The Marvel Comics universe spans the decades and many different worlds, and it has given us some of the most memorable and fascinating characters of comics, film, and TV. But when it comes to the standout legends of Marvel, how are they similar? How are they different? And, most importantly, which one could be your secret alter-ego?

Spider-Man
The undisputed star of the Marvel Comics universe, Spider-Man has an appealing tale of zero-to-hero. It’s hard not to relate to his sense of duty and his crush on the ultimate girl-next-door, Mary Jane. Unlike many comparable heroes, Spider-Man never benefited from the training of a devoted mentor, and was forced to learn mostly on his own how to handle the great power and great responsibility. Created by Stan Lee in the ’60s, Spider-Man is one of the most popular and successful superheroes of all time – the star of many comics, television series, and three major motion pictures (so far).

Daredevil
While many superheroes occasionally slip into a disadvantaged alter-ego, Daredevil is one of the few who shares his civilian identity’s handicap: he is blind. But the radioactive accident that cursed him also left him with four superhuman senses, plus a sort of radar-vision. A lawyer by day, Daredevil carries a standard cane that transforms into several different weapons and tools. Also a brainchild of Stan Lee, Daredevil became more popular under the auspices of Frank Miller. Ben Affleck appeared as Daredevil in a feature film, but this failed to elevate him to the level of superstar fame enjoyed by the likes of…

Wolverine
It’s hard to pick the part of Wolverine’s story that is most astounding. Living among the wolves? Captured by Weapon X and implanted with a super-strong titanium skeleton? Member of the Canadian Defense Ministry? Maybe it’s his loner status or his terrifying metal claws – whatever the reason, Wolverine is another Marvel star. After the release of the first X-Men film, he became a pop culture icon, featuring as a central character in the two following films and later scoring his own spinoff. His ill-fated attraction to fellow X-(Wo)Man Jean Grey is a constant source of angst, ensuring that he’ll never be entirely happy. And those retracting titanium claws don’t help. Ow.

Captain America
A hyper-patriotic relic of the WWII era, Captain America was brought back – literally, he was in suspended animation – to head up the Avengers in the ’60s. He again became an important superhero in the Marvel world, although he’d never again reach the heights he did when he appeared on the cover of his very first Captain America comic, punching Hitler in the jaw. (Really!) He was assassinated in recent years, but as we all know, it takes more than a bullet to kill a bull moose. There are plans to head up a series of Avengers movies with a feature about Captain America, possibly directed by Jon Favreau, who also directed a little film called…

Iron Man
Troubled genius Tony Stark became a hero out of necessity, but he never seemed to mind the publicity. Unlike many superheroes, he was already used to having microphones shoved in his face, so it wasn’t a big deal for him to start flying around in a highly improbable suit and saving lives. But in real life, Iron Man’s movie-related exposure was a bit more abrupt. In the space of a few months, this second-tier superhero suddenly had great fame thrust upon him. The combined forces of internet hype and Robert Downey Jr.’s resurrected star power ensured great success for Favreau’s creation, turning this once-obscure hero into a celebrity.

Cable
When the New Mutants – spinoffs of the X-Men, as their name suggests – needed a leader, Cable was there for them. Originally in possession of psychic powers, he later resorted mostly to his fighting skills and the special abilities afforded by his techno-organic body. Later revealed to the offspring of X-Man Cyclops, he’s been one of the prominent anti-heroes of the Marvel universe. So far, he has not appeared in any films, although he was in X-Men: The Animated Series.

The Incredible Hulk
Second only to Spider-Man, the Hulk is one of Marvel’s most famous, beloved, and enduring characters. The result of a bio-force experiment gone wrong, this gentle Mr. Hyde debuted in his very own comic, also conceived by Stan Lee. He’s been seen as a reaction to war, oppression, or any other social issue that gives rise to the sort of repressed rage for which the Hulk is a symbol. Though a loner by nature, The Hulk became involved with both The Avengers and The Defenders, occasionally gaining control over his terrifying powers.

The Punisher
He’s like a morally bankrupt Batman – without the rubber suit. Frank Castle was originally developed as an antagonist for Spider-Man, but soon developed a life of his own as one of Marvel’s most popular anti-heroes. His compelling backstory, involving a mob hit on his family, explains why he’s so eager to wreak violent revenge on…pretty much everyone. The star of several feature films, the Punisher is still most famous in the comic book realm.

So, which one are you? Find out with our new Marvel heroes quiz!

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