2nd Class Superheroes

How Superheroes rank

Akin to 'A' list and 'B' list actors, superheroes have reached a point where their swelling numbers demand a ranking.  Ironman and Captain America from the Marvel stable of heroes and Superman and Batman from DC Comics are at the top of the heap - garnering the most fans and biggest box office, these superheroes have carved a huge hole in the super genre.

Superman and Batman have been around for some time and are known to moviegoers - young and old alike. Superman first appeared on the big screen in 1978, with Christopher Reeve. Batman in 1989 with Michael Keaton.  Ironman first appeared in 2008 and Captain America in 2011. Other big superhero names include X-Men (2000), which spun-off Wolverine and Deadpool and, of course Spiderman (2002).

Many others have come and gone (or are dormant) such as: The Shadow, Blade, Spawn, Green Lantern, Ghost Rider, Catwoman, Daredevil, Hellboy, The Crow, The Punisher, and Green Hornet. While others have become 'B' listers: The Hulk, Thor, Ant-Man, Flash and the Fantastic Four.

Up-and-comers will be the reconstituted Wonder Woman, Dr. Strange, and the new Black Panther, and Captain Marvel.  Others are on the cusp, let's call them B+ers: Mutant Turtles, Watchmen, and the Avengers.  The newly screened Suicide Squad has hit it big at the box office but a sequel will tell whether or not it will be an 'A' lister.

Now there have been superheroes themes that were thrown against the wall but didn't stick, such as:

Middle-Aged Man, who has the power to jump-start cars and comprehend mortgages.

Mystery Men, a-la the Avengers or X-Men but includes: Blue Raja, who throws cutlery, Shoveler, who carries a shovel, and Captain Amazing, who knows what he/she does.

 and, Apathy Man, who has all the powers of Superman but can't be bothered to use them.

Best
Jim