Top-Ten Marvel Heroes #8: The Invisible Woman

8. The Invisible Woman

Just edging out the Thing as my favorite member of the Fantastic Four, and coming in at #8 in my “Top-Ten,” is Susan Richards, a.k.a. The Invisible Woman. Sue likely won my heart as a young teen-aged boy many years ago, though probably not for the reasons that first come to mind. Yes, she’s drop-dead gorgeous and don’t think I didn’t notice, but more than that she was also intelligent, responsible, vulnerable, slow to anger, and perhaps most of all a woman fiercely loyal to her family.

As I mentioned in a recent post on “Strong Women” here not too long ago, Sue represents what I feel are some of the strongest qualities a woman can possess. Namely, intelligence, wisdom, a kind heart, an adventurous spirit (recall that she was on an unauthorized space expedition once upon a time), courteousness, and among other things, a matriarchal nature that cares deeply about her family. In Sue’s case, she does all of this without sacrificing an ounce of her own character. She retains a healthy sense of humor, can put the fear of a woman into all three of the prominent men in her life, and has the kind of mettle necessary to stare down Doctor Doom and live to tell about it. She even had Namor the Submariner, with all his early disdain for the surface world, beside himself at the possibility of winning her heart. But more than anything, scenes such as this are what endear the character to me most.

What a gal!

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Top-Ten Marvel Heroes #9: The Thing

9. The Ever Blue Eyed Lovin’ Thing
“Idol ‘o millions, thousands even!”

The Thing has been a comic staple for me since I was a wee little tyke watching the Fantastic Four cartoon on television, and coloring the coloring books. He’s almost always been there in one form or another and, in fact, that’s one of the most honorable traits of the character — when you need him, good ‘ol Ben Grimm is always there to clobber the bad guy, or lend a helping hand. Behavior that obviously belies his monstrous appearance, betraying the human inside.

It’s difficult to imagine just how hard it must be for Ben Grimm to bear his appearance, particularly so being that he’s the only one of the Four that doesn’t appear normal, but his “never say die” perspective can be seen in full force in the way he now handles it. Not that it was always easy as pie, his anger at “Stretcho” for being unable (and at times unwilling) to help has led to several problems in the past, but deep down I think Grimm likes being the Thing to one degree or another, which we get a hints of when he enthusiastically proclaims: “It’s Clobberin’ Time!” And given that he’s in a strength class that few can surpass, it’s never been good to be at the receiving end of those determined fists.

Additionally, following what will be a theme in my “Top-Ten,” the Thing was created by Jack “The King” Kirby, and is probably the character closest to him by my reckoning. From all accounts I’ve read, Jack put more of himself into this character than any other and in enjoying the adventures of Ben Grimm, I like to think that we get a little insight into the man that created him. As close friend Mark Evanier once wrote:

The Thing is how Jack thought people saw him. Jack was short but physically very strong and powerful. His incredible energy and output had a lot to do with his physical strength as a human being.

As long as his friends are in need, and there’s a bad guy to stop dead in his tracks, the Thing will likely forever remain standing by his family in defending the defenseless, and exploring the reaches of the universe in search of new discovery, and new frontiers. It’s that drive that got him where he is in the first place, and no doubt it’s only gotten stronger since his fateful transformation. For this, and for the fact that I just plain like the big guy, the Thing makes my “Marvel Top-Ten” list.

Aunt Petunia would be proud!

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Top-Ten Marvel Heroes #10: Black Bolt (& Medussa)

10. Black Bolt (& Medussa)

Pardon my attempt to get away with [two] characters in this entry but Black Bolt and Medussa go so hand-in-hand one with the other that it would be very difficult for me not to include them as one. Because there stands Black Bolt, powerful monarch of the Inhumans, and a being so powerful that with the utterance of a single syllable he can unleash untold destruction upon friend and foe alike — upon entire cities. This is his gift, and this is his curse, so he must reign in silence with his beloved wife near him to relay his wishes. Fortunately, the two are so in tune with one another that the simplest of glances between them speak volumes, and together they rule the kingdom benevolently as one.

Black Bolt was simply one of those characters that I stumbled upon in my youth who personified true nobility (possessing qualities of excellence) which was evident immediately in his self-discipline, self-control, and heroism — and as a yung-un that was the kind of character that really stuck out to me. Still is. Of course, the cool Kirby uniform and ninja-like silence and skill didn’t hurt either! With the unique ability to manipulate electrons, that greatly enhance his already superhuman abilities, Black Bolt is undoubtedly one of the most powerful characters in the Marvel Universe, yet he keeps it in check as often as possible through deep thought, meditation techniques, and special equipment designed to keep himself, and those around him, safe. But still, how “cool” is it when he unleashes that power!?

I can’t recall exactly where I stumbled upon Black Bolt first, but I reckon it was during one of his council-sessions with Crystal, during her relationship with Johnny Storm, and probably during John Byrne’s run on the Fantastic Four where he and the Inhumans became real favorites of mine — likely around the “Exodus” storyline. And, of course, not long after reading these I’d learn that these were Jack Kirby creations and if Black Bolt & the Inhumans aren’t a personification of just how fantastic an imagination that Jack had, then I don’t know who, or what, is! Fantastic Four #44-47 featuring the debut of the Inhumans is “must read” material for anyone that hasn’t had the good fortune yet. So, in the years since I’ve been tracking down the better Inhumans-related stories wherever I can find them and while I’m a little behind these days (Marvel having lost me in large part after “Avengers Disassembled”, “HoM”, & “Civil War”) I am really looking forward to the upcoming Secret Invasion Inhumans mini-series, and seeing if Black Bolt makes it out of things alright and with respect fully intact after recent events. He’d better, if Marvel still has a lick of sense.

And I’m still holding out hope that one day Black Bolt, Medussa, and the rest of the Inhumans will receive an ongoing title again, and maybe just maybe, Alan Davis and Mark Farmer will be on board as creators. That’d be a dream come true to be honest. Such great characters, and these are just some of the reasons that Black Bolt (& Medussa) make my “Top-Ten Marvel Heroes” list.

Behold! Black Bolt is King once again! King by right of eminent domain! By right of royal challenge! By right of fait accompli! Maximus is dethroned! Long live the King!

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