Sarah O'Donell
Imagine living a life where you’re constantly saving the world, yet your efforts go unnoticed. This is the reality for many superheroes. They tirelessly devote their time, money, and even risk their lives to make the world a safer place. Despite their situational superpowers, they persist. However, some superheroes remain underrated and unrecognized for their heroic deeds.
Why is this so? Sometimes, they’re overshadowed by other superheroes with similar costumes and crime-fighting styles. Other times, their unique traits are lost in translation when adapted for different media. Regardless, there are several superheroes who are highly underrated and deserve more respect and recognition.
The Most Underrated Superheroes
Let’s clarify what we mean by ‘underrated’. We’re referring to superheroes who, despite their significant contributions in the comics and associated adaptations, are overlooked in popular culture. We’re not including comedic superheroes who are defined by their lack of seriousness (Sorry, Deadpool!). We’re also excluding those who were once considered a joke but have since gained respect from the public, like Aquaman, who is no longer just “that guy who talks to fish” after two solo movies starring Jason Momoa.
Green Arrow
Among the many superheroes in the DC Universe who fight crime without superpowers, Green Arrow often gets dismissed as a second-rate Batman. It’s easy to see why, given that both heroes are billionaire orphans who use advanced gadgets to fight crime. However, Green Arrow’s character has a rich and unique backstory that sets him apart.
Introduced in 1941, Oliver Queen was an archeologist/adventurer, much like Indiana Jones. His mastery of the bow was a result of his studies of Native American cultures and their hunting techniques. He was also skilled in using a sword and shield to protect his museum from robbers. His hideout, the Arrow Cave, even predates the Bat-Cave.
Unfortunately, later writers transformed Oliver Queen into a generic billionaire playboy superhero. It took several decades for Green Arrow to be reinvented as a modern-day Robin Hood. By then, however, the damage was done. Even after gaining popularity through the shows Smallville and Arrow, many still refer to Oliver Queen as “Green Batman.” But with the upcoming Absolute Green Arrow series, which delivers a horror-themed twist on the Emerald Archer, this perception may change.
The Wasp
Despite Marvel Comics’ revolutionary portrayal of superheroes in the 1960s, it fell short in its depiction of female characters. Among the women who suffered from this was Janet Van Dyne, also known as The Wasp.
As a founding member of The Avengers, The Wasp should have been respected as much as the other founders. However, she was often portrayed as a bored, fashion-obsessed socialite who became a superhero to share her boyfriend’s hobbies. Her limited powers of shrinking and flying didn’t help her case.
Later writers attempted to improve Janet’s portrayal. She evolved into a master tactician and the heart of The Avengers, and also became a successful businesswoman and major fashion designer. Despite these improvements, some writers still portray Wasp as a vapid airhead. Her MCU incarnation was almost an afterthought, despite her significant history in the comics.
Martian Manhunter
J’onn J’onzz, also known as the Martian Manhunter, is the heart of the Justice League. Despite being a founding member and part of every incarnation of the team until the New 52 era, he doesn’t receive the same level of respect as other Justice League members.
This isn’t due to a lack of power or skills. Martian Manhunter is one of the few superheroes who can match Superman in terms of raw power. He’s a telepath, a shapeshifter, and a trained detective, making him a combination of Batman and Superman in one character.
However, J’onn J’onzz is often overlooked due to his low public profile outside the Justice League animated series and the Supergirl television series. His major weakness to fire also hinders his reputation. But with the new Absolute Martian Manhunter series, J’onn is finally getting the popularity boost he deserves.
Hercules
Hercules, the most famous superhero of Classical Mythology, has been adapted into movies, TV series, and even a Disney animated movie. However, his incarnation in the Marvel Universe is often seen as a joke.
His introduction to The Avengers was similar to Thor’s, which led many to view Hercules as a substitute Thor. However, Hercules is a unique character in his own right. He’s acknowledged by Thor as being stronger, and despite his off-duty antics, Hercules is a genuine hero with thousands of years of experience. Yet, he’s often seen as a drunken parody of Marvel’s Thor.
Black Canary
Black Canary should be one of the biggest superheroes in DC Comics. She’s part of one of the few mother/daughter legacies in comics, and depending on the timeline, she helped found the Justice League. Despite being a master martial artist and leader of both the League and the Birds of Prey, she’s often seen as Green Arrow’s girlfriend/sidekick.
Black Canary’s history shows a pattern of her going solo, only to end up as part of a duo or a team. This has even extended into the new Absolute Universe setting, where Dinah Lance was introduced in Absolute Green Arrow. This tendency has followed Black Canary into film and television, where she’s always part of an ensemble and rarely the focus of the action.
How we chose the Most Underrated Superheroes
We based our selection on public perception compared to comic book history. We chose superheroes who have a significant track record in comics but haven’t gained widespread popularity or recognition. We also focused on characters who are often dismissed as rip-offs or sidekicks to other superheroes, despite their solid records as solo performers.
