20 Side Characters In Marvel That Are Even Better Than The Main
Sometimes The Main Attraction Is Actually The Side Character
Sure, Spider-Man, Black Panther, and Peter Quill are cool, but we keep coming back for the side characters. They add color and humor, challenge and inspire the hero. Without them, we'd have the same old boring crime-fighting superhero stories so let's give them their due. Here are 20 side characters that stole the spotlight and our hearts.
1. Nick Fury
What started as a cameo quickly became a scene-stealer before graduating to a more prominent character. Brought to life by Samuel L. Jackson, Nick Fury is a favorite for his sharp wit and undeniable coolness.
Dick Thomas Johnson on Wikimedia
2. Rocket Raccoon
A genetically and cybernetically modified raccoon with super human intelligence, Rocket Raccoon is more than just a sidekick. His sarcasm, emotional depth, and ability to tell off Peter Quill make him irreplaceable.
3. Heimdall
Brought to the screen by the perfectly-cast Idris Elba, Heimdall is the gatekeeper of Asgard in Thor. He's an epic and wise character with tremendous fighting skills and the power to see all.
4. Nakia
Nakia is an undercover agent for Wakanda and T’Challa’s lover. She's an amazing fighter, intelligent, and empathic. The role is comprised by Oscar-winner Lupita Nyong’o in a casting choice that was unanimously praised by fans.
5. M’Baku
M’Baku is the leader of the Jabari Tribe. This characterhas seen a lot of development and Black Panther fans have been fully here for it at every step of the way. He went from being Black Panther's biggest foe to a man of honor and a great sense of humor.
Daniel Benavides from Austin, TX on Wikimedia
6. Korg
Who knew a soft-spoken rock monster would be such a scene-stealer. Humorously voiced by Taika Waititi whose pleasant cadence juxtaposes Korg's tough exterior, he's the perfect dose of comic relief in the Thor films.
Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America on Wikimedia
7. Luis
Another amazing comic relief character that everyone adores is Luis from Ant-Man. He's Scott Lang's former cell mate and a minor crook who's very sharp, witty, loyal, and lovable.
8. Pepper Potts
When you watch Iron Man, it quickly becomes clear how lost Tony Stark would be without Pepper Potts. She's much more than just a love interest. She oversees much of the company, is sharp as a tack, strong, and independent.
Andrea Raffin at http://www.andrearaffin.com on Wikimedia
9. Okoye
Okoye, the leader of the Dora Milaje, is hands-down one of the coolest characters in Black Panther. She's an extremely strong and fierce warrior who has a surprising, dry sense of humor.
Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America on Wikimedia
10. Rhodey
Jim Rhodes a.k.a. War Machine became an indispensable part of the Iron Man lineup, especially after Don Cheadle was cast in the films. Rhodey is more principled than Tony and isn't afraid to get in his face and whip him into shape when needed.
11. Yondu
Yondu is one of the most beloved characters in Guardians of the Galaxy. He has a cool power: the ability to control his arrow by whistling, but more than anything it's his antihero persona, wisecracks, rough exterior but soft interior that wins over fans.
12. Wong
Everyone fell in love with Wong, the wise and mystical librarian who's unimpressed by Dr. Strange and his antics. With his genius-level intelligence and effective fighting skills, Wong proves himself to be a formidable and loyal ally to Strange.
Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America on Wikimedia
13. Sif
Sif is one of the strongest and best fighters in Thor, always holding her own against all the men. Her skills combined with her caustic humor made her an instant scene-stealer.
14. Phil Coulson
Phil Coulson was always meant to be a minor character as an agent of SHIELD, but fans loved him so much, he became something much more. Even after his death in The Avengers, ABC reprised his role in Agents of SHIELD due to popular demand.
15. Happy Hogan
Happy is the lovable everyman who serves as Tony Stark's bodyguard before becoming a father figure to Peter Parker. A relatable character, he provides comic relief, humanizes, and grounds the otherwise outlandish storylines.
16. Ned Leeds
Ned Leeds is Spider-Man's beloved best friend. He's a loyal ally with genius-level intellect who helps Spider-Man out of tight binds while providing comic relief with his nerdy demeanor.
17. Sharon Carter
Sharon Carter is an undercover SHIELD agent who first appears in Captain America: Winter Soldier. Although she has limited screen time, her impact is immense as her heroism and beauty immediately shines through.
Kristin Dos Santos on Wikimedia
18. J.A.R.V.I.S.
J.A.R.V.I.S. is Tony Stark's AI assistant and while he isn't human, he certainly has personality. inspired by Tony's family butler, J.A.R.V.I.S. is his indispensable and snarky companion.
19. Shuri
Shuri is T'Challa's smart and saavy younger sister. Fans love her confidence, quick wit, and strength, and the sibling banter between the two characters adds a level of humor and relatability.
20. Groot
Everyone's favorite Guardians of the Galaxy character is actually a tree. Despite only being able to say three words, he manages to convey a surprising amount of meaning. He's noble and heroic as well as adorable.
