Top 10 Comic Book Power Armors
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VOICE OVER: Dan Paradis
Written by Ryan Woods
Who needs superpowers when you can just wear one of these? Welcome to WatchMojo.com and today we're counting down our picks for the Top 10 Comic Book Power Armors.
For this list, we're taking a look at the power armors worn by comic book superheroes and villains, which give them the strength, speed and firepower to even the odds against more powerful foes. Our emphasis will be on power armors that truly put their users on the level of superhumans, as opposed to just the usual capes and tights costumes.
Have an idea you want to see made into a WatchMojo video? Check out our suggest page at http://WatchMojo.comsuggest and submit your idea.
Who needs superpowers when you can just wear one of these? Welcome to WatchMojo.com and today we're counting down our picks for the Top 10 Comic Book Power Armors.
For this list, we're taking a look at the power armors worn by comic book superheroes and villains, which give them the strength, speed and firepower to even the odds against more powerful foes. Our emphasis will be on power armors that truly put their users on the level of superhumans, as opposed to just the usual capes and tights costumes.
Have an idea you want to see made into a WatchMojo video? Check out our suggest page at http://WatchMojo.comsuggest and submit your idea.
Who needs superpowers when you can just wear one of these? Welcome to WatchMojo.com and today we’re counting down our picks for the Top 10 Comic Book Power Armors.
For this list, we’re taking a look at the power armors worn by comic book superheroes and villains, which give them the strength, speed and firepower to even the odds against more powerful foes. Our emphasis will be on power armors that truly put their users on the level of superhumans, as opposed to just the usual capes and tights costumes.
#10: Superboy-Prime Armor
Superboy-Prime
Inspired by the armor worn by the Anti-Monitor, one of the DC Universe’s most powerful superheroes-turned-villains Superboy-Prime arguably became a foe of equal magnitude. Essentially serving as a makeshift energy collector, Superboy-Prime’s power suit imbues him with yellow sun radiation, which magnifies his already impressive superpowers to god-like levels. How god-like? He was able to single-handedly take on the likes of Martian Manhunter, the Teen Titans and a whole slew of the Green Lantern Corps. It took the combined efforts of two Supermen to destroy the armor, and they had to hurl it through a red sun to dispose of it.
#9: Yellowjacket Suit
Yellowjacket
Originally created after Hank Pym accidently exposed himself to some unknown gases and contracted a severe case of schizophrenia, the Yellowjacket armor would go on to play an important role in the Ant-Man mythos. In addition to possessing the shrinking and growing powers typical of the Pym Particles, the Yellowjacket armor also granted its wearer flight via artificial wings. Bio-Sting gloves that fire bolts of bio-energy and the ability to communicate with insects were also important additions. A more modernized version of the Yellowjacket armor was worn by Darren Cross in the 2015 “Ant-Man” movie, which featured similar armaments along with a more villainous design.
#8: Azrael’s Batsuit
Azrael
After Batman’s spine is shattered by Bane during the “Knightfall” saga, Bruce Wayne turns the mantle of the bat over to Jean-Paul Valley, also known as Azrael, until he recovers. However, Jean-Paul quickly decides the batsuit needs to be modified in order to better suit his more ruthless crime fighting style. After designing new clawed gauntlets that fire shuriken-like batarangs, Jean-Paul fashions his own armored batsuit that features lasers, a high-beam signal light, bulletproof plating and even a flamethrower. During Jean-Paul’s tenure as Batman, this suit underwent several evolutions, and eventually began to resemble his original Azrael costume. But ultimately, Bruce Wayne returned to reclaim the cape and cowl.
#7: Doom Armor
Doctor Doom
While most characters who make use of power armors typically go through several models, Dr. Doom knocked his out of the park on the first try. Although the Latverian leader does occasionally adjust his suit depending on his opponent, the armor has remained virtually the same throughout his history. That is a testament to how powerful it truly is. A menacing mixture of magic and state-of-the-art technology, Doom’s armor is equipped with electroshock defense systems, jet packs, numerous energy blasters, force-fields, a neural disruptor and much more. Since his greatest adversaries frequently outnumber him four to one, it makes sense that Dr. Doom would create armor that would allow him to defeat multiple superpowered enemies.
#6: Scarab Armor
Blue Beetle
Although Ted Kord is widely considered to be the quintessential Blue Beetle, Jaime Reyes took the persona to new heights thanks to his scarab armor. Originally designed to be a weapon of intergalactic conquest, the scarab armor has awesome capabilities. Its wearer gets beetle wings for flight, superhuman strength and agility, energy bubbles, a grappling hook and a variety of melee weapons like swords and blades. The armor also bestows Blue Beetle with a second sight of sorts, allowing him to gather information on his enemies’ weaknesses, and in more life-threatening situations to activate an infiltrator mode that increases his size, strength and ferocity.
#5: War Machine Armor
War Machine
After a successful stint as Tony Stark’s stand-in for Iron Man, Jim Rhodes began his own superhero career wearing a suit specially designed for him by Stark. Clad in a more intimidating color scheme and packing more firepower than any previous Iron Man suit, War Machine’s armor lives up to his name in terms of its destructive capabilities. Outfitted with rocket launchers, repulsors, a twin chain gun, a flamethrower and much more, War Machine’s vast arsenal is enough for him to single-handedly take on a small army. Combined with the former marine’s knowledge of both armed and unarmed combat, the War Machine armor makes Rhodey just about invincible.
#4: Spider-Armor MK 1
Spider-Man
Desperate times call for desperate measures, even when you’re Spider-Man. Although we could have gone with the later “Iron Spider” armor, we’ve chosen to highlight Spider-Man’s original armored suit featured in “Web of Spider-Man” number 100. When a group of criminals called the New Enforcers attacks New York packing high-calibre firepower, Spidey realizes his classic costume doesn’t offer enough protection. So the webslinger designed this silver and black armor, made from a metallic compound he created himself, for added protection. This “Spider-Armor” made Spider-Man bulletproof but its weight reduced his speed and agility. Despite its limitations, the armor withstood a tremendous amount of damage before meeting its demise.
#3: Warsuit
Lex Luthor
If you’re going to make an enemy out of Superman, you’d better be prepared to go toe-to-toe with the big blue boy scout. So starting in 1983, Supes’ arch nemesis Lex Luthor crafted a series of warsuits capable of doing just that. Beyond granting Lex the necessary flight capabilities, superhuman strength and increased durability to fight Superman, his warsuit’s arsenal also includes a variety of kryptonite weapons. And not just of the green variety, either. What’s more, the warsuit sports force field generators, energy blades and various melee weapons to give Lex the necessary tools to defeat his sworn enemy.
#2: Hulkbuster Armor
Iron Man
The name says it all. Originally conceived as an add-on to one of the previous models of Iron Man’s armor, the Hulkbuster was specifically designed to combat the Hulk. In addition to making Iron Man strong enough to lift 175 tons, the Hulkbuster is equipped with rockets and prehensile tech that allows it to withstand blows from the Jade Giant by replacing damaged parts. With all the armaments one would expect from a suit designed by Tony Stark, like Repulsor rays and a uni-beam, the Hulkbuster is by far one of Iron Man’s most powerful armors.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions
- Rocket Red Armor
Rocket Red
- S.T.R.I.P.E. Armor
S.T.R.I.P.E.
- Steel Armor
Steel
#1: Mech Batsuit
Batman
On paper, Batman and Superman are far from equals in a fight, but this suit was enough to give The Dark Knight a fighting chance against the Man of Steel. Making its debut in Frank Miller’s graphic novel “The Dark Knight Returns,” the mech suit is a bulky suit of armor which Batman dons to defend his crusade against a government-sponsored Superman. Arming Batman with enhanced strength, durability, reinforced gauntlets and titanium-spiked boots, the mech suit helped even the playing field enough. With it, Batman’s superior martial arts skills became the deciding factor in what seemed like an unwinnable battle.
For this list, we’re taking a look at the power armors worn by comic book superheroes and villains, which give them the strength, speed and firepower to even the odds against more powerful foes. Our emphasis will be on power armors that truly put their users on the level of superhumans, as opposed to just the usual capes and tights costumes.
#10: Superboy-Prime Armor
Superboy-Prime
Inspired by the armor worn by the Anti-Monitor, one of the DC Universe’s most powerful superheroes-turned-villains Superboy-Prime arguably became a foe of equal magnitude. Essentially serving as a makeshift energy collector, Superboy-Prime’s power suit imbues him with yellow sun radiation, which magnifies his already impressive superpowers to god-like levels. How god-like? He was able to single-handedly take on the likes of Martian Manhunter, the Teen Titans and a whole slew of the Green Lantern Corps. It took the combined efforts of two Supermen to destroy the armor, and they had to hurl it through a red sun to dispose of it.
#9: Yellowjacket Suit
Yellowjacket
Originally created after Hank Pym accidently exposed himself to some unknown gases and contracted a severe case of schizophrenia, the Yellowjacket armor would go on to play an important role in the Ant-Man mythos. In addition to possessing the shrinking and growing powers typical of the Pym Particles, the Yellowjacket armor also granted its wearer flight via artificial wings. Bio-Sting gloves that fire bolts of bio-energy and the ability to communicate with insects were also important additions. A more modernized version of the Yellowjacket armor was worn by Darren Cross in the 2015 “Ant-Man” movie, which featured similar armaments along with a more villainous design.
#8: Azrael’s Batsuit
Azrael
After Batman’s spine is shattered by Bane during the “Knightfall” saga, Bruce Wayne turns the mantle of the bat over to Jean-Paul Valley, also known as Azrael, until he recovers. However, Jean-Paul quickly decides the batsuit needs to be modified in order to better suit his more ruthless crime fighting style. After designing new clawed gauntlets that fire shuriken-like batarangs, Jean-Paul fashions his own armored batsuit that features lasers, a high-beam signal light, bulletproof plating and even a flamethrower. During Jean-Paul’s tenure as Batman, this suit underwent several evolutions, and eventually began to resemble his original Azrael costume. But ultimately, Bruce Wayne returned to reclaim the cape and cowl.
#7: Doom Armor
Doctor Doom
While most characters who make use of power armors typically go through several models, Dr. Doom knocked his out of the park on the first try. Although the Latverian leader does occasionally adjust his suit depending on his opponent, the armor has remained virtually the same throughout his history. That is a testament to how powerful it truly is. A menacing mixture of magic and state-of-the-art technology, Doom’s armor is equipped with electroshock defense systems, jet packs, numerous energy blasters, force-fields, a neural disruptor and much more. Since his greatest adversaries frequently outnumber him four to one, it makes sense that Dr. Doom would create armor that would allow him to defeat multiple superpowered enemies.
#6: Scarab Armor
Blue Beetle
Although Ted Kord is widely considered to be the quintessential Blue Beetle, Jaime Reyes took the persona to new heights thanks to his scarab armor. Originally designed to be a weapon of intergalactic conquest, the scarab armor has awesome capabilities. Its wearer gets beetle wings for flight, superhuman strength and agility, energy bubbles, a grappling hook and a variety of melee weapons like swords and blades. The armor also bestows Blue Beetle with a second sight of sorts, allowing him to gather information on his enemies’ weaknesses, and in more life-threatening situations to activate an infiltrator mode that increases his size, strength and ferocity.
#5: War Machine Armor
War Machine
After a successful stint as Tony Stark’s stand-in for Iron Man, Jim Rhodes began his own superhero career wearing a suit specially designed for him by Stark. Clad in a more intimidating color scheme and packing more firepower than any previous Iron Man suit, War Machine’s armor lives up to his name in terms of its destructive capabilities. Outfitted with rocket launchers, repulsors, a twin chain gun, a flamethrower and much more, War Machine’s vast arsenal is enough for him to single-handedly take on a small army. Combined with the former marine’s knowledge of both armed and unarmed combat, the War Machine armor makes Rhodey just about invincible.
#4: Spider-Armor MK 1
Spider-Man
Desperate times call for desperate measures, even when you’re Spider-Man. Although we could have gone with the later “Iron Spider” armor, we’ve chosen to highlight Spider-Man’s original armored suit featured in “Web of Spider-Man” number 100. When a group of criminals called the New Enforcers attacks New York packing high-calibre firepower, Spidey realizes his classic costume doesn’t offer enough protection. So the webslinger designed this silver and black armor, made from a metallic compound he created himself, for added protection. This “Spider-Armor” made Spider-Man bulletproof but its weight reduced his speed and agility. Despite its limitations, the armor withstood a tremendous amount of damage before meeting its demise.
#3: Warsuit
Lex Luthor
If you’re going to make an enemy out of Superman, you’d better be prepared to go toe-to-toe with the big blue boy scout. So starting in 1983, Supes’ arch nemesis Lex Luthor crafted a series of warsuits capable of doing just that. Beyond granting Lex the necessary flight capabilities, superhuman strength and increased durability to fight Superman, his warsuit’s arsenal also includes a variety of kryptonite weapons. And not just of the green variety, either. What’s more, the warsuit sports force field generators, energy blades and various melee weapons to give Lex the necessary tools to defeat his sworn enemy.
#2: Hulkbuster Armor
Iron Man
The name says it all. Originally conceived as an add-on to one of the previous models of Iron Man’s armor, the Hulkbuster was specifically designed to combat the Hulk. In addition to making Iron Man strong enough to lift 175 tons, the Hulkbuster is equipped with rockets and prehensile tech that allows it to withstand blows from the Jade Giant by replacing damaged parts. With all the armaments one would expect from a suit designed by Tony Stark, like Repulsor rays and a uni-beam, the Hulkbuster is by far one of Iron Man’s most powerful armors.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions
- Rocket Red Armor
Rocket Red
- S.T.R.I.P.E. Armor
S.T.R.I.P.E.
- Steel Armor
Steel
#1: Mech Batsuit
Batman
On paper, Batman and Superman are far from equals in a fight, but this suit was enough to give The Dark Knight a fighting chance against the Man of Steel. Making its debut in Frank Miller’s graphic novel “The Dark Knight Returns,” the mech suit is a bulky suit of armor which Batman dons to defend his crusade against a government-sponsored Superman. Arming Batman with enhanced strength, durability, reinforced gauntlets and titanium-spiked boots, the mech suit helped even the playing field enough. With it, Batman’s superior martial arts skills became the deciding factor in what seemed like an unwinnable battle.
