Today is “Super Tuesday” in politics, so this week’s Top Ten Tuesday sticks with the “super” theme and counts down the top ten superheroes in comics. This is more of a general ranking that takes into account the comic books, movies, television, and ability. These rankings could go in a much different direction, so feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below.
10. Aquaman
Putting Aquaman over the edge against stiff competition for No. 10 was his terrain and longevity. The DC hero has been around since 1941, and he rules under water—nearly unrivaled—as the king of the sea. Aquaman is also a founding member of the Justice League of America.
9. Thor
Thor is a god (the god of thunder more specifically, based on the Norse god of the same name), so that’s something that puts him on another level among superheroes. One key reason Thor makes the cut is because he arguably has the greatest weapon of anyone, the Mjolnir hammer.
8. Flash
With the ability to move through time and run much, much faster than even imaginable, the Flash is clearly one of the coolest superheroes. He might not be able to walk on water like some of these other heroes, but Flash can run on water—and around the globe in an instant.
7. Captain America
Somewhat of a response to DC’s Superman, Marvel’s Captain America lives up to the name by embodying the American spirit with his attitude. Captain America is essentially an All-American athlete to the max, with superhuman strength, speed, and smarts within a human frame.
6. Wolverine
Meanwhile, Wolverine is a mutant, with animal-like senses and three bladed claws in each hand—but his headline might be self-regenerating capability, making the X-Men figure nearly unstoppable in battle. Wolverine is a contributor to the Avengers and and Fantastic Four along with his primary work alone or with the X-Men.
5. Wonder Woman
One of the chief members of the Justice League, Wonder Woman is the top female superhero. In a world dominated by male characters, Wonder Woman is still up there with just about anyone in terms of power and ability. Princess Diana of Themyscira is also a classic hero having been around since 1941.
4. Spider-Man
Spider-Man has a case for being even higher than No. 4, and he might be the most popular Marvel Comics character. Spidey benefited from the well-regarded animated series that ran in the 90s and the films during the early 2000s, boosting his demand amongst fans. Peter Parker is more relatable than most heroes, and “my Spider-Sense is tingling” is a very memorable saying/catchphrase.
3. Iron Man
Without the MCU films, Iron Man would probably not be close to the top three superheroes. But Robert Downey Jr. and the film series has taken the character to new heights. Like a character we’ll get to in a minute, Tony Stark does not have any natural superpowers; but his high-tech armored suit and elite science skill helps him more than hold his own while fighting villains.
2. Superman
Arguably the first real superhero, Superman is likely the most influential of any comic-book character in history. The “S” on his chest is probably the most iconic logo for a character, and it’s displayed prominently on the front of Superman’s costume. And overall, Superman is a top two hero because he’s arguably the clear most powerful superhero (though Doctor Manhattan, who has no physical weaknesses, is in the discussion).
1. Batman
With all due respect to all the heroes in history from DC, Marvel, and others, No. 1 isn’t much of a question. Batman is a major fan-favorite for most, and the only debate as to whether or not he should be in the top spot is regarding his status as a “superhero.” Bruce Wayne does not possess superpowers, but the Caped Crusader should still be considered the best superhero for his above-and-beyond feats while fighting crime in Gotham City and elsewhere.
Manhattan would F half these boys up with ease.