This past year, I dove head deep into the amazing world of comic books. Marvel Unlimited made me an offer I couldn’t refuse, so without hesitation, I let them whisk me off into the Marvel Universe.
While on this incredibly interesting journey, I opened my heart to some pretty amazing characters. While this list doesn’t include everyone’s favorite “Merc with a Mouth” or the Canadian with metal claws, it does contain a few familiar faces.
Clint Barton, a.k.a. Hawkeye:
If you haven’t had the chance to read the 2012 run of “Hawkeye,” do it--now. Hands down, that series is some of the best literature I have read. The story is engaging and has a pizza dog! Without that fantastic storyline and extremely clever writing, Clint may not have made this list. He is only human, an aspect that I love. Clint has no special superpowers, just an uncanny archery ability. He is also very sassy and sarcastic, prone to wanting just naps and coffee.
Kate Bishop, a.k.a Hawkeye:
No words in the English language accurately convey my feelings on this character. I love her a lot. Kate is independent and doesn’t take crap from anyone. Since her first appearance, she has been the cheeky queen of witty one liners. In short, she is who I aspire to be. This feisty heroine got her start in the Young Avengers #1 back in 2005. She is currently the co-owner of the name Hawkeye, sharing it with Clint Barton. Kate’s backstory is also one of importance, though. After being assaulted, she eventually got over it by learning how to fight and protect herself, ranging from swordplay to archery. Instead of staying the victim, she became the hero. Not gonna lie, I named my car after her.
Kamala Khan, a.k.a. Ms. Marvel:
Imagine having all the responsibilities of a high school teenager and the responsibilities of being a superhero. Yikes! For Kamala, it’s a reality. In all honesty, she is probably the most important character on this list. In addition to being a women of color, she is also Muslim. She is also a character I identify with. She’s awkward, geeky, and reads fanfiction. That’s me too. But in addition to that, she deals with issues that I faced in high school, on top of having to save people while keeping her identity a secret. Her breakout series has had me laughing out loud.
Jane Foster, a.k.a Thor:
This character probably would not have made my list had I not bought the print issues of the newly ended “Thor” series. While most of you may remember her from the movies, her comic book counterpart is a little different. In the recent series, Jane is suffering from breast cancer, a disease my own mother battled. But once Thor Odinson becomes unworthy of wielding Mjolnir, the All-Mother searches for someone to take up his mantle. Jane Foster was that person, becoming Thor, the Goddess of Thunder. I felt an overwhelming amount of pride as I read the last issue where they revealed her identity. Also, a manly role was given to a female character and that was also pretty awesome.
Bucky Barnes, a.k.a. Winter Soldier:
This obsession is partly due to Sebastian Stan and the Russo brothers. I will give credit where credit is due, though. Ed Brubaker was a genius when he wrote the Winter Soldier story arc in “Captain America.” I read his standalone series, also written by Brubaker, crying when his lover lost her memories of ever being in love with him. Seriously, my heart ached. I also love that he does what has to be done, even if he doesn’t want to, eventually taking up the mantle of Captain America. Bucky also goes to space.
Steve Rogers, a.k.a. Captain America:
I would be remiss if I did not include the “star-spangled man with a plan” in my list. While I love Chris Evans, his comic book counterpart can hold his own. Anyone who has read “Civil War” will understand me. He is an unflappably good guy, never straying from what it means to be American. Also, my grandfather was an Army man, so Steve Rogers holds a very special place in my heart.
Natasha Romanoff, a.k.a. Black Widow:
What I like about this character is that she doesn’t let her past define who she is, aside from her codename of course. I also love that she is a total BAMF without giving up her femininity. And while I love ScarJo’s Black Widow, my heart goes out to the source material. She’s straight to the point and smart as a whip, and a woman who is not afraid to love.
This list could have been endless. There are so many characters who deserve love, but these seven are my top favorites. They all embody traits I wish I could possess, but without a freak accident, it wouldn’t happen. I intend to follow this journey into Marvel for as long as my bank account lets me, but rest assured, it will be fun and exciting.
