Naming All Of These Superheroes is Way Harder Than You Think
- by Johnny Reynolds
- – on
- in Movies and TV
These days, it would be hard to find someone who doesn't find superheroes at least mildly entertaining. And why shouldn't they? It's an excellent form of escapism that sees ordinary people thrust into difficult situations, having to carry an immense responsibility on their shoulders. Plus, the bright and flashy action sequences don't hurt.
For decades now, Marvel and DC have been wowing comic readers with an ever-increasing roster of super-powered heroes. And once this format made the jump to film, it opened up even more people to the wonderful world of special abilities and exciting lands unlike their own.
There are many heroes now that, through appearing on the big screen, have become famous pop culture figures. Heroes like the X-Men, Batman, the Avengers, Superman, and Wonder Woman have all become well-known and beloved thanks to audiences being able to experience them through films and, in some cases, TV shows.
And it seems that superheroes are here to stay. "Avengers: Endgame" is on its way to becoming the biggest movie of all time. There are more movies and TV shows being worked on every day, proving that most people love superheroes. But naming all of them on this quiz will certainly provide a challenge for those uninitiated.
Who is this gritty DC hero?
In terms of live-action adaptations, DC's heroes may not be as famous as Marvel's. But there are a few who even someone with no knowledge of superheroes could name. In the crime-ridden Gotham City, the Dark Knight protects all citizens from those who seek to do them harm. What makes this hero most impressive is that he can sweep through the city, taking out criminals one night. And then travel to space to save the planet from an intergalactic threat the next, all without any powers. The most recent actor to play him on the big screen was Ben Affleck. What is the name of this hero?
Who is the man of steel?
Often thought of by many as the definitive superhero, the man of steel is certainly one of them who has been around the longest. He first premiered in the debut issue of "Action Comics" all the way back in 1938. He comes from a distant planet, but was sent to Earth by his parents when that planet was destroyed. Growing up the only of his kind, he had to learn to control and hide his remarkable abilities which included super strength and speed, bulletproof skin, and laser-blasting eyes. Henry Cavill was the latest to play this hero on the big screen. What is his name?
What hero did the MCU begin with?
The MCU has grown quite a lot since it debuted with this hero in 2008. By now, there are dozens of heroes both large and small that can be seen in movies and TV shows. But it all started with one who, at first glance, doesn't seem like he should be a hero. Once a womanizing, alcoholic weapons dealer, Tony Stark had a change of heart after finding out his weapons were being used in the wrong hands, as well as being held captive in a cave. He's now become the godfather figure of the MCU. What is this hero's name?
What is the name of this popular mutant?
The X-Men are one of Marvel's oldest and most well-liked teams. They are made up of the mutant race, humans who were born with a genetic alteration that gave them abilities and, sometimes, physical changes. One of the most popular is Logan, a mutant with an advanced healing factor. He can essentially take any attack and heal any wound almost instantaneously. He was experimented on against his will and the scientists grafted a powerful metal called adamantium onto his skeleton. This lets him extend claws from his hands, so it's a good thing he can heal. He was played by Hugh Jackman in the live action movies. What is his name?
Who is this Amazonian?
For a long time, many moviegoers best knew DC for Batman and Superman as their live action movies had only focused on those two heroes. But the roster of superpowered people is much larger than that, and their beloved female hero got a chance to shine in 2017. This hero ties into Greek Mythology as she is the daughter of Zeus, though not in a normal sense. She grew up on the island Themyscira, which was kept hidden from the outside world. Only when she realized how war-torn the world was did she decide to leave and help. What is her name?
Who is this super soldier?
The world of superheroes is filled with failed experiments in search of power that only end in despair. But it's a really good thing that didn't happen to this hero. Growing up in Brooklyn during the 1940s, young Steve Rogers wanted nothing more than to serve his country in WWII. Unfortunately, he was underweight and asthmatic, though his heart couldn't be matched by anyone. This made him an ideal candidate for an experiment that would enhance his body entirely. He became a super soldier with super strength, speed, and stamina. Being frozen caused him to wake up in modern times, though he still used his trusty shield to fight bad guys. What is this hero's name?
Who is the king of Atlantis?
The DCEU may have gotten off to a rocky start, but it has since bounced back by focusing on solo movies for its heroes. This character was first seen briefly during "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" before teaming up with other heroes in "Justice League." His solo movie saw him fight to defend a world he had never been to. His mother was the Queen of Atlantis, but had escaped and fallen in love with someone from the surface. She was taken back when he was just a baby. When his half-brother began waging war on the surface world, he knew he couldn't sit idly by. What is the name of this DC hero?
What is the name of the God of Thunder?
The Avengers are lucky to have a literal God on their side when it comes to the powerful villains they usually have to face. Based on the God of the same name in Norse Mythology, the God of Thunder grew up in Asgard knowing nothing of Earth. Arrogant of the power he had and his future as King, he made a mistake that caused his father to cast him down to Earth without his powers. It was a hard lesson, but one he needed to learn. He wields a hammer called Mjolnir, which lets him fly and channel lightning through his body. What is his name?
Who is the newest hero to join the DCEU?
DC seems to be taking its time and focusing on lesser-known heroes from its lineup. In 2019, they introduced this hero. Though he may look like an adult, he is really a child who was imbued with fantastic abilities by a wizard. Billy Batson was an orphan before he was taken in by a kind foster family. And while he didn't want anything to do with them at first, defending them drew the wizard's attention to him, as he was looking for a good soul to pass his powers along to. What is the name of this new DCEU hero?
Who is the newest hero to join the MCU?
Many of the stories within the MCU have taken place on Earth, but Marvel seems to want to tell more cosmic storylines as recent movies would suggest. This hero was teased to be coming during the post-credits scene of "Avengers: Infinity War" and her solo movie premiered a year later. Taking place in the 1990s, it followed her living among the Kree but crashing into Earth after one of her missions went sideways. Even in the comics, she's one of the most powerful heroes Marvel has. She can fly, has super strength, can breath in space, and can shoot energy beams from her hands. What is her name?
Who leads S.H.I.E.L.D.?
While he may not have any powers and his fighting days are long behind him, this character has certainly accomplished his fair share of heroic deeds. His first appearance in the MCU was during the post-credits scene of "Iron Man," where he hinted at the possibility of a bigger universe. He's since played an enormous role in the franchise, bringing the first group together for "The Avengers" and playing supportive roles in solo movies like "Captain America: The Winter Soldier" and "Captain Marvel." He'll next be seen in "Spider-Man: Far From Home," the first movie of the MCU's next phase. What is his name?
What is the name of this Marvel hero?
This young hero is one of the most relatable in Marvel's roster in the sense that his secret identity is just as important to his heroic one when it comes to understanding the character. Peter Parker was a dorky high school student when he was bitten by a radioactive spider while on a school field trip. And overnight, that bite granted him incredible abilities. With the strength and speed of a spider, as well as the ability to stick to walls and sense incoming danger, Peter began protecting New York City. Tom Holland is currently playing him in the MCU. What is this hero's name?
What is the name of this speedster?
Super speed may not seem like that special of an ability at first glance. Many heroes have enhanced agility, but there are none who's speed can match this hero. Forensic scientist Barry Allen was working in his lab one night when lightning struck him through an open window, knocking him into multiple chemicals. This event gave him super speed but it's what he can do with it that is most impressive. Sure, he can move faster than the eye can perceive. But he can also vibrate his body so quickly that it becomes intangible and move through time. What is this hero's name?
Who is this powerful hero?
Dr. Bruce Banner got more than he bargained for when he began experimenting with gamma radiation. Taking in a dose that may take the life of a normal human, it instead gave him an exceptionally dangerous alter ego. Whenever Banner would get angry or feel threatened, he would transform into a giant, muscular, enraged version of himself. This superpowered version of Bruce can take a serious beating and dish it out twice as hard. Over the course of the MCU, he's been able to learn how to control it more and more. What is the name of the hero Bruce Banner turns in to?
What is Batman's sidekick called?
Batman may be incredibly tough for someone who doesn't have powers and has the job that he does, but even he needs help sometimes. Batman has had many heroes join his so-called bat family over the years, but the boy wonder was his first recruit. Dick Grayson was an acrobat for a circus when he lost his parents and was taken in by Bruce Wayne. Under his tutelage, Grayson learned to use his skills to fight crime alongside him. He was the first to take up this mantle, but he was far from the last. What is the name of Batman's sidekick?
Who is the leader of the X-Men?
While Professor Xavier is the one who brought mutants together to form a team, he could hardly be the one to lead them on missions. That honor would go to one of his brightest and most determined students. Scott Summers was born with a mutant ability that lets him shoot laser beams from his eyes, though it would take some time before his gift showed itself. Like many other students, Charles taught Scott how to control this power and not see it as a burden. He even designed special headgear that could contain the blasts and let Scott see. Who is this member of the X-Men?
Who is this S.H.I.E.L.D. agent?
S.H.I.E.L.D. is the secret organization within the MCU that keeps the public safe from any otherworldly threat and they've seen many great agents come and go. The agency was teased during the first "Iron Man," but was seen in greater detail during the sequel with the introduction of this character. Once an assassin from Russia, she changed her ways and began using her exceptional set of skills for the good guys. She's helped the Avengers out on every mission and helped Captain America put a stop to Hydra in "The Winter Soldier." What is the name of this S.H.I.E.L.D. agent?
Who is the king of Wakanda?
For a long time, the majority of the world in the MCU thought Wakanda was a small and secluded country. But what it really was was a technologically advanced empire. The protector of this city made his debut in "Captain America: Civil War" before being given his own movie in 2018. He wears a special suit made entirely of vibranium that can take in damage and turn it into bursts of energy. He has enhanced speed, strength, and stamina that comes from a special flower that only grows in Wakanda and is only meant for the King. What is this hero's name?
Who is the master of the mystic arts?
The MCU has stuck closer to the world of science fiction more so than fantasy, but there are a few characters who have brought magic into the world. This character's solo movie was released in 2016 and he began as a self-assured and selfish surgeon. An accident destroyed his hands, leading him to seek out the magic world of Kamar-Taj so that he could heal himself. What he found there was his true calling and now he protects the world of humans from other dimensions. He knows a plethora of both defensive and offensive spells, but what is the name of this hero?
What is the name of this aerial Avenger?
There are several members of the Avengers with no powers whatsoever, yet they've managed to fight off forces much more powerful than them with the help of their team. This hero was first seen in "Captain America: Civil War" where he helped Cap and Black Widow uncover Hydra and put a stop to them. He's had Cap's back ever since. He uses a special pack that can extend metal wings. Attacking from above, he uses dual machine guns and special drones to dispatch his foes. In the comics, he once took up the mantle of Captain America. What is this hero's name?
What is the name of this archer?
As the MCU has grown, new characters have been introduced through cameo appearances before appearing in bigger roles. In 2011's "Thor," this agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. was seen at the base that had been set up around the thunder god's fallen hammer. He wasn't in it much, but it served as a nice introduction before he would team up with the Avengers later. He's an expert marksman, claiming that he never misses what (or who) he's shooting for. He uses all manner of arrows, from explosive to tracking to electrical, but he's also an excellent hand-to-hand combatant. What is his name?
Who is this size-shifting hero?
Being able to shrink and grow large has proven to be a lot more useful than one might think. This hero was first seen in a solo movie that Marvel released in 2015 and a run-in with Falcon brought him into the wider universe. He was also seen in "Captain America: Civil War" where he sided with Cap in his fight against Iron Man. It was here that he first showed off his new skill of growing to immense size. His solo movie received a sequel and he returned for "Avengers: Endgame" to help the team against Thanos. What is his name?
Who is this magical hero?
Other than Doctor Strange, another hero who has brought magic into the MCU is Wanda Maximoff. A mutant in the comics, Marvel had to think of a clever way of explaining her powers as Fox owned the film rights to mutants. In the MCU, she obtained her powers through Infinity Stone experimentation. She can manipulate the perception of others, making them see what she wishes them to see. But she can also use her powers to fly, create force fields, and shoot blasts from her hands. She was a villain when she first premiered in "Avengers: Age of Ultron." What is her name?
Who is this member of the Guardians of the Galaxy?
Both in the comics and the movies, the Guardians of the Galaxy have focused on a group of dynamic characters. This warrior was raised by the Mad Titan Thanos after he took her from her home planet and slaughtered half her people. While he did train her to be an excellent fighter, she was always biding her time for when she could escape him. And when an opportunity presented itself in the first "Guardians" movie, she took it. Of all the members on the team, she is usually the most serious with no room for nonsense. What is her name?
Who leads the Guardians of the Galaxy?
Some may have been skeptical about "Guardians of the Galaxy" as it focused on a team of heroes from the comics that only the super fans were familiar with. But the film succeeded for a number of reasons, one of which being Chris Pratt in the lead role of Peter Quill. Peter was taken from Earth when he was a kid and raised among what are essentially space pirates. He uses all manner of gadgets while fighting including two blasters, bombs, and jet boots. The sequel showed that he was a bit more special than just a human. What is his code name?
Who is Iron Man's closest ally?
Tony Stark's personality may rub some the wrong way, so there aren't many he could consider his true friend. But this character has always stuck by his side. He uses a suit that is similar in design to Tony's but features a much wider array of weapons like missiles, a shoulder-mounted machine gun, and an electric baton. The character was first seen in "Iron Man" where he was played by Terrence Howard. But he was recast as Don Cheadle in "Iron Man 2," and he has played the role ever since. What is the name of Iron Man's closest ally?
What Avenger is an android?
In "Avengers: Age of Ultron," the team are able to stop the villainous robot from obtaining his ultimate body, whose forehead he embedded an Infinity Stone in. And by stopping him, they gained a powerful ally. This android helped them put a stop to Ultron and operated as a key member afterwards. Unfortunately, the Sokovia Accords divided the team and he sided with Iron Man in "Captain America: Civil War" after developing feelings for Scarlet Witch. A series featuring the two characters was recently announced to be in development for Disney's streaming service. What is the name of this android?
Who is this DC hero?
DC stumbled when it came to beginning their cinematic universe. Before "Man of Steel," their first attempt came with this hero. Hal Jordan belongs to an intergalactic federation force that protects space and all of its inhabitants. Which means he shares his super hero name with many others like him. These heroes are given special rings which they can use to manifest any weapons they want into reality. Their only limitation is their imagination. For this hero's live-action debut, he was played by Ryan Reynolds, who would go on to play another popular hero. What is this character's name?
Which member of the X-Men can control the weather?
Where many Marvel heroes must have an explanation as to how they received their wonderful powers, the X-Men make it a bit easier. Mutants are born with them and that's given Marvel freedom to bestow all manner of impressive powers to their characters. One of the most powerful mutants on the team is Ororo Munroe, a mutant who can control the weather. It's a good thing she isn't a villain as this spells danger for every enemy who crosses her path. She can bring about lightning, hail, and tornadoes to defend her team. What is the name of this mutant?
Who is this archer?
Hawkeye isn't the only archer in the world of superheroes. DC has its own. And while he hasn't been seen in the movies yet, he did lead the charge for DC's TV shows through their partnership with the CW. He doesn't have any supernatural abilities, but when it comes to cleaning up the streets in Star City, he's proven he doesn't need them. Oliver Queen was cocky and rich when he was shipwrecked on an island. Returning home five years later, he had learned to be grateful for what he had. And with the new set of skills he had learned on the island, he began keeping his city safe. What is this archer's name?
Who is this Defender?
After Marvel's "The Avengers" was such a success, the studio began to introduce different heroes through various TV shows. Through a deal with Netflix, they began bringing in grittier, street-level heroes. The first introduced was Matt Murdock, a lawyer who was blinded as a boy after dangerous chemicals spilled into his eyes. He may not be able to see in the sense everyone else does, but the chemicals also enhanced his other senses intensely, giving him a sort of sonar. Not only can he hear and smell for a wide area, but he can also focus on a particular scent or sound to find someone. Who is this hero?
Who is this Fantastic Four member?
When Marvel was selling film rights to some of their characters, Fox was able to secure the X-Men and the Fantastic Four. This team was comprised of a group of scientists and explorers. During a trip to space, the four came into contact with cosmic radiation and, after crashing back into Earth, discovered they had gained powers from it. Johnny Storm could now engulf his body in flames, which lets him fly and shoot foes with fire. In the live action movies, he was played by Chris Evans who would go on to star as Captain America. What is his name?
Who is this cybernetically-enhanced hero?
Victor Stone had his whole life ahead of him when he was caught in an explosion that took place at his father's lab. Luckily, his father was a brilliant man and was able to save him. At least, most of him. He was fused with a machine body that came with all manner of enhancements and weapons. He can also open portals that let him teleport. He's been part of a number of DC teams, including the Teen Titans and the Justice League. Most recently, however, he was featured in "Doom Patrol," which aired on the DC streaming service. What is the name of this cybernetically-enhanced hero?
Who is this Marvel anti-hero?
The majority of Marvel's hero are forces for good and, for the most part, are family friendly. But Frank Castle is unlike most of Marvel's line-up. He was once a Marine who lost his entire family in a drug deal gone wrong. They were in the wrong place at the wrong time, but Frank was able to survive. And using his particular set of skills, he devoted his life to tracking down the most dangerous criminals known to man and deleting them from existence. He's been played by a number of actors, most recently Jon Bernthal for the Netflix series. What is his name?
What is the name of this fierce hero?
"Thor: Ragnarok" took the Asgardian hero in exciting new directions. Specifically to the exciting new planet called Sakaar. Here he met who would become a strong ally. Only at first she captured him and sold him to be a gladiator. He would soon find out that there was more to her as she was once a fierce protector of Asgard. But when Hela, Goddess of the Underworld, had struck down many of her friends, she had left that life behind. She was able to help Thor and the Hulk put a stop to Hela and was recently seen in "Avengers: Endgame." What is her name?
Which Marvel hero has unbreakable skin?
With Netflix, Marvel was able to introduce several new heroes that they didn't have room for in the movies. This hero was first seen in a different show before getting his own series. He used to go by the name Power Man in the comics as he had super strength and unbreakable skin. Much like the other heroes of Netflix's shows, he resides in New York City. He protects Harlem from the various crime lords that also call it home. He teamed up with other heroes for "Defenders," but was also a member of the Avengers in the comics. What is his name?
Who was Scarlet Witch's brother?
When Scarlet Witch debuted in "Avengers: Age of Ultron," so too did her brother. The twins had lost their parents to Tony Stark's weapons and vowed to get revenge against him and his team. But when they saw what Ultron had in store for the world, they knew they couldn't help him. Like Scarlet Witch, he got his powers from an Infinity Stone. He has super speed and spends most of the runtime beating on the Avengers before they can see him. This character also appeared in the X-Men movies, but was played by a different actor. What is this character's name?
Who is this half-demon hero?
Robin is the most well-known member of the Teen Titans, but he is far from the most powerful. This character is troubled to say the least as her father is the demon Trigon. Her demonic heritage has given her incredible powers. She is psychic, telekinetic, and can manipulate the emotions of others. She can also astral project what is called her soul-self, which takes the shape of a giant bird and can teleport others as well as communicate telepathically. She has been seen in both "Teen Titans" and "Teen Titans Go!" on Cartoon Network but was shown in live action for DC's streaming service. What is her name?
What is the name of this private investigator?
One thing that most superheroes have in common is that they love the abilities they possess. Many of them are even eager to use them to help others. But this one tries to use them as little as possible since she believes the event that made them come out was a car crash that took the lives of her family. She has super strength and would be able to fly if she practiced at it. Instead of fighting crime the normal hero way, she works as a private investigator. Her show's third season later this year will mark the end of Marvel's partnership with Netflix. What is her name?
What is the name of this alien?
The majority of the Teen Titans come from Earth, but this one is special. She was once a princess on the planet Tamaran before she was forced to relocate to Earth. Here she would find a second family in the Teen Titans. She can project powerful energy from her hands which can act as a shield or a burst. However, in the live action series for the DC streaming service, this energy is pure fire. She can also fly and has enhanced strength, speed, and agility, though her powers are tied to her emotions. What is the name of this character?
What is the name of this teleporting member of the X-Men?
There have been many reincarnations of the X-Men and many mutants who have studied at Professor Xavier's school. This hero first debuted in 1975 alongside fellow newcomers Storm and Colossus. He was born with blue skin, a devilish tail, and three-digit hands and feet. His physiology makes him incredibly agile and flexible, though it's his main ability of teleportation that is the most interesting. While it appears to be instantaneous to everyone around him, teleporting actually takes him to an alternate dimension. He disappears to this dimension and goes through a portal which leads him to his destination. What is the name of this mutant?
What hero did the first Robin become?
Every sidekick has to grow into their own sometime. Batman has had many Robins over the years and most of them have gone on to make a name for themselves outside of Batman's shadow. Dick Grayson, the very first Robin, now goes by a different name. Though he still considers himself a member of the Bat Family, he is also a hero in his own right. He even has a city he watches over frequently called Bludhaven. He's as acrobatic as ever and uses two electric batons that can link together to form a staff. What hero did the first Robin become?
Who is this member of the Watchmen?
Though it was published by DC, "Watchmen" took place in an entirely different universe from that of Superman and Batman. It focused on a world where the government had control over superheroes and used them to obtain power. But when one hero was assassinated, this detective took it upon himself to uncover the mystery of who did it. He doesn't have any special abilities, but he's an excellent sleuth and a tough-as-nails fighter. In the live action movie, he was portrayed by Jackie Earle Haley. HBO is currently working on a TV series that takes place sometime after the events of the movie. What is the name of this hero?
What is the name of this young Inhuman?
Inhumans are similar to mutants in that they have a specific gene that gives them special abilities. What makes them different is that this gene lies dormant unless they come into contact with a certain substance that makes them undergo terrigenesis. This young hero is one of the newest Inhumans as she debuted in 2014. But she's already become immensely popular. She can alter the state of any body part in any way whether it be shrinking, enlarging, or shape-shifting. This also gives her a minor healing ability. She's been a member of the Avengers but currently leads her own team called the Champions. What is her name?
Which Teen Titan can shape-shift?
Shape-shifting can mean a number of things. In some cases it can mean taking on the appearance of another, such as Marvel's Mystique. But in the case of this Teen Titan member, it's a bit more impressive. He can transform into any animal he wants. However, he'll still keep the same green skin color. While it doesn't help him hide, it comes in handy while being a super hero. He was seen as a member in "Teen Titans" and "Teen Titans Go!" but was seen more recently in live action for DC's streaming service. What is the name of this hero?
Who is the king of the Inhumans?
There are many Inhumans who have only debuted recently in Marvel's comics. But there are a few who have been around for quite some time. This hero is a member of a family that rules over the Inhumans who live with him. He is their king and makes decisions for the betterment of his people. Luckily, since he can't talk, he has a queen to help him. His voice emits a powerful force. It's so powerful that even a whisper can act as an attack. But a full-blown shout could decimate an opponent. What is the name of this powerful Inhuman king?
What Marvel hero can project light from her body?
Netflix wasn't the only company to get their hands on some properties for the MCU. Some have appeared on ABC and Hulu, but this hero can be seen on Freeform. As a child, she was in the car with her father when they crashed into a river. She lost her father in this accident, but the energy explosion at the Roxxon Corporation's Gulf Platform gave her powers. She can emit a strange light force from her body, which can let her glow or manifest in orbs and knives. In a recent comic event, New York City was enveloped in darkness. But she was able to keep the entire city lit up with her power. What is her name?
What is the name of this DC hero?
DC's roster has some standard muscular and attractive heroes, but there are others that specialize in the weird. Alec Holland was a scientist working in Louisiana, developing a formula that could solve food shortage problems. But when his lab was blown up by goons and his body covered in the bio-restorative formula, something new was created from the marsh. The formula made part of the wildlife grow, blending with Alec's memories and consciousness to form this hero. Afterwards, he would act as a protector to nature. He'll be the next hero the DC streaming service focuses on, but what is his name?
Which DC hero investigates the paranormal?
Any world filled with superheroes is going to also include some very strange things. This hero is an occult detective and warlock, usually dealing with the dark and paranormal things that other heroes don't. He's not the most physically capable and usually relies on his quick thinking to deal with his problems. In 2005, a live action movie was made starring Keanu Reeves. But the character was seen in live action again for a series on NBC. This version of the character would also appear in the CW's universe on "Arrow" and "Legends of Tomorrow." What is the name of this paranormal detective?
Which member of the X-Men can pass through walls?
It may seem like a small power to have in a world filled with people who can teleport through different dimensions and create storms with their minds. But intangibility can be quite useful. Kitty Pryde can move herself and others through physical barriers. But in the comics, she also has a pet dragon that she shares a psychic connection with and has led a small team of X-Men herself. She was played by Ellen Page in "X-Men: The Last Stand" and "X-Men: Days of Future Past." A spin-off movie focusing on the hero has been in development, but not much is known about it. What is her name?