• Real Name: Clark Kent / Kal-EL
• Height: 6 feet, 3 inches
• Weight: 225 lbs.
• Notable Arch Villains: Lex Luther, Brainiac
• First Appearance: June 1938

It’s a bird, it’s a plane….it’s the man clearly out front as the most iconic superhero of all time. Superman’s pop culture significance and references are unmatched. When people think “superhero,” Superman comes to the mind of most people of all generations.

In recent times, there are newer superheroes currently on top as far as popularity is concerned. However, not many heroes have the longevity or iconic grip of the one and only “Man of Steel”.

Why he worked:

Superman is an all powerful, perfect superhero who is also a smart, wholesome great guy. He has all the power in the world but always wants what’s best for humanity.

• Real Name: Bruce Wayne
• Height: 6’2”
• Weight: 210 lbs.
• Notable Arch Villains: The Joker, The Penguin, The Riddler
• First Appearance: May 1939

Batman is one of the coolest and most beloved superheroes of all time, even above “Big Blue” himself. He is one of the few heroes of that same Golden Era of comics in the 30s to be even more relevant to pop culture than ever in present day.

As a powerless but perfected human, Batman holds his weight and stands neck and neck with the demi-gods of the DC universe.

Why he worked:

The psychology of Batman’s appeal is easily understood as he represents every man. Batman doesn’t have super powers, but he is a symbol of human perfection and preparation. He also is known for his endless array of high-tech gadgets like the iconic Bat-mobile that has resonated in pop culture for decades.

• Real Name: Peter Parker
• Height: 5′ 10″
• Weight: 167 lbs.
• Notable Arch Villains: Green Goblin, Dr. Octopus, The Lizard
• First Appearance: August 1962

Depending on who you ask Spider-Man is the most iconic superhero of all time. In fact, various people in different circles would place these top three superheroes in varying orders. And to many, Spider-Man is the most popular and most iconic of all. With all things considered, however, I place Spider-Man third. Superman and Batman have a 30-year jump on “The Web Slinger” in pop culture longevity and the two heroes ever so slightly edge him out in overall circulation.

From T-shirts, lunch boxes, toys,TV appearances from the Electric Company in the ’70s on down to his image on canned goods from the ’60s to present day, “Spidey” is by far in his own lane as a comic book iconic legend.

Why he worked:

Spider-Man’s appeal in pop culture is strong because anyone can relate to him, or like him. His powers are very cool but not too over-the-top, all powerful, and they’re all his own. No other superhero can strike the same pose as Spider-Man. He’s also a nerd which gels well with a comic book fan-base. Spider-Man is another “every man” character who often struggles to make ends meet despite secretly being one of the world’s most awesome heroes. Spider-Man never took himself too seriously and became a beloved symbol with his wise cracking antics.

• Real Name: Princess Diana / Diana Prince
• Height: 6 feet
• Weight: 165 lbs.
• Notable Arch Villians: Cheetah, Medousa, Giganta
• First Appearance: December 1941

Wonder Woman is the most famous female superhero of all time. She is also a powerful symbol of female empowerment. Wonder Woman tops the list as both the most powerful and the most popular female superhero of all time in both comic book universes. Because of her social importance, Wonder Woman has remained a staple in the comic universe for decades and will be here for decades to come.

Why she worked:

Wonder Woman has put female heroes on the map and will forever hold her significance in the comic book world. To girls she was always a symbol of female power and inclusion. To guys she was always extremely hot. To all she is one of the most powerful superheroes of all time and always a first-string player in the DC universe line up.

• Real Name: Robert Bruce Banner
• Height: 7 feet
• Weight: 1150 lbs.
• Notable Arch Villians: The Leader, General Ross
• First Appearance: May 1962

The Incredible Hulk is a pop culture legend and is easily one of the most famous, and the most powerful superheroes. In the Marvel universe Hulk is known as “the strongest there is”.

Hulk has been smashing things in pop culture since the ’60s and there is no sign of the Hulk going anywhere. Hulk is so relevant and iconic that he has been featured on TV and in movies long before the Hollywood comic book craze. Hulk is one of those few timeless heroes that are more than just comic strips. Whether you’re a comic geek or not, everyone knows the Incredible Hulk.

Why he worked:

Hulk worked for a variety of reasons. His Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde existence was a timeless theme that has worked for him and resonated for decades. Dr. Banner’s battle to control his inner demons and his use of the monster for various positive inititatives has been compelling. Often misunderstood while smashing his surroundings to pieces, the curse for Dr. Bruce Banner has often been turned into a much needed power for good. When the Hulk is sent smashing in the right direction, he is rooted for by all.

• Real Name: Steve Rogers
• Height: 6’2″
• Weight: 220 lbs.
• Notable Arch Villains: Red Skull, Baron Zemo
• First Appearance: March 1941

Even though heroes like Iron Man have surged past many in popularity in recent years, iconic characters like Captain America were able to sustain their popularity and social relevance for decades on their own without a Hollywood push. Captain America was a gold mine seen as a highly revered leader and an irreplaceable staple in the Marvel universe.

Why he worked:

Captain America’s appeal isn’t hard to figure out. He was written to already be an American hero and a patriot. He’s the perfect soldier, a natural leader and can always be counted on to do the right thing. His being an American war hero of the 1940s enables him to be written into any generation powerfully. Creating a hero as a character who was already an American hero is extremely clever and very effective.

• Real Name: Tony Stark
• Height:6’1″
• Weight: 225 lbs. (Without Armor) 605 lbs. (With Armor)
• Notable Arch Villains: Doctor Doom, Mandarin
• First Appearance: March 1963

Without a doubt, Iron Man has lept into super hero supremacy and has proven to be a box office superstar. Iron Man’s popularity has only steadily been increasing over the years with successful comics series’, multiple cartoons and blockbuster movies. Tony Stark a.k.a. Iron Man, was an awesome character and concept that was practically waiting for a generation to explode into. Now that technology has finally caught up to depicting Iron Man justifiably, his growing impact has been meteoric and unstoppable.

Why he worked:

Iron Man a.k.a. Tony Stark is beyond cool. He’s a genius, and a womanizing billionaire who made himself into an intergalactic terror thwarting superhero. There really isn’t much more to say.

• Real Name: Logan
• Height: 5’3″
• Weight: 300 lbs.
• Notable Arch Villains: Magneto, Sabertooth
• First Appearance: October 1974

Wolverine debuted taking on the biggest and baddest there is, the Incredible Hulk. Not that anyone had a chance at containing the Hulk, but Wolverine was sent in because he is “the best there is at what he does.” With menacing Admantium steel claws protruding through his fists, animal-like reflexes and a very bad temper, Wolverine quickly became the talk of the Marvel universe and the most favorite X-man of all time.

Why he worked:

Comic fans have grown to love wolverine because he was a refreshing change. He is an antihero who is definitely his own man. He wasn’t a “Johnny good guy” trying to fly in to save the day. He’s a cigar puffing, beer guzzling killer with a very short fuse. Wolverine would take on anyone even if he was way over matched. His savage tendencies and thin line between good and evil have attracted comic fans and he quickly became a fan favorite because of his depth of character.

• Real Name: Thor Odinson
• Height: 6’6″
• Weight: 640 lbs.
• Notable Arch Villains: Loki, Mephisto
• First Appearance: August 1962

Thor, the mythological Norse God of Thunder has been rebooted for comic fans since the ’60s and now exists in his new innovated identity. The Thor of old is supposed to be a bearded red head, but the Thor of the Marvel Universe is now the beloved standard. With one being an all-powerful god and the other a one-man army, Thor and Hulk both anchor the Avenger’s claim to be the “Earth’s Mightiest Heroes”.

Why he worked:

The cocky and arrogant heir to the throne of Asgard is always down for a fight. He is one of the mightiest Marvel heroes of all time and fans love his warrior’s bravado. Thor has recently been riding the wave as a cherished part of the increasingly popular Avenger’s franchise.