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10 male comic book characters who broke negative stereotypes

By Mark Lynch

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 22: A Superman costume from the 2013 Man of Steel film worn by Henry Cavill and designed by Michael Wilkinson and James Acheson is on display at the DC Comics Exhibition: Dawn Of Super Heroes at the O2 Arena on February 22, 2018 in London, England. The exhibition, which opens on February 23rd, features 45 original costumes, models and props used in DC Comics productions including the Batman, Wonder Woman and Superman films. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 22: A Superman costume from the 2013 Man of Steel film worn by Henry Cavill and designed by Michael Wilkinson and James Acheson is on display at the DC Comics Exhibition: Dawn Of Super Heroes at the O2 Arena on February 22, 2018 in London, England. The exhibition, which opens on February 23rd, features 45 original costumes, models and props used in DC Comics productions including the Batman, Wonder Woman and Superman films. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) /
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Stephen Amell as Oliver Queen/Green Arrow and Katie Cassidy as Laurel Lance/Black Siren in Arrow — “Reset” — Photo: Colin Bentley/The CW /

4. Green Arrow

What this comic book character showed us: Dating a stronger woman is cool

Saying that Oliver Queen can be arrogant when it comes to his skills would be kind of an understatement. However, that confidence is justified. He’s one of the best marksmen in any comic book. Not just that, he’s a superb fighter and is able to defeat an opponent in close quarters with relative ease. It also helps that he has the option to hit them from a hundred yards away with pristine accuracy. With all of these abilities, you’d assume that it would be difficult for someone to humble themselves. Green Arrow doesn’t have that problem. He’s even in a relationship with a woman who’s a much better fighter than him.

Green Arrow and Black Canary have a very strong relationship. One of the best in comic book lore. Mostly because they see each other as equals – understanding that one can make up for the other’s shortcomings. In ways, Oliver is a better fighter, but Dinah Lance is the better hand-to-hand combatant. Dinah is so good, in fact, that she became better than her instructors.

Bafflingly, some guys just can’t handle women being better than them in anything – especially when it’s something they excel at. Oliver doesn’t have those problems. Sure, he does get a bit upset when he fails and she has to help him. What he doesn’t do is let his insecurities ruin their relationship. It takes a strong man to be able to do that. Plus, he knows she’ll kick his butt if he tries to test her.

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