The complete list of superheroes

Keypoints: 

• ✅ This article brings together the most iconic superheroes and superheroines from Marvel, DC and other publishers, from the pioneers of the 1930s to the figures popularized in film.
• 📌 For each character, we distinguish between his or her first appearance in comics and his or her film adaptation, two dates that are often confused.
• 🦸 The Phantom (1936) is the costumed pioneer, but it's Superman (1938) that sets the codes for the modern superhero. List regularly updated.

In comics as in film, superheroes fascinate children and adults alike! If you're a fan of DC Comics or Marvel, this article is for you.

We invite you to discover the complete list of superheroes, from the very first!

For each hero, we give you his or her first appearance in comics and his or her most important film adaptation. This is important: many lists mix the two without saying so, which completely distorts the dates. We tell you all about it!

The Phantom

Release date : 1936

The Phantom, created by Lee Falk, made his debut in his own newspaper comic strip on February 17, 1936, in the United States. He is the pioneer of superheroes, whose storyline followed the exploits of Kit Walker.

He wore a mask and a purple costume to transform himself into The Phantom, also known as “The Walking Ghost.” This character has eyes with no visible pupils, a feature that influenced many subsequent superheroes, including Green Lantern, Green Arrow, and the famous Batman.

Superman

Release date : 1938

In the annals of superheroes, the Man of Steel burst onto the comic book scene with a memorable debut in *Action Comics* #1, now prized as a rare gem among comic book publications. Superman, the very first superhero with supernatural powers, astounded readers by outpacing an express train and making prodigious leaps between skyscrapers. His repertoire of abilities expanded over the course of subsequent issues, including his ability to fly through the skies, his superhuman strength, and his X-ray vision.

Batman

Release date : 1939 

The legendary Caped Crusader was born from the collaborative efforts of American artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger, making his debut in the pages of *Detective Comics* #27. Originally, Kane sketched a bright red tunic, a mask with black eyes, and wings for Batman’s costume, which was ultimately transformed into a much more menacing-looking outfit following key suggestions from Finger.

Captain Marvel

Release date : February 1940

Be careful, there are two heroes with this name, and it's one of the biggest confusions in the world of comics!

The first was born in February 1940 at Fawcett Comics, in Whiz Comics #2. It's the character we know today as Shazam, named after the magical cry that transforms young Billy Batson into a superhero. Following a dispute with DC, the character was eventually bought out by... DC Comics, who still use him today.

The second, Marvel Comics' Captain Marvel, is a totally different character, first appearing in 1967. It's this lineage that will later lead to Carol Danvers.

To put it plainly: the «Captain Marvel» of 1940 belongs to DC (Shazam), not Marvel.

But speaking of Marvel, here's how to watch the movies in the right order:

• In what order should you watch Marvel?

Catwoman

1ʳᵉ appearance (comics): 1940 (Batman #1) Film adaptation : 2004

Catwoman made her debut in April 1940 in Batman #1, under the name «The Cat». Imagined by Bob Kane and Bill Finger (the creators of Batman), she is one of DC Comics' oldest anti-heroines. An acrobatic burglar, oscillating between Batman's ally and adversary, her civilian identity is Selina Kyle.

In the movies, the character was popularized by Michelle Pfeiffer in Batman, the challenge (1992), followed by a solo film in 2004 starring Halle Berry. In this version, Patience Phillips, a graphic designer murdered and reanimated by an Egyptian mau, takes on the costume for revenge.

The comet

Release date : 1940

The Comet, the very first superhero to succumb, entered the superhero scene in January 1940. He first appeared in Pep Comics #1 and was resurrected several times from the 1960s onwards.

Flash

Release date : 1940 

The Dynamic One: Scarlet Speedster is the result of a collaboration between artist Harry Lampert and writer Gardner Fox, having first appeared in *Flash Comics* ##1. The hero’s alter ego was originally Jay Garrick, but the character has undergone several incarnations over time.

Fantomah and the Woman in Red

Release date : 1940 

The claim to the title of first female superhero is contested between two comic book characters, including : 

• Fantomah: She established herself as the very first superheroine with superhuman powers to make her debut in print with Jungle Comics #2, released in February 1940. 
• The Woman in Red : Created by Richard Hughes and George Mandel for *Thrilling Comics* #2, published in March 1940, she is the first masked, costumed superheroine—and one who was born that way: naturally.

Justice Society of America (JSA)

Release date : 1940

The JSA is the first superhero team, having been introduced on the cover of All Star Comics #3, in the winter 1940-1941 issue. The founding members included The Atom, Green Lantern, Doctor Fate, The Spectre, Hawkman, The Sandman, The Flash, and Hourman.

Captain America

Release date : 1941

This renowned superhero, having been conceived by artists Joe Simon and Jack Kirby, made his spectacular debut in Captain America Comics #1 in March 1941. His distinctive symbol is Cap's round shield, introduced in issue 2, replacing the previous triangular version.

Aquaman

Release date : 1941

This is the aquatic marvel of the DC universe, a creation of Paul Norris and Mort Weisinger. Aquaman first appeared in the pages of More Fun Comics #1 in November 1941. His importance grew as one of the prominent founders of the Justice League of America.

Wonder Woman

Release date : 1941

The superhero scene in All Star Comics #8 saw the sensational arrival of Wonder Woman, with a cover dated December 1941. Despite her remarkable success, it wasn't until the summer of 1942 that DC Comics' own comic book featuring this symbolic Amazonian heroine saw the light of day.

Super-girl

Release date : 1959

She's none other than Superman's female counterpart, in the person of his cousin, Kara Zor-El. Imagined by Otto Binder (writer) and Al Plastino (artist), with reference to Superman's triumph, Super-girl made her debut, in May 1959, in the pages of Action Comics #252.

Suicide Squad

1ʳᵉ appearance (comics): 1959 (The Brave and the Bold #25), modern version 1987 Film adaptation : 2016

The Suicide Squad (or Task Force X) is a DC Comics team of supervillains sent on suicide missions in exchange for reduced sentences. The concept was launched in 1959, but it was in 1987, under the pen of John Ostrander, that the modern version (the one we know today, with Deadshot, Captain Boomerang and Amanda Waller) took shape.

At the cinema, Suicide Squad (2016) reunites Will Smith, Margot Robbie, Jared Leto, Joel Kinnaman and Viola Davis. A stand-alone sequel, The Suicide Squad, will be released in 2021, starring Margot Robbie, Idris Elba, John Cena, David Dastmalchian, Daniela Melchior and Viola Davis.

Justice League of America (JLA)

Release date : 1960

The Justice League of America (JLA) is a renowned supergroup from the DC Universe, debuting in March 1960 in *The Brave and the Bold* #28. The group’s original lineup included Batman and Superman, even though they appeared only rarely in most of their adventures. Martian Manhunter was also a member, concluding his first stint with the Justice League in 1968.

The Fantastic Four

Release date : 1961

The Fantastic Four #1 was Marvel's first super team, born out of the very first collaboration between Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. Released in November 1961, this group played a key role in the company's rapid growth during the 1960s.

Hulk

Release date : 1962

Under the impact of gamma radiation, Dr. Robert Bruce Banner underwent an extraordinary transformation, becoming the formidable green Goliath known as the Hulk, and thus joining the ranks of Marvel's most iconic characters. He first appeared in comic books in May 1962.

Spiderman

Release date : 1962

Who doesn't know Spider-Man? He's Marvel's Spider-Man, designed by Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, and first introduced to fans in August 1962 in Amazing Fantasy #15. Then, in March 1963, The Amazing Spider-Man also enjoyed its own launch.

Iron Man

Release date : 1963

The arrival of Tony Stark’s super-powered alter ego was chronicled in *Tales of Suspense* #39, published in March 1963. In fact, Robert Downey Jr. remains the most acclaimed superhero actor to date, thanks to the ten films in which he played the man in the iron suit.

The X-Men

Release date : 1963

The first issue of *X-Men*, published in September 1963, was originally intended to introduce the students at Professor X’s school for gifted youths under the name: *The Mutants*. However, Martin Goodman—none other than Marvel’s publisher—feared that this name might be confusing to readers. That’s why Stan Lee changed it to: The X-Men.

If you would like to see all the numbers in the correct order, we provide you with the list in our guide : 

• In what order should you watch the X-Men?

Black Panther

1ʳᵉ appearance (comics): 1966 (Fantastic Four #52) Film adaptation : 2018

Black Panther was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby at Marvel Comics in July 1966, in Fantastic Four #52, before the creation of the political party of the same name. T'Challa is the king of Wakanda, a fictional, technologically advanced African nation. He is the first black superhero in mainstream American comics.

At the cinema, Black Panther (2018) is the eighteenth film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, starring Chadwick Boseman in the title role. A revelation of African and African-American culture, it is the first superhero film to be shortlisted for the Best Picture Oscar in 2019, with seven nominations in all.

Swamp Thing

Release date : 1971 

Len Wein (writer) and Bernie Wrightson (artist) brought DC's unsettling character to life: Swamp Thing, or The Swamp Creature. This character made his first appearance in *House of Secrets* #1 (TP71T92) in July 1971 before getting his own comic book series in 1972.

Man-Thing

1ʳᵉ appearance (comics): 1971 (Savage Tales #1) Film adaptation : 2005

Man-Thing (Man-Thing) was created by Marvel Comics in May 1971 in Savage Tales #1, by Stan Lee, Roy Thomas, Gerry Conway and Gray Morrow. But it was Steve Gerber who really developed the character from 1974 onwards, in Adventures Into Fear then Man-Thing vol. 1.

A monstrous creature born of a scientist transformed in the swamps of Florida, Man-Thing shares disturbing origins with Swamp Thing (DC, 1971), both appearing almost simultaneously.

A film adaptation was released in 2005, but never made it to the screen.

Blade

1ʳᵉ appearance (comics): 1973 (Tomb of Dracula #10) Film adaptation : 1998

Blade was created by Marv Wolfman and Gene Colan at Marvel Comics in 1973, in Tomb of Dracula #10. Eric Brooks, both human and vampire (his mother was bitten during pregnancy), tracks down vampires alongside Abraham Whistler. His sworn enemy: Deacon Frost, who aspires to become the world's most powerful vampire.

In the cinema, the character is popularized by Wesley Snipes in the trilogy Blade (1998, 2002, 2004). The first film is considered one of the precursors of the superhero boom in cinema.

The Punisher

1ʳᵉ appearance (comics): 1974 (Amazing Spider-Man #129) Film adaptations : 1989, 2004, 2008

Frank Castle, a.k.a. The Punisher, was created by Gerry Conway, John Romita Sr. and Ross Andru at Marvel Comics in 1974, in Amazing Spider-Man #129.

A former Vietnam veteran, his family is murdered by the Mafia, and he declares a personal war on crime, with no moral limits. He's one of Marvel's most emblematic anti-heroes.

In film, the character has been played by Dolph Lundgren (1989), Thomas Jane (2004) and Ray Stevenson (2008). More recently, Jon Bernthal scored the role in the Netflix series.

Wolverine

Release date : 1974

In 1975, Wolverine was recruited as one of Professor X's new mutants in Giant-Size X-Men #1. It should be noted that he was first seen in the last panel of The Incredible Hulk #180 in October 1974.

Elektra

1ʳᵉ appearance (comics): 1981 (Daredevil #168) Film adaptation : 2005

Elektra Natchios first appeared in January 1981 in Daredevil #168, created by Frank Miller for Marvel Comics. Former lover of Matt Murdock (Daredevil), she becomes a fearsome ninja assassin, oscillating between light and shadow. Miller's cult narrative arc makes her one of Marvel's most striking female figures.

In the cinema, the character was played by Jennifer Garner in 2005, in a film inspired by the series Daredevil and Elektra. After being murdered, Elektra is revived by the blind master Stick, who teaches her the ancient art of Kimagure.

Ninja Turtles

Release date : 1984

In May 1984, Mirage Studios launched a comic book featuring the half-turtle heroes Donatello, Leonardo, Raphael, and Michelangelo. This publication was followed by an animated series in 1987. The quartet, originally created by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird, had a satirical edge, parodying four popular comic books of the time: Daredevil, Cerebus, New Mutants, and Ronin.

Deadpool

Release date : 1991

Issue #98 of *The New Mutants*, published in February 1991, introduces the character known as “Merc with a Mouth.” Initially an antagonist, Deadpool evolved into an ambiguous antihero, leading to the creation of his own miniseries in 1993, titled *The Circle Chase*. Then there’s the movie *Deadpool*, released in 2016, which long held the record for the highest-grossing R-rated film before being dethroned by *Joker* (2019) and then *Deadpool & Wolverine* (2024).

Hellboy

Release date : 1993

Mike Mignola sketched the demonic superhero, who was first introduced in March 1993 as a prototype on the cover of the Italian fanzine Dime Press #4. Then, in August 1993, this character fully emerged in San Diego Comic-Con Comics #2.

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers

Release date : 1993

Born of the successful 1993 TV series, a Power Rangers comic book series was published by Hamilton from November 1994. Subsequently, two separate series were launched by Marvel Comics. To pay tribute to the original series, Boom! Studios picked up the comic in March 2016.

The Incredibles

Release date : 2004 

Pixar produced the film The Incredibles, which was released in 2004, setting a record for the company's opening weekend box office at the time. In 2009, the studio began publishing a mini-series of comic books based on the film. A sequel to the original film was released on October 25, 2018.

Kick Ass

1ʳᵉ appearance (comics): 2008 Film adaptation : 2010

Kick-Ass was created by Mark Millar and John Romita Jr in 2008, and published by Icon Comics (a Marvel label). Dave Lizewski is an ordinary New York high-school student who decides to become a superhero without any powers, just a costume and a lot of naiveté. His first outing lands him in hospital, but he doesn't give up.

At the cinema, the film Kick-Ass (2010) by Matthew Vaughn became a cult hit. Dave comes up against a pair of vigilantes far more experienced than he, and the mafia begins to take a serious interest in him...

FAQ: your questions about superheroes

Who was history's first superhero?

It depends on what you mean by «superhero».

The costume precursor was The Phantom (1936). But the first superhero in the modern sense (with superpowers and all the codes of the genre) was Superman, who appeared in Action Comics #1 in 1938. He set the archetype that all the others followed.

Who was the first superheroine?

The title goes to Fantomah, who appeared in Jungle Comics #2 in February 1940, before Wonder Woman (late 1941).

Note: Miss Fury (1941) is often cited as the first superheroine created by a woman (Tarpé Mills).

Marvel or DC: who came first?

DC, with Superman in 1938. The first heroes from Marvel (then Timely Comics) followed: Human Torch and Namor in 1939, then Captain America in 1941.

Who are the original 6 Avengers?

The original Avengers team in the MCU, reunited in the first Avengers film (2012), included:

• Tony Stark, aka Iron Man
• Steve Rogers, aka Captain America
• Thor Odinson, aka Thor
• Bruce Banner, aka Hulk
• Natasha Romanoff, aka Black Widow
• Clint Barton, aka Hawkeye

Note: In the comics, the founding team of *The Avengers* #1 (1963) had only five members: Iron Man, Thor, the Hulk, Ant-Man, and the Wasp. Captain America didn't join them until issue 4.

To find out more : Who are the characters in Marvel's Avengers?

Who's the strongest superhero?

It all depends on the scale.

Physically, among the Avengers, the Hulk is the favorite: the angrier he gets, the more powerful he becomes, to the point of having stood up to Thor and Captain America at the same time.

On a cosmic scale, however, entities such as Galactus and Phoenix Force far outstrip it. We talk about them in detail here: Which Marvel superhero is the strongest?

By now, you're familiar with the characters who have marked the history of superheroes and superheroines to date. Which one do you like best? Tell us in the comments!