Who is your favorite second-tier comic book character? [Archive]

DarkHippie

01-21-2008, 03:16 PM

I mean a character that doesn't have his own series or much face time, but he is compelling or likeable in some way.

I would either say Atom-Smasher from the JSA, or Six-Pack, from Hitman. A-S comes off as such a nice jewish boy, but he can go toe to toe with the big boys. He was even cooler back when he had density control (did he lose it, or are the writers just not utilizing it?). Six-Pack is just fucking insane.

mdr55

01-21-2008, 03:23 PM

Aquaman and Green Arrow/Black Canary.

DarkHippie

01-21-2008, 03:24 PM

Aquaman and Green Arrow/Black Canary.

I've always been a fan of Green Arrow. does he have a series right now, or is it limited?

ToddEVF

01-21-2008, 03:27 PM

I mean a character that doesn't have his own series or much face time, but he is compelling or likeable in some way.

thats a tough one. As of now, Deadpool is getting a lot of face time in Cable/Deadpool. Seems like they are trying to raise the Merc with the Mouth up a few pegs. While He is no longer a 2nd tier character, he is indeed a member of Marvel's B-Team.

As for DC, he hasn't had a series in a while, and the series he has had in the past are usually 7 issue deals. But Lobo, if he is considered 2nd tier, has to be a fav of mine.

DarkHippie

01-21-2008, 03:37 PM

thats a tough one. As of now, Deadpool is getting a lot of face time in Cable/Deadpool. Seems like they are trying to raise the Merc with the Mouth up a few pegs. While He is no longer a 2nd tier character, he is indeed a member of Marvel's B-Team.

As for DC, he hasn't had a series in a while, and the series he has had in the past are usually 7 issue deals. But Lobo, if he is considered 2nd tier, has to be a fav of mine.

Did you read 52? Lobo has a big part in it, and he's awesome. Grant Morrison wrote his storyline and its a cool take on him.

JustJon

01-22-2008, 09:37 AM

I've always been a fan of Green Arrow. does he have a series right now, or is it limited?

Ongoing

As for DC, he hasn't had a series in a while, and the series he has had in the past are usually 7 issue deals. But Lobo, if he is considered 2nd tier, has to be a fav of mine.

Lobo was great in his original mini when he was a parody of those types of characters. After that, not so much so.

When I saw the thread title, I instantly thought Wally West Flash, but he has his own title. My other fave that came to mind is Kitty Pryde.

EliSnow

01-22-2008, 09:41 AM

For 2nd tier, is it someone who has never had an ongoing series, or does no longer?

If the former, then Hawkeye. If the latter, Starman (Jack Knight).

PhishHead

01-22-2008, 09:45 AM

Hawkeye and Taskmaster

DarkHippie

01-22-2008, 10:18 AM

I might be the only person ever to say this, but I like Speedball. the old one though, not the fucked up Penance guy

PhishHead

01-22-2008, 10:22 AM

I might be the only person ever to say this, but I like Speedball. the old one though, not the fucked up Penance guy

I was a huge New Warriors fan as a kid. I loved all the characters in it. But mostly Nova and Vance

Turtle

01-22-2008, 04:39 PM

Sabertooth?

booster11373

01-22-2008, 05:01 PM

I dont know if these guys count and to me they are first tier but I can see how people see them as second tier

http://image.comicvine.com/uploads/item/5000/4438/92144-blue-beetle_400.jpg

EliSnow

01-22-2008, 05:09 PM

Sabertooth?

So you must be devastated by his death.

furie

01-22-2008, 05:09 PM

Basically everyone from the old Defenders.

And yes, that goes for cloud too.

chubbyknuckles

01-22-2008, 05:42 PM

I know he just got a new series, but I gotta go with the ultra CHEESUS Iron fist

BalloonKnotB

01-22-2008, 06:18 PM

I was a huge New Warriors fan as a kid. I loved all the characters in it. But mostly Nova and Vance

The New Warriors ruled. I was a HUGE fan of Firestar. And speaking of the Defenders, I liked Hellcat too. Oh yeah, had a big crush on Jean Grey, though she is very first tier.

Firestar divided by Hellcat divided by Jean Grey = Heroines with long red hair.

TeeBone

01-23-2008, 02:03 AM

I mean a character that doesn't have his own series or much face time, but he is compelling or likeable in some way.

PUCK, from Alpha Flight.
http://image.comicvine.com/uploads/item/6000/5010/57302-puck_150.jpg

eeroomnhoj

01-23-2008, 02:33 AM

Without a doubt Peter Parker's Aunt May

ToLEEdo

01-23-2008, 07:18 AM

I always liked US Agent. I liked the idea of a hard ass as Cap. Also because growing up I had a US Agent action figure that was just a repaint of Cap. It had the raised star on his chest painted over with a flag, really bad.

sailor

01-23-2008, 07:19 AM

superman

Kevin

01-23-2008, 07:44 AM

superman

Poser.

ChimneyFish

01-23-2008, 08:27 AM

Not sure if he's "second tier" or not........

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c217/luxa1/25335-nightcrawler_400.jpg

JustJon

01-23-2008, 08:36 AM

EliSnow

01-23-2008, 08:37 AM

I really dug New Warriors too, but it really fell off after a long run into it. Some great characters there.

And if you liked Firestar, read the Kurt Busiek run on Avengers. Beautiful George Perez art accompanying great stories. It's available in 5 hardcovers, but the overall plot of the 5 books (Triunal Church) is a bit of a let down.

Busiek's time on the Avengers was incredible. The end with the Triunal church wasn't as good as the rest (especially the start), but still a great run.

JustJon

01-23-2008, 08:41 AM

Busiek's time on the Avengers was incredible. The end with the Triunal church wasn't as good as the rest (especially the start), but still a great run.

Love love love the volumes with George Perez, the story seems to fall apart for me after that. The art is still nice and the writing is still good (although it's tough to live up to an icon like Perez), but that last volume kills it for me.

TheMojoPin

01-23-2008, 10:04 AM

Adam Warlock, all the way. In Jim Starlin's hands, he's an amazing character, and he's so wasted otherwise. Fantastic supporting cast, some amazingly epic storylines, and come on...THANOS is his arch-enemy.

boobieman

01-23-2008, 10:11 AM

Moon Knight..I know he is a batman rip off but the new series is great.

My favorite 2nd tier producer..EARL he is also my 2nd favorite black.

SEE YAYAYAYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

BalloonKnotB

01-23-2008, 10:12 AM

I really dug New Warriors too, but it really fell off after a long run into it. Some great characters there.

And if you liked Firestar, read the Kurt Busiek run on Avengers. Beautiful George Perez art accompanying great stories. It's available in 5 hardcovers, but the overall plot of the 5 books (Triunal Church) is a bit of a let down.

Heck, I bought the individual issues as they were coming OUT. I was blown away with how well Busiek wrote the Avengers as individuals and as a coherent TEAM. And Perez has been one of my favorite artists since I discovered him when he drew Teen Titans. That guy can draw a hell of a detailed crowd shot.

TheMojoPin

01-23-2008, 10:31 AM

Moon Knight..I know he is a batman rip off but the new series is great.

I don't think he was ever really a Batman knock-off. He was a scumbag with multiple personlities who got infused with an Egyptian god or some shit.

Knowledged_one

01-23-2008, 10:45 AM

Black Lightning i think is underused and was great in Batman and the Outsiders

and my other fav Havok even though he was the team leader for some xmen issues and same with x factor but hes always 2nd banana to Cyclops now he is off fighting the shiar

EliSnow

01-23-2008, 10:50 AM

Black Lightning i think is underused and was great in Batman and the Outsiders

Underused no more. He was a member of President Lex Luthor's cabinet and is now a member of the Justice League America, and was on the last cover:

http://www.dccomics.com/media/covers/8732_400x600.jpg

Knowledged_one

01-23-2008, 10:59 AM

really i had no idea i may have to start picking that up (as you can see i dont follow DC much)

Plus Sinbad played him in a SNL skit for the death of superman that i just died at as Black Lightning was stealing food from the wake

EddieMoscone

01-23-2008, 12:26 PM

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/3/3e/Plastic_Man_17.jpg/250px-Plastic_Man_17.jpg

booster11373

01-23-2008, 12:45 PM

Underused no more. He was a member of President Lex Luthor's cabinet and is now a member of the Justice League America, and was on the last cover:

http://www.dccomics.com/media/covers/8732_400x600.jpg

The latest incarnation of the JLA is at least 50% 2nd tier characters and at least 1 third tier Im looking at you Geo-Force

Knowledged_one

01-23-2008, 12:51 PM

was geo-force the same guy from batman and the outsiders?

EliSnow

01-23-2008, 12:51 PM

The latest incarnation of the JLA is at least 50% 2nd tier characters and at least 1 third tier Im looking at you Geo-Force

Geo-Force just got traded to the Outsiders.

I would consider Vixen to be third tier however.

Knowledged_one

01-23-2008, 12:54 PM

i was just going to post the same saw it on wikipedia

booster11373

01-23-2008, 01:06 PM

Geo-Force just got traded to the Outsiders.

I would consider Vixen to be third tier however.

I at least like the story involving Vixen, if Geo-Force is off the JLA and on the Outsiders then Red Tornado easily slides to 3rd tier in my book

EliSnow

01-23-2008, 01:19 PM

I at least like the story involving Vixen, if Geo-Force is off the JLA and on the Outsiders then Red Tornado easily slides to 3rd tier in my book

The story involving Vixen is interesting, but I don't think it changes her character level just yet.

If I had to classify the JLA members, I'd say Supes, Bats, Wonder Woman, Flash and Green Lantern first tier. All of these characters have their own series and are recognizable by non-comic book reading public.

Hawkgirl, Red Arrow, Red Tornado, Black Lightening and Black Canary have either had their own books, or have histories in the JLA or a lot of other books (Green Arrow, Teen Titans, JSA, Birds of Prey, Outsiders).

I think Vixen's really only had a short history with the JLA, and really is only on the team because she was featured heavily on Justice League Unlimited which the JLA author was involved with.

Gritty

01-23-2008, 01:19 PM

DarkHippie

01-23-2008, 01:36 PM

After reading 52, I really want to read more about the Metal Men. I heard that they have a limited coming out soon (or out already). any news on this?

Gvac

01-23-2008, 01:42 PM

When I was a kid in the 70's I always seemed to get really into a character right before their series got canceled. Sure I loved the X-Men, Captain America, Spidey, and a few of the other major titles, but I also dug Black Panther, Deathlok The Demolisher, Iron Fist, and guys like that. They could never sustain their own mag.

I guess my all-time favorite, though, would be Shang-Chi, Master of Kung Fu. The Gulacy/Moench run was pretty awesome.

TheMojoPin

01-23-2008, 02:29 PM

The story involving Vixen is interesting, but I don't think it changes her character level just yet.

If I had to classify the JLA members, I'd say Supes, Bats, Wonder Woman, Flash and Green Lantern first tier. All of these characters have their own series and are recognizable by non-comic book reading public.

Hawkgirl, Red Arrow, Red Tornado, Black Lightening and Black Canary have either had their own books, or have histories in the JLA or a lot of other books (Green Arrow, Teen Titans, JSA, Birds of Prey, Outsiders).

I think Vixen's really only had a short history with the JLA, and really is only on the team because she was featured heavily on Justice League Unlimited which the JLA author was involved with.

Wasn't she a member of the JLE or JLI for a while?

EliSnow

01-23-2008, 02:57 PM

Wasn't she a member of the JLE or JLI for a while?

I think she was, but I don't think that gets her into the second tier status. Look at some of the other JLE/JLI team members.

booster11373

01-23-2008, 03:03 PM

I think she was, but I don't think that gets her into the second tier status. Look at some of the other JLE/JLI team members.

I like to consider myself a bit of a buff on the JLI/JLE era of the Justice League and Vixen was not a member of those teams she was a member during the JL Detroit/Bunker era but I didnt read DC then so I dont know

You might be thinking of Crimson Fox maybe?

TheMojoPin

01-23-2008, 03:11 PM

I think she was, but I don't think that gets her into the second tier status. Look at some of the other JLE/JLI team members.

I am, including one of the all-time great second tier characters...Animal Man FTW.

TheMojoPin

01-23-2008, 03:14 PM

I like to consider myself a bit of a buff on the JLI/JLE era of the Justice League and Vixen was not a member of those teams she was a member during the JL Detroit/Bunker era but I didnt read DC then so I dont know

You might be thinking of Crimson Fox maybe?

Wikipedia says she joined the JLA initially when Aquaman ran the show.

booster11373

01-23-2008, 03:24 PM

Wikipedia says she joined the JLA initially when Aquaman ran the show.

OK

Aquaman ran the JL during the Detroit/Bunker days.

memebers of note include

Steel, Vibe, Gypsy, Vixen

EliSnow

01-23-2008, 03:55 PM

I am, including one of the all-time great second tier characters...Animal Man FTW.

Animal Man's great because of Morrison's run on this book. I give him second tier status definitely.

Knowledged_one

01-23-2008, 04:54 PM

Granny Goodness is the best 2nd tier

or Uatu the watcher

djjd

01-23-2008, 05:45 PM

some of these have already been mentioned

booster gold and blue beetle

animal man

shade the changing man

captain atom

mister miracle

dr fate

while some have had their own titles and fairly successful runs, they were never what i would have considered a list characters, but i like them all the same

Gritty

01-23-2008, 06:48 PM

...in no particular order:

http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/1585/stingraymarvelyg9.jpg Stingray
(Loved the costume)

http://img182.imageshack.us/img182/9581/3dman442ov3.jpg 3-D Man
(One of Roy Thomas' better ideas, created just before he totally lost it)

http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/6727/marvellinline3nt2.jpg Capt. Marvel
(Was Gil Kane the best or what? Did he ever draw a bad panel or cover?)

http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/5945/flexpo1.jpg Flex Mentallo
(Morrison's greatest creation?)

http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/6583/mrterrific1hg8.jpg Mr. Terrific
(Love that mask)

http://img254.imageshack.us/img254/2148/xstatixnn7.jpg X-Statix
(Mike Allred and Peter Milligan created an assortment of unique characters but my favorite was...)

http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/3214/ugogirlgh7.jpg U-Go Girl
(Always had a thing for blue-skinned red-heads)

http://img184.imageshack.us/img184/4102/whitetigersmallnz5.jpg White Tiger
(Fantastic Perez black and white art! Loved this character when he first appeared)

TheMojoPin

01-23-2008, 06:53 PM

Great picks.

I'm gonna throw out the Night Nurse just 'cuz I'm a huge nerd.

Gritty

01-23-2008, 07:10 PM

Great picks.

I'm gonna throw out the Night Nurse just 'cuz I'm a huge nerd.

http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/8883/nightnurse1nov72712468jp6.jpg

DarkHippie

01-23-2008, 07:23 PM

I can't believe I forgot to mention Animal Man. He's great, and his wife has nice tits.

JustJon

01-23-2008, 07:40 PM

Underused no more. He was a member of President Lex Luthor's cabinet and is now a member of the Justice League America, and was on the last cover:

Don't forget his run on the pre-current Batman Outsiders

I am, including one of the all-time great second tier characters...Animal Man FTW.

Morrison fanboy :wink:

Granny Goodness is the best 2nd tier

Read old Jack Kirby Fourth Mister Miracle.

ToLEEdo

01-24-2008, 06:32 AM

Night Nurse had a good role in the latest Dr. Strange stuff.

EliSnow

01-24-2008, 06:59 AM

Night Nurse had a good role in the latest Dr. Strange stuff.

Actually, her reemergence is Bendis' idea. He's used her several times in his great Daredevil run, as the woman helping the heroes get medical treatment without risk to their freedom or identities.

Brubaker has carried on that, and just recently had the villain's version of Night Nurse.

JustJon

01-24-2008, 09:35 AM

Night Nurse had a good role in the latest Dr. Strange stuff.

it was the BKV Doctor Strange miniseries that she appeared in. good story.

ToLEEdo

01-24-2008, 10:40 AM

it was the BKV Doctor Strange miniseries that she appeared in. good story.

Yeah, The Oath. I mention BKV in almost every comic post though so I thought I would let someone else do it for me.:smile: