5 Great Superheroes Who Started Out As Just Sidekicks

by

Sidekicks have been a staple of superhero stories almost from the beginning. Appearing less than a year after Batman, Robin was one of the first, even before his own comic book was released. Sidekicks are ideal supporting characters because they join the hero in action, and their own lack of experience allows the hero to shine. They also reveal new facets of the hero’s personality and highlight what makes them exceptional. As heroes’ apprentices in ongoing stories, it’s not surprising that many sidekicks eventually become heroes themselves, as seen in both DC and Marvel universes.

I’ve always loved seeing sidekicks grow! It’s so cool when they start out as energetic partners, learn the ropes from their heroes, and then eventually become heroes themselves. Today, I want to talk about five characters who really nailed that journey – they’ve become so impressive that they can stand alongside, and sometimes even outshine, the people who taught them everything.

5) Rick Jones

When you think of Marvel sidekicks, Rick Jones is the original. First appearing in *The Incredible Hulk* #1, he was uniquely able to calm the Hulk. But Rick wasn’t just the Hulk’s friend – he became a key figure for many heroes. He was a vital part of the Avengers, served as the fourth person to take on the role of Bucky alongside Captain America, and even shared a physical connection with the original Captain Marvel. As he assisted so many heroes, Rick also developed his own identities, becoming A-Bomb, another version of Bucky, even briefly becoming the Hulk himself, and most recently, Sleeper Agent after bonding with a symbiote.

Rick has lived many lives throughout the Marvel Universe, constantly changing his identity and abilities. However, he’s always been a crucial support to other heroes – the relatable human side they needed. Eventually, he stepped up to become a hero himself. Though his name and powers are always shifting, Rick remains a true hero, shaped by experiences with Marvel’s most iconic figures.

4) Wally West

As a huge fan of the Flash, I always loved the story of Wally West. He first showed up way back in issue #110, and it’s just amazing – he was a massive Flash devotee who, through some incredible luck involving a lightning strike, got the same powers and became Kid Flash! What makes Wally so special isn’t just that he was a fantastic sidekick to Barry Allen, but that he eventually *became* the Flash himself. And honestly, he didn’t just fill Barry’s shoes – he blew past him! He became faster, more popular, and for a lot of us, he’s the Flash we always pictured when we thought of the Scarlet Speedster.

Even in popular adaptations like the DC Animated Universe, Wally West was often featured as the Flash instead of Barry Allen, demonstrating his widespread recognition as the definitive Flash. While fans continue to debate which Flash is better, Wally’s original goal was simply to earn the respect of his hero, and he’s undeniably achieved that. He’s truly made the Flash identity his own, proving he’s much more than just a supporting character.

3) Bucky Barnes

Bucky first appeared in the very first solo issue of *Captain America Comics*. He was a typical sidekick for a superhero of that time, but his story is unique because his supposed death had a lasting impact. For decades, everyone believed Bucky was gone, and many fans considered his death one of the most significant and permanent losses in comic book history. However, that belief was later challenged when Bucky returned as the Winter Soldier, ultimately establishing himself as a popular and respected hero.

Bucky once even stepped into the role of Captain America, proving he could uphold Steve Rogers’ ideals and fight for freedom. Today, he’s no longer seen as just a sidekick, but as a complex and respected hero who stands alongside Captain America.

2) Dick Grayson

Dick Grayson is considered the first superhero sidekick, originally appearing as Robin in *Detective Comics* #38. He’s famous as one half of Batman and Robin—one of the most iconic duos in fiction—and a foundational character for DC Comics. Alongside Batman, he fought crime as a member of the ‘World’s Finest,’ and later founded the popular team, the Teen Titans. Eventually, Dick decided to establish his own identity, stepping out of the Robin role and creating the new persona Nightwing, inspired by a Kryptonian legend shared by Superman.

Nightwing has become increasingly popular within DC Comics lately. He’s evolved into a key leader for the superhero community, often taking the initiative and coordinating efforts during crises, like the *Absolute Power* event. Combining the best qualities of both Batman and Superman, Nightwing is naturally positioned to be one of DC’s most prominent heroes.

1) Sam Wilson

Sam Wilson first debuted as the Falcon in Captain America #117 and quickly became Captain America’s partner in fighting crime. He was immediately popular, largely because he was one of the first African-American superheroes in comic books, and he teamed up with a major Marvel hero. Fans loved Sam so much that the comic series was even retitled Captain America and the Falcon. He developed a dedicated following and eventually became known not as a sidekick, but as an equal hero working alongside Captain America.

Sam Wilson has come a long way – he’s now Captain America, not just Falcon or a supporting character. He took on the role during a time when Marvel was introducing new generations of heroes, and he’s considered by many to be the best of these legacy characters. In fact, some believe his transition into the Captain America role is the best example of a hero taking over an iconic mantle, rivaled only by Wally West as the Flash. Sam is a truly great hero who has brought a valuable new viewpoint to Marvel and continues to help the universe evolve.

We’ve just looked at five amazing superheroes who began their careers as sidekicks. Who else do you think deserves recognition for stepping out of the shadows and becoming a hero in their own right? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!

https://comicbook.com/comics/news/these-10-superhero-sidekicks-should-have-stayed-dead/embed/#

Read More

2025-10-18 05:12