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No longer constrained by over-the-top censorship laws, Marvel was able to expand its creative potential and grow alongside its audience. On top of introducing more violent and horror-adjacent characters, the Bronze Age saw greater representation among its superheroes and engagement in societally significant issues. From mutants to monsters, these are the greatest Marvel superheroes of the ‘70s.
10) Iron Fist
During the ‘70s, martial arts movies and TV shows were all the rage, so Marvel Comics decided in 1974 to jump on the bandwagon by creating Danny Rand, aka Iron Fist. As a young boy of a wealthy family, Danny lost his parents during a hike into the Himalayan Mountains. He was then found and adopted by monks of the mystical city of K’un-Lun, who trained him to master numerous fighting styles. After defeating an all-mighty dragon, Danny earned the title of the Iron Fist. Having fully harnessed his chi, Iron Fist is one of the most skilled martial artists in history and uses his techniques to defend the streets of New York. To this day, Iron Fist is Marvel’s premier martial arts master.
9) Moon Knight
Initially debuting in 1975 as an enemy of Werewolf by Night, Marc Spector, aka Moon Knight, quickly proved himself to be a much more popular character than his hairy adversary. One of Marvel’s most brutal heroes, Marc was a mercenary who was saved from the brink of death by becoming the avatar of the Egyptian God of the Moon, Khonshu. Reborn as the Fist of Khonshu, Moon Knight uses diverse gadgets and a vicious fighting style to protect those who travel at night. Moon Knight became even more interesting when it was revealed that his “alter-egos” Steven Grant and Jake Lockley were actually split personalities. With his story about navigating his dissociative identity disorder and connection to an Egyptian God, Moon Knight is among Marvel’s most complex anti-heroes.
8) Colossus
In 1975, the X-Men were revitalized and expanded when the original group broke up, and Professor X assembled a new team of superhero mutants from around the world. Of this colorful cast of new X-Men, the team’s muscle was the Russian mutant Piotr Rasputin, aka Colossus. His X-Gene grants him the ability to encase his body in a tough and flexible metal that drastically increases his strength. Yet despite his tough exterior, Colossus is a kind and sensitive soul who will do anything to protect his fellow X-Men. And although he has one of the most engaging bloodlines in Marvel, Colossus still sees the X-Men as his true family, with himself taking on a big brother role.
7) Ghost Rider (Johnny Blaze)
In 1972, villains learned that there would be hell to pay for their crimes. Motorcycle stuntman Johnny Blaze made a deal with the demon Mephisto to cure his surrogate father’s cancer. While Mephisto does cure his cancer, the man immediately dies in a crash. Nonetheless, Johnny was forced to uphold his end of the bargain. Merging with the Spirit of Vengeance known as Zarathos, Johnny transformed into the flaming skull-headed Ghost Rider. Riding a flaming motorcycle, Ghost Rider is among Marvel’s most fearsome anti-heroes. His unique power, called the Penance Stare, to make people feel the accumulated pain from all their victims, makes him stand out even more. Johnny would inspire many more Ghost Riders to continue his eternal mission to punish the wicked for their sins.
6) She-Hulk
Despite her name, powers, and familial ties, Jennifer Walters, aka She-Hulk, couldn’t be more different from her cousin, the Incredible Hulk. After Jennifer was shot by mobsters in 1979, Bruce saved her life by giving her a gamma-irradiated blood transfusion. However, instead of manifesting a rage-fueled split personality, Jennifer discovered that she could transform at will into the Sensational She-Hulk. Although she’s not as strong as her cousin, She-Hulk retains her mind and has full control of her transformations. A hilarious character, She-Hulk is well-known as one of the first fourth wall-breaking superheroes. Additionally, her escapades as a superhero lawyer lend themselves to a variety of fun and unique storylines. Everything about She-Hulk is empowering and subversive, making her a standout and lovable hero.
