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10 Classic Superheroes, Ranked By Their Origin Stories

by Neeraj Kumar Prajapati

Not everyone is born a hero. In the case of superheroes, it's a singular moment that typically sets the individual on the path to becoming a force for good. That's what is known as the origin story. Whether it's an alien with unbelievable powers or a regular Earthling who's just trying to do the best with their natural talents, each comic book protagonist has an experience that leads them on their heroic path. And boy, have there been a lot of these told for both classic and modern heroes. 

The comic book medium has been going strong for more 75 years, and over those decades hundreds, if not thousands, of superheroes have been introduced. Typically these origin stories have been seen across a variety of media by both passionate comic book fans and people who are just looking for a good tale. And just because a hero is successful doesn't mean that they got off to the best start with their origin stories, but when these tales are told right, they're the stuff of legend. Here are some of the most famous superheroes of all time ranked by how great and epic their origin stories are. 



1. The X-Men

Of course, each individual X-Men has their own unique stories, but together the team's origin tale is a classic. As mutants, they were all born with their abilities rather than imbued with them by science, magic or aliens. Consequently, many of these people face mistrust and bigotry from the general population who view them as freaks of nature. However, despite their persecution, they still use their powers to protect the innocent. Brought together by Charles Xavier, the X-Men not only combat threats ranging from fanatical humans to fellow mutants, but their overall mission is to fight for the rights of their fellow mutants and usher in a world of acceptance and peace. So even though their overall story is based in a superhero world, it's memorable because their goals are similar to what many of us want to achieve in real life.

Seen On Screen: In Bryan Singer's initial X-Menforay, back in 2000.



2. The Flash (Barry Allen)

In the 1950s, DC Comics decided to relaunch several of their most successful superheroes from the 1940s as new individuals. The Flash was the first to receive this treatment, being reintroduced in 1956 as forensic scientist Barry Allen. While working late in his lab one night, he was struck by lightning, which subsequently knocked him into shelf full of chemicals. After waking up, he discovered he could run at superhuman speeds, and donning the red and yellow costume that's become much more recognizable than his predecessor's, Barry became the new Flash and built a quite a supporting cast. Visually it's one of the best origins on this list, but it also has a distinct sci-fi feel to it that few DC hero origins had before it. Many non-comic book fans saw this origin told for the first time back in October on the CW series The Flash.

Seen On Screen: As mentioned, the best version of The Flash Can be seen each week on The CW.



3. Green Lantern (Hal Jordan)

Green Lantern was the second DC hero to be revitalized during the Silver Age of comic books. This time around, test pilot Hal Jordan inherited a special ring after it was bequeathed to him by a dying alien named Abin Sur who had crash-landed on Earth. Unlike the magical ring that the Golden Age Green Lantern wore, Hal Jordan's ring was a product of science that allowed him to use his willpower to fly and make solid constructs with his mind. Inheriting Abin Sur's legacy, Hal became the new Green Lantern of Sector 2814, and the first human to ever join the Green Lantern Corps. Like The Flash, it's memorable for its sci-fi feel, but also to due to how this Green Lantern inherited his heroic legacy from a mysterious visitor (which would later be repeated with Kyle Rayner) whereas his predecessor Alan Scott just sort of stumbled upon his power.

Seen On Screen: In the flawed, but right now only, Green Lantern origin movie with Ryan Reynolds, which hit theaters in 2011.

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4. Iron Man

Although the location for Iron Man's origin has changed several times throughout the decades, the story itself has not. While demonstrating some of his creations abroad, Tony Stark was injured and taken captive by enemy soldiers. While in captivity, he was forced to build weapons for these terrorists, but with the help of scientist Ho Yinsen, he built a mechanical suit that allowed him to defeat his captors and escape to freedom. With a renewed perspective on life, Tony uses his new armor to protect the innocent as Iron Man. Not only is it one of best redemption origin stories and full of action as Tony escaped his imprisonment, it also showed that not everyone who becomes a superhero starts out as a moral individual. Sometimes takes a nudge (or in Tony's case nearly dying from shrapnel in your heart) to discover your true potential.

Seen On Screen: Stark's destiny was brought to life by Jon Favreau in 2008's Iron Man, with Robert Downey Jr. in the lead.

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5 Captain America

Captain America's origin story wouldn't work well as an anti-drug PSA, but it's an excellent story of trumping over the odds. Steve Rogerswanted to serve in World War II, but his scrawny body and ill health prevented him from enlisting. Fortunately for him, he was chosen as the test subject for Project Rebirth, and after being injected with the Super Soldier Serum, his body became the epitome of physical perfection. Soon after the scientist who created the serum was assassinated by a Nazi spy, leaving the serum's formula lost and making Steve the only one of his kind. He subsequently became Captain America to not only to help defeat the Axis forces, but to become one of the most well-known superheroes in the present-day after being frozen for decades. As mentioned earlier, it's memorable for featuring the little guy rising up to beat the odds, but it also helps that it was an important reflection of the era he was created in and even inspired good to defeat evil in real life.