Before The Avengers started breaking box office records like mad, only the true ComicCon devotee cared about Hawkeye and the Vision. Today, though, comics have seeped into the greater mainstream consciousness. Yet, for every billionaire caped crusader who goes mano a mano with an extraterrestrial demigod, there are a few dozen smaller comic book heroes whose adventures only a select few are knowledgeable about.
That’s a tragedy because the truth is that as spectacular as your Daredevils might be, there are a few unsung saviors in the land of comics that are even more awesome.
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The Comic Book Heroes You Should Know About
So that you don’t miss out on the comics that have fallen by the wayside, we found 16 of the coolest comic book heroes you’ve likely never heard of.
1. Doctor Solar – Superhero Comic Book
Fans of Watchmen will see a lot of similarities between Dr. Solar and Dr. Manhattan. Dr. Solar was blown up by a prematurely detonating nuclear bomb but was then able to will himself back into existence. He flies, shoots lasers from his eyes, and can create an atomic shield to protect himself. These are the hallmark staples of what great comic book heroes are made from. Should his powers fade, all he needs is some radioactive waste or cobalt pills to get him back in crime-fighting shape.
2. Jocasta
Jocasta was a missed opportunity in the Age of Ultron Avengers film. Initially, she was built to be the bride of Ultron. However, rather than being a protector-turned-villain like her husband, Jocasta forsakes her gruesome groom to join up with the famous comic books heroes, The Avengers. Born into evil and seeking redemption, while also a machine more human than humans, Jocasta has depth to go with her powerful brilliance and love of ass-kicking.
3. Grimjack
Grimjack grew up as a gladiator, where he learned his adept fighting skills. He’s part mercenary, part detective, who can jump between Batman-esque morality (without the moping) and Punisher-grade vengeance. Unlike most comic book heroes, he doesn’t use superpowers nor a super trust fund but does own a bar and has a drunken lizard sidekick.
4. She-Thing
Sharon Ventura began as an ordinary female paramour for Ben Grimm (the original ‘Clobberin’ Time Thing) became a superheroine in her own right. The She-Thing started as an extra member of the Fantastic Four. However, she eventually became nothing but a punchline in the comics since her primary purpose seemed to be a girl version of The Thing who could hit other girls without anyone getting upset—a tragic tale not suited to comic book heroes.
5. Anti-Man
A former U.S. Marine and Korean War veteran, Anti-Man was swallowed up by an anti-matter reactor that was supposed to provide clean, safe energy for all. Only able to appear for brief periods in this universe because his powers are so unstable. Unlike many comic book heroes, his rare appearances show him to be both hero and villain. An enemy to bigots, but also a tragic character with a fractured mind, he’s a force to be reckoned with, no matter which side he fights on.
6. Hawkeye
Gender-swapping has become common among comic book heroes, with characters like Thor being given ‘the female’ treatment. However, before it was in vogue, there was a female Hawkeye. Her name is Kate Bishop, and she bears a backstory that includes being attacked and raped in Central Park, then choosing to fight against her fear and seeking justice at the end of an arrow.
7. Matter-Eater Lad
Born into a world where normal food is inedible, Matter-Eater Lad only has the special ability to consume anything and everything, which sounds relatively mundane in the weird and wonderful world of comic book heroes. However, it has proven itself to be a valuable power when facing off against otherwise indestructible obstacles—for instance, chowing down on the likes of the Indestructible Miracle Machine.
8. Gertrude Yorkes
Whip-smart and deadly with a snarky comment, she’s Jessica Jones without the egregious eye makeup. Gert won the lottery as far as the classic, tragic backstory linked to so many comic book heroes. Instead of having her parents tragically slain before her, she had to deal with two evil begetters who can also travel through time. Luckily, they did provide her with a dinosaur to whom she is telepathically linked; so she’s got that going for her.
9. Darkhawk
Darkhawk is actually alien armor worn by Chris Powell. Unlike the Venom or Carnage symbiotes, this armor has no murderous intent but rather, tremendous fighting and protective power. It is also fitted with the Datasong, which predicts possible future outcomes. The Datasong also gives access to memories of the Fraternity of Raptors, the Shi’ar assassins who created the armor.
10. Dust
Dust has powers similar to the Spider-Man villain Sandman in that she can turn herself into sand or dust, altering her shape. A devout Sunni Muslim complete with abaya and niqab, Dust is a life-saving addition to the X-Men team thanks to her cunning as much as her compassion. Her capacities for infiltration are used time and again in circumstances where finesse is preferred to force.
11. Kid Eternity
A strange figure among comic book heroes, Kid Eternity, is an odd, Christ-like figure brought back from the dead by St. Peter. Kid Eternity was able to summon up heroes from the past and mythological figures to fight alongside him. In some incarnations, he could even become these larger-than-life individuals, giving him a deep bench of powers and allies.
12. Raven
The Justice League of America turned Raven down for membership, likely due to her sardonic wit being too far over the head of such glum comic book heroes as the Dark Knight and alien altar boy Clark Kent. Being born in a separate dimension as the progeny of a human mother and an inter-dimensional demon father, Raven has a few issues, but she’s empathic, able to feel and influence the minds of others. However, she’s usually kinder about it than her Marvel counterpart, The Scarlet Witch.
13. Red Wolf
A much better representation of Native Americans than the Apache Chief, with his ability to grow big and … well, that’s it. Unlike almost all other comic book heroes, Red Wolf holds no powers. Rather, he uses cunning, intellect, and exceptional survival training to overcome extreme odds, save lives, and thwart evildoers. Another orphaned hero, he burned brightly but far too short.
14. Julia Carpenter
It is not strange for comic book heroes to go through several incarnations. Julia was the second lady to become Spider-Woman, but she came into her own later, when she donned the title of Arachne. Bearing the same basic skills as Spider-Man, but with a far more crafty and artful sensibility, Ms. Carpenter would later become the newest Madame Web after the Grim Hunt storyline concluded.
15. Congorilla
Congo Bill was a serious hand-to-hand fighter and conservationist, with survival skills to spare before being killed. Luckily, he could also possess the body of a giant golden gorilla, where he lives full-time now that his human form has shuffled off this mortal coil. Part Black Panther, part Beast, Congorilla makes Caesar from The Planet of the Apes look like a strutting fool.
16. Natasha Irons
Like many female comic book heroes, Natasha has gone through a lot of different names and outfits. She initially took up the mantle of Steel from her uncle when he was injured, but later took on new personas such as Starlight and Vaporlock. Her powers tend to change as often as her moniker, but strength, speed, and attitude always seem to be in long supply.
Exploring the Comic Book Heroes Sub-Culture is a Full-Time Job
There is no shortage of comic book heroes for fans to invest their time in. Some enjoyed long runs, albeit in the shadow of their more popular compatirots. Others were but flashes in the pan. Nevertheless, their adventures are immortalized and will always have a special place in the hearts of comic book fans the world over. In fact, there is possibly an even bigger collectors market for these lower tier comic book heroes than the mainstream stars.
Comic books have always been a very popular commodity, and will continue to be as time marches on. We have seen a vast number of heroes grace the comic sheet pages and we are undoubtedly going to see many more in the future. From the super rich to the super weird, the imaginative scope for building comic book heroes means we have barely scratched the surface.
