The Underdogs of the Superhero Landscape
While nowadays the mantle of superhero is often associated with the likes of Spider-Man, Wonder Woman and every other costumed crusaders of the cinematic universes, some fans forget there’s a whole other world out there filled with flawed, masked protectors that just happen to exist outside the scope of the Avengers and the Justice League. That doesn’t make them any less incredible behold!
#5: Judge Dredd
The breakout character of the post-apocalyptic science fiction comic series 2000 AD; Dredd acts as judge, jury, and executioner in the crime ridden Mega-City One. Seen as both a symbol of justice and of authoritarianism due to his uncompromising and strict adherence to the law, Judge Dredd can be seen as heroic, badass, and horrifying all once. Much of his allure has to do with the character’s stoicism and the simple fact that he never removes his helmet, giving him a detached personality. He’s even been adapted to film twice, and while 1995’s Judge Dredd was a major disappointment, the 2012 reboot – simply called Dredd – proved to be the film fans had been waiting for.
#4: Spawn
After becoming a well-known writer and artist on Spider-Man, Todd McFarlane was among a group of comic book artists that shocked the industry in 1992 when they created Image Comics to compete with Marvel and DC. McFarlane’s Spawn was easily the new publisher’s most popular hero, as well as one of the most popular superheroes introduced in the ‘90s in general. By decade’s end, Spawn ended up getting a pretty bad film and a really awesome TV adaptation. Both reveal the character’s dark and twisted backstory, where a CIA agent is killed and sent to Hell before coming back with terrible powers. That paired with his brutal methods, war on gangs and quest for vengeance, makes him a perfect anti-hero.
#3: Invincible
Mark Grayson aka Invincible has powers reminiscent of golden age superheroes, but the issues Mark deals with are complex and perfect for the modern day. A half alien and son of the Superman-like Omni Man, Mark is forced to deal with being a child of two worlds while developing powers like super strength, super speed, and flight – all by the time he turns 17. What’s more, he’s also must become a protector of Earth. Despite his abilities and the fact that Mark normally battles aliens, he somehow remains a relatable character who must deal with college, dating and family drama.
#2: Hellboy
After spending years as one of the best inkers in the business, Mike Mignola created his own superhero: the unconventional Hellboy. As Hellboy was a creator-owned character, Mignola had creative control over the hero, allowing him to fully realize his vision of a literal demon struggling to be a force for good in the world. First appearing in the ‘90s, Hellboy’s quick and sarcastic wit, unique plots and villains, and brilliant art style made the superhero stand out in a time when the “Big Two†were struggling to put out compelling stories.
#1: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
These sewer dwelling pizza-loving amphibians that protect New York City using ninjutsu became a humongous phenomenon in the ‘80s and ‘90s and their popularity continues to this day. And let us tell you: the Turtles have been adapted to film and TV more times than you can shake a bo staff at. While many adaptations keep the turtles’ personalities; the dark tone, which both parodies and pays homage to Daredevil and comics at the time, has been toned down for a mainstream audience. With the series’ four distinct characters, everyone has a favorite turtle whether it’s the noble Leonardo, the brave Raphael, the introspective Donatello, or the fun-loving Michelangelo.
Be sure to check out the video below to see our picks for the Top 10 Superhero Movies Not Based on Comic Books
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