What’s up, everyone!! So last week marked the worldwide debut and movie run for Avengers: Infinity War. I got the chance to see it and I can happily confirm that the movie is great. Expect a review for it in a little bit. For now I like to take the time to go over my top ten marvel characters. Whether they are a hero, a villain, or somewhere in between these individuals have sparked my Marvel craze for some time. And just know that this is only my opinion.
10. Luke Cage (Powers: Steel-Hard Skin, Bulletproof, Superhuman Strength and Stamina)
Kicking off our list is Harlem’s hero-for-hire. Carl Lucas, convicted of a crime that he was framed for, was voluntarily put through an experiment in prison that would give him abilities 100 times beyond a normal human’s strength. Think of him as a mobile Steel wall. Stern, but also kind at heart, Luke Cage dedicated himself to protecting the Harlem community while even collecting big bucks under his belt. He would then later join alongside heroes like Daredevil and Jessica Jones to form New York’s Defenders. Through it all, Luke Cage has displayed to be a Marvel favorite and also one of the best African-American superheroes of this generation.
9. Cable (Powers: Telepathy, Projectiles, Time Travel/Time Manipulation)
Once a stranger from an alternate future, Nathan Summers quickly became a reliable member to both the X-men and it’s black-ops squad, the X-Force. He is more of a messenger than your average futuristic gun-ho. Then again, he’s pretty good at doing both jobs. Cable would normally tag along with Deadpool as every situation that occurs in the future would mostly involve him. Nevertheless, Cable is a reliable figure for the X-men who would do anything stop an unfortunate future for anyone.
8. Black Cat (Powers: “Bad Luck”)
There is no denying that Felicia Hardy is an anomaly. It’s one thing that she comes off as a love interest to Spider-Man. But it’s the next one after that that would make her an untrustworthy character. A master thief, Black Cat has been able to pull off grand heists while at the same time toy with Peter’s emotions. She maybe a carbon copy knockoff of DC’s Catwoman but it’s her demeanor and focus that makes her both a compelling villain and anti-hero.
7. Magneto (Powers: Magnetism)
Magneto isn’t just your average supervillain. Born Max Eisenhardt (or Erik for short), the mutant has witnessed tragedy and death for too long. His suffering began during WWII where his family was killed during the Holocaust. It was there that he would be forced into a labor camp to utilize his abilities to produce weapons. Soon after, he survived and began his crusade to lead mistreated mutants against their oppressors. Magneto’s goal for liberating mutants would be a troubling matter even for his friend, Professor X. Magneto has grown to be a formidable adversary to the X-Men with a goal of seeing the mutant populace become the new masters of the world.
6. Iron Man (Powers: The Iron Man Suit)
Sure, he can be snarky. But once you see him in that suit enemies would think twice about facing him. Captured by terrorists and later escaped thanks to the Iron Man suit, the Billionaire Inventor Tony Stark would prove his worth by developing and modifying the suit to fight against injustice and evil. Technically, there is a lot of tech that was put in there. Rocket boosters, laser gauntlets, tank missiles, you name it. And its that kind of weaponry that would grab the attention of teams such as the Avengers and the Guardians of the Galaxy. You might find his attitude to be self-loathing and unintentional. But he shows himself to be a smart and compassionate component to his teammates and the Marvel universe.
5. Erik Killmonger (Powers: None. After Consuming Herb – Superhuman Abilities and Senses)
Now I would’ve put Black Panther on this list. But after reading a couple of comics and seeing the latest self-titled movie, I have considered Erik Killmonger to be a more interesting character in the Marvel Universe. Both keen in knowledge and intellect, Erik has been able to develop tactics that would overthrow the king of Wakanda. He even proclaims himself as a vengeful foe who wants nothing more than to kill the Black Panther for what his family has done to his own. What makes Killmonger among one of the best characters is that he is relentless and clever. A balance of two different traits that make a hard-hitting villain a favorite in the comics.
4. Venom (Powers: Web Sling, Wall Climb, Strength, Spider-Senses, Symbiote)
As we have Spidey as our friendly neighborhood Spider-Man, Venom is your not-so-friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. In fact, he is more of a nightmare once you faced him. After Peter Parker rips away from his symbiote suit, the alien substance found its way to Eddie Brock, Peter’s rival in the Daily Bugle. The two were pretty much in perfect sync once they combined. Two separate minds, One lifeform that had one goal…to kill the Spider. Menacing as he was strong, Venom was able to outmatch Spider-Man in many encounters. He could be deemed as a much better, scarier version of our hero.
3. Wolverine (Powers: Adamantium Claws, Regenerative Abilities & Healing Factor, Senses)
He is the best at what he does. But what he does best isn’t nice. A mutant with a harrowing backstory, James Howlett (or Logan) has endured centuries of war and travesty. Experiencing life and death in the process. After the shady under-goings of Project X, Wolverine ran into the X-men and became the team’s most vicious teammate. From there he has developed himself to be a powerful hero with unrelenting skills and abilities that would surpass most of Marvel’s roster of heroes.
2. Deadpool (Powers: Regenerative Abilities & Healing Factor)
A mercenary at heart and a comedian at best, Wade Wilson is a multiple trick pony in the comic book world. Going so far to break the 4th wall and become a total nuisance to everyone. A walking corpse, Deadpool is literally unkillable. Along with his healing factor he also possesses mastery in sword combat, a wide arrange of weaponry at his disposal, and jokes. Lots and lots of jokes. Call him crazy but it seems like the world would prefer that kind of leisure. And yet, he can still get the job done. Just don’t expect him to be a hero.
- Spider-Man (Powers: Web Sling, Wall Climb, Spider-Senses, Superhuman Strength)
You kinda saw this coming. Taking up the number 1 spot is everyone’s favorite friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. Bitten by a spider in a secret lab, Peter Parker realized he had the powers of a normal spider. With the added bonus of superhuman agility and strength (and some funny quips) he can produce web fibers stronger than its natural composition. Creating web bombs, web ropes, web shots, anything that he can put his mind to. Following his uncle’s words “with great power, comes great responsibility” Spider-Man has become an iconic hero in the comic book world. Many iterations of the web-slinger would soon make it into future comics and media such as the 2099 Spider-Man and Mile Morales’ Spider-Man. Without a doubt, Spider-Man is the best Marvel character.
Honorable Mentions
Rocket Raccoon
Captain America
Black Panther
Green Goblin
Carnage
Just to reiterate, this is just me opinion. But I like to know who are your favorite Marvel Characters. Also, what do you guys think of the list? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below and let me know. Peace Out!!!!
Rated EJ 