Top 10 Superheroes of All Time

Starting us off we have a superhero with a lifetime JLA membership. The Lantern is yet another DC superhero to be inhabited by several characters, the most popular of which is that of Hal Jordan, who is an agent of an interstellar law enforcement agency known as the Green Lantern Corps.. Handed an alien power ring and the lantern to power it, he is one of many intergalactic guardians that fight with pure willpower manifested into physical form. While the first Green Lantern, Alan Scott, made his appearance way back in 1940’s All-American Comics #16, Hal arrived on the scene in 1959.

This superhero gets his power from being an actual frickin’ Thunder God! Debuting in 1962’s Journey Into Mystery #83, the hammer wielding royal immortal took it upon himself to defend Earth from such threats as his half-brother Loki. Exploiting the richness of Norse mythology to create a hero unlike any other, Thor finally achieved a mainstream appeal when he portrayed on the big screen by the beefy Chris Hemsworth.

This feminist icon has been fighting evil since her debut in 1941’s All-Star Comics #8 and is unfortunately the only woman who makes this list (although that could change in the future with some interest Thor related developments). Also known as Diana, Warrior Princess of the Amazons, she possesses super strength, invincible bracelets, a magic lasso, a boomerang tiara, and an invisible jet. What more could you ask for? Wonder Woman, will you go out with us?

The latest Marvel Superhero to get his own film franchise, Steve Rogers was a soldier during World World II that was enhanced with super soldier serum, first seen in 1941’s Captain America Comics #1. Best known for his invincible shield and distinctive headgear, this hero was frozen after crash-landing in the arctic during the war. In modern times he is discovered, revived and turned into an enduring symbol of the American dream. You know, the one where you’re given everything in a day and don’t have to try. His military experience made the Cap’ an adept tactician which made him a natural choice to lead the Avengers.

This billionaire playboy philanthropist made his debut in 1963’s Tales of Suspense #39, before overhauling his look in issue #48. Arguably he is Marvel’s answer to Batman, but Iron man does it with much more je ne sais quoi and has a better time doing it. Tony Stark is, of course, much more than a playboy party-animal. Starting out a weapons manufacturer, he has a change of heart after suffering a severe injury and being kidnapped. Using his know how, he builds incredible suits of armor that he uses to protect the world, both solo and as a major player in the Avengers.

Although somewhat inarticulate, this massive green smashing machine has been enduringly popular through many decades and media adaptations. The comic book world’s equivalent of a berserker, this Gama ray fueled behemoth made his debut in 1962’s The Incredible Hulk #1. Bruce Banner has to keep his cool at all times, lest “the other guy” shows up. And the other guy is never in a good mood, demonstrating limitless strength and an unquenchable desire to destroy everything in his path.

There are countless fantastic X-Men heroes but this guy is a straight-up badass and probably the coolest X-Man. Iconic, popular and unapologetic, this Canadian named Logan will slice you to pieces in five seconds flat. Making his debut in 1974’s The Incredible Hulk #181, this regenerating immortal with retractable Adamantium Claws has seen inexplicable amounts of popularity throughout the years. His unshaven look and abrasive persona ensured so well that he’s remained a highly sought after character for movie adaptations.

Taking the number 3 spot is this plucky underdog, and perhaps the only reason Peter Parker’s Spider-man isn’t placed higher is because of his endearing imperfection and neuroses, highlighting Spider-Man’s youthfulness in comparison to his more stoic peers.
Debuting in 1962’s Amazing Fantasy #15, a radioactive spider-bite allowed him to not only take on incredible super villains but also to bucked a major trend, namely that teenagers were always stuck playing fiddle to the adults. Like most superheroes he explored the themes of power, loss and responsibility, all while being a character that was relatable to teenaged readers.

Where would we be without Batman? Arriving on the scene in 1939’s Detective Comics #27, he is the yin to Superman’s yang, the secret identity of the dark and brooding orphaned billionaire Bruce Wayne. A dark, compelling and complex superhero, despite the fact that he has no superhuman powers he is a masterful detective, a martial arts expert and technological genius.

Before we reveal our top hero, enjoy these honorable mentions.

- The Flash (Debut 1940)
- Daredevil (Debut 1964)
- Deadpool (Debut 1991)
- Green Arrow (Debut 1941)
- Robin (Debut 1940)

To be honest, deciding the number one pick for this list generated a lot of controversy at WatchMojo HQ, but really, who else could it be? I mean, the guy has the word “super” right in his name. Real name Kal-El, he’s the man of steel whose only weaknesses are kryptonite and, apparently, movie reboots. The character was first developed by writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster when they were still high-school students. They sold it to Detective Comics, Inc. in 1933 and by 1938 he was revealed to America, becoming the first superhero and helping to define the genre for all whom came after him.

Agree with our list? Who would you want to save you from a burning building? For more entertaining top 10s, and the origins of your favorite comic book characters, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.