Hey, guys I know this is the THIRD time i have revised this article, but i finally have it, I have spent the last few hours doing some extensive research to find a cleares definition as to what an anti-hero is, an anti-hero is "generally someone who would non heroic things for a somewhat heroic cause, or someone who do heroic things for a selfish cause" with that said i have come up with the final list, please enjoy and leave your thoughts in the comment box!
20. Black Widow
Alter-Ego: Natasha Romanov
How is Black Widow an anti-hero?
This one will probably receive the most flak, and I will say Black Widow is probably the most noble one on this list, but the reason Widow is an anti-hero is because she was a villain first, and will fight pretty much anyone (even her own team of Avengers) and because she will kill many people (including innocents) to get what she wants, also Black Widow just seems to fit in with the rest of this list.
19. Catwoman
Alter-Ego: Selina Kyle
How is Catwoman an anti-hero?
Catwoman is considered an anti-hero because her heart is in the right place, but she lives life as thief and a burglar, she also has fought with Batman on many occasions, but sides with him often as well.
18. Namor the Sub-Mariner
Alter-Ego: Namor Mckenzie
How is Namor an anti-hero?
Namor the Sub-Mariner is considered an anti-hero, because of his arrogant, selfish use of his powers, he generally doesent use his power for the good of humanity, but for his own personal gain.(which doesent necessarily mean bad things)
17. The Comedian
Alter-Ego: Edward Blake
How is Comedian an anti-hero?
The Comedian is considered an anti-hero because of his extreme brutality, and the fact that he will commit felony in the name of justice.
16. Black Adam
Alter-Ego: Teth-Adam
How is Black Adam an anti-hero?
Black Adam Is considered an anti-hero because of.... Well see "Namor the Sub-Mariner"
15. Bane
Alter-Ego: Dorrance
How is Bane an anti-hero?
Bane is considered an anti-hero because he is a mercenary, and will fight for good or evil, not because he believes In the cause, but for his own benefit.
14. Elektra
Alter-Ego: Elektra Natchios
How is Elektra an anti-hero?
Elektra is considered an anti-hero because she is a master assassin and a mercenary who kills quite often, she even fights her old comrade Daredevil for money.
13. John Constantine
Alter-Ego: N/A
How is Constantine an anti-hero?
John Constantine is considered an anti-hero because of his violent and anti-social tendencies, and because of his incredibly reckless attitude, which often costs people their lives.
12. Deadpool
Alter-Ego: Wade Wilson
How is Deadpool an anti-hero?
Deadpool is considered an anti-hero because he is a mercenary who uses his abilities for selfish reasons and for money.
11. Judge Dredd
Alter-Ego: Joseph Dredd
How is Dredd an anti-hero?
Judge Dredd is considered an anti-hero because of his violent and brutal style, and his "judgemental" absolutism.
10. The Hulk
Alter-Ego: Bruce Banner
How is Hulk an anti-hero?
The Incredible Hulk is considered an anti-hero because he will do things your average superhero won't, like destroying massive buildings or forcing his old comrades to fight each other, (remember World War Hulk) but through it all Hulk's heart is in the right place, but like others he will practice extreme violence on his enemies.
9. Ghost Rider
Alter-Ego: Johnny Blaze
How is Ghost Rider an anti-hero?
Ghost Rider is considered an anti-hero because he is given the task of performing Mephisto's revenge upon the "sinful" and "wicked" tasked with killing them, although he will protect innocent people from harm.
8. Venom
Alter-Ego: Eddie Brock
How is Venom an anti-hero?
Venom is considered an anti-hero because of two things, one he hates Spider-Man with a deep passionate hatred, two when he goes after the badguys,he usually gives no chance for redemption, but rips them apart limb from limb. (a little bit like Wolverine)
7. Moon Knight
Alter-Ego: Marc Spector
How is Moon Knight an anti-hero?
Moon Knight is an anti-hero for one reason and one reason only, whenever he fights, he leaves a trail of human wreckage along with a massive bloodbath.
6. Spawn
Alter-Ego: Al Simmons
How is Spawn an anti-hero?
Spawn is considered an anti-hero because he takes everything on a case by case basis, he will do the work of Malebolgia to further evil cause, but then will also protect the world from various supernatural threats.
5. Rorschach
Alter-Ego: Walter Kovacs
How is Rorschach an anti-hero?
Rorschach is considered an anti-hero because of two things, one his "moral absolutism" (he will not help any criminal or badguy who is in danger, even if it was a petty crime) two, his brutality, in some cases brutality is deserved, but I think Rorschach is a little over the top. (again with the absolutism)
4. Deathstroke
Alter-Ego: Slade Wilson
How is Deathstroke an anti-hero?
Deathstroke is considered an anti-hero because he is an assassin (he kills alot) who will (depending on the situation) fight for good or evil.
3. The Punisher
Alter-Ego: Frank Castle
How is the Punisher an anti-hero?
The Punisher is considered an
Anti-Hero because of his violent style of crime fighting, along with the fact that he is willing to murder, torture, blackmail etc. and he will take life without any remorse.
2.Lobo
Alter-Ego: N/A
How is Lobo an anti-hero?
Lobo is considered an anti-hero because he is a bounty hunter, but he generally wants whats good, but he destroyed his own race, also because he has a strange lust for destruction.
1. Wolverine
Alter-Ego: James Logan Howlett
How is Wolverine an anti-hero?
Wolverine is considered an anti-hero because of his dark attitude and cuz he's actually killed more people than your average villain, and normal heroes don't go around slicing people to bits.
The reason why Wolverine, Lobo, The Punisher, Deathstroke and Rorschach are top 5 is cuz no one exemplifies an anti-hero more than they do.
also I gotta give a quick shout out to Mystique, The Huntress, Jonah Hex, Marv and Red Hulk, they didn't make the list but i felt they should at least be mentioned.
I'm still not sure about Daredevil,Ras Al Gul,Ozymandias, The Winter Soldier, and Hawkeye if they are anti-heroes or not.
I have heard arguements saying that Green Arrow, Ironman and Batman are anti-heroes.. but i disagree.
I had originally intended to include Boba Fett, Darth Vader, and Han Solo to this list, but i haven't read any Star Wars comics (only the films, video games, and novels) so that is why they are not included.
And I really hate Conan.
Thanks for reading and please leave your thoughts in the comment box!