5. The Joker
What is there to be said about the Joker that hasn't already been said a million times? Not only does the general consensus name the Joker as the best comic villain of all time, but he might possibly be the best villain ever created in any medium. Is it the fact that he's a sadistic clown? Clowns are meant to make people smile and laugh, so it only makes a kind of ironic sense that this murderous psychopathic maniac uses that guise to further his scariness. However, it has been argued by fans, and even characters in the comics, that the Joker actually isn't crazy at all. Most murderous people of the Joker's magnitude have some sort of mental problem. Some unseen force that "MAKES" them do the things they do. But we don't see that with the Joker. The Joker is always in complete control of himself. He ALWAYS knows EXACTLY what he's doing. Does that sound like a crazy person to you? Its this dynamic, and this dynamic alone that makes the Joker one of my favorite characters. Because you never know what force is driving him. Is he crazy? Maybe. Its up to the readers to decide!
4. Mr. Sinister
Nathaniel Essex: Asshole. There is something about this character that I have loved since I was 9 years old. What is that, you ask? The fact that he is one of the most heinous villains ever created. This man is pure, unadulterated evil. Always manipulating behind the scenes, Sinister is also a force to be reconned with in a fight. A genetic mastermind who captures mutants and integrates their powers into his own body. Shape shifting, telepathy, telekenesis, a malleable liquid metal-like body, the ability to fire bio-energy from his hands, and near invulnerability are but the tip of the iceberg. There is really no telling exactly HOW many powers this maniac possesses. Born a human, Sinister made a deal with Apocalypse to give him everlasting life, at a cost. It is a safe bet that when there is trouble being made for the X-Men, Sinister is probably not far away.
3. Captain America
The Star Spangled Avenger! Many hardcore comic fans will argue that Cap was a very corny character until the brilliant writer Ed Brubaker got his hands on him. I would be hard pressed to disagree with those people. Which is very strange, because Brubaker did not change much about WHO Steve Rogers is deep down. Always the leader with a presence that demands respect, Cap will ALWAYS find a way to win. I will admit, Captain America was never one of my favorite characters until The Bru came along. In recent years, Cap has evolved into a more modern take of the "American Dream", a change that was much needed. And can anyone disagree that he has one of the best, most iconic costumes in history?
2. The Batman
A master of every martial art known to man, and even a few that aren't. What is it about Batman that makes him so likable to just about anyone thats ever picked up a comic? Is it the fact that he's a normal man placed in an extreme situation? Or does it have to do with the fact that we can all imagine him existing in real life? Personally, I don't know, but I CAN tell you that Bruce Wayne is the epitome of the perfect man. Both physically and mentally, no normal man on the planet can match him. It doesn't matter if he's fighting the Joker, Superman, Spiderman or anyone else, given time to plan, The Batman is unbeatable.
1. Cyclops
The heart and soul of the X-Men. The first X-Man. The born leader. This may not be the most popular of choices, but I have to admit, Cyclops is my favorite character. Let me explain. Cyclops is a character with more layers than just about any character ever created. With a very well done past that never quite gets TOO convoluted, he is without a doubt the very best written X-Man of all time. He has his personality flaws, for sure, but that is what makes a good character. Some call him a dick, others call him the boyscout. However you view him, you cannot deny the fact that without Cyclops' leadership, the X-Men would have died countless times. Cyclops has strategic skills that rival even Captain America. Where Captain America always finds a way to win under any circumstance, Cyclops has analyzed and thought of every possible situation and their outcomes before they even happen. Does that make him a better leader than Cap? Not necessarily, its a different type of leader, both equal in their leadership abilities. This, to me, is a very cool thing. And can we all agree that, though uncontrollable, he has one of the most visually pleasing powers in comics?
There you have it. My favorite comic book characters. I did not pick these characters lightly. As you can tell with my explanations, I put some time into coming to these conclusions. Now I ask you, whether you want to explain why or not, who are YOUR Favorite Five???