Project Superman.” Angered that he had been used, the duo split, but the Matrix persisted, and seemingly went rogue, attacking a small town in Colorado. Now, Ronnie, Professor Stein and Firehawk, one of Firestorm’s closest friends, must team up to stop the Matrix before it destroys the planet. Firestorm Gets A New Appearance, And One That Is Strangely Familiar Fury of Firestorm #6, written by Jeff Lemire and drawn by Rafael de Latorre, marks the beginning of a new era for the character. Inside the Firestorm Matrix, Ronnie and Professor Stein argue. Ronnie is furious that he was manipulated his whole life, while Stein points out the good deeds Firestorm has done, and the lives he saved. Meanwhile, the personification of the Matrix attacks the trio, forcing them into action. Stein and Raymond learn there is only one way to stop the Matrix and bring it back under control: merge once more. At first, Ronnie is reluctant to fuse with Stein, especially in light of recent revelations. Yet, the two briefly work through their differences and combine to reassert control of the Matrix. The issue ends in Ostrander, Texas, where a new Firestorm emerges. Firestorm’s new look is intense, and may seem familiar to long-time fans. Firestorm's Appearance Has Remained Largely the Same, Except For One Notable Variant Firestorm's "Fire Elemental" Phase Was Influenced By Alan Moore's Swamp Thing Tenure Over the course of nearly 50 years, Firestorm’s appearance has largely remained the same. Even when Jason Rusch held the mantle, in the wake of Ronnie’s apparent death in Identity Crisis, Firestorm’s classic uniform remained intact, as did the flames emitting from his head. This classic look has made Firestorm one of DC’s most visually interesting characters. Yet for a brief period in the 1980s, Firestorm had a much different appearance and gimmick. In 1986, writer John Ostrander (who gets a shout-out in this issue) began revamping Firestorm. Piggybacking off Alan Moore’s work in Swamp Thing, which revealed the existence of Elementals in the DC Universe, Ostrander and his collaborators transformed Firestorm into a god. To mark this transition, Firestorm was given a new look reflecting his new status as the Fire Elemental. Gone was the colorful yellow and red outfit, and in its place was a dark and brooding hero. The Elemental phase of Firestorm’s career is rarely mentioned. Firestorm’s Fire Elemental appearance lasted until the series ended in 1990. The character remained sat the early 1990s, before returning with his classic outfit. The Elemental phase of Firestorm’s career is rarely mentioned. Indeed, DC did not seem to acknowledge this period of the character’s history until Fury of Firestorm’s first issue. In retrospect, Lemire and de Latorre were foreshadowing his imminent return. The Return of Firestorm's Elemental Variant Kicks Off A New Era Under Ostrander’s guidance, Firestorm unlocked his true potential. Yet when the classic look returned, it seemed as if DC was walking back on these new and potentially exciting insights into Firestorm. The current Fury of Firestorm is retooling the character for the modern DC Universe, after years of being on the sidelines. The Fire Elemental variant’s return could signify that Firestorm is officially back, and more powerful than ever, ready to reassert his place in the pantheon of Justice League heroes. Firestorm was once a popular character at DC, and he can be again with his new look. Fury of Firestorm #6 is on sale now from DC Comics!