Iceman is One of the Coolest X-Men
Comic book panels are filled with thousands of superheroes. Some, like Batman and Wolverine, have become pop culture powerhouses, while others have languished with little recognition despite being awesome creations. Here are 20 minor superheroes who deserve more recognition.
1. Booster Gold
This fame-hungry DC superhero uses advanced technology and a time-traveling AI to fight crime. He's arrogant and fun, often trying to promote himself as he saves the day. Booster Gold starts as a selfish character, only to eventually become a hero that anyone can get behind.
2. The Serpent Society
This team of snake-themed mercenaries never got their due. This society includes Diamondback, Bushmaster, and Cottonmouth. The storytelling is rich and extends beyond the typical comic book villainy. Readers love the internal politics and conflicts.
3. Doctor Mid-Nite
This superhero is a blind surgeon who gains the ability to see in complete darkness and uses this power to fight crime. He deploys blackout bombs, medical expertise, and his unwavering ethics to save citizens. Furthermore, he is one of the first disabled superheroes to grace the pages.
4. Forge
This Marvel character is a mutant inventor and Vietnam veteran who can intuitively create most machines. Forge is a scientist and a soldier, and one of the most under-appreciated X-Men. He often gets sidelined by more popular characters who are similar in nature, like Beast, but Forge is battle-scarred and brilliant.
5. The Prowler
The original Prowler was a young inventor from Harlem who used gadgets to fake being a criminal. He would eventually become a hero thanks to his tech brilliance and morality. This Marvel character is evidence that creativity and courage are as important as superpowers.
6. Monica Rambeau
Marvel's Rambeau has appeared as part of popular superhero teams and in a few movies, but still isn't well-known among casual fans. Rambeau can transform into any energy form, and she's defended space and fought cosmic baddies.
7. Nighthawk
Marvel's Nighthawk fights crime with ruthless pragmatism as he tries to make a corrupt world better. As a black vigilante challenging systemic injustice, he offers readers social commentary and impeccable detective work. There's a touch of cynicism in Nighthawk comics, which may turn off some readers, but they are missing out.
8. Magik
Magik is the sister of the X-Men's Colossus, and she wields the Soulsword while commanding the mystical realm of Limbo. She blends mutant powers like teleportation with dark sorcery to make her one of the most intriguing and unheralded Marvel characters.
9. The Question
The Question is a successor to Vic Sage and uses detective skills and moral conviction to keep Gotham safe. A former cop turned masked crusader, her story tackles identity, ethics, and justice.
10. Iceman
An original member of the X-Men, Bobby Drake's powers are grossly underestimated, as are his contributions to comics. Capable of manipulating moisture at a molecular level, Iceman is arguably one of Marvel's most powerful mutants.
11. Ragman
DC's Ragman is a mystical superhero with a suit made of rags infused with the souls of the damned. He fights crime while bearing an unimaginable spiritual weight. Each soul grants him a wish but also demands redemption. Ragman might be the one superhero that every comic book reader needs to discover.
12. Spider-Woman
Julia Carpenter's version of Spider-Woman combines psionic web powers with an astounding level of athleticism. She's also a single mom balancing her domestic responsibilities with her heroism.
13. Static
Static has gotten some exposure in recent years, but never enough to reflect his awesomeness as a superhero. He can manipulate electricity while also using his wits to fight crime in Dakota City. He's a socially conscious superhero who takes on racism and inequality as his fight.
14. Longshot
Marvel's Longshot is an extradimensional rebel with luck-based superpowers. His stories mix big sci-fi adventures with moral fables successfully. One of comics' most enduring and uplifting underdogs, Longshot deserves a much larger fanbase.
15. Big Barda
This DC character is a former warrior of Apokolips who left Darkseid's army. Her immense strength and courage make her a feminist powerhouse, and she also loves Mister Miracle.
16. Dazzler
Dazzler is a disco diva turned mutant superhero who transforms sound into energy blasts, which is pretty cool. Some comic book readers treat Dazzler as a gimmick, but she's actually a fun and bold commentary on art, fame, and identity.
17. Ninjak
Valiant's Ninjack is a British secret agent with ninja skills, cool gadgets, and complete composure. It's as if James Bond were a ninja, but far more ruthless. Ninjak is a master strategist, martial artist, and isn't scared to wade into grey moral areas.
18. Swamp Thing
Swamp Thing has a small yet passionate fanbase but remains largely underappreciated. This DC character is a man turned elemental guardian who exhibits tragedy and empathy. His stories explore environmental issues, love, and mortality. Created as a savior in the skin of a monster, he lives with rage but is always seeking redemption. Swamp Thing is one of DC's more haunting heroes and deserves a more positive reception from readers.
19. Mockingbird
A biochemist turned SHIELD agent, Mockingbird is a scientific genius and expert spy. In the Marvel universe, Mockingbird often lives in Hawkeye's shadow, but is one of SHIELD's most formidable agents. Her stories explore loyalty in the male-dominated world of spies.
20. Wildfire
DC's Wildfire struggle is deeply human and interesting. He's trapped between his superpowers and being physically isolated, thanks to being comprised of anti-energy contained in a suit. He can manipulate energy on a cosmic scale, but can't do human things like touch or feel.
