Top Non-Marvel or DC Comic Book Superheroes. Discover the hidden gems of comic book superheroes, the extraordinary characters you've been overlooking. (Image credit: Image Comics) Despite the overwhelming dominance of DC and Marvel in the realm of TV and film, there exists a realm of remarkable and exquisitely illustrated comic book heroes that originated elsewhere. In this list, we present ten superheroes chosen for their past popularity, enduring impact, and historical influence, which undoubtedly deserve your attention. Among the noteworthy entries, this week witnesses the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Spawn franchises making waves. The TMNT series unveils the highly anticipated second installment of TMNT: The Last Ronin, while Spawn introduces a compelling line of four ongoing spin-off titles. It's important to note that this compilation focuses solely on superheroes, so it's understandable if you notice the absence of some prominent names. Our selection is reserved ...
It’s widely acknowledged that books and comics are typically superior to their movie adaptations, and the same can be said for Marvel Comics and their on-screen counterparts in the MCU. Despite the immense popularity of the MCU as a shared universe, it’s clear that Marvel Comics offers definitive stories for its array of heroes and villains. In some cases, the characters are quite different from their cinematic portrayals.However, there are certain instances where Marvel characters are portrayed as inferior in the MCU, despite being impressive and formidable in the comics. This is precisely what we’ll be discussing here, focusing on characters like Taskmaster and Sharon Carter who have been given a raw deal in the MCU. Feel free to vote up the characters that you believe deserve better treatment on the big screen.
1. Black Bolt is a substantial force to be reckoned with, rather than just a mere joke.
Black Bolt has had a rough ride from the start, thanks to the woeful Inhumans show which can be likened to painfully shooting staples into your eyes. However, in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, he gets an opportunity to redeem himself, sporting a costume that stays true to the comics and featuring as a member of the illustrious Illuminati. Unfortunately, his moment of glory is short-lived, as Scarlet Witch uses his own voice to burst his head like a balloon.
Both Black Bolt and the Inhumans are highly regarded as powerful characters in the comics. They were once deemed more crucial than the X-Men and even faced off against Professor Xavier’s pupils in the limited series Inhumans vs. X-Men.
2. Taskmaster is not just a robotic entity devoid of emotions.
Although it’s not uncommon for the MCU to modify origin stories for the sake of the plot, the treatment of Taskmaster was a significant misstep. Black Widow portrays Taskmaster as Antonia Dreykov, who is programmed by her father to be an unfeeling killing machine, which is a drastic deviation akin to the controversial decision to sew up Wade Wilson’s mouth in X-Men Origins: Wolverine.
In the comics, Taskmaster frequently straddles the line between hero and villain, but the character is known for being witty and shares similarities with Deadpool rather than a stoic character like Silent Bob. Moreover, the person under the skull mask is Tony Masters, who possesses a personality that Antonia’s relatively lifeless demeanor lacks.
3. Quicksilver is, in fact, a significant character with great importance.
Despite the ongoing debate among comic book fans on whether Quicksilver or the Flash is the fastest man alive, the Pietro Maximoff portrayed in the MCU fails to outrun a bullet in Avengers: Age of Ultron. Although he technically uses his super speed to save Hawkeye and ends up getting shot in the process, the issue still remains unresolved!
In Marvel Comics, Quicksilver has played a significant role in groups like the Avengers, X-Men, and X-Factor. Over the years, he has become one of the most essential and cherished mutants in the Marvel universe.
The twist here is that the other version of Quicksilver featured in Fox’s X-Men films is given much more respect, with hilarious scenes showcasing his super speed in X-Men: Days of Future Past, X-Men: Apocalypse, and Dark Phoenix. It’s almost as if the MCU attempted to sideline the character from the start, given their restricted rights to him at the time…
4. The Warriors Three are characters with their own dedicated fan bases and well-developed personalities.
Although the first Thor film introduces the Warriors Three (Fandral, Hogun, and Volstagg), viewers assumed they would play a substantial role in the series' story arc. However, they are mostly relegated to the background, and their presence diminishes as the movie advance, culminating in their send-off to Valhalla in Thor: Ragnarok.
In contrast, the comics present the Asgardian warriors differently. They are not just Thor’s entourage but also significant characters in their own right. The Warriors Three have even starred in their own solo series in Marvel Comics, demonstrating a fan demand for them.
5. Ultron poses a significant threat, among the most significant villains in the Marvel Universe.
Although Ultron is primarily known as the primary antagonist of Avengers: Age of Ultron in the MCU, in Marvel Comics, he is a far more formidable and long-standing threat. Ultron has been determined to subjugate humanity for decades and has been involved in world-changing events that have necessitated the Avengers to collaborate with other superheroes on multiple occasions.
For instance, in Infinity Countdown, Ultron’s pursuit of the Infinity Stones makes him a more terrifying adversary than even Thanos. Despite not achieving his goals, Ultron in the comics is regarded as much more than just a rogue AI modeled after Tony Stark’s creation.
6. The Hulk is given the opportunity to be the lead character in his own stories, where he can lose control of his emotions and powers.
Although Marvel Studios has acquired the rights to most Marvel characters, there are still some remaining complications. Due to previous agreements, Universal Pictures still holds the rights to the Hulk character, preventing the MCU from producing a solo Hulk movie. While the Hulk can appear in MCU films, it’s unlikely that he’ll be featured as the lead character in his own film anytime soon.
In contrast, in Marvel Comics, the Hulk has been one of the most prominent and influential characters in the history of comic books. He’s been featured in numerous memorable storylines, including the highly regarded recent run, The Immortal Hulk. Unless Marvel Studios can negotiate the rights with Universal, fans shouldn’t expect the Hulk to be the same unstoppable force that he is in the comics.
7. Ulysses Klaw’s power set is much more impressive than it may seem at first glance.
Ulysses Klaw’s abilities in the MCU are limited to being an arms dealer with a powerful sonic prosthetic arm. However, in the comics, he takes his fascination with sound to the next level by inventing a contraption that enables him to transform into a being composed entirely of sound. This unique ability grants him immortality, as sound cannot be defeated by conventional means. This stands in stark contrast to his quick demise in the Black Panther movie.
8. Malekith possesses a plethora of nefarious traits and characteristics.
Although Malekith is often overlooked in the MCU, it’s worth noting that his appearance in Thor: The Dark World didn’t do him any favors. The film is widely considered the weakest in the Thor series, and Malekith himself is portrayed as a stereotypical villain twirling his mustache and cackling at his own evil plans.
However, in Marvel Comics, Malekith the Accursed is a force to be reckoned with. As a powerful and cunning Dark Elf, he has been a formidable adversary to Thor for decades, causing him to lose his arm and survive death more times than any soap opera villain. Despite being a thorn in Thor’s side since his debut in 1984, Malekith remains a relevant and interesting character in the comics.
9. Dum Dum Dugan is a side character who has won the hearts of fans in over 500 comic books.
imothy “Dum Dum” Dugan, with his impressive collection of bowling hats and iconic mustache, is a beloved character in Marvel comics. Despite his long-standing popularity, the character has been given limited screen time in the MCU, with only a minor role in Agent Carter.
Since his debut in Captain America in 1941, Dum Dum has been a consistent presence in Marvel Comics, appearing in over 500 issues. Although he has always been a supporting character, his mustache alone has become a recognizable symbol of the Marvel universe.
10. Gorr the God Butcher Is Legitimately Terrifying And Awesome
In Thor: Love and Thunder, Gorr the God Butcher’s path towards villainy is rooted in the death of his daughter and his disillusionment with the gods he had devoted his life to. However, in a moment of redemption, he is able to resurrect his child and make amends for his past actions.
In contrast, the comics portray a different side of Gorr. He too experiences the loss of his family and resentment toward the gods, but he remains unyielding in his wrath and seeks only revenge. He rampages through the pantheon of deities, nearly defeating Thor, cementing himself as one of the most formidable Marvel villains of all time. And to top it off, he dons what can only be described as a provocative loincloth during his gruesome deeds. He’s undeniably captivating.
11. In the comics, The Collector is an active participant in the Marvel Universe rather than a passive observer.
t’s difficult to discern The Collector’s purpose in the MCU other than accumulating objects, as he appears only as a minor character and poses about as much danger as stale pastry from a gas station. One wonders why Benicio del Toro was cast in such an inconsequential role. However, in Marvel Comics, The Collector plays a prominent part in the cosmic realm of the Marvel Universe, having been a fixture for some time. He even conspires with the other Elders to vanquish Galactus and form their own universe. Although their scheme ultimately fails, The Collector’s ambitious nature is noteworthy.
12. The Black Order proves to be more than mere lackeys of Thanos
To put it bluntly, in the MCU, the Black Order — also known as the “Children of Thanos” — are as effective as a couple of bumbling henchmen straight out of a Saturday morning cartoon. Without Thanos, they would be nothing more than generic villains of the week.
However, in Marvel Comics, the Black Order is a different story altogether. Though they are initially recruited by Thanos, each member possesses impressive individual abilities. Unsurprisingly, there is a fair amount of treachery and infighting, with the group even turning on the Mad Titan at one point. Who doesn’t enjoy a good old-fashioned villain-versus-villain showdown?
13. The Wasp shouldn’t be considered just a supporting character. She’s a crucial and dynamic hero in her own right
Although the Wasp is included in the title of the Ant-Man films since the second one, she is primarily a supporting character in these movies, helping out Scott Lang and serving as the love interest. However, in Marvel Comics, the Janet van Dyne version of the Wasp is a critical member of the Avengers, having played a pivotal role for many decades. Despite starting as Ant-Man’s sidekick, she ultimately becomes an essential character, even leading the Avengers at times.
14. Sharon Carter’s identity extends far beyond her romantic involvement with Captain America.
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