Motherhood is an extremely taxing task. It requires true sacrifice and honest heroism.
Something the DC Cinematic Universe has advanced at throughout their various films is the paternal aspect, excelling mainly with the maternal angle. Comprised bellow is a list of all the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) mothers that have appeared so far and why the Daily Planet thinks they’re important.
Martha Kent
Martha Clark Kent is partially responsible for the upbringing of the Man of Steel. This mom instilled honesty, just actions and responsibility in Clark Kent (Superman) since before he first started to experience his powers. She continuously expressed her love for Clark while always supporting him no matter what. Martha Kent has appeared in numerous DC titles and always provides motherly advice along with a clever quip.
Appearances
Man of Steel (2013), Batman vs Superman (2016), Justice League (2017), Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021)
Martha Wayne
Martha Kane Wayne hasn’t been featured extensively in the DCEU. She’s only seen on the arm of Thomas Wayne as the duo walk to their untimely death, along with their young son Bruce. If this Martha had any mirrored qualities compared to her comic book counterpart, we know that she was a loving mother. This is observed in the brief moments she is seen in “Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice” as she leaps into action in an effort to save a young Bruce (Batman). She inevitably dies, and the mugger runs off as Thomas, who was also fatally shot, uttered his last word, “Martha.” Martha Wayne is the ultimate example of what a mother would do for her child.
Appearances
Batman vs Superman (2016)
Lara-LorVan
Lara Lor-Van is the biological mother of Kal El (Superman). Agreeing with her husband, Jor El’s, findings towards Krypton’s coming implosion, Lara had to take the ultimate gamble. To insure the survival of her newborn son Lara had to send young Kal El to a distant planet overrun by a “seemingly intelligent” population. When the time for final farewells came a tearful Lara reluctantly sent Kal El off to his destiny with a closing kiss.
Appearances
Man of Steel (2013)
Queen Hippolyta
A true wonder woman in her own right, Queen Hippolyta takes her responsibility as a mother at the utmost importance. Her relationship to Diana (Wonder Woman) is sometimes strained but this mother / daughter bond is one of the strongest on this list. Governed by her loyalty to the gods, and her people, Hippolyta had to say goodbye to Diana, by law, after she left Themysciara to fight against Aires in the first world war.
Appearances
Wonder Woman (2017), Justice League (2017), Wonder Woman 1984 (2020), Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021)
Queen Atlanna
All Atlanna wanted was the freedom to love. Betrothed to the late king of Atlantis, Orvax Marius, Atlanna felt trapped. In an effort to forge her own path, Atlanna fled her arranged marriage and ended up on the surface world. There she found love with Thomas Curry and the two had a son named Arthur (Aquaman). Atlanna eventually sacrificed this freedom she fought tirelessly for in an effort to protect her family. Her choice to return to Atlantis kept her son alive and proves that this mother will always put her children before herself.
Appearances
Aquaman (2018)
Rosa Vasquez
There probably isn’t a more selfless mother then Rosa Vasquez. She’s filled with compassion, understanding and proudly provides a safe structured environment for kids in need. As a foster mom, Vasquez has accommodated numerous kids, including a young Billy Batson (Shazam). She constantly battles with the emotional turmoil of attachment and sudden separation but is always ready to love any kid who walks into her home with everything she’s got.
Appearances
Shazam! (2019)
Elinore Stone
Elinore Stone’s understanding of her son, Victor, is representative to any other mother out there. She’s courageously brilliant with a huge heart of love. Though her time in the DCEU was incredibly brief, her show of support will forever inspire the true heart of “Zack Snyder’s Justice League,” her son Victor.
Appearances
Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021)
Lois Lane
Though her time as a mother was never shown, intrepid Lois Lane was pregnant throughout all of “Zack Snyder’s Justice League.” In the comics, Lane is a clever mother who looks after her super powered child with care, compassion and strict guidelines. Her perseverance and connectivity to Jon has inspired him to be a better person, and that’s all a parent can ask for.
Appearances
Man of Steel (2013), Batman vs Superman (2016), Justice League (2017), Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021)
Editor’s note: This article was written for Mother’s Day in 2020 but has since been updated to feature mothers that have appeared in “Zack Snyder’s Justice League.”
