What’s better than one superhero? How about a whole team of superheroes! Get out your membership card, and perform the secret handshake … Here’s our list of the Top 10 Super Teams of all time.
10. Suicide Squad
Bad guys as “good” guys? Yep! DC Comics has adjusted the lineup over the years, but with the help of a major motion picture it’s Deadshot, Harley Quinn, Captain Boomerang, Killer Croc, El Diablo, Slipknot, and Colonel Rick Flag that the masses know and love. Dysfunctional and untrustworthy, the Suicide Squad is a high-concept, high-octane team of misfits.
9. The Defenders
Almost an odd cousin to The Avengers, this group featured some of Marvel’s most powerful (and unlikely matched) characters, including Doctor Strange, Silver Surfer, Hulk, and Namor, The Defenders’ lineup, like most teams on this list, has changed several times over the years. Several reboots have been attempted in recent years, but with a new Netflix series featuring Luke Cage, Iron Fist, Misty Knight, Jessica Jones, and Daredevil on tap, The Defenders best years might be still to come.
8. Legion of Super-Heroes
Usually in conjunction with Superboy, the Legion of Super-Heroes features Lightning Boy, Saturn Girl, and Cosmic Boy, Chameleon Boy, Invisible Kid, Colossal Boy, Star Boy, Brainiac 5, and a literal legion of characters that travel through time and space to fight evil and right wrongs.
7. All-Star Squadron
Really an excuse to revisit the Justice Society of America, Roy Thomas’ Golden Age heroes fought evil during World War II instead of then modern-era of the 1980’s. The result is one of DC Comics’ best team books ever, featuring Sandman, The Atom, Hawkman, Johnny Quick, Johnny Thunder, Hourman, Green Lantern, Doctor Midnight, Liberty Belle, Plastic Man, and plenty, plenty more.
6. Teen Titans
Specifically this grouping: Robin, Starfire, Wonder Girl, Beast Boy, Kid Flash, Cyborg, and Raven … Whether you love them from their cartoon alter egos, or have been fans since George Perez and Marv Wolfman relaunched them as the “New” Teen Titans in the early 80’s, DC’s squad of junior superheroes are anything but kid’s play.
5. Fantastic Four
Marvel’s First Family, the FF have had their share of roster shake-ups over their 50+ years, but the originals line-up of Mr. Fantastic, The Invisible Woman, The Human Torch, and The Thing remain the heart and soul of Stan Lee’s creation.
4. Guardians of the Galaxy
The modern group consisting of Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax, Rocket Raccoon, and Groot have skyrocketed in popularity thanks to a hit movie and successful re-launches by Dan Abnett and Brian Michael Bendis. Funny, engaging, and full of swagger, the Guardians are here to stay.
3. X-Men
The New Mutants, X-Factor, X-Force, Exiles, X-Static, Generation X … The spin-offs from this mutant super team rival The Avengers. “Sworn to project a world that fears and hates them,” Professor Xavier’s gifted “students” have always entertained. Plus, they were the first to give a home to one of the world’s more popular characters: Wolverine.
2. Justice League of America
One of the older super teams on this list, the JLA has changed members plenty over their 55+ years in publication, but are at their best when the “holy trinity” of Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman lead the way. The Justice League is the centerpiece of DC Comics.
1. The Avengers
Mighty, Uncanny, West Coast, Great Lakes, etc., yada, yada, there’s no end to the many configurations of Marvel’s flagship super team, but the core trio of Captain America, Iron Man, and Thor cement this group as the best of the best. Some might even call them “Earth’s Mightiest” …
