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Everyone loves Marvel and DC Comics, but let’s be real for a second, both publishers have a couple of overrated heroes. Sure, every superhero has their supporter that will stan them no matter what, but the sad truth is that some heroes, no matter how cool or strong they are, can be a bit overrated by the general public.
For the record, ‘overrated’ here doesn’t mean ‘bad’. In spite of what many online may think, there are few superheroes that are actually bad characters. But some can be a bit overexposed or idealized to an almost ludicrous degree by their fans. Just look at Spider-Man. Yes, he’s a great hero, but in the last several years, Spider-Man’s become the face of an obnoxious multiverse push. Again, this isn’t meant to call out heroes for being bad, but the following 10 Marvel and DC superheroes are definitely a bit overpraised by their fans and the comic community.
10
Ghost Rider
First Appearance: Marvel Spotlight #5
Does Ghost Rider look cool? Obviously, with a flaming skull, it’s hard not to look cool. But while he’s got an impressive design and an admittedly interesting set of powers, what does the Penance Stare even really mean nowadays? Ghost Rider has tried using it on characters like Thanos and even the Punisher to no avail. Sure, he’s a spirit of vengeance, but the longer time has gone on, the lesser a threat he’s become. While some attempts have been made to spice the hero up over the years (even a cosmic version), Ghost Rider’s fire is weak.
9
Jean Grey
First Appearance: The X-Men #1
Yes, Jean Grey is one of the most popular mutants in the entire X-Men franchise. But aside from one incredibly popular story, what does she have going for her? At best, she’s a figure who keeps getting caught up in love triangles and, at worst, Jean’s a danger to the entire Marvel Universe who has killed an incalculable number of people. One of the best things she has going for her, the Phoenix Force, isn’t even unique to her, as other heroes, mutant and non-mutant, have served as the entity’s hosts. Jean’s a fine hero, but she’s pretty messy, too.
8
Nightwing
First Appearance (as Nightwing): Tales of the Teen Titans #44
Undoubtedly Batman’s best success story, Dick Grayson carved his own path, stepping out of the role of Robin and becoming Nightwing. Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean much nowadays. Sure, he’s his own hero, but so many of his stories are either wrapped up with the Bat-Family or the Titans. Seriously, how many villains are unique to Nighwing? Granted, in a world populated by legacy heroes, he’s come further than most. But Nightwing often comes across as less of his own man and more of a Batman character no matter how hard his fans attempt to argue otherwise.
7
Thor
First Appearance: Journey into Mystery #83
It’s hard to write compelling god-like characters, and Thor fans will insist that the God of Thunder is one of the best. While he’s had a lot of good stories, Thor is a surprisingly weaksauce character. Able to control lightning? Certainly, and he’s done some cool things with that. But his power is nothing compared to the ever-increasing brutality of the Hulk or the reality-bending power of Scarlet Witch. He’s obviously a valiant warrior who fights for what’s right, but when it comes right down to it, Marvel’s Thunder God isn’t exactly the mighty deity fans would have people believe.
6
Batman
First Appearance: Detective Comics #27
A lot of comic fans aren’t going to like hearing this, but yes, even DC’s flagship character is a bit overrated. While he’s certainly an entertaining and complex character, the biggest issue is how comic creators have spent the last several decades making him practically unbeatable. Despite living in a world of gods and monsters, there’s no one and nothing that presents a threat to him. Fans and writers alike will come up with the most ludicrous explanations for how Batman can defeat any villain or even hero. But all that does is make the character far less interesting.
5
Iron Man
First Appearance: Tales of Suspense #39
Thanks to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Iron Man had a lot of credibility in the eyes of many. However, Tony Stark’s comic exploits are filled with peaks and valleys instead of being consistently good. For every “Demon in the Bottle” or Superior Iron Man, there are runs that fail to show off Iron Man’s ingenuity in favor of playing up his fights for spectacle. Even though he’s a crucial member of the Avengers (a founding one, to boot), it’s hard to see how Stark and his suit rank above some of the team’s more compelling ones, like Captain America.
4
Superman (Jon Kent)
First Appearance: Convergence: Superman #2
For a brief moment, it really looked like Jon Kent was set to take the Superman legacy into a new era. As Superboy, he delighted fans everywhere with his fun adventures and slow, but well-done, development. Unfortunately, that all went out the window when Jon traveled with his grandfather into space and returned fully-grown. Now he’s just a second-banana Superman, and frankly, ever since his growth spurt, there’s nothing that interesting about Jon. Despite DC’s attempts to get people to love him as the ‘new’ Superman, things just haven’t worked out (and honestly, they probably never will).
3
Spider-Man
First Appearance: Amazing Fantasy #15
Much like Batman, Spider-Man is one of the most heavily pushed characters in comic books. While that, in itself, is not a bad thing, the most frustrating thing is how Marvel has turned Spider-Man from a beloved street-level hero to the linchpin of a multiversal saga. Sure, the Spider-Verse was entertaining at first. But in the last decade, it’s been extremely overdone to the point where Marvel is even copying it with things like the Gwenverse and the Venomverse. Spider-Man would be a lot better if he went back to strictly street-level affairs and left the multiverse behind for good.
2
The Flash (Barry Allen)
First Appearance: Showcase #4
This is a curious example because, at one point, Flash went out with a bang during Crisis on Infinite Earths after sacrificing himself and, for years, was regarded fondly by many. However, after his return in Final Crisis, Barry Allen pushed Wally West, a character that had worked his ass off since Barry’s disappearance, to the side. Barry’s a good Flash, but his powers were nothing compared to Wally, who managed to do things with the Speed Force Barry could only dream of. Even DC realized its mistake and course-corrected in recent years by putting Wally back in the spotlight.
1
Deadpool
First Appearance: The New Mutants #98
Yes, he’s the beloved court jester of the Marvel Universe, but come on, who doesn’t think Deadpool is just a bit overrated? He’s had multiple books where he kills every Marvel hero on Earth (and in the multiverse), yet there are few Marvel characters he hasn’t teamed up with. Admittedly, with the right creative team, he can be interesting, even an engaging character. But nine times out of ten, Wade Wilson is just an annoying loudmouth whose fans regard Deadpool as one of the greatest gifts to the entire superhero genre.
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