The
comic book world is an unrestrained expression of creativity, where
normal rules need not apply. Within the paradigm of comics, we often
think of heroes as enhanced superhumans, who save the world aided by
their special abilities.
Of
course, the likes of Superman, Thor and the Hulk are formidable
characters, but there is something extra special to admire with those
"normal" people who take on the responsibility of fighting off evil.
Who Are The Superheroes Without Powers?
In
fact, superheroes without powers make some of the most intriguing
creations in comic book history. The general definition of those who
truly count as lacking in the super power department include those who
weren't born or genetically enhanced to superhuman level (in the style
of Captain America.)
The
list also isn't ordered in terms of how they rank overall; give these
guys a break, they're often taking on powerful super-villains with mere
mortal physical capabilities, that makes them all pretty awesome, right?
Without further ado, let's take a look at the best superheroes without powers...
1. Moon Knight
Publisher: Marvel Comics
First Appearance: Werewolf by Night #32 (August 1975)
The
superhero is an alter ego of Marc Spector, a highly trained heavyweight
boxer, former U.S marine and deadly mercenary. Thanks to his training
and experience, Spector is lethal with hand-to-hand combat, as well as
being versatile with weapons and vehicles.
Surprisingly, Moon Knight is yet to make a live-action appearance, something fans have been crying out for over the years. Some have speculated he could appear on the solo Punisher series; come on Marvel, you know it makes sense!
2. The Punisher
Publisher: Marvel Comics
First Appearance: The Amazing Spider-Man #129 (February 1974)
Well,
I've mentioned him above, so it would be rude to not then give a nod to
Frank Castle. I know what you're thinking; can I really include the
homicidal, trigger happy antihero in a list of superheroes without powers?
This
one is arguably up for debate. Castle certainly has unconventional
(see: violent as hell) means of dealing with the bad guys, but he is
still morally robust, focusing on dangerous criminals, rather than the
innocent.
As
well as becoming a popular comic book character, and featuring in three
feature films, the Punisher has most recently (and most successful)
been conveyed by John Bernthal in Season 2 of Daredevil, consequently launching his own spin-off show.
3. Hawkeye
Publisher: Marvel Comics
First Appearance: Tales of Suspense #57 (September 1964)
The
long standing Avenger, also known as Clint Barton, lacks superpowers,
although he is physically at the peak of human ability. While he is most
fondly thought of with bow and arrow in hand, he is also a highly
skilled fencer and acrobat.
Jeremy Renner brought the character to live-action fame in the MCU, playing prominent roles in The Avengers (2012), Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015) and Captain America: Civil War (2016).
4. Green Arrow
Publisher: DC Comics
First Appearance: More Fun Comics #73 (November 1941)
It'd
be impossible to mention a bow and arrow without including Arrow
himself, Oliver Queen, a billionaire playboy who uses his exemplary
archery skills to help keep the streets of Star City safe.
Such
is the level of his skill, he claims he can fire 29 arrows per minute,
can fire an arrow through the barrel of a gun, and even split drops of
water (although when that would ever be useful, I don't know).
Since 2012, Stephen Amell has portrayed the character in The CW series, Arrow, which also resulted in the successful spin-off series, The Flash.
5. Iron Man
Publisher: Marvel Comics
First Appearance: Tales of Suspense #39 (March 1963).
Iron
Man launched the MCU into the stratosphere back in 2008, and has since
become one of the most well known superheroes in the world. But it's
hard to believe at times that Tony Stark doesn't possess superhuman
ability.
Granted,
he's a genius level engineer who can concoct the most ludicrous, highly
functioning and awe inspiring creations while under the duress of an
entire terrorist organisation, but he's still human.
Of course, while he is in the suit,
Stark reaches peak levels, even by superhuman standards, with immense
strength, armor, and even the ability to fly (even at times into
outer-space, yikes!).
6. Nightwing
Publisher: DC Comics
First Appearance: Detective Comics #38 (April 1940)
Dick
Grayson was originally introduced as Batman's sidekick, Robin, who was
adopted by Bruce Wayne after his family were murdered by a mafia boss.
In later issues, a mature Grayson spread his wings and became the adult
Nightwing.
Although
lacking superhuman abilities, Grayson is a highly skilled martial
artist, master of espionage and an expert at understanding body
language. He is often regarded as the finest athlete in the DC Universe,
which is quite a feat.
7. Black Widow
Publisher: Marvel Comics
First Appearance: Tales of Suspense No. 52 (April 1964)
Natasha
Romanova was originally a Russian spy, locking horns with Tony Stark,
before switching allegiance and pledging herself to the USA. She is a
world class athlete and gymnast, and can kick ass in a seriously varied amount of ways.
The character has been brilliantly played by Scarlett Johansson in the MCU, featuring in Iron Man 2 (2010), Marvel's The Avengers (2012), Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014), Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015) and Captain America: Civil War (2016).
Thanks
to Johansson's well respected portrayal, fans have been crying out for a
solo Black Widow flick. Marvel have finally announced the Avenger is
very much a part of their plans going forward.
8. Nick Fury
Publisher: Marvel Comics
First Appearance: Sgt. Fury and his Howling Commandos #1 (May 1963)
The
leader of Marvel's espionage agency, S.H.I.E.L.D, is arguably one of
the most loved superheroes without powers. The eye patch-wearing CIA
agent is a serious threat in combat, and was a Heavyweight boxer
throughout World War II.
Fury
is another character who has been immortalized by his inclusion in the
MCU; Samuel L. Jackson has become synonymous as the spy, Marvel Comics
even retired the original depiction, and introduced the African-American
Nicky Fury Jr., who is modeled on the Hollywood actor.
9. Blue Beetle
Publisher: DC Comics
First Appearance: Mystery Men Comics #1 (August 1939)
There
have been three incarnations of the Blue Beetle, although it's the
second we're interested in here: Ted Kord. Kord took over the persona
following Dan Garrett's (the original Blue Beetle) death.
Despite
Kord's kick ass exploits as the superhero, he has no special powers,
instead relying on superior athleticism, technological genius and combat
skills to take on the responsibility of being a superhero. He also
makes an elusive spot in the top 5 DC Universe acrobats.
10. Bucky
Publisher: Marvel Comics
First Appearance: Captain America Comics #1 (cover-dated March 1941)
Captain
America's sidekick (also known as James Buchanan Barnes) is another
popular superhero without special powers, relying on his martial arts
training in combination with expert marksman skills picked up from his
days in the army.
However, events made popular by Sebastian Stan's portrayal in the MCU across Captain America: The First Avenger (2011), Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014), and Captain America: Civil War (2016) give an insight to Bucky's alter ego, The Winter Soldier, a mildly bionic and brainwashed maniac.
11. Batman
Publisher: DC Comics
First Appearance: Detective Comics #27 (May 1939)
Could
I really do a list of superheroes without powers, and not include
arguably the best superhero of all time? No. No I could not.
The
Dark Knight is one of the most formidable superheroes, keeping Gotham
safe from crime for 77 years, and even taking on Superman in this year's
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. Admirably, he does all of this with no superhuman ability powers to boast of.
What
he does have is a genius mind, a never-say-die attitude even Captain
America would be jealous of, and phenomenal detective skills. Add in his
billionaire Bruce Wayne persona, and you have a man who epitomizes the
superhero ethos.
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