thumbnail

Top 50 Comic Book Heroes

Name the top 50 comic book heroes of all time, according to IGN.com.
Includes characters from Marvel, DC, Image, Vertigo, 2000 AD etc...
Quiz by MarklarUK
Rate:
Last updated: October 15, 2014
You have not attempted this quiz yet.
First submittedApril 12, 2012
Times taken70,745
Average score38.0%
Rating3.91
6:00
Enter answer here:
0
 / 50 guessed
The quiz is paused. You have remaining.
Scoring
You scored / = %
This beats or equals % of test takers also scored 100%
The average score is
Your high score is
Your fastest time is
Keep scrolling down for answers and more stats ...
#
Hero
1
Superman
2
Batman
3
Spider-Man
4
Wolverine
5
Wonder Woman
6
Captain America
7
Green Lantern
8
The Flash III
(Wally West)
9
The Hulk
10
Daredevil
11
Dick Grayson
(aka Robin, Nightwing)
12
Iron Man
#
Hero
13
Jean Gray
(aka Phoenix)
14
Thor
15
Dream of the Endless
16
Rorschach
17
Barbara Gordon
(aka Batgirl, Oracle)
18
The Thing
19
Commissioner Gordon
20
Catwoman
21
The Spirit
22
Professor X
23
Raphael
24
Yorick Brown
25
Hellboy
#
Hero
26
Rick Grimes
27
The Punisher
28
The Swamp Thing
29
Constantine
30
The Green Arrow
31
Deadpool
32
Tim Drake
(aka Red Robin)
33
Nick Fury
34
Jesse Custer
35
Judge Dredd
36
Spawn
37
The Crow
38
Dr Strange
#
Hero
39
Cyclops
40
Mr Fantastic
41
The Silver Surfer
42
Storm
43
Martian Manhunter
44
Hawkeye
45
Spider Jerusalem
46
The Human Torch
47
Shadowcat
48
The Great Machine
49
The Flash II
(Barry Allen)
50
Captain Marvel
+1
Level 27
May 31, 2012
Too many... when did comic heroes turn into a mass product?
+6
Level 65
Jan 24, 2013
Uuh when people started buying lots of comics back in the 40s?
+2
Level 82
Aug 30, 2016
More like the 1960s. The 40s-50s era, the "Golden Age," was dominated almost entirely by Superman and Batman, with only a small handful of other superheroes selling enough books to justify their continued existence. It wasn't really until the 1960s that comics became something not "just for kids," and superhero comics of all sorts (not just Superman) began outselling other comics like Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and Archie.
+1
Level 75
Jun 16, 2017
I think you're probably right. I remember reading my older brothers' comic books in the 1950s and the only ones I remember were Archie, Donald Duck, and Casper the Friendly Ghost. (Although I do remember them occasionally hiding one and refusing to let me see it - hmmm.)
+1
Level 66
Nov 5, 2018
While I wasn't alive in the 1960's, I feel like the Comics Code Authority is a pretty good sign that comics were very much regarded as a kids' thing at that time.
+1
Level 82
May 4, 2019
The Comics Code Authority was invented as a response to comics that were very adult and contained graphic violence, gore, adult themes, guns, drug use, etc. Before the code was implemented horror and gritty crime comics were all the rage. If all comics were targeted at children then the code would have never been implemented (and then later ignored).
+1
Level 3
May 27, 2013
Exactely!!!
+1
Level 11
Jul 13, 2012
is there one like this where its the top 50 comic book villains?
+2
Level 23
Oct 4, 2012
I can't believe I got Raphael... Only 1%. I tried 'tmnt' and all the other turtles and after I got to Michealangelo I thought "How could there NOT be the Turtles on here?" Raph proved me wrong. Great quiz!
+4
Level 62
Nov 7, 2012
Awww poor Aquaman didn't make it. To quote Raj from Big Bang Theory..."Aquaman sucks"
+1
Level 29
May 5, 2014
Yeah... can't believe it.
+2
Level 37
Dec 30, 2012
I would like to have seen a couple more of the X-men on there - Colossus, Beast, etc...
+5
Level 82
Jan 25, 2013
yeah. Seems like this list was a) trying to be diverse and b) giving points for seniority or for headlining a book. Some of these characters are just flat out lame, but have name recognition or have been around for a while or they have their own books. There are tons of characters in the X-verse more interesting than Captain Marvel. Those you mentioned, plus Nightcrawler, Gambit, Rogue, Kitty Pryde, Northstar, Angel, just to name a few...
+1
Level 82
Dec 9, 2013
probably should add Kitty Pryde as a type-in for Shadowcat. And maybe Marvel Girl as a type-in for Jean Grey. Though there are two other characters that have used that alias besides her, she was the original.
+1
Level 66
Nov 5, 2018
I'm willing to bet that the timing of this list probably influenced placements a lot. Because of the MCU picking up around that time, characters like Iron Man and Thor got bumped higher up the list than they likely would have been had this list been made in the early 2000's or earlier. Had this list come out in the 90's or early 2000's, there would probably be twice as many X-Men on there.
+1
Level 82
May 4, 2019
^undoubtedly. I'm sure if they redid the list today they would force on Black Panther at least, and probably Miles Morales, Falcon, Black Widow, Hawkeye, perhaps Vision, maybe either Namor or Aquaman, and probably Carol Danvers (the Captain Marvel on the list is not Carol Danvers).
+1
Level 82
Jan 25, 2013
They missed The Tick, the best superhero of all time.
+1
Level 66
Jun 23, 2019
Exactly this list reminded me of the tick, and was thinking of making a comment, who remembers the tick.. It is in avague distant memory for me, but the name came up, and I think I sort of see him in my minds eye. Big head and blue..
+1
Level 72
Aug 26, 2019
Loved the cartoon, but haven't watched the newer live action one. I have a feeling it won't hold up
+1
Level 82
Nov 30, 2019
I enjoyed all three television series personally. Though each for different reasons as they are all different takes on the character.
+1
Level 42
Apr 20, 2013
no one knows spider jerusalem. hunter s thompson incarnate
+1
Level 52
Apr 24, 2013
No aquaman, night crawler, collosus, or beast or invisible girl.....
+2
Level 66
Nov 5, 2018
Well Aquaman is pretty lame, but I'm guessing that if this list had been made in the 90's or early 2000's, all of those X-Men would have made the list.
+1
Level 23
May 24, 2013
I got them all yay! But could you please accept Kitty Pryde as well as Shadowcat?
+1
Level 23
Sep 8, 2013
"Shazam" should be an acceptable answer for Captain Marvel as that is his adapted name
+1
Level ∞
Oct 15, 2014
Okay, that will work now.
+1
Level 22
Oct 15, 2013
Should accept *Jean! Was here for ages trying to work her out.
+1
Level 19
Oct 28, 2013
Rick Grimes should be #1!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
+1
Level 35
May 8, 2014
I strongly agree!! Also Glenn should be on the list
+1
Level 57
Dec 14, 2013
I can't believe that on 19% got Deadpool. He's awesome!
+1
Level 30
Jan 11, 2014
got 27! somehow I got Dr Strange...
+2
Level 22
Jun 8, 2016
That's strange.
+2
Level 55
Jun 16, 2017
Maybe. Who am I to judge?
+1
Level 77
Jan 16, 2014
Raphael? Like the ninja turtle?
+3
Level 82
Nov 24, 2014
No. The Renaissance painter. duh.
+2
Level 72
Jun 13, 2016
The better question here is why the worst ninja turtle is the only one on the list. Leonardo or Michelangelo would have been my first choice.
+1
Level 72
Jun 16, 2017
coming back to this quiz after a year, I'm still surprised
+1
Level 82
Jun 17, 2017
He's got attitude, I guess. And I think he's headlined a few books. But he was always my least favorite of the four, as well.
+1
Level 25
Mar 31, 2014
I got Rorschach and The Spirit and didn't get Captain America or Wonder Woman *facepalm*
+2
Level 16
May 2, 2014
I reject this list for 3 reasons. 1. Deadpool and Catwoman are not heros. 2. Aquaman is not on the list. 3. If Daredevil makes so should Ghostrider.
+1
Level 66
Nov 5, 2018
1. Mostly agreed. 2. Aquaman is lame. 3. Ghost Rider should definitely be on the list.
+1
Level 29
May 5, 2014
I can't believe Aquaman is not on this list. He's iconic if nothing else...
+1
Level 66
Nov 5, 2018
Sure, but when he's mostly known for being the butt of jokes, it's quite understandable why he's not on a "top superheroes" list.
+1
Level 55
May 11, 2014
People REALLY need to read Y: The Last Man.
+1
Level 66
Jun 1, 2014
25/50. Not bad for someone who only ever read Sandman.
+1
Level 50
Aug 12, 2014
It's baffling how Aquaman isn't on the list, he is one of the founding members of the Justice League.
+2
Level 63
May 31, 2016
I haven't read or seen anything with Aquaman other than people making fun of him for his rather lame skills. So I wasn't surprised he didn't make it.
+1
Level 66
Nov 5, 2018
Exactly.
+2
Level 74
Aug 30, 2015
Missed a heap from my youth: Flash Gordon, Prince Valiant, The Phantom, Tintin, Asterix & Obelix, Dick Tracey...
+1
Level 75
Jun 16, 2017
I tried most of those, too, but never heard of Asterix & Obelix.
+1
Level 66
Nov 5, 2018
They are French, but I think they have some crossover appeal to other countries. I only learned about them in high school French class, though.
+2
Level 53
Nov 12, 2015
Where's Goku?
+1
Level 66
Sep 2, 2018
Technically he should count, but I think most people think of the anime rather than the comic it's based on.
+1
Level 68
Nov 12, 2015
29/50. Meh. I get this list, it's the most popular 50, but it won't stop me from listing my top 5: Flaming Carrot, Too Much Coffee Man, Captain Marvel, Colossus, and Silver Surfer/Iceman (tie).
+1
Level 82
Jul 2, 2016
Wot? No Bicycle Repair Man!! ;)
+1
Level 74
Sep 22, 2016
The Flaming C is definetly missing. He's the best.
+1
Level 33
Oct 21, 2016
I definitely was not thinking Rick Grimes would be on this list.
+1
Level 33
Oct 21, 2016
Where is Mumen Rider?
+2
Level 81
Nov 30, 2016
I was disappointed not to see Optimus Prime on the list haha
+1
Level 55
Dec 25, 2016
Commissioner Gordon is a superhero???
+1
Level 91
Jun 16, 2017
It says heroes, not superheroes.
+1
Level 66
Sep 2, 2018
Even then, I wouldn't put him in the top 50. For too much of his career, he's been "the guy that needs Batman to catch all the criminals for him."
+1
Level 54
May 10, 2017
Can't believe neither Aquaman nor Supergirl or Superboy made the cut.
+1
Level 73
Jun 16, 2017
And they all share one superpower - a superhuman lack of diversity...
+2
Level 75
Jun 16, 2017
Thanks, I needed a little comic relief this morning.
+1
Level 66
Sep 2, 2018
*ba dum tssh*
+1
Level 66
Jun 16, 2017
Glad Constantine is here. I am a huge fan of the comic and still have a large collection. It's a shame the movie was so bad. Keanu Reeves was miscast as Constantine. It should have been someone like Tim Roth or Gary Oldman. Good to see Judge Dredd is here too. Was a huge 2000AD fan years ago and it is a shame that some of the other 2000AD characters such as Rogue Trooper and Slaine are not on this list. Dredd was another character that suffered in the hands of Hollywood, though the second one was at least better than the that god awful train wreck with Stallone.
+1
Level 35
Jun 16, 2017
How is Iron Man not in the top 10???
+1
Level 60
Jun 16, 2017
Where's Squirrel Girl?
+1
Level 42
Jun 16, 2017
I got Spider Jerusalem and The Swamp Thing but forgot Wolverine. HOW?!?!
+1
Level 55
Jun 16, 2017
Ant Man got snubbed!
+1
Level 62
Jun 17, 2017
how can groot not be in?
+1
Level 82
Jun 18, 2017
Before July 2014 and the Guardians of the Galaxy movie, nobody knew who Groot was.
+1
Level 24
Jun 17, 2017
I only got five in the first try. Not even a big fan. Dr strange, superman, spiderman, batman, captain America. Not bad for beginner
+1
Level 68
Jun 18, 2017
Dennis the Menace.
+1
Level 43
Jun 23, 2017
oh wow, for some reason I was only trying to think of male heroes :( duhhhh.
+2
Level 69
Jun 24, 2017
Where is Asterix?! No way he's not included while something like Spider Jerusalem or Great Machine are (I've never heard of either of these two). I guess IGN is totally unaware of European comic books heroes, otherwise Asterix, Obelix, Tintin and Thorgal would be here for sure. And if only Americans are here, what about the Donald Duck or Mickey Mouse?
+1
Level 80
Feb 12, 2019
Go to a comic book store (or any book store) in America... no trace of Donald Duck and Mickey Mouse. They're just monsters walking around Disneyland, but don't seem to be in print any more, unlike in Europe where they're still quite a popular read.
+1
Level 63
Oct 2, 2017
Could you accept Yorick for Yorick Brown? I feel like his last name (and Hero's) barely ever get mentioned...was so proud of myself for getting that much...
+1
Level 50
Dec 21, 2017
Great Quiz!
+1
Level 54
Jan 3, 2018
This list is lame. Oh well, what can we do?
+1
Level 25
May 18, 2018
can you allow hellblazer for constantine please
+1
Level 49
Jun 13, 2018
6 female characters on the entire list. Only just over 10% of the 'best heroes' are women. Of the 6 Avengers from the first film, all of them made it except Black Widow. All of the Fantastic 4 are on here except Invisible Woman. Of Batman characters, we got Batman, two Robins and Commissioner Bloody Gordon and only one version of Batgirl and no Huntress, Black Canary, Spoiler, Black Bat, Batwoman? Catwoman should not be on the list at all, as she has been more of an anti-hero than a villain for about 10% of her comic book existence.

Seriously. No Supergirl, no Hawkgirl, no Starfire, no Raven, no Zatanna, no Vixen, no Bumblebee, no Artemis, no Wondergirl or Troia, no Mera, no Wasp, Scarlett Witch, Captain Marvel (Shazam was an accepted answer for the one on the list), Rogue, She-Hulk, Emma Frost, Jubilee, Psylocke.

I know that the quizmaster didn't write the list, so SHAME ON IGN. And if you do a similar quiz again, choose a better list.

+1
Level 82
Jul 14, 2018
Most of those aren't very good characters. But I also question some of the choices they made.
+1
Level 66
Sep 2, 2018
I agree Black Widow should be on the list. As for Sue Storm, I rather thing the Fantastic 4 are overrepresented on this list, and would rather see Reed and Johnny taken off the list. Most of the Batman-related characters you mentioned aren't big enough to be on the list. Supergirl probably should be, maybe one of the Teen Titans too. Probably not Wasp. "No more mutants" killed Scarlet Witch as a character. Carol Danvers is overrated (though I am indeed surprised she's not on the list). Agree with Rogue and She-Hulk. Emma Frost should have remained a villain. Jubilee and Psylocke I would give honorable mentions; even though I like both better than Jean Grey, there's no question Jean is far more prominent.
+1
Level 82
May 4, 2019
Namor, the Human Torch, and Captain America were Timely Comics' (later Marvel Comics) biggest stars of the golden age.
+1
Level 34
Jun 23, 2018
Israel?
+1
Level 77
Sep 17, 2018
Well! I've no idea what IGN.com is, but any list of comic heroes that fails to mention any of my top three - Asterix, Tin-tin and Dennis the Menace - isn't (in my estimation) worth the paper it's written on.
+1
Level 66
Nov 5, 2018
They're primarily a video games website, but they do cover other kinds of media as well. And yeah, their lists are generally pretty mediocre.
+2
Level 76
Oct 16, 2018
I bet there would be a lot more Marvel characters/the ones currently there would be ranked a lot higher now.
+1
Level 66
Nov 5, 2018
I bet some of the characters on this list got bumped to higher positions than they deserve because of the MCU, even if it was still in its early years when this list game out. Does Thor really belong all the way up at #14, higher than Professer X or Batgirl?
+1
Level 22
Apr 3, 2019
great quiz! surprised not to see aquaman, blue beetle, deathstroke or Archie Sonic but I really liked it otherwise
+1
Level 67
May 22, 2020
Yeah I was confused for the absence of Aquaman, Deathstroke I tried just in case but I highly doubted it cuz he's an antagonist like 90% of the time
+1
Level 78
Aug 26, 2019
It should be mentioned somewhere that the list exclusively ranks comics from the USA.
+1
Level 67
May 22, 2020
Huh, guess Commissioner Gordon makes sense
+2
Level 48
May 18, 2021
Asterix,? tintin? ghost rider ? the mask? V for vendetta?
+1
Level 67
Jun 4, 2021
"#1: Superman"

Okay I'm done

+1
Level 67
Jan 15, 2022
33/50 without ever touching a comic book. Hm

Also Asterix should definitely be on here

+1
Level 55
Sep 28, 2023
If we are talking about Fantastic Four version of Human Torch then it should be without 'the'

Because THE Human Torch is Jim Hammond who isn't as recognizable

+1
Level 37
Dec 7, 2023
Gambit is the only X-Men character who didn't make it. I think he's more deserving than some of these bottom ones.