Marvel's Big 7?

[smoothjokes]

Who do you think Marvel's Big 7 is?

I would say...

Captain America
Daredevil
Elektra
Hulk
Iron Man
Spider-Man
Wolverine

I think that would be The New Avengers done like the JLA that everyone is talking about how this current New Avengers is like the JLA. Which I don't think it is.

[milhouse123321]

Cap
Iron Man
Spider-Man
Wolverine
The Thing (especially with the upcoming movie)
Another well known X-Man (possibly Cyclops, maybe Storm or Jean)
And.... I suppose the Hulk, maybe Daredevil

[Jake V]

In terms of forming a team based on both power and popularity...

Captain America
Spider-Man
Wolverine
Iron Man
Thor
Jean Grey (As phoenix)
The Hulk

[milhouse123321]

Hmm... well I think Marvel's big four (Cap, IM, SM and Wolvie) will be on everyone's list.

[surferfan23]

In terms of money-making:

1.) Spider-Man
2.) X-Men
3.) Wolverine
4.) New Avengers
5.) Fantastic Four
6.) Captain America
7.) Hulk/The Punisher (whoever's movie sequel is better is the tiebreaker here)

In terms of being the best overall historically in the MU:

1.) The Amazing Spider-Man
2.) The Uncanny X-Men
3.) The Fantastic Four
4.) The Hulk
5.) The Mighty Thor
6.) Captain America
7.) The Invincible Iron Man

The 7 Most Underrated/Not Used Enough Properly:

1.) Silver Surfer (the last volume, anyone? a Michael Jackson-esque Surfer??)
2.) Ghost Rider(yes I know about the movie-but is he in a comic right now?)
3.) Thor (he's "dead")
4.) Hawkeye (see above)
5.) She Hulk (last book was great-but she's MIA right now)
6.) Hulk (his book is boring to me, and the character is played out-to me)
7.) Venom (I want the original in all his McFarlane-inspired twisted sickness)

Yeah I know I'll get flamed for not being accurate and up to date on things. And I know that Venom is used a lot. Get over it. Have a great day.

[jackalope]

Steve Rogers, "Captain America"
Tony Stark, "Iron Man"
Reed Richards, "Mr. Fantastic"
Dr. Stephan Strange
T'Challa, "Black Panther"
Pr. Charles Xavier
Namor, "Sub-Mariner"

[TCJohnson]

Catpain America
Ironman
Thor
Spirderman
Hulk
Wolverine
Mr. fantastic

[ChildOfTheDarkholde]

Spiderman
Wolverine
Storm
Captain America
Hulk
Elektra
Blade

[Alan2099]

Spider-man
Captain AMerica
Wolverine
Hulk
Ironman
Punisher
Thor
Human Torch

[PrimalScream]

capt.america
spiderman
thor
wolverine
ironman
hulk
daredevil

[PrimalScream]

would the F4 count as four or just one?

[DJ Rustbucket]

For me:

Captain America
Iron Man
Thor
Hulk
Spider-Man
Wolverine
Daredevil

You have the Old School with Cap, IM, and Thor.

Hell, even Hulk.

And then, add a touch of the New School with Spidey, Wolvie, and DD.

I'd love to add--

Black Panther
Moon Knight
Sentry
Spider Woman, etc...

--but, since this essentially based on popularity, I'll stick with my first seven choices.

[Christopher O]

Wolverine
Spider-Man
The Hulk
Storm
Captain America
Daredevil
Blade

[tricksterpup]

The Big 7 are:
The Blob
Big Bertha
Hulk
The Thing
Strong Guy
Galactus
Ego the living planet

oh wait, i just came up with my list on body mass.

[Shellhead]

This is an arbitrary question, as there is no reasonable basis for the number 7 in this question. If you want to compare with the JLA's classic big 7, bear in mind that the Martian Manhunter has never had a successful ongoing series.

I'm not sure how to answer this question, because the answers have changed over the years. There was a time when Namor should have scored high on this list, in the 70's, when he was regularly appeared in four (!) different monthly titles, including Sub-Mariner, Defenders, Invaders, and Super-Villain Team-Up. These days, Namor has a much lower profile.

Right now, the top three would have to be:

1. Spider-man
2. Wolverine
3. Captain America

The next four spots are sketchy, given the viccissitudes of fate and the whims of various editors. Some candidates:

4. Hulk
5. Thing
6. Punisher
7. Namor

Iron Man
Ghost Rider

Punisher was hugely popular for about ten years starting in the late 80's, but that massive overexposure has contributed to a more recent decline in his popularity. A couple of bad movies haven't helped him either. The same is true of Ghost Rider, except that he also had a long-running monthly title tin the 70's.

Hulk deserves to be on the list, because he has had several cartoon shows over the years, as well a popular tv show from the 70's and a high-profile flop at the movie theatres.

Iron Man is currently doing well, with multiple versions/titles on the stands right now, but he had a long dry spell in the last 20 years where he just appeared in his own title and often the Avengers.

Thing was very popular until the early 80's, when overexposure and a downbeat monthly killed his popularity. Near the end, he was appearing each month in Fantastic Four, Thing, and Marvel Two-in-One.

Blade doesn't even cut it on my list, because he has never been able to sustain a monthly title. Lots of people saw the movies, but most of them remain unaware that he is a comic book character, and the box office never translated into lasting success in comics.

[Red State Cap]

Captain America
Iron Man
Thor
Hulk
Spider-Man
Wolverine (over-exposed and over-rated)
Punisher (over-exposed and over-rated)

RSC

[handOFfate]

Spider-Man
Captain America
Wolverine
Daredevil
Hulk
Iron Man
The Thing

Punisher and Elektra just missed the cut. This is kind of an unfair question because the FF and X-Men are known primarily as a unit, as opposed to a group like Avengers where Cap, IM, and Thor were always the face of the team. The real list should go:

Spider-Man
Captain America
The X-Men, especially Wolvie, Cyclops, and Storm
Daredevil
Hulk
Iron Man
Fantastic Four (they are more recognized as a team than as individuals, but Ben is clearly the most popular).

[Bart Simpson]

If they really wanted a team to match the JLA.

I think Marvel's line up should be:
Thor
Iron Man
Captain America
Wolverine
Phoenix
Hulk
Dr. Strange
Spider-Man

[tricksterpup]

The thing is, I do not see Marvel "Having a big 7". Their characters to me are not as Iconic as DCs.
To me being equal to the DC JLA characters means to be larger than life and Marvel doesnt have that many.

[Jake V]

The thing is, I do not see Marvel "Having a big 7". Their characters to me are not as Iconic as DCs.
To me being equal to the DC JLA characters means to be larger than life and Marvel doesnt have that many.
Martain Manhunter is more iconic than Spider-Man?

[jemini169]

Captain America
Thor
Hulk
Spider-man
Wolverine
....
and I can't think of any more.

[tricksterpup]

Martain Manhunter is more iconic than Spider-Man? Spider-man is one of the few characters that Marvel does has that is ICONIC. But compared to the top 3 Batman, Wonder Woman, Superman, marvel doesn't come close. The every day person who never has picked up a comic knows those three along with the Hulk and Spider-man. The others are never given a second thought by the causal person.

[Atom_basher]

big 7

Hulk
Daredevil
Ironman
Wolverine
Captain America
Spiderman
Storm

I based this off of popularity, comic book appearances, and pop culture impact

[surferfan23]

Spider-man is one of the few characters that Marvel does has that is ICONIC. But compared to the top 3 Batman, Wonder Woman, Superman, marvel doesn't come close. The every day person who never has picked up a comic knows those three along with the Hulk and Spider-man. The others are never given a second thought by the causal person.

I respectfully disagree. Captain America, Spidey, and the Fantastic Four are all icons due to the impact they have had on comics historically.

[tricksterpup]

I respectfully disagree. Captain America, Spidey, and the Fantastic Four are all icons due to the impact they have had on comics historically.
But lets look outside the Comic book reading community, to many people comics are below them. They would not read a comic if you paid them. And when I mean Iconic, I mean, everyone knows them in nearly every country. Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and Spider-man are known World Wide. That is what Iconic means to me. Fantastic Four will gain this status along with the X-men due to the movies but there are many people who still do not realize that Blade, Daredevil and Electra are Comic Book movies, along with Sin City.

I guess to me, what has helped the DC 7 become more popular as comic book characters were the Super Friends. Hell, hate to say this, but I bet you the Wonder Twins are more recognized by many adults than say Daredevil, Electra, Punisher or sadly to say Captain America.

[Mister Mets]

I believe Marvel's Big Seven are...

Captain America
Spider-MAn
Wolverine
Iron Man
Daredevil
The Hulk
Storm

My personal favorite Marvel heroes are..
Spider-Man
Captain America
Wolverine
Iron Man
Daredevil
Jean Grey
The Thing

[GoGo Yubari]

1. Spider-Man
2. Captain America
3. Hulk
4. Wolverine
5. Iron Man
6. Daredevil
7. Thor

[Captain Shady]

Most of you have got it right:

Spiderman
Hulk
Wolverine
Captain America
Daredevil

All have to be there with Wolverine the one aruable exception because of his association with XMen. He's so big though he'd supercede the group affliation... now that he's an avenger it's going that way anyway. I refuse to put the Thing, Human Torch (who's look probably is more iconic than most of us realize) on there because they are associated so clearly with the fantastic four. Maybe if one of them gets a solo movie after the FF I'll think differently.

Storm and Elektra would be the top two females but each has their deficiencies (ie Storm/Xmen and Elektra not sustaining a strong enough solo superheroine identity). Personally, I think Spiderwoman as a vague concept (not one in particular) is iconic enough to deserve the first female spot too. Same thing works for Supergirl in my mind--she's not a part of the DC "7" although more recognizable than some of them--even though/because she's derivative.

Blade and Punisher have their merits but I know a lot of non comic fans that would never associate those movies with a character. I think for them seeing either of two on the team would be as foreign as B.A. Barracas, Mighty Mouse, Hellboy, or the TMNT rubbing elbows. I think they recognize them as just different even if they truly exist in the marvel continum. One name not mentioned but with broad underground appeal is Silver Surfer. Ultimately he has the same flaws as Blade and Punisher.

My seven would be: Spiderman.Spiderwoman(amalgamation). Cap. Hulk. Daredevil. Wolverine. and Iron Man over Thor. Always find it difficult to take a Norse God as a Marvel character. He's their interpretation of him but I think Iron Man is a more genuine original character and fits in better to non comic book readers perception of a marvel superhero.

That seven would certainly be the most recognizable and perhaps the most marketable for a Marvel justice league type cartoon.

[Alan2099]

I just realized something. Howard the Duck is very iconic. Everybody knows his movie. if you make a Howard the Duck reference, lots of people are going to know who you're talking about.

[Atom_basher]

Caotain Shady, the reason i voted for storm over say Thor, is because she has appeared in two movies played by an academy award winnign actress, has appeared in two hit cartoons. and has appeared in many highly sucessful videogames (marvel vs capcom etc) she also is HIGHLY identifable because of her unique look, and appears in 3 national commercials, the tow universal studio commercials, and the visa commercial.

I think that puts her in top 10


and as far as spiderwoman, If people were shown a picture of her im sure they wouldnt be able to idenitfy her as spiderwoman

[Red State Cap]

I just realized something. Howard the Duck is very iconic. Everybody knows his movie. if you make a Howard the Duck reference, lots of people are going to know who you're talking about.
Sorry, but the Howard the Duck movie is only an icon of suck.

As to DC having the "more iconic" characters, I have to disagree. Looked at from a perspective of "John Q Public" and not the comic community:
DC has Superman and Batman. Wonder Woman had her own show in the 70's but I think she's far, far from "iconic" to the general population.
Marvel has Spider-Man and the Hulk.
IMHO, it's basically tied at 2-2 for "iconic" heroes. Marvel also has the recent edge with highly successful X-Men movies. As CGI effects allow comics to be brought to the screen more convincingly, I expect many more favorite comic characters to be introduced to the broader public.

RSC

[Sharcque]

By "Big 7", I'm assuming in contrsat to the DC "Big 7", so:

1. Cap
2. Thor
3. Spider-Man
4. Daredevil
5. Hulk
6. Wolverine
7. Storm

[Kintales]

Mine would be

1) Spidey
2) Hulk
3) Captain America
4) Ironman
5) Dr Strange
6) Namor
7) Storm

[Yellow_Bastard]

Wolverine
Spiderman
Thor
Capitan America
Hulk
Iron Man
Dr. Strange (only for magic purposes, otherwise I hate the character)

[Tragix]

Spider-Man
Daredevil
Dr.Strange
Thor
Iron Man
Hulk
Wolverine

[Shellhead]

I just realized something. Howard the Duck is very iconic. Everybody knows his movie. if you make a Howard the Duck reference, lots of people are going to know who you're talking about.

Um, no.

Not all movies were popular or remain famous. The Howard the Duck movie was a steaming pile of crap that temporarily bankrupted George Lucas at a very low point in his career. And if you go back and re-read your old issues, you may find that not all comedy is timeless in quality. Show an issue to a kid today, and he will likely be bored by it.

[cable guy]

Captain America
Daredevil
Punisher
Hulk
Iron Man
Spider-Man
Wolverine

[Jessica Drew]

As far as icons go, I don't think that the general public would recognize/be familiar with more than just a few comic-book heroes. Superman, Batman, Spider-Man are heroes known worldwide by name and appearance. Wonder Woman and Hulk less so, and Captain America, Aquaman, Wolverine, Green Lantern, the Flash, the Fantastic Four (though almost certainly not all four), the Punisher, the X-Men (mainly just the name), Daredevil, Elektra, Shazam/Captain Marvel, Spawn, Silver Surfer, and Thor would be even less well-known (on a worldwide level) than the first five I mentioned.

Sure, we all know all of these, but very few are known to children, teenagers, young adults, and older generations alike. My father might know who Aquaman is, but he wouldn't have a clue about Wolverine. Inversely, many of my high-school students (guess I'm showing my age) recognize Wolverine, but don't know a hill of beans about Aquaman. Echoing what many on this thread have stated, most people do not read nor have ever read a super-hero comic book. Super-hero popularity (on a worldwide level) hails (mostly) from media exposure and product saturation.

Superman and Batman have been seen in high-grossing theatrical films or highly-rated children's television shows for generations. At least one of the two has been depicted on screen big or small in every decade (except for--maybe, I'm not certain of this one--the fifties) of the last sixty years. Spider-Man has had two huge theatrical releases in the past five years, two animated shows in the nineties, one animated show in the eighties, one live-action show in the seventies, and one animated show in the sixties. All three have been depicted in numerous types of products (toys, clothing, etc...) for decades. In addition, by (about) this time next year, they'll be another highly-promoted Superman, Batman, and Spider-Man movie. The images of those three are everywhere and will continue to be everywhere for, I hope, decades to come.

The rest? Wonder Woman's never had a theatrical film, but she had three season's worth of a hit TV show in the seventies, and she appeared, in the seventies/eighties as part of the Super Friends animated show, and she's been a part of the Justice League/Justice League Unlimited animated series these past three years. DC has also imbued her image on numerous products (Underoos!). Also, she was the first female super hero to carry her own title, and she's been carrying it for sixty-plus years. Plus, she'll see a highly-promoted movie of hers within the next two years. The Hulk had a hit TV show in the seventies/eighties, and had a heavily-promoted, high-grossing (worldwide) film two/three years ago. I think he had a nineties animated show (or was part of one) on television as well.

In addition, these five are visually distinctive. Super Man has an "S" on his chest, Batman has a bat on his chest, Spider-Man has a spider on his chest, Wonder Woman often has a "WW" on her--uh--chest, and Hulk...well, he's all mean and green.

Now, in several decades hence, there's a chance--with the right promotion--that more super heroes could reach this type (or near this type) of worldwide iconographic status. Wolverine could possibly achieve this type of status. He's been in two high-grossing theatrical films in the past six-or-so years, and he was a star of the highly-rated children's animated X-Men series of the nineties. He'll be the star of a heavily-promoted film of his own within the next two years. His personality is distinctive from the big five, and his claws are easily identifiable as well. However, if Marvel really wants him to be about as well-known as Spider-Man, they'll need to decide upon a definite costume. In the X-Men movies, he has no costume. In the comics, he's got two (the brown one, and the University of Michigan one) that vary year-in and year-out. Because of this variety, Wolverine's not as visually recognizable as he should be.

Captain America and the Flash also both have chances of achieving somewhat near iconographic status in decades to come if promoted enough, primarily because of their longevity, because they're both so visually distinctive and identifiable, and because both will have movies made about them in the next couple of years.

The remainder has a slight chance of achieving huge ICON status within the next twenty/thirty years, but I won't delve into the rest of those individually. Again, itt takes media exposure and product saturation for decades for the world to recognize and identify these super heroes as easily as we all can.


...On a side note, to test all of our varying ideas and hypotheses, would anyone be interestd in conducting some type of poll of non-comic-book readers (family, friends, people at our jobs, childeren, etc...) to see whom all they know/don't know? I think this could be a fun poll (for many of us) to conduct. What say?

[Karl J. Barnes]

I think that Marvel's Big 7 would be:

Wolverine

Spiderman

Captain America

Iron Man

Thor

Namor

AND... Dr. Strange

[Nightcrawler]

Captain America
Spider-Man
Wolverine
Hulk
Iron Man
Daredevil
Thor

[Huzzah!]

Now i dont think anyone can understate the importance of Batman Superman and Invisible Jet pilot WW. But the whole big 7 garbage seems like marketing to me. Are the big 7 supposedly the most powerful? Most popular?

I mean take Green Lantern and the FLash. You could kill the current characters put a couple of new clowns in their tights and you wouldnt miss a beat. In fact havent they done that a couple of times? Exactly.

Martian Manhunter (horrible name btw) was a member of a JLa team thought of as the loser squad, so how he could be "popular" is beyond me.


And Aquaman. What can i say about Aquaman that hasnt already been said about the pet rock. Pure dull. "Using his special aqua powers..". Come on dc you can do better than that. The guy rides on a sea horse. Out of water he is a pushover.

The only 3 greats are bats superman and WW. The marvel match to those characters are Captain America Wolverine and Spiderman.

[The Mirrorball Man]

I don't understand why Iron Man is on so many lists. The character has not even made a ripple on pop culture, he is not well known outside comic book circles, his comics don't sell all that well, he isn't even visually distinctive. The character is a C-lister at best.

[Red State Cap]

I don't understand why Iron Man is on so many lists. The character has not even made a ripple on pop culture, he is not well known outside comic book circles, his comics don't sell all that well, he isn't even visually distinctive. The character is a C-lister at best.

You ever listen to Ozzy Osbourne?

RSC

[The Mirrorball Man]

You ever listen to Ozzy Osbourne?

RSC
Obviously not. So, enlighten me, he did a concept album based on the Mandarin's rings of power, or what?

[Jessica Drew]

Obviously not. So, enlighten me, he did a concept album based on the Mandarin's rings of power, or what?

Long thought lost, Ozzy Osbourne recorded his "Mandarin Ring Cycle" after his ouster from Black Sabbath. The album, just now surfacing in terrible-quality bootlegs, is to metal what Brian Wilson's original "Smile" was to pop music.

[dazzler_slave]

Captain America
Spider Man
Wolverine
Phoenix
Hulk
Iron Man
Human Torch

[Dark Soul # 7]

Spider-man
Captain America
Hulk
Wolverine
Iron man
Storm
Thor

[marvelboi77]

Spiderman
Wolverine
Hulk
Thing
Storm
Daredevil
Phoenix

[overcomebyfumes]

I have read that the iconic power of DC's characters relates to their mythic qualities. Examples:

Superman - derives his power from the sun = sun god Apollo

Batman - dark knight avenger = underworld god Pluto

Wonder Woman - warrior woman archetype = goddess of the hunt Diana

Flash - speedy guy = messenger god Hermes

Aquaman - water guy = sea god Neptune



Marvel, rather than creating icons, has grounded their characters in reality to a greater extent than DC, giving them everyday-type problems in addition to their superhero isues. In the essay where I first read this theory (which I wish I had saved because I'd really like to credit the guy that came up with this explanation), it was pointed out that the JLA is like an council of Olympian gods, while the Avengers are more like Arthurian knights at the round table. The line-up of Arthur's knights was always changing, like the Avengers. And they were always real people with foibles and flaws, like the Avengers.

In this case, Captain America is King Arthur and Hawkeye was his Lancelot, but other than that, there really are not the kind of specific correspondences like those that can be made between the DC Icons and Greek gods.

Anyway, I thought it was a good idea. It explains a lot of the differences between Marvel and DC in general I think, differences I picked up on when I was younger but never could explain until now. Thanks to whoever first pointed this out.

Pax.

[Phoney Bone]

Dan Slott
Paul Pelletier
Fabian!
Tom Grummett
Giffen & J.M.
Kevin Maguire
Frank Cho

THEY are the only "Big Seven" of Marvel that matter.

As far as characters:
She-Hulk
Hawkeye
Howard the Duck
Beverly
Mr. Immortal
Monkey Joe
Devil Dinosaur

with Spider-Man, Iceman and Firestar tied at number "8".

[Tobias March]

Captain America

Iron Man

Reed Richards

The Hulk

Spiderman

Wolverine

The Phoenix.

In fact it's extremely difficult to find a female Marvelite that can stand in comparison to Wonderwoman. The Wasp fills the role she had in the JLA - the token female member, but in no way could she be considered one of the Big Seven. Hopefully Bendis' Spiderwoman will pick up some of the slack.

[Atom_basher]

In fact it's extremely difficult to find a female Marvelite that can stand in comparison to Wonderwoman. The Wasp fills the role she had in the JLA - the token female member, but in no way could she be considered one of the Big Seven. Hopefully Bendis' Spiderwoman will pick up some of the slack.


Storm easily fills the role

[Tobias March]

Storm easily fills the role

I did consider her. Would you think her as popular as Jean Grey?

[Atom_basher]

I did consider her. Would you think her as popular as Jean Grey?


I actually think she is more popular than jean grey

[o1pickleboy]

1) Spider Man

2) Wolverine

3) Captain America

4) Hulk

5) Iron Man

6) Thor

7) Storm



The Next 7

8) Daredevil

9) Rogue

10) Electra

11) Punisher

12) Gambit

13) Blade

14) Ghost Rider

[moose minion]

Captain America
Wolverine
Spider-Man
Iron Man
Hulk
Daredevil
Punisher

[Hoopah]

1. captain america
2. daredevil
3. hulk
4. spider-man
5. punisher
6. iron man
7. the thing

[Loestal]

I actually think she is more popular than jean grey

No way. I don't mind Storm...but Jean is surely more popular than Storm, rightfully so in my opinion.

[StoneGold]

No way. I don't mind Storm...but Jean is surely more popular than Storm, rightfully so in my opinion.
I duobt it. Because of the cartoon show, if anything else. Jean was the girl who mostly stayed behind with the Professor. Storm was out front in that badass black/white outfit, probably her best one since the original, throwing out hurricanes and goofy weather witch curses.

Oh, and much better voice actor, too.

[foxfire]

I have read that the iconic power of DC's characters relates to their mythic qualities. Examples:

Superman - derives his power from the sun = sun god Apollo

Batman - dark knight avenger = underworld god Pluto

Wonder Woman - warrior woman archetype = goddess of the hunt Diana

Flash - speedy guy = messenger god Hermes

Aquaman - water guy = sea god Neptune



Marvel, rather than creating icons, has grounded their characters in reality to a greater extent than DC, giving them everyday-type problems in addition to their superhero isues. In the essay where I first read this theory (which I wish I had saved because I'd really like to credit the guy that came up with this explanation), it was pointed out that the JLA is like an council of Olympian gods, while the Avengers are more like Arthurian knights at the round table. The line-up of Arthur's knights was always changing, like the Avengers. And they were always real people with foibles and flaws, like the Avengers.

In this case, Captain America is King Arthur and Hawkeye was his Lancelot, but other than that, there really are not the kind of specific correspondences like those that can be made between the DC Icons and Greek gods.

Anyway, I thought it was a good idea. It explains a lot of the differences between Marvel and DC in general I think, differences I picked up on when I was younger but never could explain until now. Thanks to whoever first pointed this out.

Pax.

Wow the JLA=Greek Gods while Avengers=Arthur's knights is reeeeeally clever...

[jpk]

Franchise cornerstones (individuals):

Spider-Man
Captain America
Hulk
Iron Man
Wolverine
Daredevil
The Thing

I can't buy Storm or Jean Grey on that list. They might make the top 10. Thor is a tad esoteric and I eliminated him because he doesn't appear in a single active Marvel title (He is in the rehashed Blood Oath).

[Christopher O]

No way. I don't mind Storm...but Jean is surely more popular than Storm, rightfully so in my opinion.
I'd say they're pretty close in popularity. They're the essential X-Men along with Wolverine and Cyclops, which is why they were chosen for the movies.

[Kirk G]

Wow the JLA=Greek Gods while Avengers=Arthur's knights is reeeeeally clever...
Uh, I had noted once upon a time that the Fantastic Four were modelled upon the old alchemist's elements: Earth, Wind, Fire and Water.
Earth=Ben, the Thing
Air= Sue, Invisible Woman
Fire= Johnny, Human Torch (obviously)
Water= Reed, Mr. Fantastic (that's a stretch, I know... but think of the blue fluid way his body flows....) :rolleyes:

Other writers have commented upon this, and some say John Byrne's debute story on the title "Back to the Basics" starring Diablo, was a tribute to this basic anaylsis, also. :eek:

As a kid, reading FF #25, back in 1965-66, I had noticed this similarity... but it wasn't until speaking with a professional comic book artist in about 1992 that it was confirmed for me in a round-about sort of way. He said everybody in the professional community had been very award of Jack Kirby's inspiration for the quartett... like it was common knowledge! :cool:

[Smarty Jones]

"No way. I don't mind Storm...but Jean is surely more popular than Storm, rightfully so in my opinion."

I would say Jean Grey is higher up in the X-Men food chain than Storm. Jean was one of the founders of the team plus she has been a key part of some very important stories in the team's history. I feel Storm's status is more based on the fact she has appeared in more X-Men issues than arguably any other character.

I would say in terms of stature and historical standing in the Marvel Universe, "The Big 7" are:

1.) Captain America
2.) Spider-Man
3.) Wolverine
4.) Iron Man
5.) The Hulk
6.) Mister Fantastic
7.) The Invisible Woman

When/If Thor comes back, he will appear on this list.

[jcp011c]

1. Spider-man
2. Captain America
3. The Hulk
4. Iron Man
5. Wolverine
6. Dr. Strange
7. Daredevil

I would say that while the Fantastic Four are extremely high profile, they are a group. It's hard to take one person who's in a well-established and stable group and say that they alone have an equal level of profile. The intrinstic nature of that type of group makes them what they are, not the other way around.
Captain America, Wolverine and Iron Man are differerent because the Avengers are a large and highly rotatable group. When you think Avengers, different people think of different lineups, whereas if someone says "Fantastic Four" you think of Johnny, Ben, Reed and Sue without fail.

[AllisterH]

I'm not sure why Captain America is listed so high. Sure, he's arguably the most well known Golden Age/WW II hero but still....

I'm sorry to say, but I've never found a non-comic book fan who knows anything about Captain America. All they know is his costume and he carries a shield.

They don't know his real name, first or last (Lots of non comic book fans know the name Bruce Banner).

They have no clue as to his origin (People that know Blade at least know his origin)

They don't even know what his superpower is (People at least know WW had superstrength).

As well, outside of comics, he doesnt have that many appearances.

He's a staple of the Marvel vs. Capcom games as well as the original Avengers game. He appeared in 1 episode each of the marvel cartoons in the 90s; the 1st Spidey animated series from the 90s, the original X-men animated series and again in the atrocious Avengers cartoon. The freaking Question has more appearances than him.

[foxfire]

Uh, I had noted once upon a time that the Fantastic Four were modelled upon the old alchemist's elements: Earth, Wind, Fire and Water.
Earth=Ben, the Thing
Air= Sue, Invisible Woman
Fire= Johnny, Human Torch (obviously)
Water= Reed, Mr. Fantastic (that's a stretch, I know... but think of the blue fluid way his body flows....) :rolleyes:

Other writers have commented upon this, and some say John Byrne's debute story on the title "Back to the Basics" starring Diablo, was a tribute to this basic anaylsis, also. :eek:

As a kid, reading FF #25, back in 1965-66, I had noticed this similarity... but it wasn't until speaking with a professional comic book artist in about 1992 that it was confirmed for me in a round-about sort of way. He said everybody in the professional community had been very award of Jack Kirby's inspiration for the quartett... like it was common knowledge! :cool:

That's interesting, cuz in Ultimate FF Warren Ellis was talking about the same thing.

[Ikaris]

In no order, I can only mention 5 that most non-cmoic-fans i my country would be able to identify:

Spiderman
Daredevil
Hulk
Cap
Wolverine

...and with the movies out... people know of the Fantastic Four and The X-Men, but mostly as groups rather than individual heroes.

[sonofagun]

Hulk
Spider-Man
Wolverine
Thor
Iron Man
Cap
Franklin Richards

[Alan2099]

I'm not sure why Captain America is listed so high. Sure, he's arguably the most well known Golden Age/WW II hero but still....

I'm sorry to say, but I've never found a non-comic book fan who knows anything about Captain America. All they know is his costume and he carries a shield.

They don't know his real name, first or last (Lots of non comic book fans know the name Bruce Banner).

They have no clue as to his origin (People that know Blade at least know his origin)

They don't even know what his superpower is (People at least know WW had superstrength).

As well, outside of comics, he doesnt have that many appearances.

He's a staple of the Marvel vs. Capcom games as well as the original Avengers game. He appeared in 1 episode each of the marvel cartoons in the 90s; the 1st Spidey animated series from the 90s, the original X-men animated series and again in the atrocious Avengers cartoon. The freaking Question has more appearances than him.
But they DO know who he is, and honestly, for the mainstream public, that's still saying quite a bit.

[kloudsurfer]

In terms of popularity id say (in no particular order)

Spiderman
Wolverine
Hulk
Daredevil
Captain America
Iron Man
FF

I know FF are a team, but collectively they deserve to be on the list. If I had to pick one of them it would probably be The Thing.

[EZMOHR]

Right now, as based on popularity, stories, and how the comic world, and the real world percieve them, the big seven are...

1. Spider-Man- Tons of titles, comic fans for the most part like 'em, the regular joe loves him, and he is the star of two of the top 8 grossing movies of all time. He is Marvel #1 guy

2. Wolverine- Hugh Jackman immortalized him, comic fans loved him from 1975-2002, then like all other pop-culture refrences, he became so popular with everybody, and not just the comic conisours, they turned on him, but he is still popular with the public and a good amount of comic fans, and he is in two (Most likely after May 2006 three) hugely popular movies.

3. Captain America- The most famous comic character (Post 1989 Batman, but oh wait, there was a Cap. movie after that, but I think we can all say that does not count) to not have a movie. The public knows who he is...and comic fans have always liked him. With Brubaker, he has become a force again. Why has Marvel not made his movie yet. Marc Blucas, Alan Rickman, and a good script...done.

4. The Incredible Hulk- Movie sucked, but I think they could still make a good one. People still remember the old show in great terms. His book has suffered for a while, but Marvel has promised to bring him back to glory. Here is hoping.

5. Thor- Ok, I will say it. Comic fans love him. Regular people love him. I think he has always well to quote Brad in Adventures in Babysitting...."Thor's a homo." For me, yes he is popular but he never had a good story.......until The Ultimates. You use that Thor for the all purpose Thor (And make him like that when he comes back to the regular Marvel U) and I won't regret making Thor the fifth most popular Marvel character.

6. Mr. Fantastic- The Brain. The smartest man in the biz. People know him, and he is well liked by comic fans. And I know not only comic fans saw the Fantastic 4. I like Reed Richards as one of Marvels big seven.

7. And the wild-card is VENOM. Now hear me out. For a seven year span, this guy was all comic people could talk about. He was the "golden God." Then yes he got over-exposed, but, there are still good stories available to him. Plus, he is about to explode in Spider-Man 3 (Maybe??????) And for all the pseudo-hate Venom gets, he gets just as much dap. Venom, is well known to non-comic fans as well. So for my final defense of this choice, I go to my dad who one day I asked to name 10 comic characters. He chose Superman, Batman, Joker, Lex Luthor, Robin, Spider-Man, Wonder Woman, Captain America, Lois Lane and VENOM. Amazing for a man who knows nothing about comic books.

[AllisterH]

I will ask again.

Why does everyone put Captain America on their top 7?

As yet, I haven't found anyone who doesn't read comics who knows anything about Captain America.

Yes, they recognize the costume and the shield but that's it.

They don't know his name, don't know his powers, don't know his origin. People know more about Blade than they know about CA.

[EZMOHR]

I will ask again.

Why does everyone put Captain America on their top 7?

As yet, I haven't found anyone who doesn't read comics who knows anything about Captain America.

Yes, they recognize the costume and the shield but that's it.

They don't know his name, don't know his powers, don't know his origin. People know more about Blade than they know about CA.


I know a lot of people who know nothing about Comics, but know who Capt. America is. They know that he fights the Red Skull, they know he was frozen in ice, and they know he fought with some pud named Buckey. I think you have seriously mis-judged Captain America. I mean, he beat Thanos in Infinity Gauntlet. And I Think most people will agree that Captain America is the most lucrative comic character that does not have a movie right now ( Yes even more so than Wonder Woman.)

[AllisterH]

I know a lot of people who know nothing about Comics, but know who Capt. America is. They know that he fights the Red Skull, they know he was frozen in ice, and they know he fought with some pud named Buckey. I think you have seriously mis-judged Captain America. I mean, he beat Thanos in Infinity Gauntlet. And I Think most people will agree that Captain America is the most lucrative comic character that does not have a movie right now ( Yes even more so than Wonder Woman.)

No way, no how do I believe your first statement.

How would someone who knows about Captain America but doesn't read comics know the following

1) He fights the Red Skull
Other than the abominable movie, the red skull has only appeared in flashbacks for the 1st Spiderman series of the 90s. Admittedly, the arc was about a half season's worth but even then, Captain America made only 1 appearance in that arc (and 1 other in the Secret War storyline)

2)He was frozen in ice.
The only way a person would know this AND not be into comics is if they were told by a comicbook fan. In no other media that Cap has appeared has there ever been a reference to this.

3) Bucky
Like the above, there has been no reference to Bucky in non-comic book circles where Cap appeared. Hell, the people I know who know of Captain america but don't read comics think his partner is the American Bald Eagle and that's because of his poses from the videogames (in both the Avengers game and the Marvel vs. Capcom games, Cap either has a winning pose or a cutscene with the American Bald eagle perched on his arm)

Furthermore, many of the Big Seven at least have their supporting cast known by some. Everyone knows JJ, people know Whistler is with Blade and many people remember that guy who hunted the Hulk (the reporter).

Look, I'm not saying that Captain America isn't well regarded among comic fans but non comic reading people, I don't think saying they know just because they recognize the costume and shield is good enough.

[EZMOHR]

I think you under estimate what kind of a pop-culture icon Capt. America has been since 1941. Remember, just because you are probably under the age 30, Captain America is 65 years old. He's had time to ferment.

[Alan2099]

Captain America has made a lot of Video game apperances, showed up on just about every marvel cartoon ever made, made several movies (I didn't say they were good, but he had them), had plenty of toys, and other media tie ins.

Granted, not many people knoc much about the guy, but they can at least recognize him.

Actually, I have an idea here. I'm assuming most people here are members of forums that aren't devoted to comicbooks. Post a topic there asking who the top people are and see what kinds of responses you get.

[Brian R]

It depends I guess. I think the thread-starter was looking at it from a team angle, and I just cant have Reed or Sue on any other team, because its just silly in my opinion. Also, I would exclude Jean Grey only because she is currently dead, and doesnt look to be returning anytime soon. So, excluding those two, and assuming Hulk can play nice:

Captain America
Spider-Man
The Hulk
Iron Man
Wolverine
Storm
Black Panther

Just to be clear, this isnt my ideal team or anything, but I think its the closest you can come to a Marvel 7 team without totally ignoring certain obvious factors.

[steve2275]

I would say Jean Grey is higher up in the X-Men food chain than Storm. Jean was one of the founders of the team plus she has been a key part of some very important stories in the team's history. I feel Storm's status is more based on the fact she has appeared in more X-Men issues than arguably any other character.

I would say in terms of stature and historical standing in the Marvel Universe, "The Big 7" are:

1.) Captain America
2.) Spider-Man
3.) Wolverine
4.) Iron Man
5.) The Hulk
6.) Mister Fantastic
7.) The Invisible Woman

When/If Thor comes back, he will appear on this list.
id put the hulk over iron man