Top 10 Superheroes Not Made By Marvel or DC

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Superheroes have been a major part of fan culture since Superman first appeared in 1938. Though characters with similar traits existed before him, Superman truly popularized the modern idea of a superhero. For decades, DC and Marvel Comics have dominated the world of superhero stories, constantly reimagining and continuing the genre. While many of their iconic heroes are now widely recognized, they aren’t the only companies creating superhero adventures.

Many of the most famous superheroes actually weren’t created by Marvel or DC Comics. We’re going to explore ten of the best heroes who originated outside of those two companies. For our purposes, a hero needs to have a secret identity, fight bad guys, and have a recognizable look – like a costume or a unique appearance. It’s worth noting that there are many more heroes who would fit this description, but we’ve selected ten we think superhero fans will really enjoy. Let’s get started!

10) Savage Dragon

The Savage Dragon is a long-running Image Comics series that debuted over thirty years ago and continues to be popular today. It began with the story of a powerful man with amnesia fighting supervillains around Chicago, and his adventures have since expanded to multiple worlds. Remarkably, the comic is unique for being the longest-running full-color comic created and maintained by a single person – Erik Larsen. While perhaps not as widely known as some other superheroes, The Savage Dragon has been vital to Image Comics’ ongoing success and deserves recognition as one of the top ten heroes.

9) The Spirit

Unlike most superheroes who started in comic books, the Spirit first appeared in newspaper comic strips. Denny Colt, a skilled detective, faked his own death and went into suspended animation to pursue criminals the legal system couldn’t touch. In the 1940s, while comic books were mainly for kids, the Spirit appealed to adults with its gritty stories and focus on real-world issues. His adventures have been republished many times by different publishers. The Spirit is undeniably a key figure among superhero detectives. He played a major role in shaping the genre, establishing many of the tropes we see today, and remains a hugely influential character.

8) Invincible

Most people are now familiar with Invincible, whether through the comic book series that ran for over fifteen years or the popular animated TV show. Both versions tell the story of Mark Grayson, who goes from being the son of a famous superhero to becoming a protector of Earth against dangers from across the galaxy—and ultimately, saving the entire universe from the Viltrumites. What began as a humorous take on superheroes quickly became one of the most original and compelling stories in the genre for many years. It’s a truly satisfying experience to watch Mark mature from a determined teenager into the only person capable of saving everything, and that’s why it’s connected with so many people worldwide.

7) Hellboy

Hellboy, a hero who’s half-demon and half-human, is the go-to guy for anything supernatural. As Dark Horse Comics’ signature character, he’s been captivating readers for years with his fights against Nazis, witches, and all sorts of Lovecraftian monsters. You’d instantly recognize him – he has red skin, short horns, and one hand made of stone. Despite his intimidating appearance, Hellboy is a surprisingly kind and compassionate giant, especially when it comes to his hatred of Nazis. Many consider him the best supernatural detective since Constantine, and he’s definitely one of the most compelling and heartbreaking heroes in comics.

6) Power Rangers

The Power Rangers, inspired by the Japanese series Super Sentai, are a team of teenage superheroes who constantly change members and fight to protect the world using special devices called Morphers and giant robots known as Zords. The villains and Ranger teams switch almost every season, which has helped the show stay popular with kids for many years. The Power Rangers capture the excitement and straightforward good-versus-evil themes that define all superhero stories. Plus, who doesn’t love giant robots combining to form even larger robots? While every Ranger has something to offer, Tommy Oliver is arguably the most iconic and stands out as a true legend.

5) Spawn

Spawn is one of the cornerstone series that helped launch and sustain Image Comics. The story follows Al Simmons, an assassin who, after dying and going to Hell, is resurrected as a Hellspawn named Spawn by the demon Malebolgia. Reborn with severe burns, Spawn becomes a hunter of the wicked. He’s a hugely influential anti-hero who has shaped the genre, and for thirty years, he’s been the primary face of Image Comics, continuing to be popular today.

4) Shazam

Though now a major DC Comics hero, Shazam! originally started as a creation of Fawcett Comics, intended to compete with Superman. Of all the characters inspired by Superman, Shazam! is arguably the most successful. The story began with Billy Batson, a young orphan, who was chosen by the wizard Shazam to receive the power of the gods and become a powerful protector of the world. Billy’s inherent goodness and childlike innocence, combined with the incredible power he wields, make him a uniquely compelling hero. He’s achieved a level of popularity that few other characters imitating Superman have reached, and his current status is well-deserved.

3) Sailor Moon

At number three, we have Sailor Moon, a truly deserving choice given her huge influence in both Japan and the West. The story begins with Usagi Tsukino, a young student, who discovers she’s the reincarnation of Princess Sailor Moon thanks to a talking cat named Luna. She then gathers other reincarnated princesses to form a team of superheroines, fighting against evil forces. Sailor Moon is a landmark manga and anime, revolutionizing the shōjo genre and helping to make anime popular worldwide. Sailor Moon herself is an iconic superheroine, and her feminist impact is comparable to that of Wonder Woman.

2) Optimus Prime

While he’s a robot, Optimus Prime embodies many qualities of a classic superhero: he battles villains, operates with a hidden identity, and has a unique appearance that serves as his heroic outfit. As the leader of the Autobots, Optimus dedicates himself to defending the universe from the dangerous Decepticons. Since its beginning, the Transformers series has been incredibly popular, with Optimus consistently portrayed as a brave and selfless hero who motivates others. He’s considered one of the best leaders in fictional stories, always striving for a future where everyone can live together peacefully and securely. It’s hard to imagine a more heroic goal.

1) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

I’ve always been fascinated by the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. They really have it all – they’re ninjas, they’re brothers, they have mutant powers, and they’re turtles! It’s amazing to think they began as ordinary turtles, but a dip in some strange ooze changed everything. Their rat sensei, Master Splinter, raised them as warriors, dedicated to fighting the evil Foot Clan. Interestingly, they originally drew a lot of inspiration from the Daredevil comic, you can still see that influence, but they quickly became huge stars in their own right. What makes the TMNT so special is how they blend so many different genres – family drama, comedy, martial arts, fantasy, and even science fiction – into one cohesive and truly unique story. They’re lean, green, crime-fighting machines, and it’s no surprise they’re considered some of the best heroes around.

Here are ten of the top superheroes who aren’t from Marvel or DC. It’s important to remember this list could be much longer, and it’s really hard to say who’s ‘best’. What other heroes would you add to it?

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2026-01-29 01:15