Who is the Biggest Icon in Comics?

[The Batman]

DC's big icons are pretty obvious, the Big Three of Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman, and there's something of a discussion going on around here about who are Marvel's big icons and this got me wondering about who was THE Comic Book Icon. Who is the character that best represents the totality of mainstream American comics?

For me it's a toss up. I think in many ways the Adam West Batman for alot of people represents American superhero comics. The over the top zaniness, crazy ridiculous seriousness coupled with bright iconic colours and the sound effects the 60's Batman, for good or ill, just might be what alot of people think of when they think of comic book superheroes.




My other suggestion is the guy that I really hope is the ultimate representative of what superhero comic books are all about. He's the guy that really started the whole ball rolling and he's got it all. The mild mannered alter ego, the fantastic powers, the colourful costume, and the quick quips. He shows us that superheroes can be serious secular mythology and silly childrens' entertainment, both labour of love and corporate commodity. He's been silly and serious, struggled with real problems and fought fantastic foes. He's done it all. He was a nerd before Peter Parker and the best there is at what he does before Wolverine.

Look!

Up in the sky! Is it a bird? No, it's a plane?

No, it's SUPERMAN!!!








For me, being the icon for american comic books looks like a job for Superman. What do you guys think?

[Dan Apodaca]

I think it's pretty inarguably Superman. No one can touch his level of recognition.

[Sean Whitmore]

Yeah, when people who've never read a comic in their lives still immediately recognize a character's chest emblem, that's about as definitive as it gets.


SEAN

[Gaspard]

Batman and Superman definitely. I don't mean to rob your thread or anything but can someone explain to me why Bats, Supes and Wonder Woman are called DC's Big Three? I know this, that they all survived when the super heroes went south back in the 40's/50's(?), but there's no way that Wonder Woman is anywhere near the iconic status of Bats/Supes, in my opinion. I mean, none of my friends have ever even heard of her, and they know a lot about Bats and Supes, without never reading a comic book.

[Reptisaurus!]

Batman and Superman definitely. I don't mean to rob your thread or anything but can someone explain to me why Bats, Supes and Wonder Woman are called DC's Big Three? I know this, that they all survived when the super heroes went south back in the 40's/50's(?), but there's no way that Wonder Woman is anywhere near the iconic status of Bats/Supes, in my opinion. I mean, none of my friends have ever even heard of her, and they know a lot about Bats and Supes, without never reading a comic book.

She's certainly not as well known as Batman/Superman, but most Americans know who she is, between the Justice Legague TV show, Superfriends, her own show in the seventies (and reruns) and the cover of Ms.

There's probably an age group now between...oh, say 16-ish to 23-ish who are too old for the current Justice League toon and too young for Superfriends and not radical feminists who might not have heard of her.

But there's gonna be a movie next year, and that should change.

[Agentum]

And Spider-man is Marvels most recognized hero in the world.

[dancj]

Honestly I think the main reason is that they wanted to have a woman up there at the top tier

[Gaspard]

I agree that for American mainstream comic books, Wonder Woman is a well known icon/character. I'm not from the US and I kind of misinterpreted the question so nevermind.

[founder81]

Someone told me once, that the 3 most recognizable, non-religious, symbols in the world are:

Micky Mouse's Ears, Coke-Cola logo, and Superman's "S".

[Tommy]

It really has to do with TV.

Superman is old enough that he had a popular radio show. Movie serials. Movies. Several TV shows. Which is why he is such a huge icon.

Batman I think is less... iconic since his major rise to prominence was the Batman TV show. Followed by the Super Friends.

Wonder Woman is only recognized places where Linda Carter's TV show was aired. she was also prominently featured on the Super Friends.

Aquaman (if we are foregoing the Robin debate) I would say is probably the next Iconic, sadly do to Super Friends, and he is only iconic as a joke.

Over in Marvel you have several contenders. Spider-Man clearly heads the pack as he has been on TV at least once a decade. And many shows were highly popular.

Then you have the Hulk who has major appeal since his several stints on TV. He has even creped into the language as "hulking out" is said often times with out an intentional reference to the character.

Also you have the Fantastic Four, not surprisingly the only team to be approaching iconic. They also have been in the public eye for years with several TV shows. Unfortunately most of those shows were rather badly done and so have not achieved the level of popularity as other people.

Finally the X-men really only appeared on the scene recently thanks to the Fox show and the movies. But they were so successful that they have completely over ridden people like the Fantastic Four.

[stealthwise]

Someone told me once, that the 3 most recognizable, non-religious, symbols in the world are:

Micky Mouse's Ears, Coke-Cola logo, and Superman's "S".

I'd say the Mcdonald's "M" is more recognizable than the Mickey ears.

[Kid Omega]

Worldwide?

Astro Boy or Uncle Scrooge would be up there with Superman. Easily.

[dancj]

Worldwide?

Astro Boy or Uncle Scrooge would be up there with Superman. Easily.

Is Astro Boy big outside of Japan? Also I know Uncle Scrooge is popular in some countries, but I really don't imagine he comes close. I doubt most people in England would recognise the name certainly - or Astro Boy for that matter

[Erisu Kimu]

I think Batman, Superman and Spider-Man are the most synonymous and recognized comic book icons. The previous two are instantly known for their emblems, while Spider-Man is known just for his costume alone.

[stelok]

Superman
Batman
Spider-Man
the Phantom
Flash Gordon
Archie
Captain Marvel for a short while back in 1940's