Top 10 Underrated Superheroes

Although he’s maybe not the most unpopular superhero on this list since he will be getting a movie made about him next year starring Paul Rudd and Michael Douglas, this Marvel superhero isn’t among the most popular ones either, despite the fact that there are three men who have taken on his persona. Not only is he able to shrink himself into the size of an actual ant, he’s also able to be just as strong in ant form as he is in human form, making him a sneaky but formidable opponent.

Unusual in the sense that he’s a sorcerer, this DC superhero possesses a number of different magical powers, such as telekinesis, the ability to cast spells, and the ability to manipulate both lightning and fire. He’s been an active comic book character since 1940, but despite his longevity, he’s never had a movie or TV series based specifically on him, though he has appeared in many animated movies and TV series based on the Justice League.

A man who became a superhero after initially training to be a boxer and a marine, this costumed crusader is also another who’s lacking the blockbuster film treatment. Known for being able to put his skills with martial arts and aviation to the best possible use, he’s also able to fend off psychic attacks. A television series about him was planned, but it’s unknown if the project will ever materialize after six scripts for the project were turned down.

If there was a history course that superheroes could take, this guy would be at the head of the class, mainly because he would cheat. Thanks to his ability to travel time, as well as the fact that he’s quite technologically savvy, he definitely makes up for the fact that he’s not quite superhuman. Unfortunately for him, he’s never been shown in live-action form except for one episode of Smallville, though a movie and a TV series are apparently in the works.

Also known as Vic Sage, this trenchcoat-clad DC character has been around since the late ’60s, and is known not only for his skills as a detective, but also for his prowess at martial arts, acrobatics, and shamanism. He was also a journalist before he eventually became The Question. Despite being a superhero who wears many hats and no faces, he’s never been given the movie or TV treatment on his own, though he has been in episodes of Justice League Unlimited.

Known for being occasionally referred to as the first mutant character from Marvel comics, this superhero has been around since 1939, and is known for being half human and half Atlantean – giving him superpowers adaptable to both the human world and under the sea, not to mention he’s able to fly just with small wings attached to his ankles. He’s been associated over the years with the Avengers, but a live-action movie about him specifically is also apparently in the works.

For this superhero, otherwise known as Jim Corrigan, he’s seen a lifespan of comics made about him through the golden, silver, bronze and modern ages, but has only made sporadic appearances in film and television. This is especially surprising because, well, he can change time and space as he pleases, his power knows no bounds, and is essentially a superhero representation of God thanks to the divine nature of his abilities. And above all? He’s immortal. Not too shabby.

Commonly known as being the first major black superhero in American comics, it’s quite a surprise that he hasn’t gotten more credit where it’s due. Despite his affiliation with both the Avengers and the Fantastic Four, he's mostly been known for having smaller appearances in some animated TV shows outside the comic book realm. Wesley Snipes had been planning to make a Black Panther film, but that doesn’t seem to be moving anymore.

Don’t let his name fool you – this guy’s been a part of the DC family ever since 1972 after first being published by the long-defunct Fawcett Comics. However, he’s been accused of being a copy of Superman, as well as being involved in a trademark dispute between DC and their rival company with a similar name to the character, which is probably why he doesn’t get the credit he deserves despite the fact that he was even more popular than Superman during the ‘40s. He even had his own TV show in the 70s.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honourable mentions.

Black Canary

Howard the Duck

Spider-Woman

Plastic Man

This Atlantean has gone through many developments both as a superhero and in his personality since he was introduced by DC Comics in 1941, but he’s had quite the lifespan as someone whose telepathic powers and superhuman abilities while underwater make him arguably the most underrated superhero of them all. He’s had supporting roles in most movies and TV shows associated with DC Comics, but it was announced that scripts will be written for a possible live action Aquaman movie and a tie in to the major DC blockbuster franchise.

Do you agree with our list? Which superhero do you think is the most underrated one of all time? With new top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.