Marvel's Big Three?

[PhotoJones]

I think the Sentry would be Superman's closest counterpart at this point. Or Hyperion, although Hyperion's not really involved in the 616 universe much.

The Sentry doesn't count on account of him being crappy.

 

[TheCorpulent1]

A lot of people think Superman's crappy, too.

 

[PhotoJones]

Sentry's crappier.

 

[TheCorpulent1]

You just haven't given him a proper chance.

 

[PhotoJones]

I've given that fool enough chances.

 

[TheCorpulent1]

Now you sound like Lex Luthor.

 

[PhotoJones]

No, just someone who suffered through the last 8 issue mini...

 

[TheCorpulent1]

Yes, that was disappointing. At least JR Jr.'s art was pretty, though.

 

[PhotoJones]

It always is.

 

[Anubis]

Squirrl Girl
Howard the Duck
Paste Pot Pete

 

[Kaboom]

go thread go!

 

[Dread]

I don't think I ever weighed in on this, so I'll do so now.

From sheer popularity and modern era recognizability, Spider-Man & Wolverine have to be in two slots of a Marvel "Big Three". True, they haven't been around as long as DC's World's Finest, but they've been the biggest comic and media stars for the past generation or so. The fact that Wolverine is stepping back from hogging everything the last 2-3 years didn't eliminate his rise in the 90's. And Spider-Man has always been Marvel's ironic character, and the movies just cemented it.

The trouble comes for me in choosing who completes that "Big Three" for Marvel. In terms of longevity, Capt. America should get it. He's one of few characters Marvel has who has endured for over 60 years and has always maintained some sort of ongoing, something Namor can't claim. The news of his death was covered aggressively by the media, almost half the attention they gave Spider-Man's Unmasking, or the death of Superman.

But vying for that third spot, on sheer popularity and recognizablity is The Hulk. The 70's show got him the media fame and the kids like him a lot more than they ever will like Capt. America. Between a new movie and WWH, the Jade Giant will be having a good year.

But for me, Cap completes the Trinity as an icon.

In a way it is a shame that Marvel doesn't have a heroine in their trinity as DC has WW, but then again, Wonder Woman's always been proven to be behind the first two capes in terms of DC's priority. Marvel hasn't had too many longstanding heroines who weren't part of teams. And those who were on teams are even few and far between to find some who have been around beyond 30 years. Wasp is there, but she's always been attached to Pym. Same deal with Invisible Woman, attached to Reed. Then there was Scarlet Witch, who had extended periods away from her twin, but Bendis has utterly ruined her almost beyond repair (turning a longtime Avenger heroine who overcame wonky powers and bad heritages to follow her destiny into an emotionally fragile & insane ****; for me, THAT was far more misogynist than a softcore hentai cover for HFH).

But, put me in the Spider-Man, Wolverine, and Capt. America camp.

 

[Kitsune]

If we're discussing the Big Three.. I thought I'd mention another big three... the top three most recognizable fictional characters.
Micky Mouse
Sherlock Holmes
And
Superman

 

[ArmyDragon92A]

If we're discussing the Big Three.. I thought I'd mention another big three... the top three most recognizable fictional characters.
Micky Mouse
Sherlock Holmes
And
Superman

 

[TheCorpulent1]

He may not be the talk of the town, but I imagine it'd be pretty tough to find someone who's never heard of Sherlock Holmes.

 

[Kitsune]

He may not be the talk of the town, but I imagine it'd be pretty tough to find someone who's never heard of Sherlock Holmes.

Are you kidding? People still write letters to him and stuff.... they actually think he's real.
It's weird, like the people who burn Superman in effigy to protest the United States.

 

[PhotoJones]

Are you kidding? People still write letters to him and stuff.... they actually think he's real.
It's weird, like the people who burn Superman in effigy to protest the United States.

What do you mean "actually think he's real"? Are you implying that he's not?

 

[Kitsune]

What do you mean "actually think he's real"? Are you implying that he's not?

He's as real as Santa Clause.

 

[PhotoJones]

You had me worried.

 

[shapeshifter]

spidey
iron man
cap

 

[shapeshifter]

If we're discussing the Big Three.. I thought I'd mention another big three... the top three most recognizable fictional characters.
Micky Mouse
Sherlock Holmes
And
Superman

don't forget
joe camel
and
bugs bunny

 

[Kaboom]

or the playboy bunny.

 

[ArmyDragon92A]

or the playboy bunny.

Playboy bunny is a symbol. Not a character.

 

[PhotoJones]

Playboy bunny is a symbol. Not a character.

Not originally.

 

[ArmyDragon92A]

Not originally.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Playboy_Bunny