The superhero genre has no shortage of iconic characters – Batman, Spider-Man, Wonder Woman, and Iron Man dominate pop culture. But for every caped crusader in the spotlight, there’s a quieter hero waiting to be discovered. Indie comics and lesser-known heroes are brimming with creativity, heart, and unique perspectives. Here’s a shout-out to some of the most underrated superheroes you should know.
The First Graphic Novel for Adults
Created by J.M. DeMatteis and Jon J. Muth, Moonshadow is a whimsical, philosophical hero born from a cosmic romance. With a glowing orb of mystery and a story blending surrealism and human emotion, Moonshadow takes readers on a poetic journey of self-discovery. Think of it as The Little Prince meets space opera, with a hero who confronts the universe armed with innocence and curiosity rather than fists.
The Escape Artist Extraordinaire
While Jack Kirby’s Mister Miracle has been around since the 1970s, he gained fresh recognition with Tom King and Mitch Gerads’ Eisner-winning 2017 series. Scott Free, raised in the hellish pits of Apokolips, becomes the ultimate escape artist – both literally and emotionally. His battles aren’t just with supervillains but with mental health and existential dread. This poignant, modern take makes him one of DC’s most relatable and underrated heroes.
The Geeky, Plus-Size Superhero We Deserve
Faith is a breath of fresh air in a genre often dominated by hyper-stylized body types. As a member of the Harbinger team and later in her own series, Faith uses her psychic ability of flight to save the day while staying true to her nerdy roots. She’s an unapologetic fangirl who loves pop culture as much as her readers do, making her an instant bestie for comic fans.
Spoon! Hilarity Meets Heroics
Equal parts parody and powerhouse, The Tick is an absurd yet loveable superhero known for his invulnerability, clueless charm, and love of justice. His adventures are packed with ridiculous sidekicks (like Arthur the moth-man), over-the-top villains, and tongue-in-cheek humor. The Tick pokes fun at superhero tropes while delivering genuinely entertaining escapades. If you’re craving something quirky, The Tick is your guy.
A Robot with a Scientific Punch
Created by Brian Clevinger and Scott Wegener, Atomic Robo is a sentient robot built by Nikola Tesla. He fights mad scientists, explores cryptids, and punches Nazis – all while making science cool. With its mix of action, humor, and science fiction, Atomic Robo is perfect for fans who love their heroes with a dash of geeky ingenuity.
Unbeatable, Underrated, and Undeniably Fun
Though she’s a Marvel character, Squirrel Girl doesn’t have the fame of Iron Man or Captain America. Armed with squirrel communication skills and relentless optimism, Doreen has defeated some of the biggest bads, including Doctor Doom and Thanos. Her adventures are hilariously wholesome, proving that kindness can be a superpower too.
A Supernatural Protector with a Rock ’n’ Roll Soul
Jack Boniface, aka Shadowman, protects New Orleans from dark forces as the host of a powerful voodoo spirit. His adventures weave horror, mysticism, and action into a deeply atmospheric narrative. Fans of Blade or Constantine will find a lot to love in Shadowman’s gritty, supernatural exploits.
Why Discover These Heroes?
Lesser-known heroes often tackle unconventional stories and perspectives, free from the constraints of blockbuster expectations. They challenge norms, blend genres, and showcase diversity in ways that resonate on a deeper level.
Whether you’re a lifelong comic fan or a curious newcomer, diving into these stories will open up a universe of inspiration. After all, being a hero isn’t about the spotlight – it’s about making a difference, one panel at a time.
What’s your favorite underrated superhero? Let us know on our social media pages – and maybe we’ll shine a light on them next!