It's hard to tell why some Marvel superheroes are cooler than others. Cool is a subjective term at best, and it's hard to know why a costume or a powerset works on one hero but feels derivative on another. Similarly, it's hard to tell if cool comes out of unique backstories or accomplishments, or if it's just an undefinable aura that sets some heroes apart from their peers.

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Looking at Marvel's roster, there isn't just one type of cool hero. Unique heroes tend to be cooler than generic ones but intangibles like fashion sense and interesting histories certainly help. As a result, the best heroes stand tall, remaining timelessly cool.

Updated on 1/16/2023 by David Harth: Marvel Comics has an increasingly diverse and interesting stable of heroes. The coolest among them are cool in very different ways. From Spider-Man's awkward persona and constant quips to The Thing's blue-collar brilliance, Marvel demonstrates the fact that there's never just one way to be cool.

19 Iceman Is Literally One Of Marvel's Coolest Superheroes

Iceman surrounded by snowpeople in Marvel Comics

As one of the original X-Men, Marvel's Iceman has a long history of being literally and figuratively cool. He's an omega-level mutant with the kind of abilities that can change the world but, refreshingly, he's never let this go to his head. Bobby Drake has gotten more relatable as he's gotten more powerful, a very cool attribute for any hero.

A lot of superheroes who are trying too hard to be cool are defined by Batman levels of self-seriousness. However, Bobby's known for his sense of humor and casual attitude. It makes him one of the X-Men's most beloved and powerful members, an exceedingly cool combination.

18 Monica Rambeau Made A Huge Impact Immediately

Monica Rambeau as Photon in Marvel Comics.

Marvel likes to pretend that the mantle of Captain Marvel was always important to its history, but that title was originally occupied by the character currently called Shazam when he appeared in the 1930s. Mar-Vell was a B-list cosmic hero, and while his death was a big deal, it came and went. The company also likes to pretend that Carol Danvers was the first A-list Captain Marvel, but that's not actually the case at all.

That honor goes to the second Captain Marvel, Monica Rambeau. She joined the Avengers, the first Captain Marvel on the team, and excelled, becoming a fan favorite. Rambeau was even the first black superhero to lead the team. Monica developed a fan following because of how cool she is, with her fans following her through name changes and downgrades in her stature.

17 Jessica Jones Is A Superhero Turned Private Investigator

Jessica Jones wrapped in police tape in Marvel Comics

Jessica Jones is an incredibly relatable character who was retroactively inserted into the Marvel Universe's past, revealing her short-lived time as the costumed hero named Jewel. Jones retired after a tragic encounter with the Purple Man and started her own private investigation firm.

Jess worked on the outskirts of Marvel's superheroic universe using her unique wit and aloof attitude, making her a huge hit among fans. Jones's status among her peers reached new heights when she rejoined the superhuman community alongside her husband Luke Cage as they welcomed their baby daughter Danielle to the world. Her popularity remains one of the coolest things to come out of Netflix's Marvel shows.

16 Sunspot Has Always Been The Coolest Member Of New Mutants' First Class

Marvel Comics' Sunspot sitting on the throne in X-Men Red

The New Mutants were Marvel's attempt to make an impact on the '80s teen superhero market, creating a team of heroes who targeted an adolescent audience. The original members of the team - Cannonball, Karma, Mirage, Wolfsbane, and Sunspot - are all beloved, but Sunspot jumped right to the top of the team's cool rankings from the start.

Sunspot's solar energy powers allowed him to take on a great-looking jet-black form, often accentuated with a cool headband. He was always the funniest member of the New Mutants and he kept his sense of humor throughout his career. On top of that, his wealth allowed him to go over the top in ways that were always extremely cool.

15 Ghost Rider Is A Flaming Skeleton With A Fiery Ride

Ghost Rider on his flaming cycle in Marvel Comics

Several characters have been burdened with the curse of the Ghost Rider over the years, and they would likely be the first to say that being the Spirit of Vengeance is anything but cool. However, that doesn't change this antihero's brilliant over-the-top aesthetic.

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Ghost Rider's transformation into a fiery, leather-clad skeleton has always been amazing. The fact that he also comes equipped with flaming transportation, from motorbikes to muscle cars to wooly mammoths, enhances his look considerably. Sometimes being cool is just about looking cool.

14 Wasp Has Been Always Much Cooler Than Her Frequent Paramour

Marvel Comics Yellowjacket and the Wasp in Marvel Comics

Wasp first appeared in Marvel Comics as Hank Pym's girlfriend. Janet Van Dyne was always a ball of energy, bringing life into the sometimes staid scientist's life. The Wasp's status as a rich socialite and fashion designer gave her a different perspective on things than her fellow Avengers. It also let her constantly tinker with her costumes, creating new looks for her and sometimes for her teammates.

Wasp was just as great on the battlefield, mastering her shrinking abilities, flight, and wasp stings. She earned the respect of her fellow heroes and became the first woman to lead the Avengers. Wasp has always been the soul of the team, her awesome fashion sense, bubbly personality, and utility in battle making her a perfect Avenger.

13 Cable Is A Time-Traveling Mutant Soldier From The Future

Cable looking grim with a giant futuristic gun in Marvel Comics

Nathan Summers was destined to have an interesting life given his parents' place in the X-Men. Cyclops is one of the X-Men's greatest leaders and Madelyne Pryor is one of their staunchest foes. However, no one could have predicted he would live most of his life fighting a war in the future before returning to the present day as Cable.

Not only does Cable's backstory and connection to the mutant elite make him one of Marvel's coolest characters, but he's also the peak of the '90s version of cool. With his giant guns and cybernetic prosthetics, he doesn't have to try to look cool.

12 Star-Lord Has Mastered The Art Of Being Cool In Space

Star-Lord, leader of the Guardians of the Galaxy, in Marvel Comics

After spending most of his life in space, Star-Lord has perfected the art of being cool. Peter Quill actual space royalty and turned away from a corrupt throne so he could continue helping people as leader of the Guardians of the Galaxy. He was also a self-made astronaut who managed to find his own path to the stars.

Star-Lord uses advanced technology that allows him to move freely throughout space and he has his own ship and crew of adventurers. Quill's strong supporting cast and great taste in music helped make him a popular standout at Marvel. His arrogant rogue persona doesn't always win over other superheroes but he hasn't worn out his welcome with his fans.

11 Mohawk Storm Is Still The Coolest Of The X-Men

Storm from Marvel Comics' X-Men, calmly crackling with lightning

Just calling Storm "cool" isn't really adequate to describe Ororo's status among Marvel's mutants and heroes. She's former royalty, a former goddess, and a tastemaker unlike any other mutant. Emma Frost tries to influence mutant society but Storm changes minds just by entering a room.

Storm has sometimes adopted a punk-inspired look that included leathers and a striking mohawk. She also stands tall and regal as one of the most powerful, forward-facing mutants at Marvel. Given the length of her tenure at Marvel, it's amazing that Storm's never had a bad costume and has maintained her popularity for so long.

10 Black Panther Makes Monarchy Look Cool

Marvel Comics' Black Panther, claws extended

Black Panther's adventures have been amazing over the years, showing off just how cool T'Challa really is. He's a consummate superhero, an amazing combatant, a brilliant scientist, and a world leader. He has access to vibranium-based technology that is better than just about anything anyone in Marvel has.

T'Challa's never had a bad costume and he always carries himself with an amazing regal bearing. Few heroes can match him in battle, even those with more raw power, and he has a way of proving his superiority without really trying. Black Panther shows that a monarch could deserve their place in the world if they were willing to do the work.

9 Captain Marvel Is A Pilot Who Reached The Stars On Her Own

Carol Danvers' Captain Marvel flying in Marvel Comics

Carol Danvers enlisted in the U.S. Air Force shortly after she turned eighteen with her sights set on becoming a pilot. However, this was the first step on a journey to the stars, helping her discover her true heritage as the daughter of a Kree warrior.

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Not only does Captain Marvel have incredible powers but she also has become a valuable member of teams like the Avengers, the Guardians of the Galaxy, Alpha Flight, and the Ultimates. Carol has grown from her debut as Ms. Marvel and taken on a mentor's role as Captain Marvel. Civil War 2 aside, she feels unstoppably cool.

8 Captain America Shows How Patriotism Can Be Cool

Captain America, eyes downcast, in Marvel Comics

Captain America is an inspiring hero. To some, Steve Rogers seems outdated, but that's a misunderstanding of who Cap is. He isn't some jingoistic throwback. He's a person who believes in the promises of freedom that the US represents. He doesn't buy into the lies that many tell, but fights for the soul of America.

Cap has no problem fighting the power when it's hurting the people. He'll speak truth to power and if he finds it wanting, will fight against the US government he theoretically represents. Cap's much more of a nuanced, counter-cultural icon than people give him credit for.

7 Johnny Storm Became A Celebrity As The Human Torch

Johnny Storm going supernova as Human Torch in Marvel Comics

The public exploits of the cosmic explorers known as the Fantastic Four already made the team of heroes somewhat famous. However, Johnny Storm's over-the-top personality and flashy powers as the Human Torch made him an even bigger celebrity than the rest of his super-family.

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Storm's sense of humor mixed with his need to be the center of attention is most often displayed in the numerous pranks he pulls on his teammate Ben Grimm. However, his mischief is overshadowed by the heroism and bravery that have earned him a heroic reputation amongst his metahuman peers.

6 Hulk Works On Multiple Levels

The Hulk with a crown and scepter sits on a throne in Marvel Comics

The Hulk is a Marvel legend. He can seem simple but he's extremely complex. Bruce Banner was transformed into a monster by his own creation, accompanied by years of trauma that changed him even more. The Hulk is an engine of destruction who just wants to be left alone, but he'll step up when he's needed.

The thing about the Hulk is it's easy to tell simple stories about a rage monster destroying villains who try to use him for their own purposes. There are also stories that dig deep into Bruce Banner's psychology. The Hulk stays interesting because he works on multiple levels, making him hot with fans while also keeping it cool over the long haul.

5 Blade Is On A Mission And Doesn't Take Crap From Anyone

Blade the Vampire Hunter smirking in Marvel Comics

Marvel's resident vampire hunter Blade is well-known in Marvel's superhero community as a dedicated and well-trained man on a mission. He's considered a valuable ally, as long as he's walking the same path they are.

Blade's not only dressed for success in black leather, armor, and a weapon-stocked trenchcoat, he also isn't afraid to stand up to teams like the X-Men or the Avengers when they're on his turf. Independence is an important facet of coolness and Blade's not afraid to stand up to Marvel's biggest guns.

4 The Thing Represents Blue-Collar Cool

The Thing and Fantastic Four in Marvel Comics

The Thing grew up on the Lower East Side, a street tough who fought every day. He made good on the promise he showed, becoming a USAF pilot and a university graduate. He gained powers on the fateful day the rest of the FF did and became the team's muscle and, more importantly, its heart.

The Thing is the perfect example of blue-collar cool. He worked hard and moved up in the world, overcoming everything thrown into his way, including the tragedy of his powers. The Thing is always ready for a game of cards, a fight, or knocking someone arrogant down a peg. He speaks his mind, and he loves his friends with a burning passion.

3 Iron Man Is Filthy Rich And Bleeding Edge

Iron Man attacking in Marvel Comics

Tony Stark made a name for himself among fans and the rest of the Marvel universe as a rich industrialist turned superhero, flying around the world in his incredibly expensive Iron Man armor. Everything he does is a performance on the world stage. While being constantly aware of one's reputation isn't cool on its surface, it does define public-facing coolness in celebrity culture.

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Not only does Iron Man have the resources to fund the sometimes luxurious lifestyle that makes him the envy of other superheroes, but his wardrobe is also filled with designer clothing and form-fitting tanks of incredible armor. He can cruise the ocean floor or visit the stars on a whim and look great while doing it. Tony Stark can be problematic but he's never lost his sense of cool.

2 Wolverine Has Animal Magnetism In Spades

Wolverine snarling in Marvel Comics

Wolverine has somehow always lived up to his hype. He gained popularity as the X-Men's resident loner and mystery man but his love for his teammates showed that there was a softer side to him. Over the years, more of who Logan really is was revealed, showing him as a complicated man trying to make up for the sins of the past. His animal magnetism draws in nearly everyone he meets.

Wolverine may have lost what made him cool to readers in the first place, but learning more about him only showed him as the multi-faceted individual he truly is. Wolverine's cool comes from the fact that he always strives to be better and that he'll sacrifice anything for those around him.

1 Spider-Man Has Always Been Cool

Spider-Man's clinging to a wall in Marvel Comics

Spider-Man has changed a lot over the years, but there has always been an irony inherent in the character. Peter Parker was always thought of as a nerd, but when he put on the mask, he changed. He became a wisecracking hero who took the hard lessons of his life and made them into his strengths.

Spider-Man has always been cool. His bookish exterior hides a hilarious young man who's realized that responsibility is the key to life. He embraced a DIY lifestyle years before it was cool, creating all the technology that he uses himself. On top of that, he designed the best superhero costume in the Marvel Universe, showing that he understood what makes things cool more deeply than he could have imagined.

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