Video Games Heroes That Aren’t From DC or Marvel Comics

It is a given that most superhero video games in the market are coming right from DC and Marvel headquarters. After all, the two giants are...

By Toonacious

Published 4 years ago in Ftw

It is a given that most superhero video games on the market are coming right from DC and Marvel headquarters. After all, these two giants of the genre dominate in every form of media. So in honor of some of the lesser-known superhero video game characters out there, we came up with a short-list of our favorites.

1
Cole MacGrath (Infamous) - Making the top of the list is the PlayStation exclusive anti-hero, Cole. He is the main protagonist of the open-world video game, InFamous. Playing as Cole, players will experience what it feels like to have electrical powers without making it feel overpowered. Back in 2009, InFamous was one of few reasons why people bought the PlayStation 3.

2
James Heller (Prototype 2) - The sequel to Activision's anti-hero game was released in 2012. This time around, Prototype 2 had a brand new face, James Heller, who wants revenge on the previous game protagonist, Alex Mercer. James is truly an overpowered being, and while Alex may still be more iconic, James has a shred of humanity left in his heart.

3
The Coon (South Park: Fractured But Whole) - The South Park games went in a whole new direction with Fractured But Whole. The game takes its hilarious aspects and delves right into the superhero genre. That is what makes the in-game characters superheroes. And The Coon sits on the top of that list.
4
Wonderful 101 - Made by the same guys who created Vanquish, MGRR, and Bayonetta, this game certainly aims in a unique direction. In Wonderful 101, gamers can play as not one but a horde of superheroes. The isometric angle and the overall setting are very different from the usual Platinum Games titles.

5
Delsin Rowe (inFamous: Second Son) - Many people expected the third main inFamous game to expand on the good-old electrical abilities. Shockingly, the game goes for a brand new setting, with a brand new character Delsin Rowe. This time, players can experience different Conduit abilities, ranging from smoke to concrete.
6
Boss (Saints Row IV) - Who would've thought that a game that was once about gangs and stealing cars would transform into a tale about saving the planet from aliens. This makes the main protagonist of the game a full-blown superhero. The comedic nature of the game and its characters set Boss as one of the hilarious heroes on the list.
7
Viewtiful Joe - It has been a while since Viewtiful Joe was released, but that doesn't mean that people will forget it. Joe is a 2D side scroller with a deep focus on beat-em-up combat. The cel-shaded graphics make this game pretty much ageless, and the unique character makes the whole experience memorable.

8
Sora (Kingdom Hearts) - Being the main protagonist of Kingdom Hearts, Sora has seen a big rise in fame since the first game. Despite being a teenager and Keyblade's chosen ones, the guy is certainly one of the unique heroes that do not belong in the pile of Marvel or DC comics.
9
Kat (Gravity Rush) - Alua, also known as Kat, is the main protagonist of Gravity Rush titles. Kat becomes a superhero despite having no memory of her past and saves the city of Hekseville as a gravity shifter.
10
Astro Boy - Astro Boy is a robot with the greatest powers, which his creator disowned. On his journey of identity and self-acceptance, he becomes one of the greatest heroes of all time.

11
Benjamin Kirby Tennyson (Ben 10) - Almost everyone knows Ben 10. Ben has become a household name from cartoons to comics to video games and doesn't come from the two biggest comic giants.
12
Kick-Ass - While the game wasn't anything to write home about, it still managed to showcase a unique hero that isn't a part of Marvel or DC.
13
Rad Spencer (Bionic Commando) - Capcom had created its fair share of superhero-like characters, and Rad Spencer is one of them. At first glance, he looks like Winter Soldier. Better than him or not is debatable. Rad's bionic arm is his greatest asset, and he certainly deserves a reboot or remakes for sure.

14
The Cheetahmen - Anyone who doesn't know about Cheetahmen should see James Rolfe's opinion on this game. It's one of the trashiest games on NES. But that doesn't mean it can't be on a list for anything. Because, believe it or not, Cheetahmen are superheroes. Video game superheroes, to be precise.
15
Jackie Estacado (The Darkness) - From a crime family to the god of darkness, Jackie is the kind of protagonist who has done it all when it comes to evil things. He's one of the most gruesome video game anti-heroes and certainly an original that doesn't come from DC or Marvel.