As Niche as it Gets
If you’re a fan of superhero media and culture, you’ve probably happened upon some of the lesser-known characters hiding out in DC, Marvel, and Image. One thing is clear though, the mainstream world probably isn’t ready for these heroes.
1. Maxx
While Maxx may lead his own comic series, it doesn’t mean the rest of the world is ready for him. Essentially, Maxx is a homeless man who believes he’s a superhero in an alternate dimension. This dual identity and his mental state is the basis for his story.
2. Squirrel Girl
Committed Marvel fans are already familiar with Squirrel Girl, and she first appeared in Marvel Super-Heroes #8 in 1992. Ironically known as one of the few heroes capable of defeating Doctor Doom and Thanos, she’s quirky and strange.
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3. Ted Kord
When people think of Blue Beetle, they usually think of Jaime Reyes. However, Kord is one of the earlier Blue Beetles who first appeared in Captain Atom #83 and fought crime without any powers. Instead, he relied on his inventions and gadgets for the upper hand. Remind you of anyone?
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4. Martian Manhunter
While J’onn has shown up in media many times, he’s still one of the more unique heroes on the Justice League roster. He first appeared in Detective Comics #225 and is a surviving Martian that tries to make Earth his home. He possesses a strange alien-like appearance, and also has a plethora of powers to help him.
5. Booster Gold
To the surprise of many, Booster Gold may be getting his own movie under James Gunn’s new DC universe. Either way, Michael Carter is a strange pick, as he’s a disgraced football player that travels back in time to become a superhero. However, this doesn’t work out for him, as he’s more so after fame than justice.
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6. Spawn
Spawn actually did get a movie and a TV show in the 90s. The TV show was well-loved, but the movie was trying to do too much. In fact, the movie proves that mainstream audiences weren't ready for the strangeness that is Spawn. Essentially, after being sent to Hell, Al Simmons returns to Earth as a servant of a demon and seeks redemption.
7. Wildcat
Wildcat isn’t really that weird, and it’s surprising that he hasn’t shown up in media yet. A former boxer turned vigilante, Wildcat pummels crime without powers. He’s also a mentor to many heroes and has trained the likes of Black Canary and Batman.
8. Mister. Miracle
First appearing in Mister Miracle #1, this character has a strange backstory that may make him difficult for mainstream audiences to understand. He’s from a different planet and escapes imprisonment in Darkseid’s homeworld, Apokolips. Now, as a master escape artist, he is a key player standing against Darkseid’s atrocities.
9. Animal Man
Initially, Animal Man appeared in Strange Adventures #180, and had one of the most beloved comic runs in history. With the ability to mimic animals, Buddy Baker has to find just the right balance to manage his family life with superheroism and animal rights activism.
10. Etrigan
DC fans absolutely adore Etrigan, and he first appeared in The Demon #1 in 1972. The demon is bound to a man named Jason, and the two must grapple with their co-existence as they try to protect the world against supernatural threats. The best part? Etrigan always has to speak in rhymes.
11. Bat Mite
Since mainstream audiences had an alright time with Deadpool, they may just be ready for the craziness that is Bat-Mite. Essentially a fifth-dimensional imp, Bat-Mite is Batman’s #1 fanboy and can manipulate reality to his liking. Usually, he tries to help his hero, but only causes trouble.
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12. Guardian
Not necessarily as strange as others, Guardian is instead lesser-known for no good reason. He’s your run-of-the-mill warrior, but what makes him unique is his everlasting mantle, as many heroes have stepped into the role of Guardian since.
13. Jack of Hearts
Plenty of people are looking forward to seeing Jack Hart in live action. An experiment gone wrong turns Hart into an uncontrollable and unstable being that’s a danger to everyone around him.
14. Sleepwalker
You know how your nightmares can’t hurt you? Well, that isn’t the case if you're Sleepwalker’s target. After an inter-dimensional alien inhabits Rick Sheridan’s body, he becomes a hero in his own right and must control his powers to protect Earth from supernatural threats.
15. Matter-Eater Lad
With a name like that, you already know what to expect from Matter-Eater Lad. He can essentially digest any substance, making his interactions quite bizarre and funny. Maybe he can put his powers to some good and get rid of toxic waste forever?
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16. Starfox
Everyone’s familiar with Thanos, but have you heard of his brother Eros? Also known as Starfox, Eros has quite the effect on other heroes and is able to manipulate their emotions and make them fall in love.
17. Plastic Man
One of the zaniest heroes out there is Plastic Man. While he has the same powers as Reed Richards, Patrick O’Brian has more of a comedic effect as he’s always getting up to shenanigans. Fans are still trying to forget the time he turned into Big Barda’s dress.
18. Dazzler
After first appearing in X-Men #130, fans have been racing for more of Dazzler. She has the ability to manipulate light, and walks a fine line between her life as a pop star and her secret identity as a superhero.
19. Captain Atom
Fans of Justice League Unlimited remember Captain Atom fondly and can’t wait to see more of this character. After a near-fatal accident, a military test pilot has the power to manipulate atomic energy. He’s one of the most powerful heroes out there, and usually gets stuck playing for the U.S. government, even when they go against the League.
20. The Question
A hero that few mainstream audiences know is The Question, but he’s one worth getting into. Vic Sage is a reporter who becomes a faceless vigilante and is obsessed with unraveling conspiracies and uncovering corruption. The best part? He has absolutely no powers. He’s just a guy in a fedora posting about conspiracies on the deep web.
