100 greatest comic book characters of all-time

Greatest comic book characters – 66. Reed Richards

First comic book appearance: The Fantastic Four No. 1

Reed Richards is one of the few geniuses in comic books that doesn’t boast about how smart he is. Mostly because he doesn’t need to. Sure, every so often he’ll remind people, but that’s to remind people that he knows what he’s doing. It comes off obnoxious at times, but it works. First, because sometimes people need to be reminded. Lastly, because it adds to his character.

Reed’s power is great, but it’s secondary to his intellect. If he lost his stretching abilities, he’d still be a fantastic hero (pun intended). The inventions and discoveries he makes always help. Not just the Fantastic Four. We’ve seen him make things that have helped the entire Marvel universe.

Greatest comic book characters – 65. Atom Eve

First comic book appearance: Invincible No. 1

Atom Eve did something comic book heroes don’t do. She found a way to use her powers to help people without punching them. She realized that her ability to manipulate matter was better used feeding people and assisting those who need it. We’re seeing some of that in Amazon Prime Invincible. That’s not to say she didn’t help out during battles. She just knew where her talents were better served.

She was also crucial in Mark Grayson (Invincible) becoming a better hero and person. She didn’t put up with his nonsense. When he was making mistakes, she told him and made sure he realized how much he messed up. There was no need to beat around the bush. On the flip side, she was there when he needed encouragement and love. Without her love, guidance, and example, Mark would become a tyrant as we see happen in alternate versions of him.