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Top 10 Comic Relief Characters In Superhero Movies

Top 10 Comic Relief Characters In Superhero Movies
VOICE OVER: Riccardo Tucci WRITTEN BY: Garrett Alden
These characters keep us laughing it up, up, and away. For this list, we're looking at the most hilarious comic relief characters in superhero movies, including Korg in the “Thor” (2011-) franchise, Luis in the “Ant-Man” (2015-) movies, Ned in the new “Spider-Man” (2017-) films, and quicksilver in the “X-Men” (2000-) franchise. Which comic relief character do YOU think is the funniest? Let us know in the comments!

Disagree with our rank? Check out the voting page for this topic and have your say! WatchMojo.comsuggest/Top+10+Comic+Reliefs+in+Superhero+Movies
Special thanks to our user calvinator2012 for suggesting this idea!
Script written by Garrett Alden

Top 10 Comic Reliefs In Superhero Movies


Top 10 Comic Reliefs in Superhero Movies


These characters keep us laughing it up, up, and away. Welcome to WatchMojo.com and today we’ll be counting down our picks for the Top 10 Comic Relief Characters in Superhero Movies.


For this list, we’ll be examining the characters that are best able to provide some much needed laughs in films with superheroes or based on comic book properties.


#10: Luis


“Ant-Man” franchise (2015-)


Scott “Ant-Man” Lang is a funny guy in his own right, but it’s his former cellmate Luis that often steals the show in this microscopic superhero franchise. Excitable and prone to awkward ramblings that go into way too much detail, Luis and the rest of Scott’s criminal-turned-clean counterparts are always around to provide valuable backup to our main heroes, even if they sometimes end up getting distracted along the way. We can only hope that Luis and the rest of the X-Con Security Consultants return in future sequels to keep landing as many jokes as they do punches.


#9: Tom Manning

“Hellboy” franchise (2004-)


A stuffy government bureaucrat may not scream “comic relief” to most people, but Tom Manning provides it nonetheless. Acting as the demonic Hellboy’s boss at the Bureau of Paranormal Research and Defense, or BPRD, Manning acts as the liaison to the outside world and has the unenviable task of trying to keep the big red guy and everything else supernatural a secret from the public. Manning’s exasperation at Hellboy’s attitude and indifference to him, as well as his relatable reactions to danger and all things weird, make him an excellent straight man.


#8: Otis

“Superman” franchise (1978-)


Henchmen and sidekicks make for fantastic comic relief and Otis is a great example of the former. A crony of the villainous Lex Luthor, Otis is simpleminded and accident-prone. His affable attitude and eagerness to follow Luthor makes him very endearing, in spite of the evil deeds they commit. In addition, Luthor’s charming villainy, superior intellect, and patent cynicism turn his interactions with the far more innocent Otis into an amusing double act straight out of classic comedy. Otis may be a dope, but he’s a lovable one and a highlight of the “Superman” films.


#7: Michelangelo

“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” franchise (1990-)


Although all four of the adolescent, ninjutsu-practicing turtle brothers have their moments of levity, Michelangelo is unquestionably the comic relief. By far the most immature of the group, Mikey embraces his role as the funny one by making frequent silly remarks, references to pop culture, and spouting many of the turtles’ catchphrases, including “Cowabunga.” With his playful attitude, nunchaku, and love of activities in common with kids, Michelangelo is incredibly popular with the franchise’s target demographic, although plenty of older fans can enjoy his optimism and sense of fun.



#6: Peter Maximoff a.k.a. Quicksilver

“X-Men” franchise (2000-)


While the Justice League has the Flash, and the Incredibles have Dash, this X-Men mainstay is arguably the funniest silver screen representation of any quick-witted speedster on a superhero team. A mutant with super speed, Peter Maximoff is prone to high-speed rescues in the films he appears in, although the audience views the events as he sees them – in slow motion. Quicksilver’s actions during these sequences are often accompanied by fitting music and often consist of him messing around with people and other things slower than him; making for some hilarious visual comedy. Despite his limited screen time, Quicksilver is an indisputable highlight of every film he appears in.


#5: Freddy Freeman

“Shazam” (2019)


As the first DC Universe film to go for a purely comedic tone, “Shazam” hits a homerun by placing Billy Batson’s compulsively comedic foster brother front and center as the titular hero’s plucky sidekick. Freddy Freeman’s ability to joke about uncomfortable subjects allows this film to do away with the self-seriousness that plagues the DCEU without sacrificing any of the story’s heart. Actor Jack Dylan Grazer has excellent chemistry with both versions of Billy Batson, which isn’t lost when (spoiler alert) Freddy himself transforms into his own adult-aged superhero and passes the reigns of this playful portrayal to OC alum Adam Brody for his very first battle.


#4: Ned

“Spider-Man: Homecoming” (2017)


Peter Parker’s best friend, a computer whiz, and an ardent Lego enthusiast, Ned discovers his friend’s secret identity as Spider-Man by accident. Thereafter, Ned pesters Peter with questions about his powers and his double life with all the enthusiasm you’d expect of a teenager discovering his friend is a superhero, while also helping push him to be more social; albeit embarrassing him at the same time. Ned’s skill with computers also comes in handy, as he becomes Peter’s proverbial tech support. All in all, Ned’s a fun and funny character as well as a great guy in the chair to everyone’s favorite web slinger.



#3: Korg


“Thor” franchise (2011-)


The third solo installment in the Thor franchise gets about as far from the doom and gloom of the first two films as it possibly can without leaving the nine realms. This is in large part thanks to director Taika Waititi, who not only shines as the improvisationally inclined director, but also in the role of Korg, a Kronan gladiator forced to fight on the planet Sakaar after failing to print enough pamphlets for his revolution. The soft personality residing inside his hard exterior results in comedic gold that’s first introduced in “Thor: Ragnarok” and continues into appearances like his cameo in “Avengers: Endgame”, making us eager to see this perishable rock monster pop up as often as possible!



#2: Drax

“Guardians of the Galaxy” franchise (2014-)


This character is like Amelia Bedelia on steroids. Seriously. When Drax isn’t flexing his swole physique, he’s taking things a bit too literally, which makes for some amazingly funny moments! Combine this with his unfiltered honesty that often makes his fellow Guardians uncomfortable, and you have a recipe for one of the greatest comedic characters in the superhero game. Portrayed by Dave Bautista, Drax’s physicality and delivery are grounded in a devout sincerity, which somehow helps make the jokes even funnier. Fans of the MCU see him as one of the funniest characters in the franchise. That is, when they’re able to see him at all.



Before we get to our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:



The Flash

“Justice League” (2017)



Wong
“Doctor Strange” (2016)


Happy Hogan
Marvel Cinematic Universe (2008-)



Etta Candy

“Wonder Woman” franchise (2017-)


Darcy Lewis

“Thor” franchise (2011-)



#1: J. Jonah Jameson

“Spider-Man” franchise (2002-)


Superheroism isn’t always well received, but few of its critics are as harsh as J. Jonah Jameson. Spider-Man’s biggest detractor, as well as Peter Parker’s boss at the Daily Bugle in the comics and Sam Raimi films, Jameson is a generally petty and boorish man who constantly does everything he can to unknowingly lambast his super powered employee. On paper, that sounds unappealing, but Jameson’s rapid-fire dialogue and over-the-top narcissism make him incredibly charming and hilarious. We’re sure it’d be terrible to have Jameson for a boss, but from the outside looking in – he’s an absolute joy to watch. With J.K. Simmons reprising the role in various different projects, we’re always waiting to see what he can bring to the character!

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