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In the prior decade, Marvel had practically abandoned the superhero genre due to poor sales. However, during the 1960s, they came back stronger than ever. Instead of telling straightforward battles of good vs. evil, Marvel introduced many new subversive concepts that became staples of the genre, including themes of identity, prejudice, and responsibility. Where DC told stories of god-like heroes, Marvel told stories of humans who became gods.
10) Doctor Strange
Debuting in 1963 and brilliantly drawn by his creator Steve Ditko, Doctor Stephen Strange is Marvel Comics’ premier magical hero. Once a brilliant surgeon, Doctor Strange sought to learn magic so that he could heal his hands that were irreparably damaged in a car accident. Instead, the powerful wizard known as the Ancient One trained Doctor Strange to become a master of the mystic arts and the Sorcerer Supreme of Earth. With his magic, Doctor Strange expanded Marvel’s creativity to new heights, with surreal imagery as reality itself became clay in the hero’s hands as he battled beings beyond human comprehension. To this day, Doctor Strange is one of the most popular mystical superheroes in comics.
9) Black Panther
The king of the hidden African nation of Wakanda, T’Challa, aka Black Panther, made comic book history the moment he first appeared in 1966. The first mainstream Black superhero, Black Panther, became an instant icon and a symbol of civil rights. Harnessing the durable, versatile extraterrestrial mineral Vibranium, Wakanda is the most technologically advanced nation on the planet. The Black Panther mantle and costume are passed down the royal bloodline, with T’Challa becoming the new defender of Wakanda. A wise and righteous leader, Black Panther serves as Wakanda’s protector, ruler, and chief diplomat. To this day, Black Panther and his extensive mythos serve as a tribute to the diverse nature of Africa’s cultures, history, and future, while also shattering stereotypes.
8) Jean Grey
When the X-Men were first introduced in 1963, they were a gamechanger because they were mutants hated by society and sometimes even their own families. This made the X-Men a poignant metaphor for marginalized groups. And of the five original X-Men, none was more powerful than Jean Grey. Initially known as Marvel Girl, Jean is a powerful telepath and telekinetic. Her importance in Marvel Comics only grew when she became the host of the cosmic being known as the Phoenix Force, which threatens all of creation. With her potent and corruptive abilities and her deep connections with her fellow X-Men, Jean Grey has been the source of some of Marvel Comics’ most impactful and tragic storylines.
7) Daredevil
Debuting in 1964, Matt Murdock, aka Daredevil, instantly stood out as the first blind superhero. When Matt was a child, a vat of radioactive chemicals spilled on him, causing him to lose his vision but also radically enhanced his other senses. After his father was murdered, Matt became the vigilante Daredevil. With his enhanced senses, martial arts skills, and billy clubs, Daredevil is the scourge of Hell’s Kitchen’s criminal underworld. Simultaneously, his stories often involve him trying to balance his superhero work with his lawyer career, making him often conflicted between working in a legal system and acting as a costumed vigilante. A street-level hero who continues to fight no matter the odds, Daredevil has more than earned his nickname of The Man Without Fear.
6) Thing
The Fantastic Four’s debut in 1961 ushered in the new Marvel Universe. And while each member is a legend, none can compare to the nuance and popularity of Ben Grimm, aka the Thing. Ben was the pilot on a space exploration mission when he and his friends were bathed in cosmic radiation that gave them superpowers. However, Ben was the only one whose abilities came at a cost. Turned into a giant rock monster, Ben was defined by the tragedy of his existence and appearance as he struggled with self-acceptance. Yet, over time and with the support of his friends, the Thing became the most lovable and charming member of Marvel’s First Family. He may not look like it, but the Thing is the Fantastic Four’s most human member.
