Dan Turpin

Created by Jack Kirby, Dan Turpin first appeared in New Gods #5 (November 1971). He was introduced as a Metropolis police detective who uncovers and intervenes in an escalating conflict involving the New Gods — notably assisting Lightray and Orion against Kalibak — and who remains a recurring supporting character in DC Comics continuity and adaptations. In later narratives, including Final Crisis (2008), Turpin is central to an investigation into missing children and the death of Orion and is, within that storyline, turned into a host for the cosmic antagonist Darkseid before being freed.

Sources describe Turpin as a rugged, tough-looking Metropolis police officer who is typically associated with the Metropolis Special Crimes Unit. In Superman: The Animated Series the character's onscreen design was physically modeled after Jack Kirby, yielding a stylized, robust visage in that adaptation. He is presented in police or Special Crimes Unit attire in comics and other media appearances.

Turpin is an ordinary human with no intrinsic supernatural powers. Documented traits across sources include dogged determination, investigative skill, streetwise toughness, leadership (he becomes Lieutenant Inspector of the Metropolis Special Crimes Unit), and willingness to confront dangerous situations. Notable plot events show him leading resistance against Kalibak in New Gods #5 (suffering injuries but surviving) and, in Final Crisis, being turned into a host for Darkseid and later freed by actions of heroes using fictional means (a Radion bullet fired by Batman and the efforts of speedsters Barry Allen and Wally West).