Marvel Superhero Tier List

Marvel Comics is the legendary home of some of the greatest superheroes ever created. With over seventy years of fiction, Marvel is responsible for redefining heroism and its meaning to the world. The brand’s long history of success has enabled the characters that populate the Marvel universe to expand and crossover into other media, including television, video games, and an entire cinematic universe.

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The heroes of Marvel Comics have stood the test of time, becoming legends who have faced off against beings of unimaginable power to ensure the safety of their loved ones and the people around them. Each hero brings their own strengths and weaknesses to the fight, with some shining brighter than others. Here is a Marvel superhero tier list, ranked by how vital they are within Marvel Comics.

S-Tier: Multiversal Heroes

Squirrel Girl

• First Appearance: Marvel Superheroes #3

Squirrel Girl is among the peak of Marvel superheroes who are near undefeatable and stand at the apex of the Marvel universe. Created by Steve Ditko and Will Murray, Squirrel Girl debuted as a sidekick to Iron Man. Iron Man was the first in a long line of heroes and villains who underestimated Squirrel Girl, who would embark on a journey that would effectively become a cosmic winning streak.

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Squirrel Girl has decimated high-level threats such as Doctor Doom, Thanos, and Fin Fang Foom. Because of her unrivaled power, Squirrel Girl is a necessity when all hope is lost and the villain has the upper hand. Squirrel Girl can always save the day and get the world’s mightiest heroes out of a pinch, sometimes with a single punch.

Thor

• First Appearance: Journey Into Mystery #33

Thor is a cosmic force of nature in the Marvel canon whose name rings loud and true throughout the multiverse. Thor is the son of Odin, and as such, he is a powerful warrior who wields the mighty Mjolnir and is destined to be King of Asgard and all-powerful among the realms.

Thor has a long history in Marvel Comics and has been the deciding factor in numerous end-of-the-world scenarios. Thor’s presence alone keeps celestial beings at bay and the Earth safe from harm, but his reach extends to many worlds and alternate dimensions where he is seen as a savior. His importance within Marvel Comics is undeniable, not only as a founding Avenger but also as the God of Thunder.

Spider-Man

• First Appearance: Amazing Fantasy #1

Spider-Man is a linchpin whose creation and origin shaped the entire Marvel Universe, and whose history has made him one of the greatest superheroes ever created. Brought to life by the late great Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, Spider-Man began his superhero career after being bitten by a radioactive spider.

After losing his uncle due to his own carelessness, Spider-Man has devoted his life to saving people. His importance lies in being the heart of the Marvel universe, the moral compass of every team, and the best of the best. Spider-Man’s importance spans across the multiverse, as every universe needs a Spider-Man.

Mr. Fantastic

• First Appearance: Fantastic Four #1

Mr. Fantastic, also known as Reed Richards, is a golden age hero who, along with his family, the Fantastic Four, is one of the most accomplished heroes in Marvel Comics. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, Reed Richards gained his powers when his family was exposed to negative radiation from space.

After forming a superhero team, Reed leads his family into danger to save the day. Mr. Fantastic’s powerset is elongation and a near limitless intellect. On countless occasions, an idea in Reed Richards’ head has saved entire universes. He is pivotal to the Marvel Universe due to his creations, which have changed the world, for better or for worse.

A -Tier: Planetary Heroes

Iron Man

• First Appearance: Tales of Suspense #39

Tony Stark is the brilliant and egotistical hero of Marvel Comics who has proven time and again that brains triumph over brawn any day. A former arms dealer turned superhero, Iron Man is a founding member of the Avengers and has been a key factor in saving the day or losing everything.

Iron Man was created by some of the greatest creatives at Marvel Comics: Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, Don Heck, and Larry Lieber, and has made an enormous impact in comics with some of the best storytelling in the universe. Tony uses his high-tech suit of armor to prevail when all else is lost, and has stood among gods, monsters, and everything in between, unafraid of the outcome.

Captain America

• First Appearance: Captain America Comics #1

Captain America is the pillar on which the Marvel universe stands, and while not as grand as a lightning-wielding god or as mighty as a friendly neighborhood Spider-Man, he is still the world’s greatest hero and is the first line of defense when evil rears its ugly head. Jack Kirby and Joe Simon created Captain America, who was transformed into the super-soldier of America by a World War 2 experiment, and he became the world’s first Avenger as a result.

Ever since, Captain America has led the charge against injustice and pioneered the American way. Without Captain America, the Avengers would have perished many times over, and perhaps Marvel Comics itself would not be what it is today.

Black Panther

• First Appearance: Fantastic Four #52

Black Panther has always been a vital character within the Marvel Comics universe, maintaining a level of respect from his peers and readers alike. Black Panther, while not a founding member of the Avengers, is just as accomplished, having saved the world on numerous occasions.

The Black Panther is a title bestowed upon the kings of Wakanda, who derive their power from a heart-shaped herb and possess the world’s most advanced technology. The Black Panther was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, and has come a long way since his debut. With an intellect rivaling Tony Stark, physical abilities matching Captain America, and even possessing potent magical abilities, Black Panther is a formidable force in Marvel Comics.

B-Tier: Earthly Heroes

The Hulk

• First Appearance: The Incredible Hulk #1

Bruce Banner was a brilliant scientist trying to usher in the future of a revolutionary source of power. Unfortunately, after a nuclear-level accident, he found his body forever changed and gained the ability to transform into The Incredible Hulk. The Hulk is a culmination of rage and strength, growing more powerful the angrier he gets.

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Brought to life by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the Hulk has been on both sides of the line between hero and villain. However, the Hulk is among the few heroes always on the front lines when called to action. While not as dependable as other heroes on this list, he remains a prominent and formidable character.

Storm

• First Appearance: Giant Size X-Men #1

Storm is one of the first mutants created by Len Wein and Dave Cockrum, one of the original and most popular members of the X-Men. Storm was born in Africa, where she was worshiped as a goddess due to her mutant ability to control the weather.

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Among her peers, Storm radiates pride, wisdom, class, and power with every movement. She has held numerous leadership roles and led teams to overcome insurmountable odds. As of late, Storm has ascended into true god-hood, becoming the host of Eternity. Already being one of the strongest beings on Earth, Storm’s future is looking to raise her to an upper echelon of power.

C-Tier: Local Heroes

Nick Fury

• First Appearance: Sgt. Fury #1

Nick Fury is yet another creation from Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. Over Marvel’s many years, the character has undergone numerous incarnations. Still, he remains a pivotal figure in the comics whose actions have a profound impact on the world of Marvel Comics as a whole. Nick Fury is a soldier, through and through, who rose through the ranks and became Director of S.H.I.E.L.D., an international government organization that prevents and spoils sinister plots that could affect the lives of millions.

Fury is known for his die-hard aggression when it comes to doing what must be done, which more than once has landed him at odds with many of the heroes on this list. However, Nick Fury remains a key component in the world’s survival, be it a Hydra resurgence or an alien invasion.

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