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We rank Marvel's mightiest heroes.
By Joshua Yehl and Jeff LakeMarvel
is celebrating their 75th anniversary this year! In tribute, we're
counting down the 25 best Marvel superheroes of all time.
We looked at Marvel's entire roster to decide who is the most noble,
who has the finest stories of self-sacrifice, and who looks best in
spandex. Check out our list, then let us know your favorite Marvel
heroes in the comments!
The most recently created Marvel hero on this list is also the first
to ever use the F-word. Jessica Jones is a superhero turned private
investigator, preferring to use her smarts instead of her powers of
super strength, limited flight, and increased durability. Starting her
career as the costumed hero Jewel, Jones would eventually suffer severe
tragedy at the hands of the Purple Man. But despite going through an
experience that would crush the spirit of anyone else, she bounced back.
She now has a child with her husband Luke Cage and is a non-active
member of the Avengers, but her sheer determination and resolve is a
reminder that one needn't wear a costume to be a hero.
A half human, half vampire hybrid possessing all of their strengths
but none of their weaknesses, Blade has made a living fighting the
undead. Blade has used his specific expertise and tremendous physical
gifts to aid many heroes in the fight against evil. Pretty much, if
you've got a supernatural monster threat, Blade is the one you call.
Though immune to weaknesses like sunlight and silver, Blade's bloodlust
remains ever present, the hero forced to make an ever-conscious decision
not to give in to his cravings. Despite these struggles, Blade remains
very much in tune with his humanity, using his remarkable gifts to rid
the world of things that go bump in the night.
There's no denying Ghost Rider's instant appeal, the character's
flaming skull and similarly scorching motorcycle making for one of the
more visually arresting members of the Marvel U. The original rider,
Johhny Blaze, remains the best known, but no matter who vessels
Zarathos, the Spirit of Vengeance, the results are the same. Using his
Penance Stare to burn evildoers with their sins, he combats the world's
more supernatural elements. However, Ghost Rider's demonic appearance
hides a more humble beginning. Blaze represents selfless sacrifice,
willingly accepting his curse in the hopes of curing his father's
ailments. Deals with the Devil rarely go well, but that hasn't stopped
Ghost Rider from banishing evil while riding that sweet, sweet bike.
Formerly Ms. Marvel, Carol Danvers journey has been a long and
convoluted one. An officer of the United States Air Force, Captain
Marvel would later develop the powers of strength and flight after
exposure to an alien Kree device, the Psyche-Magnetron. Though her past
is littered with traumatic events, Captain Marvel continues to be a
positive force for good, her vast power set and unshakeable conviction
earning her the respect of heroes everywhere. Now flying solo, Captain
Marvel continues to aid those in need, recently saving an entire planet
from certain destruction at the hands of galactic despot, J'Son.
One of the first African American characters in mainstream comics,
Luke Cage had lead a long and storied history. Initially on the wrong
side of the law, Cage agreed to take part in a prison experiment, in
turn developing increased strength and indestructible skin. Following a
stint as one half of Heroes for Hire, Cage would then use his powers in
the fight for good, joining the New Avengers. A solid and consistent
voice, Cage would become a stable presence on the Marvel U, eventually
leading his own band of Avengers, in addition to the New Thunderbolts. A
loving husband and doting dad, Cage uses his powers to protect people
from every walk of life, no problem too small for his fists.
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