10 Superheroes You Don't Know The Real Names Of & 10 You Definitely Do
Guess Who?
We have no doubt in our minds that if you're interested in comic books or comic movies, you'd likely be able to name all of the superheroes we've listed down below. But can you only recognize them because of their superhero identities? It's time to put your knowledge to the test and prove that you really know who these characters are. Here are 10 superheroes we bet you don't know the real names of and 10 you should.
1. Ant-Man
If you're immediately thinking, it's Paul Rudd, right? Unfortunately, you're wrong. While Ant-Man is definitely one of the lesser-known heroes in the Marvel universe that gained attention more for the actor playing it, this superhero has been around for a long time. Looks like time doesn't mean much though because we're guessing very few of you recognize that his real name is Scott Lang (or Hank Pym if you really want to go back!).
2. Green Lantern
The problem with remembering Green Lantern's name is that there's so many! This often confuses fans into questioning whether they really have the correct name for this superhero. From the most popular, Hal Jordan, to Guy Gardner and John Stewart, these are all technically right, it just depends on who you're referring to. That in of itself can be a headache for many.
The Conmunity - Pop Culture Geek from Los Angeles, CA, USA on Wikimedia
3. Cyborg
Because his superhero alias perfectly matches his appearance, most people only know Cyborg as well, Cyborg. Obviously he wasn't always this way, but if you're not a fan of the character or the Teen Titans, you might not know that his real name is actually Victor Stone.
4. Deadpool
Deadpool may be one of the most popular superheroes of late thanks to its beloved film adaptations, but how many of you really know his name? In a way, the name Deadpool itself feels like it's already the entire character, as if it's not possible for this antihero to have any other persona. But he does, and his name is Wade Wilson.
5. The Thing
When you see this member of the Fantastic Four, you're likely just thinking, "Oh yeah, that's The Thing." But what about his real name? He is a person after all! Unfortunately, his appearance seems to mask everything about him, from his looks to his personality and his name. Ben Grimm's got it tough.
6. Aquaman
You would think with a last name that reminds you of the popular Indian dish it would make you remember Aquaman's real name, but sadly Arthur Curry isn't as memorable as many other superheroes. Whether it's because Aquaman is typically depicted as a "lame" superhero or people just never got into his comics, you'd be surprised by how little people know who he is.
7. The Silver Surfer
The Silver Surfer may look exactly like a silver surfer, but if you thought that's all he was called, you'll be surprised to find out his real name. Once an astronomer from another planet named Norrin Radd, there's more to this character than meets the eye.
8. Daredevil
Blind lawyer by day and masked vigilante by night, Daredevil essentially feels like the Marvel Batman! This character has such a fascinating origin story and his constant fight for justice is riddled with good intentions and at times, questionable actions. All this does is make for an engaging character that people want to learn more about. And when you learn more about him, one of the first things you'll know is that his name is Matthew (or Matt) Murdock.
9. Black Canary
Known for her great combat skills and piercing shriek that would disarm anyone, the Black Canary is an underrated female superhero that deserves more light. And with that being said, let's shine a spotlight on her name first: her real name is most commonly known as Dinah Laurel Lance!
10. Starfire
A powerful alien from Tamaran, Starfire is an iconic female superhero in the DC universe. While she's most known for her ties to the Teen Titans and Nightwing, she's definitely got the strength and personality to make it on her own. We wish people would know more about this amazing character, and it all starts with learning that her name is Koriand'r.
1. Spider-Man
Is there anyone on this planet that doesn't know that Peter Parker is Spider-Man? Arguably one of the most iconic names with its double P sounds, Stan Lee and Steve Ditko definitely knew what they were doing with the creation of this character. After all, this web-slinging, friendly neighborhood hero is everyone's favorite.
2. Iron Man
Though Iron Man was already one of the most beloved comic book heroes created by Marvel, the movies and Robert Downey Jr. really skyrocketed this character's popularity even further. At this point, who doesn't know that Iron Man is Tony Stark? After all, this playboy billionaire isn't afraid of letting everyone know who he is.
3. Batman
This masked vigilante might fool everyone in Gotham City, but everyone in the real world knows his identity. Bruce Wayne, billionaire by day and justice seeker at night, is one of the most identifiable superheroes on the planet. Batman is simply iconic, with his name basically a household one at this point.
4. Superman
Glasses or no glasses, fans of Superman will always remember his name no matter how hard he tries to hide it: Clark Kent. Superman is the most textbook superhero there is so of course people know his name! Regardless of what age you are, what generation you're from, or what hobbies you have, he's easily the first superhero that comes to mind - both his real name and superhero alias.
5. Captain America
Our most beloved super soldier and leader of the Avengers, everyone knows that the only person who could pull all of this off is none other than Steve Rogers. A classic comic book character that was made even more popular by an unbeatable onscreen presence, Captain America is definitely someone we're all familiar with.
6. Hulk
It's safe to say superhero names with double consonants just make it easier to remember! Because while this massive, angry green monster is best known as the Hulk, most of us know that deep down, it's Bruce Banner inside.
7. Wolverine
Everything about the Wolverine just oozes cool, from his iconic suit to his claws and personality. That's why we know the moment comic book readers were introduced to him, they just had to learn more about him. While his birth name might be James Howlett, he's much better known as Logan, something we're sure you already know.
8. The Flash
Thanks to his quirky, lovable personality, most fans of DC Comics know The Flash as Barry Allen (most commonly). That's because people love his normal day-to-day persona just as much as his superhero one! You know the creators did something right if people are invested in both sides of his story.
Ryan Quick from Greenbelt, MD, USA on Wikimedia
9. Wonder Woman
There's no female superhero more beloved and well-known than Wonder Woman! And with such an iconic backstory about her home, Themyscira, it had people hooked on learning more about her and her amazing history. That's why we're almost certain that you know the woman behind the tiara is Diana Prince.
10. Professor X
Even if the "X" slightly gives it away, all comic book fans know that Charles Xavier is Professor X, the strongest mutant around and often seen as the leader of the X-Men. With his amazing powers of the mind, it would only make sense that everyone would want to learn more about this incredible superhero.