Teams are a big part of superhero comics. Whether it be DC's teams full of powerful beings who are like pantheons of gods or Marvel's more grounded but no less formidable teams, teams are integral to the medium. Look at the Avengers—it rose from humble roots to a cultural phenomenon. That phenomenon wouldn't have possible without the Justice League, which inspired the creators of Marvel to re-start their own superhero universe.
One of the most important parts of any team is the leader. They set the tactics, inspire the ones under them, and do the training. Some great heroes have been team leaders over the years, leading their groups in the battle against evil.
10 Mr. Fantastic Doesn't Balance His Duties With His Personal Life Well But Is Still A Great Leader
The Fantastic Four is one of the greatest teams in the history of comics, dealing with threats unlike what any other team faces. Protecting the Earth from interdimensional incursions, battling hostile alien races, and solving scientific problems is a lot of work. But Mr. Fantastic has done a great job leading the group, using his brains and the team's skills in the best way.
While his personal life often takes a backseat to his work, Mr, Fantastic is one of the best leaders in comics. He knows when to take command and when to let his fellows use their skills and experience, allowing the FF to solve all manner of problems.
9 Wolverine Went From Lonewolf To Leader
Wolverine has changed a lot over the years but one of the biggest changes came when Cyclops made him leader of an all-new X-Force, one meant to destroy threats before they could hurt mutantkind. This was only the beginning, as the events of X-Men: Schism would splinter the X-Men between Wolverine and Cyclops.
Wolverine would re-open the Westchester school and field his own team of X-Men, doing a surprisingly good job as both headmaster and leader of the X-Men. Wolverine's years as a lonewolf made it shocking that he was such a good leader, but he came through when it was needed the most better than anyone could have imagined.
8 Batman's Tactical Acumen Have Saved Many Over The Years
Batman is one of greatest street-level heroes in comics, but he's also a great leader in a lot of ways. Batman is a master of tactics and while he can be a bit hard to deal with, his plans have saved the day many times over the years. Plus, his leadership of the Bat-family has made them into one of the formidable groups of vigilantes ever, protecting Gotham from the gravest threats.
Batman can be exacting and rub people the wrong way, but there's no doubting his skills as a leader. Few heroes are as good as he is at making plans that can defeat even the most powerful foes, and his skills make him an asset to any group he leads.
7 Storm Took Over The X-Men & Led Them Through Some Trying Times
Storm is not only one of the most powerful X-Men but one of the team's best leaders. She took over leadership from Cyclops, beating him in a battle for the mantle when she had no powers. From there, she would lead the team for years, taking her place in the pantheon of great leaders.
Leading the X-Men is unlike leading any other superhero team; it's not just fighting villains but also protecting mutants from the depredations of humanity and putting forth a good image for the nascent race. Storm was able to pull it all off with style and aplomb, getting the team through some trying times and proving just how great she could be.
6 Wonder Woman's Royal Upbringing Makes Her A Great Leader
Wonder Woman was raised to lead the Amazons, so being a leader is in her blood. Recently, she's more than proven just how great she is at it during her time as leader of Justice League Dark, leading the group of magic users against the reality-bending effects of sorcery gone wrong.
On top of that, she's seen as a leader in the superhero community in general, with many looking to her for guidance. The list of allies she's gained is quite impressive and there are few heroes who have her clout. Powerful, skilled, and inspiring, Wonder Woman is the total leadership package.
5 Black Panther Is The Leader Of One Of The Most Advanced Countries On The Planet
What Black Panther makes one of the best leaders is his stewardship of Wakanda. Wakanda is one of the most technologically advanced nations in the world and is the main source of vibranium, a coveted resource to say the least. Black Panther has proven himself able to lead the country and keep it safe from many who would try to pilfer its resources.
He's brought those skills to his leadership of the Avengers, commanding the team expertly against some of the greatest threats in the Marvel Universe. The Avengers is full of powerful and skilled individuals and Panther has proven adept at wrangling their big personalities and using their skills to triumph over many threats.
4 Cyclops Has Been Leading Teams Since He Was A Teenager
Cyclops was one of Professor Xavier's first students and was made leader of the X-Men right from the get-go. He would prove himself admirably over the years, becoming a master tactician and trainer, leading the X-Men and X-Factor both through some trying situation. On top of all that, he was also the leader of the mutant race during one of its most desperate hours.
While he made mistakes, there are few heroes out there who could do what he has over the years. The X-Men's mandate makes leading them a very unique proposition, and Cyclops has proven more than up to it over the years.
3 Nightwing Transformed The Teen Titans Into One Of The Greatest Teams Ever
Nightwing is another hero who has been leading teams from an early age. As Robin, he was one of the founding members of the Teen Titans and would lead the team to greatness. During his tenure with the group, he would take up the mantle of Nightwing as well, cementing his place in the pantheon of great heroes.
He would also lead the Titans, the adult version of the team. He learned his lessons well from his mentor Batman, except he's a more approachable leader, one who everyone looks up to and trusts, even if they weren't on his teams.
2 Superman's The Greatest Leader In The DC Universe
Superman's reputation as a leader is pretty much spotless. Leading the Justice League against some of the biggest threats that any superhero team has ever faced, he's not only that team's leader but also the de facto leader of the DC Universe. Everyone looks to him for guidance in the most desperate situations, and he's one of the most inspiring heroes around.
Superman has been operating at the highest possible levels for years, and that experience has served him well as a leader. There are few things out there that Superman hasn't dealt with, and he knows when to be commanding and when to be reassuring to those he leads. Superman's the best of the best when it comes to leadership.
1 Captain America Is The Quintessential Leader
What Cap lacks in superpowers, he makes up for with his skills. He's an amazing tactician, one whose plans have led the Avengers to victory against the sorest of odds. He's been leading people into battle since WWII and has gotten it down to a science.
Cap is an inspiring presence on the battlefield. Everyone trusts his judgment and knows that when he's in command, things are about to change. Him merely raising his shield and yelling out, "Avengers Assemble," has been enough to turn the tide of many battles. Cap is the consummate leader in comics.