Superhero comics have been home to some of the most inventive and creative science fiction devices and characters. As one of the comic book industry titans, Marvel Comics created many heroes with a wide array of gadgets that helped solidify their reputation for timeless characters still loved today.
From ancient devices of grand cosmic origin to something that a teenager built in his aunt's spare room, these gadgets can add new layers to characters or become the center of an overarching plotline.
8 The Ultimate Nullifier – The Most Dangerous Weapon In The Universe
Often referred to as the most dangerous weapon in the galaxy capable of destroying entire planets, universes, and timelines, the Ultimate Nullifier was the key to the Fantastic Four’s first victory with Galactus. After threatening to use it on the eater of worlds, Galactus retreated, fearing the device’s power. One downside to a weapon of such incredible scale is that the outcome of using it depends on the mental fortitude of the user. If their mind is too weak for the device, it could end up destroying them as well.
7 Ant Man's Helmet And Pym Particles Make Him Unique And Timeless
Creating a superhero named Ant-Man seems straightforward; however, what makes him unique is his wide array of gadgets and technology that makes him stand out from other characters named after animals and insects. Scientist Hank Pym developed two critical pieces of technology: his Pym Particles, which allowed him to shrink, and his helmet, which gave him the ability to command a wide variety of ants. Hank’s Pym Particles would also later grant one the ability to increase their size, which led to the creation of Giant-Man and Goliath.
6 Daredevil's Billy Club Has Multiple Uses
Matt Murdock's billy club is an incredibly unique gadget in that it has a variety of uses. He can use it to swing between rooftops, as a weapon, a projectile, and it even can be fitted to act as a cane for when he assumes his secret identity in the courtroom. Murdock’s highly enhanced senses make him astonishingly accurate and dangerous with his club. It is a single tool that provides a wide variety of uses while also being unique to Daredevil.
5 Captain America's Shield Is A Powerful Weapon In The Right Hands
While a shield may not be the most unique gadget, how each Captain America uses it makes it special. Steve Rogers is notable because he uses his shield as a bouncing projectile, always striking multiple opponents at once. Whether the super-soldier serum has enhanced them, each Captain America can calculate the proper trajectory to ensure the shield reaches its target. Also built from one of the strongest metals on Earth, the vibranium within the shield makes it one of the strongest tools in the Avenger’s possession.
4 Web-Shooters Made Spider-Man Iconic
Anyone familiar with Spider-Man knows that he swings through the concrete jungle of New York with a web shot from his wrist-mounted web-shooters, which is probably one of the most iconic aspects of the web slingers' design. Entirely designed by Peter Parker himself, Spider-Man created the device and chemical composition for his web fluid with very few resources.
Reliable and accurate, Parker’s enhanced senses allow him to fire web lines of the exact length needed to get the perfect swing.
3 Iron Man's Original Armor Was Made Of Cloth
The original designs for Iron Man’s armor were unique for the 1960s. In an era where superheroes were known for their quick changes, carrying a large, clunky suit of armor wasn't practical, even by comic standards. So, Iron Man's armor was initially designed as a cloth-like substance that would immediately harden and become his armor when an electric current passed through it. This allowed him to perform the classic costume change without awkwardly trying to justify why his heavy armor would always be present exactly when he needed it.
2 Nightcrawler's Image Inducer Allowed Him To Fit Into Human Society
Kurt Wagner is one of the best-designed mutants in Marvel. His demonic-inspired design showed how mutants could be outcasted from society. However, his character would become boring if he were to stay in the X-Mansion alone all the time. To solve this issue, the writers created an image inducer for him.
Nightcrawler's image inducer was a device that looked like a digital wristwatch that, with the press of a button, created a holographic disguise for Kurt to make him look like a regular human. This device allowed him to blend in with society without any fear of persecution.
1 The Multisect Is A Doorway To The Multiverse
One of the Fantastic Four’s most famous endeavors is their exploration and study of the multiverse. For many years, Sue and Reed Richards made it their mission to explore the multiverse and learn all it can offer. To further his research and pass it on to others, Reed created the Multisect, a device that granted one access to the center point of the multiverse, called the Multiplane. With his creation, one could access many different regions of the larger, and possibly infinite, Marvel multiverse.