20 Comic Book Characters Everyone Should Know

Some fictional characters are recognized around the world. The top three typically include Superman, Spider-Man, and Mickey Mouse. After eight decades and dozens of films, cartoons, and live action series, it would be difficult to not have at least passing familiarity with some of the key characters who got their start in comic books, yet these people do exist. If you're one of them, here is your cheat sheet to avoid seeming out of touch.

Two companies

The first thing to keep in mind is that there are two comic book publishers behind the majority of the most iconic characters, Marvel and DC. For the sake of simplicity, think of them as separate TV channels. Characters from one may appear in other books from the same publisher, but they are not likely to appear in books done by the other. It's a matter of copyright. While "CSI" and "NCIS" are both forensic crime shows, you're not going to see their characters on each other's shows, right? They're on different channels. With comics it's the same thing. Marvel characters don't appear in DC books, cartoons, or movies and vice versa.

DC

1.

Debuting in 1938, Superman is the first comic book superhero, the one who inspired all the rest to come. So popular he quickly starred in two comics, he also moved into a radio show, toys, movie serials, the famous TV series with George Reeves, cartoons, a newspaper comic strip, and ultimately the big screen. Superman is the survivor of a doomed alien world, sent to Earth as an infant and raised by the human couple who found him.

2.

Debuting in 1939, Batman was an updated version of characters from radio and pulp fiction like the Shadow, who were typically normal men fighting gangsters, mad scientists, and spies. But his popularity soon eclipsed the characters who inspired his creation, and his cast of supporting characters and villains are second to none. As with Superman, he went on to star in two titles of his own and be featured on radio, in newspapers, in cartoons, and on the big screen by some of the biggest names in Hollywood. The son of a wealthy surgeon and philanthropist, Batman vowed to fight a war on crime when his parents were gunned down by a common thief in front of him. He has inspired generations to try to achieve their ultimate goals because unlike most heroes, Batman is just a highly skilled human in excellent physical condition.

3.

Debuting in 1941, Wonder Woman rounds out the three characters published by DC who never stopped appearing from the time of their inception until the modern day. All others, despite initial popularity, were typically cancelled by the 1950s. Since then, Wonder Woman has only become more popular, boosted by the classic 1970s TV series starring Lynda Carter and now even more by the blockbuster Hollywood films, which made history by being the first major film to be written, directed by, and star women. Wonder Woman is Princess of the ancient race of Amazons, strong, highly skilled women living on a hidden island. Granted additional powers by the ancient gods, she uses her abilities for the good of all.

4.

The Joker is Batman's chief adversary, appearing hundreds of times since the 1940s, appearing in the wildly popular 1960s TV show as well as the cartoons before being portrayed by Jack Nicholson and Jared Leto on the big screen, and by Joaquin Phoenix in an Oscar-winning role.. Like Batman, his character started off grim, then devolved into silly stories over time before returning to his roots as a twisted homicidal clown in the 1980s. No definitive version of the Joker's origin has ever been given, in comics or on film, but he is typically said to have been a struggling comedian who goes insane when his life falls apart. Like Batman, he has no superhuman abilities.

5.

Debuting in 1940, The Flash is "The Fastest Man Alive." The original Flash was a police scientist named Jay Garrick who gained the power of super-speed in an accident. In 1956 after the Flash's comics were cancelled, a new Flash, Barry Allen, debuted with a similar origin, but a new look, seen above. He became so popular that he sparked new interest in the super-hero genre and new versions of other classic heroes debuted. The Flash has been featured in cartoons, and most recently in a hit live-action show and will soon have his own movie. The original speedster, Flash can run faster than light, breaking the time barrier, and can move so fast he can run across water, up walls, and through solid objects.

6.

Robin is the original super-hero sidekick. Debuting in 1940 and inspired by both Robin Hood and Peter Pan (note the ankle boots), Robin quickly became every bit as popular as Batman, for similar reason. Like Batman, Robin is a normal human. But unlike Batman, Robin is a kid, just like the original readers of the comics. Robin could be you now. There have been several Robins over the years, but most of them have been orphans, like Batman, whom he takes under his wing to train as aides in his war on crime. Robin went on to cofound and lead the Teen Titans, a super-team comprised of the sidekicks of adult heroes. The Titans themselves have had several hit cartoon series, while Robin has had his own successful solo series apart from Batman.

7.

Laugh if you want, Aquaman is more than "that guy who swims and talks to fish." Debuting in 1940, Aquaman is the half-human King of Atlantis, able to breathe on land or underwater and swim and incredible speed. He also has the ability to communicate with and command all marine life. Easily dismissed because he is not as strong as Superman, and is weaker on land than in the water, it has been pointed out that that doesn't mean he isn't still very fast and very strong on land. It has also been pointed out that most of the many heroes on Earth handle problems on the land. Aquaman handles issues in the oceans mainly by himself, and the oceans cover most of the world. Aquaman has appeared in multiple cartoons, and has now made his way onto the big screen, portrayed by Jason Mamoa.

8.

First debuting on "Batman the Animated Series" in 1992, Harley Quinn became so popular she became a recurring character, and was then introduced in the actual Batman comics. She has since moved to the big screen, portrayed by Margot Robbie. Harley Quinn was at one time psychiatrist Harleen Quinzel, who fell in love with the Joker while treating him at Arkham Asylum. Going mad herself, she became his girlfriend and partner in crime, but not truly evil, sometimes working with other criminals, sometimes with heroes, depending on what suits her.

9.

Like the Flash, Green Lantern debuted in 1940, but was a different character than the one people are familiar with today. The original Flash was a single hero named Alan Scott, but after the character was revamped along with other characters, the new Lantern, Hal Jordan, was a member of an intergalactic police force known as the Green Lantern Corps, who used "power rings" fueled by their green lanterns to keep the peace across the universe. On his own, Jordan is an ordinary human, but his ring enables him to fly and create solid objects, among other things. He has been featured in numerous cartoons and was portrayed on the big screen by Ryan Reynolds.

Marvel

10.

Debuting in 1962, it has been said that while Superman may be the world's most powerful super-hero, Spider-Man is the most popular, and that is arguably true, for reasons similar to why people like Batman and Robin. While you could train yourself to have the skills of Batman and Robin, Batman is extremely wealthy. It's hard for most people to identify with him. At the time of his debut, Spider-Man (Peter Parker) was a high school student from Queens, New York when he was bitten by a radioactive spider, giving him superhuman strength and speed, a danger sense, and the ability to stick to walls. As the years went by, what resonated with people was that he was an everyman, struggling to pay bills, avoid bullies, and attract girls as much as he struggled against super-villains. Since the 60s he has starred in multiple titles of his own, multiple cartoons, a long-running newspaper strip, a live action TV show, and movies on his own and as part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

11.

Captain America debuted in his own comic in March 1941, punching Adolph Hitler in the face on the cover months before America even joined WWII. Marvel was called Timely Comics then, and Captain America became an instant sensation, starring in his own movie serial as well as the comics. Similar to most of the DC characters, his title was cancelled, but he was revived in the early 60s as part of Marvel's super-team the Avengers, and he has remained popular ever since. While he is often dismissed as a hero with no powers, a government program brought Captain America to the point of peak human ability, and he has been highly trained in strategy and combat. In addition he has his unique unbreakable shield that he uses as a throwing weapon. Captain America has been featured in cartoons since the 60s, in two live-action tv movies in the 70s, and on the big screen in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, portrayed by Chris Evans.

12.

Debuting in 1962, The Incredible Hulk combines the idea of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde with the fearsome power of the atomic bomb. Contracted by the Army, scientist Bruce Banner creates a Gamma radiation bomb, and in an accident, is caught in its blast. Afterward, he finds himself transformed into the Hulk, a savage creature of incredible strength, normally when he is very angry or in great pain. The Hulk has been portrayed many ways in the ensuing years - mindless, gentle, intelligent, or completely mindless and destructive, but he has never stopped being popular. He has had multiple cartoons over the years, two movies of his own, and multiple appearances in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but he may be most well known from the live-action TV show starring Bill Bixby and Lou Ferrigno.

13.

If you know of someone named Logan born after 1980, be it a son, cousin, dog, or grandkid, it's likely because of Wolverine. Initially appearing in 1974 as an opponent of the Hulk, Wolverine was quickly brought onto the revamped super-team the X-Men, where after a few years he became the standout star, leading to countless appearances in other Marvel titles, multiple series of his own, and finally appearances in X-Men cartoons, X-Men movies, and movies of his own, portrayed by Hugh Jackman. Like the other X-Men, Wolverine is a mutant, born with his abilities, which for him include strength, speed, incredible senses, and the ability to heal from almost any wound. Due to a government program to make him into a super weapon, he also has unbreakable metal claws and a metal infused skeleton. He is one of the first Canadian super-heroes.

14.

Debuting in 1962, Iron Man was essentially the symbol of American military industrial power during the Cold War, but he has since become a hero who uses technology to protect innocent people, often from technologically-powered threats. Marvel's early trademark became characters who may have super abilities, but who have a weakness, and with Iron Man it was that his armor kept a piece of shrapnel from stopping his heart. Later, when the shrapnel was removed, he was the first comic hero to become an alcoholic, a side effect of being a wealthy playboy. Iron Man has starred in several cartoons since the 1960s and as portrayed by Robert Downey, Jr., was the lynchpin of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Without his armor, Iron Man (Tony Stark) is simply a gifted inventor and engineer, but with his armor he can fly, survive in nearly any environment, is super strong, and has multiple tools and weapons enabling to handle almost any threat or situation.

15.

In the last few years, have you heard reference to the utopian African nation of "Wakanda?" There's a good chance you have. That's the fictional nation ruled by T'Challa, the Black Panther. Debuting as a guest star in "The Fantastic Four" in 1966, the Black Panther was the first black superhero. Note the distinction here, since the Panther is African, not African-American. The first African-American superhero is also a Marvel character, Captain America's long-time partner, the Falcon. The Panther is descended from a long line of rulers of Wakanda, where each ruler has held the title of the Black Panther, leader and protector of the nation. Essentially a normal human, the Panther uses a rare Wakandan herb to give himself enhanced strength, speed, and senses. He is also a highly skilled fighter with a keen scientific mind, much like Batman. In the 50+ years since his debut the Panther has appeared numerous times in other books and had multiple series of his own before making his big screen debut as part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, portrayed by the late Chadwick Boseman. The film, "Black Panther" made history, like "Wonder Woman," by being the first blockbuster film to have a predominantly black cast, the first superhero film to be nominated for best picture, and the highest grossing solo superhero film of all time.

16.

The Silver Surfer seems like a ridiculous figure. He's a guy on a cosmic surfboard flying through space. But look at that image. Doesn't he look cool? He also has been, since his inception in the pages of "Fantastic Four" (oddly enough, immediately before the Black Panther debuted) a complex and philosophical character, who creator Stan Lee said was his favorite to write. Alien scientist Norrin Radd's home planet was threatened by the cosmic being known as Galactus. In exchange for sparing his world, Radd allowed himself to be recreated as Galactus' herald, to help him find other worlds to destroy, which Galactus has to do to sustain his own life. This led him to Earth, where he came into conflict with the Fantastic Four. Sympathizing with the humans, the Surfer turned against Galactus, who left Earth, but punished the Surfer by trapping him here. An immediate hit, the Surfer guest starred in many Marvel titles before getting his own comic, then later appearing in his own cartoon, and appearing in the second "Fantastic Four" film. Many of the Surfer's stories focus on the truth of good and evil, the human condition, and other concepts not typically explored in mainstream comics. After being tranformed by Galactus, the Silver Surfer acquired a metallic shell around his body, protecting him from nearly all harm, a board made of the same material that he can mentally control to enable him to fly anywhere at speeds faster than light, and incredible strength. He also has incredible senses, and the ability to manipulate energy. He is one of the most powerful characters in the Marvel Universe, one of the most alien, but also one of the most human.

17.

How many films have you seen where the villain starts out as the friend of the hero, but becomes his greatest enemy? The template for that trope is Doctor Doom, arch-villain of the Fantatic Four and perhaps the greatest villain on Earth. Just as every version of Batman must ultimately have the Joker, so must every major Marvel event include Dr. Doom. He may not be the most powerful villain in Marvel, but he is always trying to be. Debuting in just the fifth issue of "Fantastic Four," back in 1962, Doom quickly became a recurring character, eventually appearing in most of Marvel's books, and occassionally having series of his own. Reworked a few times, Doom's story has kept a few details constant - he was a college associate of Fantastic Four leader Reed Richards, but he dropped out of school when a dangerous experiment of his own design damaged his face. Blaming Richards for the accident, Doom travelled the world, becoming a master of science and sorcery before returning to his native home of Latveria, where he became ruler. Since then he has had two goals: Amass power, and use that power to destroy Reed Richards. As Stan Lee has said, what makes Doom unique, and dangerous is that he believes he's a good guy. He wants to rule his country as he sees fit, and do what he wants to do, and anyone who tries to stop him will be destroyed. He has the ultimate ego, but considerable power to back it up. Doom wears high-tech armor of his own design, allowing himself to fly, create force fields, and project energy blasts. He is also a highly skilled sorceror, tactician, inventor, and master of robotics. When facing Doom you never know whether it's really him or a robot duplicate.

18.

Debuting in 1961, the Fantastic Four were the first characters introduced by what became Marvel Comics. They represented a new way to do comics, with longer stories, more complex stories, and characters who didn't always get along the way the heroes at DC did. The FF were essentially a family, bickering and squabbling, but coming together when it mattered to do fantastic things. Long the most popular book in Marvel's line, "Fantastic Four" eventually waned in popularity compared to characters such as Spider-Man, or later the X-Men, but they remain the keystone of the Marvel Universe, and as seen above, numerous iconic and significant characters who are well-known today, such as the Black Panther and the Silver Surfer, made their first appearance, and many later appearances, in the pages of "Fantastic Four." Initially a group of normal humans, Reed Richards, his girlfriend Sue Storm, her brother Johnny, and Reed's best friend, test pilot Ben Grimm, set off in a rocket of Reed's design before it could be tested or given government approval, determined to be pioneers in space travel. During the flight, the rocket was damaged by cosmic rays and crashed, and the four of them were found to have been changed, given great powers. Richards, who was already a brilliant scientist and inventor, became Mr. Fantastic, with the ability to stretch his body into any shape, even stretching to prevent damage from knives, bullets, and rockets. Sue became the Invisible Woman, able to turn herself, other people, and objects invisible, and later able to create poweful invisible force fields. Johnny became the Human Torch, able to cover his body in flame without damage, fly, control heat, and project poweful bursts of flame. Meanwhile, the only one left physically disfigured was Grimm, whose skin became dense and rocky, while he was given great strength and durability. Because of his monstrous appearance, he called himself the Thing. Together the group continued to explore space and odd hidden areas of Earth, while defending themselves from alien invaders such as the Skrulls and Galactus. Immensely popular, The Thing and the Torch started appearing in other comics together or on their own, and the team as a whole was featured in multiple cartoons, a radio show, and to date three films on the big screen.

19.

Debuting in the series Journey into Mystery in 1962, Thor was an attempt to do a different kind of character. Not an inventor or someone involved in a freak accident, but an actual god from mythology operating in the present day. Other gods and goddesses would follow, including the entire pantheon of Norse mythology, as well as Hercules and other characters from Greek mythology, but Thor was the first, and arguably the most powerful. As with other characters who have been around for the past 60 years, Thor has been through changes in appearance and power. But for many years he spent most of his time as crippled physician Dr. Don Blake, who only became Thor when he struck his enchanted walking stick on the ground. Thousands of years old, Thor had been sent to Earth and secretly bonded to Blake by his father Odin, king of the gods, as a lesson in humility. Thor went on to have his own series, his own cartoon, and later his own films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, portrayed by Liam Hemsworth. Thor is virtually immortal and has enormous strength and stamina, as well as the ability to control all aspects of the weather. His enchanted hammer, Mjolnir, grants him numerous other powers including flight, and few other than Thor have the ability to hold or lift it. Captain America is one of those few.

20.

The only characters in this article not published by Marvel or DC, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles still need to be mentioned as they are without a doubt iconic, and they got their start in comics, long before the movies, the cartoons, the video games, and the countless toys. It's almost impossible to have lived since the 1980s without knowing who they are and a little about them. Looking at them, chances are good you immediately thought of pizza, and the the words, "Cowabunga dude!" If you grew up knowing about them, or knowing someone who was a fan, you likely had a favorite among them (Rafael, Leonardo, Donatello, and Michelangelo), and if you didn't the fan you knew certainly did. Despite being published by an independent comic company the Turtles still have their roots in comics published by Marvel and DC because they are a direct parody of the comics that became hyper popular in the mid 1980s - "Daredevil", "X-Men", "Teen Titans," and "Batman." In fact, the entire formula for the Turtles came from mixing together all the elements from the other comics to make what would then be its own hyper-popular comic. Teenage, like the Teen Titans, Mutant, like Wolverine and the X-Men, Ninja like the frequent foes of Daredevil, and Turtles, because cute animal characters like Mickey Mouse are always popular with kids. Initially appearing in black and white, the Turtles soon appeared in color in their own comics and elsewhere, and were in their own movies when Marvel movies were still just a dream. The Turtles were initially ordinary turtles living in the sewer until they were exposed to radioactive waste, mutating them to human size and granting them human level intelligence. Trained by the similarly mutated humanoid rat Splinter, they became a crime-fighting team.

Avengers vs. the Justice League

Those who don't know about comics, who at some point try to learn, are often confused by who is an Avenger and who is in the Justice League. They know these are teams that a lot of super-heroes are on. The difference is simple. The Avengers are Marvel's premier super-team, and the Justice League are DC's premier super-team. The Justice League debuted first, and the roster of each team has grown vastly over the years, but the key difference is that.

There is also a secondary difference about the teams that is similarly easy to remember. What super-team cartoon do you remember from the 1970s and 80s, if you remember one at all? Most likely "The Super Friends." An immensely popular show, it was on in different forms for many years, and the key characters are essentially The Justice League (Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Robin, and Aquaman). Their interaction is the difference between Marvel Teams and DC teams. As noted above, it was groundbreaking for the Fantastic Four to argue in their comics. The Avengers did as well. But the DC model was that the Justice League got along. They were literally, super hero friends.