Although Marvel and DC superheroes may enjoy mainstream popularity now, they are not the only companies who offer cool characters to comic readers. Over the years, certain titles have garnered huge followings, sometimes surpassing even the big two comic companies. Here are the best 5:
Hellboy
Dark Horse’s Hellboy has always been a popular character both in its comic form and its movie form. The character, unlike DC and Marvel comics, is a sarcastic, dark humored hero who looks unlike anything audiences had been used to. Hellboy was actually supposed to be the bringer of the apocalypse on earth, a literal spawn of Satan who instead fought paranormal villains in order to protect his friends and family on Earth.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Mirage’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are one of comic book’s greatest success stories. The story of four turtles who turned into mutant kung fu fighting warriors seemed to be a concept that was farfetched but never really died down in popularity. The turtles, although unrealistic struck a chord with their audience who related to their struggles with their sense of self and their identities.
Spawn
Image Comic’s Spawn has been considered to be one of the best comic book characters of all time. His tragic backstory and his new identity working for the Devil has captured an audience who empathize with the characters struggles, even though he is technically bringing justice to those who deserve it. His suit has always tempted him to the dark side, better than any DC or Marvel hero.
Avatar: The Last Airbender
Avatar was never a comic book but that did not stop her from getting as much popularity if more than most Marvel and DC superheroes. The story of heroes capable of “bending” story arcs the four elements that make up Earth gathered a strong audience who may not favor the traditional superhero but characters who sparked philosophical thinking in a cartoon series.
Invincible
Skybound’s Invincible is a concoction of past heroes like Spider-Man and Superman rolled into one teenage character named Mark Grayson aka Invincible.The human/alien hybrid is an interesting character, in that he has all the strength of Superman but with the teenage struggles of Spider-Man. The character has given his readers some story arcs that may not have been possible in Marvel/DC.
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