What makes a good Marvel Character
The Marvel cinematic universe (MCU) has exploded over the last decade, and this is mainly driven by the long strong characer development and story created by Marvel Comics.
So which characters retain the most popularity and value in toys?
The top 10 (in no particular order):
- Spider-man
The web slinger is a household name and a classic in the making with a character that has spanned generations of comic books and blockbuster films. The names Tom Holland, Tobey Maguire or Andrew Garfield, don't mean much in the grand scheme of things, but they each represent the power to reinvigorate the character, and maintain Spider-Man's ongoing popularity across generationsof fans.
The most recent Spider-man movie, No Way Home, has only made the character even more popular. With this in mind, it's no surprise to see him on this list.
2. Ironman
The billionaire, playboy , philanthropist, engineering genius is Tony Stark's most popular incarnation. Ironman has had many different incarnations throughout the comics and the movies. He is a great character, and his popularity is guaranteed to continue as long as he is portrayed by Robert Downey Jr.
But with Avengers: End Game drawing that to a conclusion, Ironman may be left hanging for new attention the character may not get in the near future. Saying that, the collectible market is strong and Ironman remains a solid cash cow figure.
- Thor
The God of thunder is a big hit for Marvel toys. Thor has appeared in the comics over two centuries (really!) and film series, as well as Marvel Legends figures.
Featured heavily in the MCU the light humoured and action packed movies have been cinematic hits whivh have driven the Norse god of thunder into our hearts and minds.
Thor continues to be a favorite among collectors and fans alike, and remains open for new movies within the MCU schedule for 2022 and beyond.
- Deadpool
Created by mr satchel himself, Rob Leifeld, the comic character's development is solid and popularity of the merc with the mouth has actually broken the 4th wall. Deadpool is beyond just a comic book character with powers knocked off from wolverine and borrowed spawns costume.
Wade Wilson, also known as Deadpool, has serenaded our eyeballs with two action packed movies and there is a strong likelihood he will be seen in more movies to come.
Deadpool has been in Marvel legends series, premium collection statues and sixth scale figures which is why there is little wonder Deadpool is on the list.
- Miles Morales
Enter the next generation Spider-man! If you haven't heard of New York's newest web slinger, then you have been under a rock for the last 10 years.
Miles featured in Sony pictures 2018 hit Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and immediately propelled the character's popularity.
Easily the fastest growing character this decade, we would not be surprised if there is a movie released soon and more Myles action figures and collectibles in the works. Definitely a character not to sleep on!
- Punisher
Frank Castle is as tough as they come, and he really hates bad guys. The Punisher has generates decades of story which feature so much destruction, torture and blood in his wake you would think such a character is not suitable for children's toys. Well you would be right but that hasn't stopped anyone from selling this maniac to movie studios and Netflix, and the Punisher remains another solid character that no one can kill.
- Wolverine
Logan has survived the weapon X program, jumped into Hugh Jackman's body and made 15 years of MCU history.
Wolverine is a marvel character who has long been one of the most popular characters in the Marvel Universe and is known by many having teamed up with the X-men, Deadpool and X23 (his daughter). His popularity has put him in the upper echelons of Marvel heroes, but does he belong there?
Unlike some characters, Wolverine is not a simple man, which makes him a more interesting character. Captain America is great, but he can be perceived as one dimensional when it comes right down to it. That's not a bad thing; simplicity can be great. However, it doesn't make a character the greatest to base stories on.
Wolverine is tried and tested but his toys are lacking the same popularity as the cinema gives the character credit for and this pains us. He's no ironman but has more heart and worthy of the true Marvel collector.
- Captain America
Born of American science (performance enhancing drugs) and sheer will and valour, Steve Rogers aka Captain America is the darling of the MCU.
In the comics he was assassinated which doesn't reflect the popularity the character has achieved in his cinematic roles as the first Avenger. Similar to Ironman, Captain America is a straight shooter type character and has two solo movies which were popular. His shield is his biggest asset but his toys are lacking the same popularity.
Nonetheless Captain America is on the top ten list until Marvel replaces the Avengers.
- Hulk
Half the Marvel characters were started with a pinch of gamma radiation, and the hulk was made from a blast of it. Stan Lee originally wanted the Hulk to be an amalgam of the classic Frankenstein and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, causing scientist Bruce Banner to transform back and forth, from man to monster after being exposed to gamma rays.
Hulk has taken many forms (grey to green colours and various shades between) but his popularity is unwaning. With the MCU Bruce Banner apparently accepting his Hulk side and becoming Professor Hulk, one might think his character arc has come to an end. However, given the Hulk’s history in the comics and the trauma he experienced during the events of Avengers: Endgame, Banner may continue manifesting new personalities in future MCU movies.
- Venom
Spider-man has many enemies, but this symbiote is probably the most popular. Born in the 90's after Marvel's secret wars in the decade earlier, Spider-man #300 introduced us to Eddie Brock as the Venom.
Black is always the new black and Venom is tote black and always fashionable.
Sony recently released Venom 2 in cinemas and even if audiences didn’t like Venom, they liked this specific cinematic incarnation of Venom and relished seeing him in another campy adventure.
Spider-man needs venom and a cross over of the pair drives the popularity share for Venom and holds enough votes to make the number 10 spot.