Fans Rank Top 10 Marvel Comics Superheroes of All Time

Marvel Comics have an incredible number of characters, and due to that, it’s tough to rank them both when it comes to popularity, or any other factor really. You need a huge sample of people to draw any kind of significant conclusion.

The best place to search for such conclusions is Ranker, a site that regularly gathers votes from fans on all things related to comics and fiction in general. Ranker’s list of superheroes boasts over a million votes so it’s the best place to check out who truly is the best superhero in Marvel Comics. Let’s see.

10. Scarlet Witch

Even before MCU Scarlet Witch was one of the most popular superheroes, although she wasn’t always on the right side of comic history. The character has everything complex backstory, she is powerful, she has emotional depth, and has been a part of some of the most iconic storylines – such as ‘House of M.’ Wanda’s placement is no surprise at all.

9. Black Panther

One of the first Marvel mainstream black superheroes. Debuting in ‘Fantastic Four’ #52 in 1966. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, he represents a groundbreaking moment in comic book history and has become a powerful symbol of Black empowerment and pride. Black Panther, besides being a social symbol also built a whole lore related to Wakanda and African culture in the comics.

8. Doctor Strange

Strange is one of the most popular (and powerful) magic users in the comics. He fittingly first appeared in Strange Tales #110 back in 1963 but wouldn’t rise to prominence until a few years after. He was created as a way to bring something new, fresh, and exciting to the Marvel Universe. But for a short while, Stan Lee wasn’t too sure about him. Since then, Strange has taken part in some of the biggest storylines and crossovers and is the central part of the magical and supernatural part of the Marvel Universe.

7. Captain America

I’m sure you’re surprised that Captain America is not higher on this list. Captain America was created during World War II, and his character embodies American ideals like bravery, justice, and patriotism. His iconic shield and costume were designed to symbolize the fight against tyranny and oppression. Captain America’s first villain was Adolf Hitler believe it or not.

Over the decades, Captain America has often reflected contemporary social and political issues. His stories have addressed themes like civil rights, governmental accountability, and the moral complexities of heroism. He is also extremely badass.

6. Hulk

Initially, ‘The Incredible Hulk’ series did not have strong sales and was canceled after six issues. However, the character continued to appear in other Marvel titles like ‘The Avengers’ and ‘Tales to Astonish’.

He did however become popular with college kids, thanks to his own live-action TV show ‘The Incredible Hulk’ which aired from 1977 to 1982. Today, Hulk is one of the most notable Marvel characters, in large part thanks to several writers expanding his background and adding psychological and moral complexity to his development.

5. Thor

I’m sure that the inspiration behind Thor is fairly straightforward. The idea behind Thor’s creation was rooted in a desire to expand the Marvel Universe with more mythological and cosmic elements while adding a new kind of superhero to Marvel’s growing roster.

By the early 1960s, Marvel had already introduced popular characters like the Fantastic Four, the Hulk, and Spider-Man, all of whom had either scientific or human origins. Stan Lee wanted to diversify the types of heroes they were creating.

Norse mythology was relatively unexplored at the time and Thor proved to be successful and he remained successful to this day, I have to personally agree with Thor’s ranking.

4. Iron Man

Iron Man is among the most popular Avengers and the smartest characters in comics in general. Stan Lee often cited that Iron Man was created as a kind of personal challenge. In the early 1960s, the counterculture movement was gaining momentum in America, and anti-war and anti-establishment sentiments were rising, particularly among the younger audience.

Tony Stark (Iron Man’s alter ego), a billionaire industrialist and weapons manufacturer, represented the type of character that might naturally be seen as unlikable—essentially, a symbol of the military-industrial complex.

The creation of Iron Man was influenced by various factors, including the Cold War, emerging technology, and a desire to explore more complex, flawed heroes.

3. Wolverine

The first and only true-blue X-Men on this list. Wolverine already found himself on the top of the list of the most popular X-Men, and it seems that he found himself in the top 3 when it comes to Marvel comics in general.

Wolverine was explicitly designed to be a Canadian hero to appeal to readers in Canada, where Marvel was expanding its reach. His nationality also helped distinguish him from other Marvel heroes, who were predominantly American. And yes, he was intentionally modeled after Wolverine beacuse they are small and fearsome and take on animals much larger than themselves, take that Hugh Jackman fans.

2. Deadpool

Well, this is the first “superhero” I don’t really agree with. In my opinion, Deadpool shouldn’t be on the list at all, but, fans (and the overwhelming majority of them) have spoken! Deadpool’s creation was heavily influenced by the trends and characters of the early 1990s, particularly the rise of anti-heroes in comic books. Despite what Liefeld says, you can’t exactly miss all the parallels between Deadpool and Slade Wilson aka DC’s Deathstroke.

Deadpool was initially written as a villain, but his popularity quickly grew, and he started to take on more of an anti-hero role. He is incredibly popular, but in terms of his complexity overall significance, and legacy, I wouldn’t put him at the number 2 spot.

1. Spider-Man

It’s always Spider-Man. Created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, Spider-Man first appeared in ‘Amazing Fantasy #15’ in August 1962. His creation marked a departure from traditional superhero tropes and introduced a relatable, flawed, and human character who would become one of the most beloved superheroes of all time.

They wanted to create a new type of superhero—one that readers, especially teenagers, could relate to more personally and they succeeded. Now 6 decades later, Spider-Man still tops the popularity charts and he is still one of the most profitable parts of the Marvel franchise.

Do you agree with this list? Let us know in the comments below!

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