Those who spent the early months of 2019 eagerly awaiting DC’s Shazam! were not disappointed. The movie opened to stellar reviews, proving that it doesn’t take dark undertones to tell a knock out superhero story. For fans looking to take a walk on the lighter side of comics, fear not! The world of comics is full of heroes that provide a refreshing take on saving the world—satirically, sarcastically, or otherwise. These heroes face the forces of darkness with a sense of humor, whether they mean to or not.
8 The Pro
It’s still unclear if we will ever see a movie of Image’s The Pro, but that doesn’t make it any less of a wildly fun read. When a meddlesome galactic observer decides to bet on humanity’s goodness by endowing an “ordinary” person with superpowers, he inadvertently puts the fate of thousands in the hands of a foul-mouthed prostitute. Unfortunately for us, she's got a kid to raise and more important things to do than save the world. The Pro is a one-shot story that can be thumbed through in under an hour and doesn’t take itself too seriously. It should go without saying that this book is NSFW and not for the faint of heart. Adult content aside, The Pro is a fun read with plenty of room to dissect veiled criticisms of the content we see time and time again in other comics with a somehow loveably off-putting main character.
7 Squirrel Girl
Squirrel Girl is as light-hearted as comics come. Maureen Green is a college student by day and costumed vigilante by night who appears absolutely charmed to be a part of the Marvel universe. Her squirrel powers make her an asset to fellow heroes like the Avengers, even if Maureen spends a bit too much time fangirling over her potential teammates. It’s all in good fun for Squirrel Girl. She’s a capable hero for her can-do attitude alone. Sure, Squirrel Girl won’t keep you on the edge of your seat, but it’s perfect for easy going laughs and an overall good time in the typically intense Marvel universe.
6 Beast Boy
Beast Boy is the sweet, pun-filled layer of the Teen Titans that kept so many of us hooked on the original animated TV show. He’s a reliable teammate with a talent for offsetting their darkest moments with infallible optimism. His shapeshifting abilities are a bonus, guaranteeing there will never be a shortage of animal puns with Beast Boy around. In darker Titans stories, Beast Boy remains a loyal friend to the Titans. He truly believes in their ability to overcome obstacles and work together. His willingness to face darkness with a never fading sense of goodness is what makes Beast Boy a critical piece of the DC universe, and his childlike humor is what makes him a worthy part of this list.
5 Axe Cop
Axe Cop is a hero with virtually no limitations. If his stories seem to have been written by a child, technically, they were. Artist Malachai Nicolle created the Axe Cop comics using the imagination of his five-year-old brother, Ethan. By writing down the adventures of Ethan's favorite toys, Malachai shared a world of flying dinosaurs, unstoppable axes, and bizarre shapeshifting. Though Axe Cop takes his job deadly serious, looking at crime-fighting through the cut and dry understanding of a five-year-old is hilarious. Axe Cop’s universe is full of unique twists and turns and whimsical plots that only a mind with unstifled imagination could dream of.
4 4. Star-Lord/ Peter Quill
The Guardians of the Galaxy movie did a lot to bring the former B team to the forefront of the Marvel universe. It did even more for developing the character of Peter Quill, a.k.a Star-Lord. The Guardians’ sarcastic jokester wasn’t always written to be a comedic character, but given his over-the-top alias and outlandish backstory, Quill’s sense of humor makes him feel relatable in the best way. After all, where would the Guardians be without his snappy one-liners and charming use of Earth pop culture references?
3 The Tick
The Tick is a comic book parody at its finest. His origin story may be a mystery, but Tick has little time to focus on the past. There are lives to save! He’s a character determined to fight the good fight, even if his assistance is a little misguided. Complete with an accountant sidekick that doesn’t seem too keen on his role, The Tick allows comic tropes to laugh at themselves in a way that feels like a kindly love letter to the genre. Whether experiencing The Tick through the comics or the Amazon Prime show, he’s a hero that deserves his fame—if only he can survive his own antics.
2 Deadpool
Deadpool circles back to the raunchy, NSFW side of super-humor. He is a hero in technicality only, though he often favors methods that range from ridiculous to outright reprehensible. He interacts with the rest of the Marvel universe by often breaking the fourth wall with hilarious self-assured nonchalance. Come hell or high water, Deadpool gets the job done, though perhaps without all of the limbs he set out with. Marvel fans have been enjoying Deadpool’s cheeky misadventures for years, and with any luck, will continue to bask in his disruptive glow for years to come.
1 Spider-Man
Spider-Man is the original sarcastic superhero. From his earliest issues, Peter Parker’s sense of humor has been as crucial to his character as his spidey-sense. Often the first to point out ridiculous concepts in his own story, Spider-Man is the charming voice of the everyman. His natural humor is what keeps Spider-Man so close to the reader’s heart, forever reminding us that even an ordinary person can be a force for good. Somewhere between class nerd and class clown, Peter Parker’s journey is adored around the world. Through Spider-Man, writer Stan Lee proved that great heroes can have complex personalities and real experiences. Parker’s sense of humor changed the way we look at superheroes, making him the most important name on this list.