The Best Comic Book Superheroes Of All Time, Ranked By Fans
Vote up the comic book superheroes that you'll always root for.
Spanning from the caped crusaders of yesterday to the icons of our modern era, this compilation of the best superheroes has been meticulously assembled by comic book aficionados to showcase the exemplars of heroism and valor. Encompassing the mightiest from the DC and Marvel Universes, as well as the unsung champions of indie comics, the list celebrates the most popular superheroes who've captured the imagination of readers around the world.
Superheroes often strike an intriguing balance between tangible human struggles and remarkable superhuman feats. They might possess extraordinary powers or rely on their unmatched intellect and technology to craft a persona dedicated to the defense of the innocent. Though the term 'superhero' has been around since the early 20th century, it was the arrival of Superman in 1938 that truly ensconced these mighty warriors in the public consciousness.
From Superman's otherworldly abilities to the keen detective skills of Batman and the technological prowess of Iron Man, these characters have varied paths to their heroic destinies—some born with powers, others using sheer human ingenuity to combat evil. Their allure is not just in muscular might or mystic abilities, but also in their layered personalities, complex backstories, and, occasionally, the endearing awkwardness of their alter egos.
The 21st century has seen superheroes leap from the pages of comic books to the forefront of mainstream media, especially with blockbuster films dominating the box office. This heightened visibility has sparked deeper explorations into the archetype of the superhero, resulting in characters that reflect upon the very nature of heroism itself.
The list before you offers a chance to revisit these awe-inspiring figures and elevate your personal favorites. From the iconic top 50 to the comprehensive top 200, each superhero here awaits your endorsement. While villains are essential to the narratives that shape these heroes, they hold no place on this particular roster. Now, it’s your turn to weigh in on the eternal question: Who is the greatest superhero of all time? Cast your vote and contribute to the ultimate ranking of these legendary guardians of justice.
With his dark and brooding persona, Batman prowls the streets of Gotham City, striking fear into the hearts of criminals. Armed with his intelligence, martial arts skills, and an array of gadgets, he is a force to be reckoned with. Whether it's fighting against iconic villains or protecting the innocent, Batman's unwavering determination makes him a true hero.
Peter Parker, the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man, swings through New York City with agility and grace. Blessed with incredible powers after being bitten by a radioactive spider, he embraces his responsibility to protect others. His quick-witted humor and relatable struggles make him a beloved character who captures the essence of being a hero.
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Known for his adamantium claws and regenerative healing abilities, Wolverine is a fierce and relentless fighter. With a mysterious past and a gruff demeanor, he embodies the anti-hero archetype. Despite his rough exterior, Wolverine's loyalty to his friends and willingness to sacrifice himself for others sets him apart as a complex and captivating superhero.
Wade Wilson, better known as Deadpool, is an unconventional superhero who breaks the fourth wall with his sarcastic humor and irreverent antics. Armed with accelerated healing powers and exceptional combat skills, he takes on missions with a unique blend of wit and violence. Deadpool's unapologetic nature and ability to find humor in any situation make him a fan-favorite among comic book enthusiasts.
Tony Stark's genius intellect and technological prowess allow him to don the powerful Iron Man suit. With a charismatic personality and a knack for witty banter, he fights against evil while maintaining a playboy billionaire persona. Iron Man's ability to adapt and overcome challenges with his advanced technology makes him an integral part of the superhero landscape.
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As the God of Thunder wielding Mjolnir, Thor brings epic battles and mythological elements to the Marvel universe. With his noble demeanor and immense strength, he protects both Earth and Asgard from various threats. Thor's larger-than-life personality combined with his unwavering sense of justice make him an iconic superhero worthy of admiration.
Steve Rogers, the embodiment of patriotism and honor, leads the charge as Captain America. Endowed with superhuman strength and agility thanks to the Super-Soldier Serum, he stands up for justice and defends the weak. Captain America's unwavering moral compass and selfless dedication to his ideals make him a symbol of hope for fans worldwide.
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Barry Allen, known as the Flash, possesses incredible speed that allows him to outrun any threat. With his red costume and lightning bolt emblem, he races through Central City to protect its citizens from danger. The Flash's lighthearted personality and ability to travel at supersonic speeds make him an electrifying hero who always saves the day in the blink of an eye.
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Driven by anger and brute strength, Bruce Banner transforms into the Hulk, a green behemoth with unmatched power. As both a hero and a tragic figure, Hulk battles inner demons while smashing through any obstacle in his path. Hulk's raw power combined with his struggle for control creates a captivating character loved by fans who appreciate his unstoppable force.
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Stephen Strange, once a brilliant surgeon, becomes Earth's Sorcerer Supreme after a life-altering accident. Mastering mystical arts and wielding powerful artifacts like the Eye of Agamotto, he protects the world from supernatural threats. Doctor Strange's journey from arrogance to enlightenment, coupled with his mind-bending magical abilities, makes him a captivating hero who explores unseen dimensions.
Princess Diana of Themyscira, known as Wonder Woman, wields her lasso of truth and Amazonian strength in the fight for justice. With her iconic armor and compassion for humanity, she serves as an ambassador between worlds. Wonder Woman's fierce determination and unwavering belief in love's power make her an empowering symbol of female strength.
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Eddie Brock becomes Venom after bonding with an alien symbiote, resulting in a formidable anti-hero with incredible strength and shape-shifting abilities. Venom's dark and menacing appearance paired with his complex relationship between host and symbiote makes him an intriguing character who walks the line between good and evil.
T'Challa, the king of Wakanda, dons the mantle of the Black Panther, a warrior with enhanced senses and advanced technology. As a protector of his nation and its vibranium resources, he fights against those who threaten Wakanda's prosperity. Black Panther's regal demeanor and dedication to his people showcase a hero who combines tradition with innovation.
Formerly Batman's sidekick Robin, Dick Grayson takes on the persona of Nightwing as he steps out of Batman's shadow. With acrobatic skills and exceptional combat training, Nightwing patrols the streets of Blüdhaven to keep them safe. Nightwing's transition from sidekick to independent hero highlights his growth and maturity as he establishes his own legacy.
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Frank Castle, driven by vengeance after losing his family, becomes the Punisher, dispensing brutal justice to criminals without mercy. Armed with an arsenal of weapons and tactical expertise, he wages a one-man war on crime. The Punisher's relentless pursuit of justice at any cost distinguishes him as an anti-hero who challenges traditional notions of right and wrong.
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Norrin Radd, imbued with cosmic powers by Galactus, roams the universe as the Silver Surfer on a surfboard-like craft made of pure energy. As a herald of Galactus, he searches for planets to sustain his master's insatiable hunger. Silver Surfer's cosmic abilities and philosophical nature make him a unique character who explores the vastness of space.
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Members of the Green Lantern Corps, like Hal Jordan, wield power rings fueled by willpower, enabling them to create constructs limited only by their imagination. With the ability to overcome great fear, they protect the universe from intergalactic threats. Green Lantern's ability to channel willpower into tangible objects showcases a hero whose strength lies within their determination.
More Green LanternMatt Murdock, blinded as a child but gifted with heightened senses, becomes the vigilante known as Daredevil. Using his acrobatic skills and martial arts expertise, he fights crime in Hell's Kitchen while navigating the complexities of his dual life as a lawyer. Daredevil's commitment to justice and his relentless pursuit of truth make him a captivating character who battles both inner and outer demons.
Possessing powerful telepathic and telekinetic abilities, Jean Grey is one of the most formidable mutants in the X-Men universe. As both a compassionate friend and an unstoppable force when consumed by the Phoenix Force, she struggles with her immense powers and their potential for destruction. Jean Grey's journey from vulnerability to becoming the embodiment of cosmic power makes her an iconic figure among fans.
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Kurt Wagner, with his blue skin and prehensile tail, possesses the ability to teleport through shadows. Despite his demonic appearance, Nightcrawler is a kind-hearted hero who uses his agility and swordsmanship to aid the X-Men in their fight against evil mutants. Nightcrawler's unwavering loyalty and unwavering faith make him a beloved character who proves that appearances can be deceiving.
More NightcrawlerAs Ghost Rider, Johnny Blaze makes a pact with the devil to become a supernatural entity seeking vengeance on those who deserve punishment. With his flaming skull and demonic motorcycle, he dispenses fiery justice to evildoers. Ghost Rider's tormented soul and relentless pursuit of redemption make him a captivating anti-hero who embodies both fear and fascination.
Wanda Maximoff harnesses reality-altering chaos magic, making her one of the most powerful mutants in the Marvel universe. With her ability to manipulate probabilities and create energy blasts, she fights alongside the Avengers while grappling with her own inner turmoil. Scarlet Witch's complex emotions and immense power make her a captivating character who walks the line between hero and villain.
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Arthur Curry, also known as Aquaman, rules over Atlantis and possesses the ability to communicate with sea creatures. With his trident and superhuman strength, he defends the ocean depths from both earthly and otherworldly threats. Aquaman's connection to the ocean and his role as a bridge between land and sea make him an intriguing hero who fights for the preservation of all life.
Natasha Romanoff, known as Black Widow, is a highly skilled spy and master martial artist. With her expertise in espionage and deadly combat techniques, she aids the Avengers in their missions against global threats. Black Widow's enigmatic past and unwavering loyalty to her friends make her a fan-favorite among comic book enthusiasts.
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Oliver Queen, armed with exceptional archery skills and a quiver full of trick arrows, fights against corruption as Green Arrow. With his social justice mindset and relentless pursuit of truth, he serves as a voice for the underprivileged. Green Arrow's determination to right societal wrongs makes him an inspiring hero who fights for justice both inside and outside the courtroom.
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Charles Xavier, a powerful telepath and founder of the X-Men, leads mutants in their battle for peaceful coexistence with humans. With his wheelchair and immense psychic abilities, he guides and mentors young mutants while advocating for equality. Professor X's wisdom and unwavering belief in humanity's potential make him a respected figure who champions the cause of mutant rights.
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Young Billy Batson transforms into the adult superhero Shazam by uttering a single word. Endowed with the wisdom of Solomon, strength of Hercules, stamina of Atlas, power of Zeus, courage of Achilles, and speed of Mercury, he battles evil forces with childlike enthusiasm. Shazam's youthful spirit and incredible powers make him a beacon of hope for fans who believe in the magic of superheroes.
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A sentient tree-like creature from Planet X, Groot communicates through variations of his iconic phrase "I am Groot." Despite his limited vocabulary, Groot's selflessness and ability to regenerate himself make him an invaluable member of the Guardians of the Galaxy. Groot's gentle nature combined with his immense strength creates a lovable character who captures the hearts of fans.
A genetically engineered raccoon with a knack for weapons and tactics, Rocket Raccoon joins forces with the Guardians of the Galaxy to protect the galaxy from cosmic threats. Despite his small stature, Rocket's sharp wit and expertise in engineering make him an essential member of the team. Rocket Raccoon's larger-than-life personality combined with his unconventional appearance creates a lovable character who defies expectations.
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Remy LeBeau, a charming Cajun mutant, wields kinetic energy manipulation abilities, charging objects with explosive force. With his bo staff and card-throwing skills, he navigates the morally gray areas of the X-Men universe. Gambit's smooth-talking nature and mysterious past make him a captivating character who walks the line between hero and thief.
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Ororo Munroe, also known as Storm, controls the weather with her mutant abilities, making her one of the most powerful X-Men. As both a regal figure and a fierce warrior, she fights for peace and equality among mutants and humans alike. Storm's ability to command the forces of nature combined with her unwavering compassion make her a captivating character who embodies strength and grace.
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Scott Summers, leader of the X-Men, possesses optic blast abilities that emit destructive energy beams from his eyes. With his tactical skills and unwavering commitment to protecting mutants, he stands as a symbol of hope for mutantkind. Cyclops' stoic demeanor and struggle to balance his responsibilities make him an intriguing character who embraces his role as a leader.
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A cosmic entity of immense power, the Phoenix Force bonds with various hosts, including Jean Grey, granting them godlike abilities. As both a force of destruction and rebirth, it tests the limits of its hosts' morality and control. The Phoenix Force's overwhelming power and transformative nature create captivating storylines that explore the depths of human emotions.
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Peter Quill, also known as Star-Lord, leads the Guardians of the Galaxy with his charismatic personality and love for '80s pop culture. Armed with his blasters and a mixtape of classic tunes, he embarks on intergalactic adventures while navigating complex relationships. Star-Lord's roguish charm and determination to protect the galaxy create an engaging character who brings humor to cosmic battles.
Miles Morales takes up the mantle of Spider-Man after being bitten by a genetically enhanced spider. With similar powers to Peter Parker, he swings through New York City, juggling school life with crime-fighting responsibilities. Miles Morales' fresh perspective and diverse background bring new dimensions to the Spider-Man legacy, captivating fans who appreciate his unique journey.
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Kal-El, sent from the dying planet Krypton to Earth, possesses superhuman strength, speed, flight, and various other powers under Earth's yellow sun. As both Clark Kent and Superman, he stands as a symbol of hope and justice for humanity. Superman's unwavering moral compass and dedication to protecting others make him an iconic superhero beloved by fans worldwide.
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Eric Brooks, half-vampire and half-human, becomes the vampire hunter known as Blade. With his martial arts skills and arsenal of weapons, he wages war against the undead. Blade's stoic demeanor and relentless pursuit of justice make him a captivating anti-hero who walks between the worlds of darkness and light.
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Ben Grimm, transformed into a rock-like creature with superhuman strength after exposure to cosmic radiation, becomes known as the Thing. Despite his physical appearance, he remains fiercely loyal to his friends and fights against evil alongside the Fantastic Four. The Thing's gruff exterior combined with his unwavering heart of gold make him an endearing character who embodies inner strength.
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Scott Lang, armed with a suit that allows him to shrink in size but increase in strength, becomes Ant-Man to pull off daring heists and protect the innocent. With his humor and knack for improvisation, he brings a lighthearted touch to the Marvel universe. Ant-Man's ability to shrink into the microscopic world showcases a hero who proves that size doesn't determine one's impact.
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As the third person to take on the mantle of the Flash, Wally West possesses superhuman speed that allows him to outrun any threat. With his witty humor and lighthearted personality, he brings joy to Central City while protecting its citizens. Wally West's journey from sidekick to becoming a legendary speedster showcases his growth as a hero who embodies the spirit of hope.
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Various characters have taken on the role of Robin, serving as Batman's trusted partner and protégé. With their acrobatic skills and detective training, they assist Batman in his fight against crime. Robin's youthful enthusiasm and desire to prove themselves make them relatable characters who bring a sense of optimism to Gotham City.
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Piotr Rasputin, also known as Colossus, possesses the ability to transform his body into organic steel, granting him superhuman strength and durability. As a member of the X-Men, he fights against mutant oppression while embodying unwavering loyalty and selflessness. Colossus' gentle soul combined with his immense power creates a character loved by fans who appreciate his quiet strength.
More Colossus In the futuristic setting of Neo-Gotham, Terry McGinnis takes up the mantle of Batman after Bruce Wayne's retirement. With a sleek suit and advanced technology, he fights crime while balancing his personal life. Batman (Terry McGinnis)'s youthful energy and determination to honor his mentor's legacy make him an intriguing character who carries on the Dark Knight's vigilante mission.
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Al Simmons, a former government assassin betrayed by his employers, returns from the grave as Spawn, a hellspawn with supernatural abilities. With his necroplasmic powers and demonic costume, he seeks revenge while battling both heaven and hell. Spawn's dark and gritty journey through the realms of the supernatural makes him an anti-hero who challenges the boundaries of good and evil.
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Nathan Summers, a time-traveling mutant with enhanced strength and telepathic abilities, fights for a better future by preventing apocalyptic events. Armed with advanced technology and tactical expertise, he battles against powerful adversaries across different timelines. Cable's complex backstory and unwavering determination make him a captivating character who navigates through time to protect those he cares about.
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An android created by Ultron, Vision possesses superhuman strength and the ability to phase through solid matter. As an Avenger, he uses his analytical mind and powers for justice while grappling with his own humanity. Vision's quest to understand his place in the world and his evolving emotions make him a compelling character who explores what it means to be human.
A chain-smoking occult detective with a knack for magic, John Constantine navigates the supernatural underworld while dealing with his own personal demons. With his cunning intellect and manipulative nature, he outwits powerful forces that threaten humanity. John Constantine's morally ambiguous nature and willingness to sacrifice himself for the greater good make him a captivating character who delves into the darkest corners of existence.
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Clint Barton, armed with exceptional archery skills and a quiver full of trick arrows, fights alongside Earth's mightiest heroes as Hawkeye. With his sharp aim and acrobatic abilities, he takes down enemies with precision and style. Hawkeye's determination to prove himself among gods and superheroes showcases a hero who relies on skill rather than superpowers.
More HawkeyeJ'onn J'onzz, also known as Martian Manhunter, possesses shape-shifting abilities, telepathy, and superhuman strength. As a founding member of the Justice League, he protects Earth from extraterrestrial threats while grappling with his own alien identity. Martian Manhunter's stoic nature and desire for justice make him an intriguing character who bridges the gap between two worlds.
- 50Iceman is a fictional superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics and is a founding member of the X-Men. A mutant, Iceman has the ability of cryokinesis where he can freeze anything around him and can also turn his body into ice. Although he is an Omega-level mutant, Drake has yet to tap into his full mutant potential. Over the years he has taken more interest in developing his abilities. One of the original X-Men, Iceman has had a frequent presence in X-Men-related comics, video games, animated series, and movies. Shawn Ashmore portrays Iceman in the X-Men films, and voices the character in The Super Hero Squad Show.More Iceman
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- 51Beast is a fictional superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics and is a founding member of the X-Men. Originally called "The Beast," the character was introduced as a mutant possessing ape-like superhuman physical strength and agility, oversize hands and feet, a genius-level intellect, and an otherwise normal appearance. Eventually being referred to as simply "Beast," he underwent progressive physiological transformations, permanently gaining increasingly animalistic physical characteristics. These include blue fur, feline facial features, pointed ears, fangs, and claws. His physical power and senses increased to even greater levels. Despite his inhuman appearance, he is a depicted as a brilliant man of the arts and sciences. He is a world authority on biochemistry and genetics, the X-Men's medical doctor, and the science and mathematics instructor at the Xavier Institute. Beast is also depicted as having a witty sense of humor. He is also a mutant political activist. Fighting his bestial instincts and fears of social rejection, Beast dedicates his physical and mental gifts to the creation of a better world for man and mutant.More Beast
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Eric O'Grady stumbles upon the Ant-Man suit by accident, using it for personal gain rather than heroism. With his flawed personality and questionable ethics, he navigates morally gray areas while occasionally doing good deeds. Ant-Man (Eric O'Grady)'s unconventional approach to heroism and self-serving nature make him a complex character who challenges traditional notions of heroism.
- 53Hellboy is a fictional character created by writer-artist Mike Mignola. The character first appeared in San Diego Comic-Con Comics #2, and has since appeared in various eponymous miniseries, one-shots and intercompany crossovers. The character has been adapted into two live-action feature films in 2004 and 2008 that starred Ron Perlman in the title role, and two straight-to-DVD animated films, as well as two video games – Asylum Seeker and The Science of Evil. A well-meaning demon whose true name is Anung Un Rama, Hellboy was summoned from Hell to Earth as an infant demon on December 23, 1944 by Nazi occultists. He was discovered by the Allied Forces; amongst them, Professor Trevor Bruttenholm, who formed the United States Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense. In time Hellboy grew to be a large, red-skinned man with a tail, horns, cloven hooves for feet, and an oversized right hand made of stone. He has been described as smelling of dry-roasted peanuts. Although a bit gruff, he shows none of the malevolence thought to be intrinsic to demons, and has a strong sense of humor.More Hellboy
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- The Human Torch is a fictional superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character is a founding member of the Fantastic Four. He is writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby's reinvention of a similar, previous character, the android Human Torch of the same name and powers who was created in 1939 by writer-artist Carl Burgos for Marvel Comics' predecessor company, Timely Comics. Like the rest of the Fantastic Four, Jonathan "Johnny" Storm gained his powers on a spacecraft bombarded by cosmic rays. He can engulf his entire body in flames, fly, absorb fire harmlessly into his own body, and control any nearby fire by sheer force of will.More Human Torch
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- 55Cyborg is a fictional superhero appearing in comic books published by DC Comics. The character was created by writer Marv Wolfman and artist George Pérez, and first appears in a special insert in DC Comics Presents #26. Cyborg is best known as a member of the Teen Titans. However, in September 2011, Cyborg was established as a founding member of the Justice League as part of DC's 2011 reboot of its continuity.More Cyborg
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- 56Catwoman is a fictional character who appears in American comic books published by DC Comics and is associated with the Batman franchise. Historically a supervillainess and often an antiheroine, the character was created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger, partially inspired by Kane's cousin, Ruth Steel, as well as actress Jean Harlow. The original and most widely known Catwoman, Selina Kyle, first appears in Batman #1 in which she is known as The Cat. She is usually depicted as an adversary of Batman, known for having a complex love-hate relationship with him. In her first appearance, she was a whip-carrying menace with a taste for high-stake capers.More Catwoman
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- Barry Allen is a fictional character from the 2008 film Justice League: The New Frontier.More Barry Allen
- 58X-23 is a fictional character, a superheroine appearing in comic books published by Marvel Comics, most commonly in association with the X-Men. She was originally created by Craig Kyle for the X-Men: Evolution animated series before debuting in the NYX comic series in 2004. Since then she has notably had two six-issue miniseries written by Craig Kyle and Christopher Yost, regular runs in New X-Men, X-Force, Avengers Academy, and her own self-titled twenty-one issue comic series written by Marjorie Liu. X-23 is a female clone of Wolverine. Like Wolverine, X-23 has a regenerative healing factor, superhuman strength, senses, speed, agility, and reflexes. She also has retractable adamantium-coated bone claws in her hands and feet. Cloned from a damaged copy of Wolverine's genome, X-23 was created to be the perfect killing machine. For years, she proved herself a notable assassin working for the Facility. A series of tragedies eventually lead her to Wolverine and the X-Men. She attends the X-Mansion before serving a stint as part of the X-Force. Her most recent appearance was in the All-New X-Men.More X-23
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- Quicksilver is a fictional superhero appearing in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appears in X-Men #4 and was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. He is the twin brother of the Scarlet Witch and the son of Magneto as well as the paternal half-brother of Polaris. Debuting in the Silver Age of comic books, Quicksilver has featured in several decades of Marvel continuity, starring in the self-titled series Quicksilver and as a regular team member in superhero title the Avengers. The character has also appeared in other Marvel-related media and merchandise. In 2006, IGN named Quicksilver #23 on their list of "The Top 25 X-Men Of All Time" commenting that "Quicksilver was the shining example of a villain turned good."More Quicksilver
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- Colonel Nicholas Joseph Fury is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer/artist Jack Kirby and writer Stan Lee, Fury first appeared in Sgt. Fury and his Howling Commandos #1 (May 1963), a World War II combat series that portrayed the cigar-chomping Fury as leader of an elite U.S. Army unit. A popular character over a number of decades, in 2011, Fury was ranked 33rd in IGN's Top 100 Comic Book Heroes, and 32nd in their list of "The Top 50 Avengers". He has sometimes been considered an antihero.More Nick Fury
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