Favorite bootleg/cipher/imitation heroes?

[TROUBLEZ]

Since there have been many imitations and homages to various superheroes like Superman and Captain Marvel and Supreme, some of these "fake" characters sometimes turn out just as good or better than the originals they were inspired from. Who are your favorites and why?

[Kid Kyoto]

Well under Alan Moore Supreme and Mister Magestic both were far more interesting than Superman ever was. Kurt Buisik's various Superman homages in Astro City (the Sameritan, Atomo) were also more interesting than the original.

[TROUBLEZ]

I'll check out the Mr. Majestic comics. Supreme I didn't get into because of the Extreme Studios style art. And also the story was a little strange under Moore.
Superman has a lot of interesting clones.

Who does Batman have? Midnight? Moon Knight?

[The Batman]

I don't love him more than Batman, but I do love Moon Knight. Same with Majestic/Mr. Majestic, Supreme (even before Alan Moore he was a guilty pleasure), Samaritan, and Atomicus with Superman.

[foxley]

I've found Winged Victory from Astro City to be more interesting than Womder Woman.

And never having been a Fantastic Four fan, I think the First Family (also from the Astro City) to be a much more interesting concept.

[Babylon23]

Overall, Astro City does an excellent job of using the superhero archtypes.

I've always been a big fan of the Squadron Supreme. Gruenwald's SS miniseries is amazing and one I'd highly recommend.

Of course, Watchmen used the Charlton characters as it's base and produced one of the most amazing comic stories ever told.

[stelok]

My favorite imitation superheroes are Gladiator and Imperial Guard based on Superman and Legion of Superheroes .

I also like the Maximums. I loved their battle cry, "Maximums March"

[TROUBLEZ]

I like Ghost better than Phantom Lady or the Blue Bulleteer.

[Kid Kyoto]

Overall, Astro City does an excellent job of using the superhero archtypes.



Of course they have the advantage of being a semi-regular ensemble book. If Superman appeared once or twice a year you can bet there'd be some pretty decent stories for him. :D

[ultramandingo]

.......in the abc line alone

promathia - kinda wonder woman
tom strong - kinda doc savage / tarzan
strong family - kinda fantasic four
splash brannigan - plasticman
greyshirt - the spirit
top ten - hill street blues

[beetlebum]

For me it would be Deadpool. Slade Wilson is a jerk who has been elevated to God status (I mean, it's one thing to beat Dinah and Ollie, but Kyle Rayner? WTF?) But Wade Wilson, thankfully has not risen to that level of wankishness. And plus I just love Gail Simone's writing. She brings gives her characters a sense of humour and humanizes them, making even those who engage in the most unsavory of activities likable.