As a kid, I’ve always loved reading comic books, especially those published by Marvel Comics. Marvel has created a lot of memorable and nostalgic characters/heroes such as Captain America, Iron Man and the Hulk (among hundreds of others), and some have been brought to life by Hollywood in their movies. Of course, a comic book fan has his or her favorite heroes, and here’s my own top 5 list of faves. I will also include some of their allies and enemies in the comics.
5) Spider Man (a.k.a. Peter Parker)
Everybody’s favorite and well-loved web-slinger boasts one of Marvel’s biggest rogue galleries. Bitten by a radio-active spider, he inherited the abilities of a super-arachnid such as agility, strength, speed, stamina, endurance, the ability to cling and crawl to most surfaces, and the capability to produce artificial webbings through a gadget (though portrayed as having the ability to produce real webbings from his wrists in the movies). Perhaps his best known ability is his “spider-sense” which is some sort of an early warning device whenever a foe or some sort of danger is near. He is known for his wise-cracking antics that could distract his opponents which would, at certain instances, eventually help him gain the upper hand and defeat them. Played by Tobey Maguire in the three Spider Man movies, and will be played by Andrew Garfield in the 2012 film reboot.
Allies: Black Cat, Wolverine, Daredevil, Iron Man, Venom, Human Torch
Enemies: Rhino, Kingpin, Lizard, Electro, Kraven, Tombstone, Juggernaut, Green Goblin, Mysterio, Dr. Octopus, Sandman
4) Hulk (a.k.a. Bruce Banner)
Who could ever forget the green behemoth that gets bigger and stronger every time he gets angry? Both famous in the comics and movies, the character has gained his own fans through the years. “Puny” (as his own alter-ego would call him) scientist Bruce Banner has been accidentally bombarded with gamma-rays, thus giving him unlimited strength, durability, accelerated healing factor, vast leaping ability and high resistance to mind control. He is famous for his lines “Hulk Smash” and “Hulk Bash” both in the comic books and movies. He is perhaps one of the most powerful super-heroes created. Played by Eric Bana and Edward Norton in the movies, and will be played by Mark Ruffalo in the 2012 Avengers film.
Allies: Wolverine, She Hulk, Captain America, Iron Man, Doc Samson
Enemies: The Wendigo, Abomination, Leader, Absorbing Man, Bi-Beast, Juggernaut, Devastator, Dragon Man, Rhino
3) Gambit (a.k.a. Remy LeBeau)
The ragin’ cajun is perhaps one of my favorite X-Men because of his suaveness and his “hypnotic charm” ability which makes him a ladies’ man. Growin up in New Orleans as a thief, he became a thief first before becoming one of the members of Marvel’s famous team of mutants. He also has the ability to manipulate potential energy into kinetic energy, using a variety of objects (most preferrably through cards) and carries an extendable metal staff. He is perhaps famous for his relationship with his teammate Rogue. Played by Taylor Kitsch in the movie “X-men Origins: Wolverine”.
Allies: Wolverine, Rogue, Cyclops, Beast, Storm, Psylocke
Enemies: Mr. Sinister, Sabretooth, Mystique, Omega Red, Pyro
2) Juggernaut (a.k.a. Cain Marko)
One of the best things that I love about Marvel is that they could turn a villain into a hero (or in some cases, an anti-hero), and of them is Juggernaut. Empowered by the mystical Crimson Ruby of Cytorrak, Cain Marko was granted the power of the Juggernaut: superhuman strength, stamina, durability, healing factor and near-invulnerability. Formerly a perennial foe of the X-Men, he is now atoning for his past mistakes and is now one of the X-Men’s most valuable teammates. Played by Vinnie Jones in “X-Men: The Last Stand”.
Allies: Black Tom Cassidy, X-Men, She Hulk, Hulk
Enemies: Onslaught, Rage, Komodo, Mojo, Deadpool, Gideon
1) Wolverine (a.k.a. James Howlett)
Wolverine has always been my favorite among the Marvel characters, perhaps due to his mysterious origins and prowess in battle, as well as his conflicted persona: “he can become the ultimate killer, but has the courage and strength to overcome that side of him”. He’s gifted with the power of strength, animal-keen senses, stamina, durability and a healing factor. He is famous for his adamantium skeleton and claws. He’s been through a lot; stabbed, impaled, burned, crucified, but still lived to tell about it. He’s also been to outer space, other dimensions, hell, etc. For me, he is one of Marvel’s best created characters, and well-loved by many fans of the comic book hero. Played by Hugh Jackman in the X-Men films and “X-men Origins: Wolverine”.
Allies: Gambit, Jean Grey, Cyclops, Captain America, Domino, Rogue, Black Cat, Jubilee
Enemies: Omega Red, Silver Samurai, Sabretooth, Lady Deathstrike, Deadpool, Reavers, Cyber, Shiva, Bloodscream, Chimera, Ogun, Epsilon Red, Donald Pierce
