New additions to the widespread superhero genre like Shazam! Fury of the Gods and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever continues to establish these movies as the dominant force in the modern-day cinematic landscape. Though these movies entertain the new generation of viewers and highlight the cultural significance of franchises like the DCU and the MCU, there are some superheroes that are irreplaceable icons.
And what are superheroes without their crime-fighting weapons? The most iconic superheroes are known for brandishing some of the most fascinating weapons in the genre. From the inspirational symbol of Captain America's shield to Wonder Woman's mesmerizing Lasso of Truth, some of these weapons are trademarks of superhero stories.
10 Hellboy's Good Samaritan Gun
Hellboy might not be the most famous hero, but he's one of the few that has developed a strong pop culture image despite not deriving from Marvel or DC. One of the best superhero movies to stream now is Guillermo del Toro's Hellboy released in 2004.
Hellboy's Good Samaritan weapon is also a rare exception to the popular superhero icons because this gun was designed for the 2004 hit movie instead of coming from the comic books (though it is comparable to other weapons from the source material). Though it looks like an extravagant revolver, it has supernatural bullets that can kill almost anything.
9 Aquaman's Trident
Aquaman has not always been the most popular superhero from the DCU. However, the 2018 live-action Aquaman starring Jason Momoa brought the unique superhero back into mainstream pop culture. Aside from his other abilities, the Trident of Neptune is a dominant symbol of this superhero.
The trident is not just a representation of the ruler of Atlantis, but a magical weapon with the strength to take down powerful gods. This mythological weapon was also brought back into the mainstream by the recent DCU adaptation, a perfect compliment to Momoa's green and gold super suit.
8 Iron Man's Suit
Tony Stark is known for many gadgets he's created himself, with his inventions so vast that some of them are even underrated Marvel weapons. However, Iron Man's most iconic weapon is the robotic suit he sports during his heroic deeds.
Throughout the years Stark's suit has changed as he made modifications and repairs through increasing technological advances. The modern MCU Iron Man might appear vastly different from the original comic book design, but the red and gold suit continues to be a symbol of Marvel.
7 The Infinity Gauntlet
The Infinity Gauntlet has a significant influence in modern cinema, with audiences today knowing it from the Avengers movies Infinity War and Endgame. However, the gauntlet is just as iconic in the comic books, first appearing in 1990.
The gauntlet itself created to control the five infinity stones is powerless, but with the five sources of power, the complied artifact is the strongest weapon in the MCU. There are few beings that rival the power of the gauntlet, but the weapon is an icon in the Marvel Universe not only due to its immense abilities but the destruction it causes in the hands of Thanos.
6 Batman's Batarangs
Batman is known to have an array of gadgets and weapons in his arsenal, but the most iconic weapon associated with this superhero is his batarangs. Throughout the long history of Batman comics, movies, and shows, the batarangs have had different styles, such as being explosive or magnetic.
Though the wordplay melds "bat" with "boomerang" the more recent interpretations of Batman's iconic batarangs are more closely related to Japanese shurikens. Despite all the different, and sometimes controversial, depictions of Batman, the batarang is a symbol of the dark hero that has been utilized in nearly every rendition.
5 Spider-Man's Web Shooter
Spider-Man is another superhero that has been depicted in many different ways throughout the years, with some of his powers not making much sense in the context of his origin story. His most iconic weapon is the web shooters that have been reimagined in various creative ways and are his prominent tool when fighting villains.
Though the Sam Raimi films altered the shooters to be a natural result of Peter's spider bite, the original web shooters were devices created by the superhero himself to match his unique persona. In the recent depictions of Spider-Man in the MCU, the creators honored the source material by making them technological inventions.
4 Wonder Woman's Lasso
One of the most fascinating superhero weapons ever created is Wonder Woman's versatile Lasso of Truth. An ancient artifact of the Amazons, the lasso can be used both as a tool for defense as well as aid, such as helping a person restore lost memories and breaking mind control.
Princess Diana is a badass superhero in her own right, but her extraordinary lasso is indestructible and can even alter its length to appeal to the needs of the beholder. The lasso is best known for its ability to force a captured person to obey the wielder and tell the truth. This weapon is not only an icon of the beloved Wonder Woman but a symbol of her ability to use immense power for good deeds.
3 The Batmobile
Batman's awesome car known as the "Batmobile" is not just a superhero staple but an icon in pop culture that has been referenced countlessly. Portrayed in dozens of ways throughout the many versions of Batman, the car is more than just a means of transportation for Bruce Wayne.
Though the original version in the comic books was merely a flashy vehicle, the evolution of the batmobile has incorporated gadgets such as a traveling crime lab, grappling equipment, and electroshock defense mechanisms. On-screen adaptions of this iconic car have even been portrayed with self-driving features and the ability to fly. The initial intention of the car wasn't to be a weapon, but the evolution of the awesome vehicle has transformed it into a powerful tool.
2 Thor's Hammer (Mjolnir)
There are few weapons throughout superhero history that are as iconic as Thor's hammer, named Mjolnir. Inspired by Norse mythology, the Marvel weapon was forged by Dwarven blacksmiths and possessed the immense power to harness lightning and propel the user through the air, among other abilities iconic to the God of Thunder.
The most unique quality of the hammer is that only someone deemed worthy can use its power. In modern pop culture, a few characters have lifted Mjolnir, proving that many of the Avengers are worthy of godly power. One of the most thrilling scenes in the MCU was when Captain America wielded the hammer, highlighting his purely good nature.
1 Captain America's Shield
The style of Captain America's shield is simple, and the weapon is made out of the nearly indestructible metal vibranium. However, the most prominent weapon in Marvel history is best known as a symbol of justice and the fight for freedom.
Instead of a weapon that is obviously intended to inflict harm, the shield is mainly a defensive tool that is a perfect representation of Captain America as the protector of everything good in the world. After the death of Steve Rogers in the MCU, the shield was passed down to his dear friend Sam Wilson. Though this was controversial among fans, many believe he has the potential to live up to the powerful message of the shield.